Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Venison & Garbanzo Beans Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food formulated for adult small-breed dogs. It uses venison and lamb meal as primary animal protein sources, with additional protein from egg, duck, and fish, and relies on garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils for carbohydrates. The recipe is energy-dense with added omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics to support active small dogs who do well on a legume-based, grain-free diet.
Nutritionally, this is a protein-rich, energy-dense kibble suited to healthy adult small-breed dogs who do well on grain-free diets. It offers multiple animal protein sources, added taurine, and probiotics, which can support digestion and heart health. However, peas, lentils, and garbanzo beans are major ingredients, so it may not be the best choice for breeds where legume-heavy, grain-free diets are a concern for heart disease risk.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein level at 32% with multiple animal sources like venison, lamb meal, egg, duck meal, and fish meal.
- Energy-dense at 422 kcal per cup, which suits the higher metabolism of many small-breed adults.
- Includes added taurine and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart, skin, and coat health.
- Contains prebiotic fiber from chicory root and several probiotic strains that can help support digestive health.
Considerations
- Grain-free and relies heavily on garbanzo beans, peas, lentils, and pea protein, which have been linked to heart issues in some dogs when they are major ingredients.
- Multiple protein sources, including venison, lamb, egg, duck, and fish, may increase the chance of a reaction in very food-sensitive dogs.
- Formulated for maintenance only, so it is not appropriate for puppies or pregnant or lactating dogs.
- The relatively high fat level at 18% may be too rich for some dogs prone to pancreatitis or needing lower-fat diets.
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).
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.
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.
04
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.
05
Lentil
Lentils are a plant-based source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients (notably folate and iron) commonly used in pet foods to add bulk, promote satiety and help moderate post-meal blood sugar. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs when properly processed and balanced with animal-derived amino acids, but lentil protein is less digestible and incomplete for obligate carnivores like cats; high legume inclusion can also increase gas or digestive upset and has been discussed in the context of diet-associated heart concerns in dogs, so lentils should be used in nutritionally complete, vetted formulations.
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
Taste of the Wild is a popular grain-free pet food brand offering formulas based on ancestral canine and feline diets. It features novel proteins and whole ingredients, marketed as a natural, premium alternative for health-conscious pet owners.
Visit Taste of the WildManufacturer
Diamond Pet Foods maintains a rigorous quality assurance program that includes in-house testing for mycotoxins, pathogens, and nutritional analysis. The company adheres to FDA, AAFCO, and HACCP standards, employing extrusion and cooking processes designed to ensure product safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Venison & Garbanzo Beans Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Taste of the Wild ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Taste of the Wild. 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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