High Protein Beef, Potato & Peas Recipe With Venison & Lamb Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a high-protein dry kibble for dogs that uses beef and chicken meal as the main protein sources, with venison, lamb, and fish meal added for variety. Potato and peas provide most of the carbohydrates, and the formula includes added taurine, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamin C, and joint-support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. It’s designed for puppies and adults who need a calorie-dense, higher-protein diet and do well on multi-protein, legume-containing foods.
Overall, this is a solid, higher-protein dry food with multiple animal protein sources and a good nutrient profile for active adult dogs and growing puppies. It offers added taurine, omega fatty acids, and joint-support nutrients, which can be helpful for heart and joint health support, especially in larger or more athletic dogs. Because peas and pea derivatives are fairly prominent and it is essentially grain-free, it may not be the best choice for dogs from breeds with known heart concerns, where I’d lean toward a grain-inclusive formula without heavy legume use.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- 30% protein and 15% fat are appropriate for active adults and growing puppies, providing good support for muscle maintenance and energy needs.
- Multiple animal proteins (beef, chicken meal, beef meal, venison, lamb, fish meal) supply a broad range of amino acids and generally good protein quality.
- Includes added taurine plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart function, skin, and coat health.
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which can help support joint structures, especially in larger or more active dogs.
Considerations
- Peas, pea starch, and pea protein are significant ingredients, making this a legume-heavy, grain-free style diet; such formulas have been associated in some studies with an increased risk of diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs.
- Chicken meal and chicken fat are key ingredients, so this food is not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- The calorie density (342 kcal per cup) is relatively high, so portion control is important to help prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
- Multiple different animal proteins (beef, chicken, venison, lamb, fish) may make future elimination diets more challenging if a food allergy workup is ever needed.
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.
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
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
04
Natural Pork Flavor
Natural pork flavor is used as a palatability enhancer in dog and cat foods to boost aroma and taste, helping increase acceptance of diets or medications without acting as a primary protein source. It contributes minimal nutritional value beyond trace protein or fat, may trigger reactions in animals with pork allergies or those on pork‑restricted diets, and the term “natural” refers to the flavoring source rather than overall quality, so pet parents should review ingredient lists and consult their veterinarian for dietary concerns.
05
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.
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
Brand
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a pet food brand developed in partnership with celebrity chef Rachael Ray. Originally launched under Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, the brand was later owned by The J.M. Smucker Company before being acquired by Post Holdings in April 2023. Nutrish offers natural dog and cat food recipes emphasizing simple, wholesome ingredients.
Visit Rachael Ray NutrishManufacturer
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
Rachael Ray Nutrish High Protein Beef, Potato & Peas Recipe With Venison & Lamb Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Rachael Ray Nutrish ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Rachael Ray Nutrish. 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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