Skin & Coat Herring Mini Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient dry food for small adult dogs, using herring and dehydrated herring as the main animal protein sources. Quinoa, pea starch, and sweet potato provide carbohydrates, while herring oil, flaxseed, and coconut contribute a high level of omega-3 and other fats that can support skin and coat. The recipe is formulated for dogs that may have food sensitivities and is complete and balanced for adult maintenance.
Overall, this is a high-quality, fish-based dry food designed for small adult dogs, especially those where you and your vet are trying to avoid common proteins like chicken in the main meat portion of the diet. It offers moderate protein and fat levels with a strong omega-3 profile from herring and herring oil, which can be helpful for skin and coat issues. It does, however, include chicken fat and pork fat, so it is not fully free of other animal sources, which matters for dogs with true fat or multi-protein allergies.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Herring and dehydrated herring are the primary animal proteins, giving a clearly named, high-quality fish protein source.
- Very good omega-3 content (1.8% omega-3, plus listed DHA and EPA) from herring oil and flaxseed, which can support skin and coat health.
- Limited-ingredient style formula with a single main protein source, which can be useful in some dogs with food sensitivities.
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in adult dogs, and the nutrient profile is complete and balanced for adult maintenance per AAFCO formulation.
Considerations
- Contains chicken fat and pork fat, so it is not appropriate if your dog must strictly avoid all chicken or pork ingredients, even in fat form.
- Pea starch and pea fiber are used as key carbohydrate and fiber sources; while not grain-free in the classic pea-heavy sense, owners of breeds with heart concerns may want to discuss legume-containing diets with their veterinarian.
- Protein level (23% as-fed in a dry food) is on the moderate side; very active or working dogs may do better on a higher-protein formula.
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
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.
02
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.
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
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.
05
Herring Oil
Herring oil is a fish-derived oil used in dog and cat diets as a concentrated source of long-chain omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, help modulate inflammation, and can benefit joint and cardiovascular health. It is calorically dense and can cause fishy odor or gastrointestinal upset in some pets, so quality, freshness, and dosing matter—products should be properly processed to limit oxidation and contamination and a veterinarian should be consulted for pets with bleeding disorders, pancreatitis, or when combining with certain medications.
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 Skin & Coat Herring Mini 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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