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Sea Bass, Norwegian Kelp & Fennel Puppy Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food
Farmina

Sea Bass, Norwegian Kelp & Fennel Puppy Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Dog · Dry Puppy Medium Large

This is a fish-based dry food for medium and large breed puppies, using sea bass (fresh and dehydrated) as the primary protein sources with moderate to high protein and fat levels. It includes sweet potato and pea starch for carbohydrates and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed, which can support skin and coat health. The formula is AAFCO-complete for all life stages, so it can also be used beyond puppyhood if appropriate for the dog.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.6 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a high-quality, fish-forward dry food that should suit many medium and large breed puppies, especially those who do well on marine protein–rich diets. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for growing dogs, and the calcium and phosphorus levels fall within typical puppy ranges. It is a good option if you’re looking for a sea bass–based formula with extra omega-3s for skin and coat, though it still contains chicken fat and multiple fish sources, so it’s not appropriate for dogs with broader poultry or fish allergies.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Skin Coat Health Allergy Support Inflammation Reduction
Suitable For
Puppy Medium Large
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Sea bass and dehydrated sea bass are the lead ingredients, providing named, animal-based protein suitable for growth at 28% minimum crude protein.
  • High fat (20% min) with substantial omega-3 content (2.5% omega-3, 0.8% EPA, 1.1% DHA), which is beneficial for developing brains, joints, and skin/coat health in puppies.
  • Calcium (1.1%) and phosphorus (0.91%) are in a reasonable range for growing medium and large breed puppies, helping support controlled bone development.
  • Includes added glucosamine and chondroitin, plus prebiotic fibers (inulin, FOS, pea fiber, psyllium) that can support joint and digestive health in growing dogs; AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages by formulation.

Considerations

  • Contains multiple fish ingredients and chicken fat; not suitable for dogs with fish or poultry fat allergies and may not be ideal for an elimination diet despite the “mono protein” marketing language.
  • Uses pea starch and pea fiber among the carb and fiber sources; while not grain-free-legume-heavy in the top few ingredients, owners of breeds with heart concerns may prefer to rotate with or choose a diet that relies less on peas.
  • Relatively high calorie density at about 406 kcal per cup, so portion control is important to prevent rapid growth and excess weight in large breed puppies.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

seabass, dehydrated seabass, sweet potatoes, pea starch, dehydrated fish, pork fat, flaxseed, herring oil, hydrolyzed fish, natural flavors, chicken fat, dried kelp, dried fennel, calcium carbonate, pea fiber, suncured alfalfa meal, inulin, fructooligosaccharide, chamomile, dried spinach, psyllium seed husk, brewers dried yeast, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, powdered cellulose, salt, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine hydrochloride, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, choline chloride, beta-carotene, zinc methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, manganese methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, ferrous glycine, copper methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, selenium yeast, calcium iodate, DL-Methionine, taurine, L-Carnitine, aloe vera gel concentrate, green tea extract, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols (a preservative).

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
Sea Bass
Sea bass is used in pet foods as a lean, palatable animal protein and a source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) plus minerals like selenium and iodine, which support skin and coat health and help modulate inflammation in both dogs and cats. It can be a useful alternative protein for pets with sensitivities, but owners should pay attention to species and sourcing because some sea bass can accumulate mercury and other contaminants, and ensure bones are removed or the fish is properly processed to avoid choking or gastrointestinal injury.
02
Sea Bass
Sea bass is used in pet foods as a lean, palatable animal protein and a source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) plus minerals like selenium and iodine, which support skin and coat health and help modulate inflammation in both dogs and cats. It can be a useful alternative protein for pets with sensitivities, but owners should pay attention to species and sourcing because some sea bass can accumulate mercury and other contaminants, and ensure bones are removed or the fish is properly processed to avoid choking or gastrointestinal injury.
03
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
04
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.
05
Fish
Fish is commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and an excellent source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin and coat health, joint function, and cognitive development in both dogs and cats. It also supplies B vitamins and minerals but can be a common allergen, may contain environmental contaminants or mercury depending on species and sourcing, and raw fish can contain thiaminase—so choose properly processed, nutritionally balanced, and sustainably sourced fish ingredients.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
28.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
20.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
9.00%
Low High
1838
kcal / Lb
406
kcal / Cup
High
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Puppy
Breed size Medium
Breed size Large
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
Sea bass, Norwegian kelp and fennel recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Brand

Farmina

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 Farmina
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Farmina Pet Foods
Founded 1965
Headquarters Naples, Italy
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Italy; Serbia; Brazil
Manufacturing region Campania; Belgrade; Sao Paulo; North Carolina
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Farmina Sea Bass, Norwegian Kelp & Fennel Puppy Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
Sea Bass, Norwegian Kelp & Fennel Puppy Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food
Farmina · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.