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Grain Free Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Health Extension

Grain Free Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 20, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free dry dog food using deboned duck and duck meal as the main animal protein sources, with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and peas providing most of the carbohydrates and fiber. It’s formulated for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and includes added omega fatty acids, probiotics, and a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and herbal ingredients. The nutrient profile is moderate in protein and fat for a grain-free diet, which can work well for many active family dogs.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.3 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a well-rounded, grain-free dry food with duck-based protein and a rich mix of fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy dogs, and the AAFCO statement covers all life stages, including large-breed growth. The main nutritional caveat is that legumes and peas are prominent carbohydrate sources, which some owners of at‑risk breeds may want to discuss with their veterinarian due to the DCM concerns seen with some grain-free, pulse-heavy diets.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Probiotic Support Digestive Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health Allergy Support Joint Care Heart Care Brain Health Weight Management Endurance Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned duck and duck meal provide animal-based protein as the first ingredients.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppies.
  • Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Contains probiotics, kelp, berries, and a variety of botanicals that may support digestion and antioxidant intake.

Considerations

  • Peas, lentils, and chickpeas are key carbohydrate sources, and legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
  • Duck and fish are present, so this is not suitable for dogs with poultry or fish allergies.
  • At 441 kcal per cup, portions may need careful control for dogs prone to weight gain.
  • The complex ingredient mix may not be ideal for dogs that need a very simple or limited-ingredient diet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Deboned Duck, Duck Meal, Whole Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Whitefish Meal (source of Omega-3 fatty acids), Lentils, Peas, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Tapioca Starch, Dried Beet Pulp, Coconut Oil, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Turmeric, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Ginger, Bovine Colostrum, Organic Blueberries, Cranberries, Organic Goji Berries, Organic Tart Cherries, Organic Pomegranate, Organic Pineapple, Organic Papaya, Organic Apple, Dried Kelp, Dried Seaweed Meal, New Zealand Green Mussel, Organic Carrots, Organic Pumpkin, Green Tea Extract, Sage Extract, Organic Parsley, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Sweet Basil, Thyme Extract, Organic Ashwagandha, Organic Chaga, Organic Lion's Mane, Organic Reishi, Organic Turkey Tail, Organic Shiitake, Organic Maitake, Organic Cordyceps, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin E Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Choline Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc Polysaccharide Complex, Iron Polysaccharide Complex, Manganese Polysaccharide Complex, Copper Polysaccharide Complex, Cobalt Polysaccharide Complex, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Pectin, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Baciollus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Product.

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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
03
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.
04
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.
05
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
25.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
441
kcal / Cup
3888
kcal / Kg
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Slow Cooked
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Holistic Health Extension Grain Free Duck Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages including growth of large size dogs (70lbs. or more as an adult).

Brand

Health Extension

Health Extension is the flagship brand of Health Extension Pet Care, offering holistic dog and cat foods made with premium proteins and whole-food ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, grain-inclusive, and grain-free options without artificial additives.

Visit Health Extension
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Health Extension Pet Care
Founded 1963
Headquarters Hauppauge, New York, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region New York
Manufacturing oversight

Health Extension Pet Care oversees manufacturing in facilities that comply with FDA and AAFCO standards. Each batch undergoes quality assurance and safety checks, and foods are made in the USA using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Health Extension Grain Free Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Grain Free Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Health Extension · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Health Extension ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Health Extension. 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.

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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.