Puppy Lamb & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a complete, all‑life‑stages dry kibble designed with puppies in mind, including those that will grow into large-breed adults. It uses lamb as the first ingredient along with chicken, turkey, and fish meals to provide a good mix of animal proteins, and relies on rice, barley, and oatmeal for carbohydrate and fiber. Added DHA, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, taurine, and joint-support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin make it a well-rounded option for growing puppies and young dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, well-balanced dry food for puppies, including large-breed puppies, and can also be used for adult dogs since it meets all-life-stages standards. It offers a good level of protein and fat for growth, multiple high-quality animal protein sources, and appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels for large-breed development. The inclusion of DHA, omega fatty acids, taurine, and joint-support nutrients adds extra support for growing bodies, though it may not suit puppies with chicken, fish, or multiple-protein allergies.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated to AAFCO all-life-stages standards, including growth of large-breed puppies, so it’s appropriate for most puppies and adult dogs when fed per directions.
- Multiple animal protein sources (lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal) provide a robust amino acid profile to support muscle development.
- Calcium (1.2%) and phosphorus (1%) levels are appropriate for large-breed puppy growth, helping support controlled, healthy skeletal development.
- Contains DHA (0.08%), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, and added vitamins/minerals, plus glucosamine and chondroitin, which together support developing brains, skin and coat, and joint structures.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens—chicken, fish, and turkey—so it is not a good match for puppies needing a truly limited-ingredient or single-protein diet.
- Brewers rice and canola meal are used as part of the carbohydrate and protein mix; while nutritionally acceptable, they are less nutrient-dense than some whole-food alternatives.
- At 347 kcal per cup and 15% minimum fat, active puppies generally do well on this diet, but more sedentary or small puppies may need careful portion control to avoid excess weight gain.
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
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.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
05
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
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
Nature's Recipe offers premium dog food made with natural ingredients and without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is positioned toward pet owners seeking accessible natural nutrition.
Visit Nature's RecipeManufacturer
Post Holdings operates manufacturing facilities acquired from J.M. Smucker, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nature's Recipe Puppy Lamb & Rice 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 Nature's Recipe ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nature's Recipe. 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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