Free Range Lamb & Oats Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 21, 2026
This is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using lamb meal as the single animal protein along with oatmeal and brown rice as the main carbohydrate sources. It’s designed for dogs who may do better on a simple, lamb-based recipe without corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, or peas. The moderate protein and fat levels make it suitable for many dogs, including those with more sensitive digestion, as long as they are not large-breed puppies.
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Solid Option
Overall, this is a high-quality, lamb-based dry food that should work well for many dogs needing a simpler ingredient list. The use of lamb meal as the only animal protein and two gentle grains makes it a good option for dogs who can’t tolerate chicken meat or grain-free formulas. It is complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it suits most puppies and adults but not large-breed puppies that need more specific calcium and calorie control.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Lamb meal as the main and only animal protein source can be helpful for dogs that don’t tolerate chicken or multi-protein diets well.
- Oatmeal and brown rice are digestible grains and avoid corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, and peas, which some owners try to limit.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages except large-breed puppies, so it can be used long term for most dogs.
- Includes added taurine, essential amino acids, and mixed tocopherols as natural preservatives, supporting a well-rounded nutrient profile.
Considerations
- Not appropriate for large-breed puppies, so it should be avoided in growing dogs expected to reach 70 pounds or more as adults.
- Contains lamb and chicken fat, so it is not a fit for dogs with known lamb or chicken fat sensitivities.
- Protein and fat levels are moderate; very active or working dogs may need a higher-calorie, higher-fat 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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
View ingredient
02
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
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
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
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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
FirstMate is the flagship brand of FirstMate Pet Foods, offering premium, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient traceability, appealing to pet owners looking for high-quality, family-made Canadian pet food.
Manufacturer
FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for FirstMate Free Range Lamb & Oats Formula Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has FirstMate ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for FirstMate. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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