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Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Dry Dog Food
I and Love and You

Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free, high-protein dry dog food featuring lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal as the main protein sources, with added bison for variety. Chickpeas, lentils, and peas supply most of the carbohydrates, and the recipe includes added omega-3 and -6 fatty acids plus probiotics to support digestion and skin and coat health. It is formulated for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, so it can be used for both growing and adult dogs if the kibble suits them.

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

Nutritionally, this is a fairly high-protein, moderate-fat grain-free kibble that should suit many healthy, active dogs and is even formulated to meet the stricter requirements for large-breed puppies. It offers multiple animal protein sources along with added omega fatty acids and a probiotic. However, it relies heavily on legumes and peas, which have been linked in some studies to heart issues in dogs when they make up a large portion of the diet, so this is something to discuss with your vet if your dog is at risk for heart disease.

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 Skin Coat Health High Energy
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Contains 30% protein and 15% fat, which is appropriate for many active dogs and growing puppies.
  • Uses several animal protein sources, including lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, bison, and egg for a good amino acid profile.
  • Includes fish oil and flaxseed, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can support skin and coat health.
  • Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed growth, so it can be used for puppies and adults.

Considerations

  • Chickpeas, lentils, and peas appear high in the ingredient list, and legume-heavy grain-free diets have been associated with some cases of canine heart disease.
  • Contains chicken and egg, so it is not a good choice for dogs with allergies to poultry or eggs.
  • Grain-free formulas like this are not necessary for most dogs and may not be ideal for dogs who do well on grain-inclusive diets.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, dried garbanzo beans, dried lentils, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried peas, pea starch, natural flavor, bison, dried sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, dried egg product, ground miscanthus grass, salt, monosodium phosphate, fish oil, sunflower oil, potassium chloride, dried chicory root, Minerals (ferrous sulfate, iron amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), taurine, Vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid), citric acid (preservative), mixed tocopherols (preservative), choline chloride, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, rosemary extract.

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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
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
Lentil
Lentils are a plant-based source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients (notably folate and iron) commonly used in pet foods to add bulk, promote satiety and help moderate post-meal blood sugar. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs when properly processed and balanced with animal-derived amino acids, but lentil protein is less digestible and incomplete for obligate carnivores like cats; high legume inclusion can also increase gas or digestive upset and has been discussed in the context of diet-associated heart concerns in dogs, so lentils should be used in nutritionally complete, vetted formulations.

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)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3509
kcal / Kg
431
kcal / Cup
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 Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
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
NAKED ESSENTIALS(TM) GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD WITH LAMB AND BISON 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 (70 lbs. or more as an adult).

Brand

I and Love and You

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.

Visit I and Love and You
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name I and Love and You
Founded 2012
Headquarters Boulder, Colorado, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Colorado
Manufacturing oversight

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 recalls on record

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.6 /10 Grade B
Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Dry Dog Food
I and Love and You · kibblelab.com

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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 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.