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Puppy Lamb & Pumpkin Grain Free Dry Dog Food
NutriSource

Puppy Lamb & Pumpkin Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 18, 2026

Dog · Dry Puppy All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free dry puppy food that uses lamb and lamb meal as its main animal protein sources, with pumpkin, chickpeas, and other legumes providing carbohydrates and fiber. It includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fats, probiotics, and heart-supporting nutrients like taurine and L-carnitine. The formula is complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it suits most puppies and can be continued into adulthood for small and medium breeds.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

Strong Choice

Nutritionally, this is a well-rounded, higher-protein dry food for puppies that relies on lamb as a single animal protein and uses legumes and pumpkin as the primary carbohydrate sources. It offers several thoughtful additions, including probiotics, omega fatty acids, and targeted amino acids for heart and overall health. It is not appropriate as the sole food for large-breed puppies and, as a legume-heavy grain-free formula, may not be ideal for dogs from breeds with known heart concerns unless used under veterinary guidance.

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

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

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.
Digestive Health Probiotic Support Joint Care Antioxidant Support Cognitive Health Heart Care Skin Coat Health
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Puppy 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
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Lamb and lamb meal provide a clear, high-quality single animal protein source for growing puppies.
  • Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including salmon oil, help support skin, coat, and developing brain and eyes.
  • Includes probiotics, prebiotic fibers, and yeast-based ingredients to support a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Formulated to AAFCO standards for all life stages (except large-breed growth), so it can be used beyond puppyhood for most dogs.

Considerations

  • This grain-free recipe relies heavily on legumes like garbanzo beans and chickpea flour, which are under study for possible links to heart issues in some dogs.
  • Not suitable as a sole diet for large-breed puppies expected to reach 70 pounds or more as adults.
  • Contains lamb and salmon oil, so it will not work for puppies with lamb or fish allergies.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

lamb, lamb meal, garbanzo beans, chickpea flour, dried plain beet pulp, sunflower oil, flax seed, tapioca starch, dried pumpkin, dried yeast, natural flavor, sunflower meal, salmon oil (preserved with tocopherols), potassium chloride, glycerol tributyrate, tannic acid, dried apples, dried apricots, DL methionine, choline chloride, salt, threonine, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, selenium yeast, copper proteinate, magnesium proteinate, manganese proteinate, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide), brewers dried yeast, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), calcium carbonate, hydrolyzed yeast, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), lactic acid, L-carnitine, yucca schidigera extract, yeast culture, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, citric acid (a preservative), L-tryptophan, 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.
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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.
View ingredient
03
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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04
Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is a ground pulse used in pet foods as a plant‑based source of protein, digestible carbohydrates and both soluble and insoluble fiber, along with micronutrients such as folate and iron, and is often included in grain‑free or wheat‑free formulations. It can provide beneficial fiber and moderate protein for dogs but is less appropriate as a primary protein for obligate‑carnivore cats; pulses can cause digestive sensitivity in some pets, contain antinutrients that are reduced by processing, and high levels of legume ingredients have been investigated for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy, so choose balanced, veterinarian‑approved diets for pets with special needs.
05
Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber ingredient derived from sugar beet processing that is commonly added to dog and some cat foods to provide soluble and insoluble fiber for healthy digestion and firmer stool. It supports beneficial gut bacteria and satiety by producing short-chain fatty acids, but it is not a significant source of protein or vitamins and quality can vary, so pets with specific dietary sensitivities or strict low‑carbohydrate needs should have its use discussed with a veterinarian.

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)
27.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
6.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3837
kcal / Kg
406
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.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Puppy
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
NutriSource(R) PureVitaTM Grain Free Lamb & Pumpkin Puppy Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).

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.

Price tier $$$

Manufacturer

Company name Tuffy's Pet Foods, Inc.
Parent company KLN Family Brands
Founded 1964
Headquarters Perham, Minnesota, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Minnesota
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

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 recalls on record

No recall is listed for NutriSource Puppy Lamb & Pumpkin Grain Free Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Sep 1, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Puppy Lamb & Pumpkin Grain Free Dry Dog Food
NutriSource · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.