Grain Free Venison & Red Lentils Entrée Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 29, 2026
This is a grain-free, limited-ingredient dry dog food that uses venison and venison meal as its main animal protein sources. Red and green lentils plus chickpeas provide additional plant protein and carbohydrates, while added omega-3 and omega-6 fats, taurine, and probiotics support overall nutrition. It is formulated for all life stages except large-breed puppies and may suit dogs that need a more novel protein diet.
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Strong Choice
This is a thoughtfully formulated, limited-ingredient grain-free kibble centered around venison, with a moderate protein level and added omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics. It can work well for many dogs needing a novel protein or avoiding common meats and grains. Because it is grain-free and relies heavily on lentils and chickpeas, I would be more cautious in breeds or individuals at higher risk for heart disease and would not use it 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
- Venison and venison meal provide a more novel animal protein source that may help dogs avoiding common meats like chicken or beef.
- Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can support skin, coat, and overall health when used as part of a balanced diet.
- Includes added taurine and L-carnitine, which are important nutrients for heart and whole-body health in dogs.
- Contains multiple probiotic and prebiotic ingredients aimed at supporting healthy digestion and the gut microbiome.
Considerations
- This grain-free formula relies heavily on lentils and chickpeas, which have been linked in some studies to heart issues in certain dogs when used as main carbs.
- At 26% protein, the level is adequate but not especially high for a grain-free, legume-heavy diet, so very active dogs may need careful monitoring.
- Not appropriate for large-breed puppies, so it should be avoided in growing dogs expected to reach 70 pounds or more as adults.
- Contains sunflower meal and yeast ingredients, which can be problematic for a small number of sensitive 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
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
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02
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
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03
Red Lentil
Red lentils are a plant-based source of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble and insoluble fiber that are used in pet foods to boost protein and fiber content and provide micronutrients such as folate and iron. They can support digestive health and weight management, but are lower in some essential amino acids compared with animal proteins, may contain antinutrients that are reduced by cooking/processing, and because high-legume diets have been scrutinized in relation to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and lack certain nutrients (e.g., taurine) important for cats, they should be included only as part of a complete, balanced formulation.
04
Sunflower
Sunflower (in the form of seeds, oil, meal or lecithin) is commonly used in pet foods as a source of fats, vitamin E and, depending on the form, fiber and some plant protein; sunflower oil provides linoleic acid (an omega‑6) that helps support skin and coat health. While beneficial in moderation, sunflower ingredients are calorie‑dense and high in omega‑6s so they can promote weight gain or an imbalanced omega‑6:omega‑3 ratio if not balanced with omega‑3 sources, and they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause digestive upset in sensitive animals.
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05
Green Lentil
Green lentils are a cooked, plant‑based ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble and insoluble fiber, and plant protein while contributing iron, folate, B vitamins and other minerals with low fat. They can add beneficial fiber and micronutrients for dogs but are an incomplete protein for obligate‑carnivore cats and should be included only in balanced formulations; cooking and processing reduce anti‑nutritional factors, but lentils can cause gas, mildly impair mineral absorption, and—when used heavily in some grain‑free recipes—have been scrutinized in linkage discussions to canine DCM (causality not established), so diets should ensure adequate bioavailable amino acids and taurine where relevant.
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?
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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 Grain Free Venison & Red Lentils Entrée 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 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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