Legacy Northern Water Fish Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 18, 2026
This is a high‑protein, fish-based dry food for dogs, featuring salmon and whitefish as the main animal protein sources. Peas supply most of the carbohydrates, while salmon oil, flaxseed, and added taurine support fatty acid intake and heart health. The recipe is designed for all life stages except large-breed puppies and includes probiotics, colostrum, and various fruits and vegetables for digestive and antioxidant support.
Nutritionally, this is a very solid, meat-forward fish formula with good protein and moderate fat levels, suitable for most dogs that do well on grain-free diets. It offers multiple sources of omega-3s, added taurine, and a diverse probiotic blend, which can be helpful for skin, coat, and digestive support. It is not appropriate for large-breed puppies, and because it relies heavily on peas as the main carbohydrate, it’s best used with some caution in breeds where diet-associated heart disease has been a concern.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (34%) from named fish sources (salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal) provides good-quality, highly digestible amino acids.
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed, which can support skin, coat, and overall inflammation control.
- Contains added taurine and a substantial probiotic blend (600 million CFU/lb), plus prebiotic fiber, which can support heart and gut health.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages except growth of large-breed dogs, with an appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (about 1.3:1).
Considerations
- This is a grain-free food with peas and pea starch high on the ingredient list, which may be a concern for dogs from breeds associated with diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy when eating legume-heavy, grain-free diets long term.
- Not suitable for large-breed puppies, so it should be avoided in growing dogs expected to reach 70 lb or more as adults.
- Fish and salmon are common triggers for some food-allergic dogs, so it’s not a good fit if your dog is known to react to fish proteins.
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
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.
04
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
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.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
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
Legacy is Horizon’s original grain-free line designed as a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for dogs and cats, emphasizing ancestral nutrition with ingredients sourced from Canadian farms.
Visit LegacyManufacturer
All products are manufactured in Horizon’s own human-grade production facility in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. The company maintains strict quality control, source traceability, and adheres to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards, AAFCO nutritional guidelines, and HACCP-based food safety practices.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Legacy Legacy Northern Water Fish Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Legacy ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Legacy. 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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