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Cage Free Duck Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
Kasiks

Cage Free Duck Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 30, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free, dry dog food that uses cage-free duck meal as its single animal protein source, making it a duck-based formula with moderate to high protein and moderate fat. Chickpeas, lentils, and peas provide most of the carbohydrates and additional protein, while added fruits, coconut, and kale supply antioxidants. It’s formulated for most life stages and sizes, but not for growing large-breed puppies.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

Strong Choice

Nutritionally, this is a solid, higher-protein dry food that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth. Duck meal provides a concentrated animal protein source, and the formula includes added taurine and several antioxidant ingredients. It relies heavily on legumes for carbohydrates, which is something to weigh carefully, especially for breeds with potential heart concerns.

Nutritional profile 9.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 8.0

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.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
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 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
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.
Antioxidant Support Digestive Health
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
Not Formulated For
What "not formulated for" means Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.
Excludes Large Breed Growth
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Duck meal as the first ingredient offers a concentrated source of animal protein.
  • Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, except growth of large-breed puppies.
  • Added taurine and a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio support general health needs.
  • Includes blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, coconut, and kale for natural antioxidants.

Considerations

  • Chickpeas, lentils, and peas are prominent, and legume-heavy grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
  • Contains chicken fat, so it is not suitable for dogs with chicken fat sensitivities.
  • The relatively high fiber level may cause softer stools in some dogs not used to it.
  • Formulated by AAFCO profiles rather than being backed by feeding trials.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Duck Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Brewer's Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-pantothenic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), L-Threonie, Salt, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Taurine, Blueberries, Raspberries, Cranberries, Rosemary extract, Coconut, Kale

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.
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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.
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03
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.
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04
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.

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)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
8.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3120
kcal / Kg
485
kcal / Cup
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
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
Exclusions Excludes Large Breed Growth
Substantiation Formulation
KASIKS Cage Free Duck Meal Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages except for growth of large size dogs (70lb. or more as an adult).

Brand

Kasiks is a sister brand to FirstMate, offering grain-free, single-protein formulas for dogs and cats at a slightly lower price point. It emphasizes high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted Canadian suppliers, while maintaining the same in-house manufacturing oversight as FirstMate.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name FirstMate Pet Foods
Parent company Nasta Pet Food
Founded 1989
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada
Manufacturing region British Columbia
Manufacturing oversight

FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.

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

No recall is listed for Kasiks Cage Free Duck Meal Formula Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Cage Free Duck Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
Kasiks · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Kasiks ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Kasiks. 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.

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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 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.