Artisan Pork Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a grain-free, freeze-dried pork-based food that rehydrates into a soft, stew-like meal for dogs of all ages and sizes. Pork is the main protein source, supported by potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a variety of fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Its higher protein and moderate fat levels make it suitable as a complete meal or a nutrient-dense topper for dogs who enjoy a moist, home-style texture.
Nutritionally, this is a high-protein, moderate-fat, grain-free freeze-dried option built around pork, with a nice variety of fruits and vegetables for added fiber and phytonutrients. It can work well for many dogs, including those who don’t do well on poultry-based diets, and the rehydrated texture can be especially appealing for picky eaters or dogs that prefer softer food. The calorie density is quite high, so portions need to be measured carefully, and the grain-free, legume-free formula is best suited for owners who specifically prefer a grain-free approach for their dog.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (34% as-fed) with pork as a clearly named primary animal protein source.
- Freeze-dried format helps preserve nutrients and rehydrates into a soft, palatable meal that many dogs enjoy.
- Grain-free and legume-free formula for owners seeking this style of diet, with carbohydrates from potatoes and sweet potatoes instead of peas or lentils.
- Includes a variety of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, blueberries, cranberries, and pumpkin, which can contribute natural fiber and antioxidants.
Considerations
- Very calorie-dense (about 469 kcal per cup dry), so it’s easy to overfeed if portions aren’t measured and adjusted to your dog’s weight and activity level.
- Contains pork, which is a fine protein source but can be an allergen for some dogs; not suitable if your dog is known to react to pork.
- Garlic is included; while the amount in commercial diets is generally low, very sensitive dogs or those with certain blood-related issues are typically better off avoiding any added garlic.
- As a grain-free food, it may not be necessary for most dogs without specific dietary reasons, and some dogs do just as well or better on diets that include grains.
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
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
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
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
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.
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 Pork 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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