N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Light Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food
Verified Jul 17, 2026
This is a lower-calorie, high-protein dry food for adult medium and large breed dogs, using chicken and herring as the main animal protein sources. It includes spelt, oats, and barley as grain sources, plus added fiber and L-carnitine to support weight management. Glucosamine and chondroitin are included for joint support, along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil and animal fats.
N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Light Medium & Maxi is a high-protein, relatively low-fat kibble designed for adult medium and large dogs who need help maintaining or reducing weight. It relies heavily on animal-based proteins (chicken, herring, egg) and uses traditional grains like spelt, oats, and barley rather than legumes as the main carbohydrate sources. This makes it a solid option for otherwise healthy, adult dogs who need calorie control and some extra joint support from added glucosamine and chondroitin.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (34% as-fed) with multiple named animal sources (chicken, dehydrated chicken, herring, egg) providing good-quality amino acids for adult maintenance.
- Moderate-to-low fat (11% as-fed) and relatively high fiber (6.4% max) help support weight management in dogs who need fewer calories.
- Uses grains (spelt, oats, barley) and minimal pea content, avoiding the legume-heavy profiles that have been associated with some heart concerns in dogs.
- Included glucosamine, chondroitin, L-carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) provide extra support for joints, metabolism, and skin/coat health in larger dogs.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, egg, fish, and pork, which are common triggers for food allergies in some dogs; it would not be suitable for dogs with sensitivities to these proteins.
- Calorie density is still fairly high at about 338 kcal per cup, so portion control will be important for dogs on a weight-loss plan.
- Formulated for maintenance only, so it is not appropriate for puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Spelt
Spelt is an ancient wheat grain used in pet foods mainly as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes some plant-based protein, B vitamins and minerals. It can supply digestible energy and fiber for dogs (and limitedly for cats), but contains gluten and may trigger sensitivities or allergies, is not a substitute for the animal protein required by obligate carnivores, and should be avoided or discussed with a veterinarian for pets with grain intolerance, diabetes, or weight-management needs.
04
Whole Grain Oat
Whole Grain Oat is used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble and insoluble fiber—especially beta‑glucans—that support healthy digestion and can help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and lipid levels. It also provides modest protein, B‑vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs (cats require far fewer carbs), but should be fed in appropriate amounts for weight or diabetic pets and may pose an issue for animals with grain sensitivities unless certified gluten‑free and properly processed for digestibility.
05
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Farmina is the flagship brand of Farmina Pet Foods, known for its Natural & Delicious (N&D) and Vet Life lines. The brand focuses on diets that combine natural ingredients with scientific research. Farmina’s offerings target premium pet owners seeking nutritionally balanced recipes made with high-quality proteins and low-glycemic carbohydrates.
Visit FarminaManufacturer
Farmina operates its own manufacturing facilities in Italy, Serbia, and Brazil, allowing complete control over ingredient sourcing, formulation, and production quality. The company follows strict quality assurance protocols and complies with international food safety standards including HACCP and ISO-certified processes.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Light Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Farmina ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Farmina. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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