Artisan Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a grain-free, freeze-dried dog food that uses chicken as the main animal protein and potatoes as the primary carbohydrate source. It includes fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, apples, blueberries, and cranberries, along with flax for added fatty acids. It’s designed to be rehydrated with water and can be used as a complete meal, topper, or high-value snack for dogs of all ages.
Overall, this is a high-quality, grain-free freeze-dried option with chicken as the primary protein and a variety of whole food fruits and vegetables. The nutrient profile is moderate in protein and fat compared with many freeze-dried foods, which can work well for many dogs, including some with sensitive stomachs, as long as they tolerate chicken and potatoes. It’s calorie-dense, so careful portion control is important, especially for dogs prone to weight gain.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named animal protein (chicken) as the first ingredient, providing good-quality, highly digestible protein.
- Grain-free formula that relies on potatoes and a mix of fruits and vegetables (carrots, celery, apples, blueberries, cranberries) for carbohydrates and natural phytonutrients.
- Freeze-dried processing helps preserve nutrients and flavor while offering the convenience of a dry product that rehydrates into a softer, stew-like texture.
- Clear calorie information (438 kcal per cup), which helps with precise portion control, especially for smaller or less active dogs.
Considerations
- Chicken is a very common food allergen in dogs, so this recipe would not be appropriate for dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- The food is quite calorie-dense at 438 kcal per cup, so portions need to be carefully measured to avoid unwanted weight gain, particularly in small or sedentary dogs.
- This is a grain-free recipe based on potatoes and other starches; while that’s fine for most dogs, owners who specifically prefer diets with grains may want to choose a different formula.
- Contains garlic, which in very small amounts is generally considered safe in commercial diets but may be a concern for owners who prefer to avoid it entirely.
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
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
03
Flax
Flax (usually offered as ground seed or oil) is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of fiber, alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA, an omega‑3), and lignans, contributing to skin and coat support, digestive health, and antioxidant activity. It should be ground or processed for best nutrient absorption, stored carefully to avoid rancidity, and used with awareness that dogs and especially cats convert ALA to long‑chain omega‑3s (EPA/DHA) poorly, so it may be less effective than marine sources for anti‑inflammatory needs; introduce gradually to limit gastrointestinal upset and consult your veterinarian for animals with specific health concerns.
04
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
05
Celery
Celery is typically included as a low-calorie vegetable or crunchy flavor component in pet foods and treats, supplying water, fiber and small amounts of vitamins (A, C, K) and potassium. It can be a hydrating, low-calorie snack for dogs and an occasional garnish for cats, but offers limited nutritional value for obligate carnivores, so it should be fed in moderation, chopped to avoid choking, and thoroughly washed to remove pesticides or contaminants.
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
Grandma Lucy's is a family-owned brand offering freeze-dried and dehydrated pet foods and treats made with human-grade ingredients. It caters to pet owners seeking minimally processed, natural nutrition and transparency about ingredient sourcing.
Visit Grandma Lucy'sManufacturer
Grandma Lucy's maintains control of all manufacturing at its own facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, ensuring all products are made from USDA-inspected, human-grade ingredients. The company follows USDA and FDA safety protocols, maintaining high standards for quality and cleanliness.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Grandma Lucy's Artisan Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Grandma Lucy's ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Grandma Lucy's. 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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