Pureformance Lamb Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free freeze-dried dog food that rehydrates into a soft, stew-like meal. It uses lamb as the primary animal protein with chickpeas and a variety of fruits and vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, and spinach. The formula is relatively low in moisture as sold and is designed for dogs of all ages, including those who may need help with sensitive digestion or weight control.
Overall, this is a high-quality, protein-rich freeze-dried option that should suit many healthy dogs who do well on grain-free diets. Lamb as the first ingredient plus a good mix of plant ingredients provides a balanced nutrient profile, and the calorie density means you can feed smaller portions once rehydrated. It’s best suited for owners comfortable feeding a grain-free, legume-containing diet and who measure portions carefully because each cup is quite calorie dense.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Lamb as the first ingredient offers a clearly named animal protein source with a robust 32% minimum protein and 16% minimum fat for a freeze-dried diet.
- Includes a variety of fruits and vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, apples, berries, spinach) that can contribute natural fiber and beneficial phytonutrients.
- Freeze-dried format helps preserve nutrients and palatability while still being very convenient to store and serve once rehydrated.
- Relatively simple ingredient list without wheat, soy, or dairy, which may be helpful for some dogs with food sensitivities.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free recipe that relies on chickpeas as a main carbohydrate source; legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been associated with heart disease (DCM) in some dogs, so it’s wise to discuss with your vet if your dog is at risk.
- Very calorie-dense at 505 kcal per cup dry, so portions need to be measured carefully, especially for dogs needing weight management.
- Contains garlic, which in very small amounts is usually safe in commercial diets but may be a consideration if your dog has a history of red blood cell issues or if you prefer to avoid it.
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.
02
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
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 Pureformance Lamb 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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