Chicken, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Starter Puppy Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food designed specifically for very young puppies from weaning up to about two months of age. It uses chicken (fresh and dehydrated) plus herring and egg as the main animal protein sources, with pumpkin and added prebiotic fibers to support digestion. The formula is energy-dense, includes omega-3s (EPA and DHA) for developing brains and eyes, and provides joint-support nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, concentrated puppy starter diet with a strong emphasis on animal protein and fat, which suits the high energy and growth demands of very young puppies. The protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels are appropriate for growth, and the added DHA, EPA, and joint-support ingredients are nice extras during this rapid development phase. It’s a good option for breeders or owners looking for a grain-free, meat-forward weaning food, as long as the puppy tolerates chicken and fish well and portions are carefully controlled due to the high calorie density.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High animal-protein content (30% protein) from named sources like chicken, herring, pork, and egg, which supports healthy growth in young puppies.
- Energy-dense formula (about 440 kcal per cup) with 20% fat, helpful for small stomachs and rapid growth when used with appropriate portion control.
- Includes DHA and EPA, which are important omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye development in growing puppies.
- Contains pumpkin plus added prebiotic fibers (inulin, FOS, pea fiber) that can help support a healthy digestive tract during the sensitive weaning period.
Considerations
- Grain-free and uses pea starch and pea fiber, so if you prefer to avoid legumes due to emerging concerns about some grain-free diets and heart health, this is something to discuss with your vet, especially for at-risk breeds.
- Very calorie-dense, so it’s easy to overfeed; measuring portions carefully and monitoring body condition is important to avoid excessive weight gain in growing puppies.
- Contains multiple potential allergens, including chicken, fish, egg, and pork, so it wouldn’t be suitable for puppies with known sensitivities to any of these proteins.
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
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
04
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
05
Pork Fat
Pork fat is a concentrated animal fat commonly added to pet food to boost calorie density, palatability, and texture, serving as a primary energy source and flavor enhancer. It provides mainly saturated and monounsaturated fats and some omega‑6 fatty acids that can support energy needs and skin/coat condition, but because it is calorie‑dense and relatively low in omega‑3s, excessive inclusion can contribute to obesity or pancreatitis risk, and it should be properly rendered and preserved to avoid rancidity; some pets may also have pork sensitivities.
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
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 Chicken, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Starter Puppy Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook