Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef + Lamb Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 17, 2026
This is a high-protein, all–life stages dry dog food that uses beef, beef meal, lamb, and menhaden fish meal as its main animal protein sources. It relies on ancient grains like sorghum, oatmeal, millet, and quinoa for carbohydrates, and includes added omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics. It’s designed for puppies and adult dogs of most sizes, but not for large-breed puppies over about 70 lb expected adult weight.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed, higher-protein kibble that should suit many healthy, active dogs needing an all–life stages diet. The use of multiple named meat and fish meals, plus ancient grains instead of heavy pea or potato content, gives it a solid protein and carbohydrate base. It’s a good option for owners wanting a grain-inclusive food with added support for skin, coat, and digestion, though it’s not appropriate as the sole diet for large-breed puppies.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal protein sources (beef, beef meal, lamb, menhaden fish meal, egg) provide high-quality, varied amino acids at a robust 30% protein level.
- Grain-inclusive using sorghum, oatmeal, millet, and quinoa rather than relying on peas or other legumes, which avoids the legume-heavy profiles linked with some heart concerns in dogs.
- Includes beneficial add-ons such as omega-3 and omega-6 sources, taurine, L-carnitine, and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) to support heart, skin/coat, and digestive health.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages (except large-breed growth), so it can nutritionally support most puppies and adults when fed as directed.
Considerations
- Not suitable as a primary diet for large-breed puppies expected to be 70 lb or more as adults; those dogs need a formula specifically approved for large-breed growth.
- Contains several common protein allergens (beef, lamb, chicken fat, egg, fish), so it may not be a good fit for dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- At 380 kcal per cup with 30% protein and 15% fat, this is relatively calorie-dense, so portion control is important to prevent unwanted weight gain in less active 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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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02
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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03
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
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04
Sorghum
Sorghum is a cereal grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and modest plant protein, often chosen as a gluten‑free alternative to wheat or corn. It can provide fermentable fiber and antioxidant compounds that may support digestion and glycemic control, but is generally less digestible than some grains unless properly processed and certain tannin‑rich varieties can reduce nutrient availability, so quality sourcing and appropriate formulation are important—particularly for cats, whose diets should remain primarily animal‑based.
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05
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
I and Love and You offers holistic, grain-free, and natural pet foods and treats aimed at health-conscious pet owners. The brand focuses on complete and balanced nutrition using high-quality proteins and no artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers.
Manufacturer
I and Love and You partners with co-manufacturers in the United States and sometimes in Canada to produce their pet foods under strict quality control standards. Their foods are made in facilities that meet FDA and AAFCO nutritional requirements and maintain quality and safety certifications.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef + Lamb Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has I and Love and You ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for I and Love and You. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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