Macanna Pre-Mix Freeze-Dried Dog Food Base Mix
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a grain-free, freeze-dried vegetable and superfood pre-mix designed to be combined with your own protein source to create a complete meal for dogs. It relies on pinto beans, hemp hearts, coconut, pumpkin, kale, and blueberries for plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, with added vitamins and minerals for balance. It’s aimed at dogs who need a gentle, easily digestible base, including those with sensitive stomachs or older pets, as long as an appropriate protein is added.
Nutritionally, this is a thoughtfully formulated base mix that provides a lot of plant-based nutrients, fiber, and added vitamins and minerals, but it is not a complete diet on its own and must be combined with suitable protein. The freeze-dried format helps preserve nutrients, and the ingredient list is rich in legumes, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. It can work well for owners who want control over the protein portion of the diet, but it does require careful balancing with the right amount and type of meat or other protein source.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Designed as a flexible base mix so you can add your preferred protein source, which can be helpful for dogs with specific protein allergies or sensitivities.
- Uses pinto beans, hemp hearts, and a variety of vegetables and fruits to provide fiber, plant protein, and natural phytonutrients that can support digestion and overall wellness.
- Freeze-dried processing helps retain more nutrients compared to high-heat extrusion, and rehydration creates a moist, stew-like texture that many dogs digest comfortably.
- Added vitamin and mineral supplements help support a more balanced nutrient profile when used as directed with appropriate protein.
Considerations
- This is not a complete food by itself; it must be combined with adequate, appropriate protein (usually animal-based) to meet a dog’s full protein and amino acid needs.
- Pinto beans and hemp hearts make this a legume- and seed-rich formula, which may cause gas or loose stools in some dogs, especially if introduced too quickly.
- Because this is grain-free and legume-heavy, owners of breeds with known heart concerns may wish to discuss overall diet composition with their veterinarian, especially if other parts of the diet are also grain-free and legume-focused.
- At 481 kcal per cup rehydrated, portion sizes will need to be measured carefully to avoid excess calorie intake, particularly for less active or smaller dogs.
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
Pinto Bean
Pinto beans are a plant-based source of digestible carbohydrate, fiber and modest protein commonly used in dog foods and some cat formulations to add bulk, texture and plant protein. They provide soluble and insoluble fiber and micronutrients such as folate and potassium, but their protein is lower-quality for obligate carnivores, can cause gas or digestive upset if not properly cooked/processed, and their carbohydrate content should be considered for pets with weight or blood sugar issues.
02
Hemp Heart
Hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds) are used in pet foods and toppers as a plant-based source of protein, fiber and concentrated essential fatty acids—particularly a favorable omega‑6 to omega‑3 balance—along with micronutrients like vitamin E, magnesium and iron. They can support skin and coat health and add healthy calories, but should be used in moderation to avoid weight gain or loose stools, chosen from reputable sources to ensure negligible THC and freshness, and viewed as a complement rather than a replacement for animal-based proteins for obligate carnivores like cats.
03
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.
04
Coconut
Coconut is used in pet foods primarily as a source of fat (often via coconut oil) and fiber, supplying medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) such as lauric acid that can provide quick energy and may support skin and coat health in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. While small amounts can offer benefits like improved coat condition and possible antimicrobial effects, coconut is calorie-dense and can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight gain, or contribute to pancreatitis in susceptible pets, so it should be used sparingly and not as a substitute for balanced protein sources; avoid sweetened or xylitol-containing coconut products.
05
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some 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
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 Macanna Pre-Mix Freeze-Dried Dog Food Base Mix 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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