Element Series Freeze-Dried Beef & Lamb Recipe Dog Food
Verified Aug 21, 2026
This is a very high-protein, freeze-dried beef and lamb dog food that can be fed as a complete meal, topper, or treat. Most of the protein comes from animal sources like beef, lamb, and organ meats, with added fruits and vegetables for carbohydrates. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and includes postbiotics and omega fatty acids to support gut health and overall nutrition.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a rich, meat-forward, freeze-dried option that can work as a complete diet, topper, or occasional high-value treat for most dogs. The very high protein and fat levels make it especially appealing for active dogs or those that do well on energy-dense diets. Because it’s quite calorie-dense, portions need to be measured carefully, particularly for smaller or less active dogs.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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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.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (40%) and fat (30%) from mostly animal sources, including organ meats that add natural vitamins and minerals.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed growth, so it can be used as a primary diet if desired.
- Includes probiotics/postbiotic sources and microalgae oil, which can help support gut health and provide omega-3 fatty acids.
- Freeze-dried processing helps preserve nutrients and offers a convenient way to feed a raw-style diet without handling raw meat.
Considerations
- Calorie density is high at 358 kcal per cup, so overfeeding is easy if portions are not measured closely.
- Contains beef and lamb, which are common protein allergens, so it is not a fit for dogs with known sensitivities to these meats.
- The high fat level may be too rich for some dogs with a history of pancreatitis or those who need a lower-fat diet.
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
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.
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03
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
04
Beef Kidney
Beef kidney is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and nutrient-dense inclusion that contributes B vitamins (notably B12 and riboflavin), iron, copper, selenium and attractive flavor for palatability. It can be a beneficial addition for both dogs and cats but should be included in moderation because organ meats are relatively high in minerals and purines and may need restriction for animals with kidney or urate-related conditions, and raw or improperly handled kidney can pose food-safety risks.
05
Beef Heart
Beef heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, providing essential amino acids, taurine (especially important for cats and supportive of cardiac health in both species), B vitamins (including B12), iron, zinc and coenzyme Q10. It is a beneficial addition when part of a balanced diet but should not be the sole protein source—pets with beef allergies should avoid it, and processed or raw beef heart requires proper formulation and handling to ensure mineral balance and food-safety (e.g., control of sodium and pathogens).
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
A family-made line of dry and wet dog and cat food produced in Perham, Minnesota, spanning the NutriSource, PureVita, Element Series, and Choice ranges. Built around its Good 4 Life supplement system and vertically integrated manufacturing.
Manufacturer
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Tuffy's Pet Foods, Inc. is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
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 NutriSource Element Series Freeze-Dried Beef & Lamb Recipe Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Sep 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has NutriSource ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for NutriSource. 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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