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Core+ Wild Game Duck, Lamb, Wild Boar & Rabbit Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness

Core+ Wild Game Duck, Lamb, Wild Boar & Rabbit Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 29, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for adult dogs, built around multiple animal proteins including duck, lamb meal, chicken meal, wild boar, and rabbit. Peas, chickpeas, and lentils provide most of the carbohydrates, while added omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics support skin, joints, and digestion. It’s designed for active adult dogs who do well on a rich, legume-based, grain-free formula.

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Over-the-counter Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.5 out of 10

Strong Choice

Nutritionally, this is a rich, high-protein, grain-free kibble with multiple animal proteins and added joint, skin, and digestive support, so it can work well for active adult dogs who tolerate chicken and legumes. The guaranteed analysis shows robust protein and moderate fat, with beneficial extras like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics. The main nutritional caveat is that peas, chickpeas, lentils, and pea protein are very prominent, which is important to consider in light of current concerns about legume-heavy, grain-free diets and heart health in some dogs.

Nutritional profile 9.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Health considerations 8.0

Computed from 3 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.
Joint Care Probiotic Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • High protein level at 35% with multiple animal sources, including duck, lamb meal, chicken meal, wild boar, and rabbit.
  • Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help support healthy skin and coat.
  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which may help support joint health in active or larger dogs.
  • Includes several probiotic strains and chicory root, which can support a healthy digestive microbiome.

Considerations

  • This is a grain-free formula with peas, chickpeas, lentils, and pea protein high on the list, which raises DCM concerns in some dogs and breeds.
  • Contains chicken meal and chicken fat, so it is not a good fit for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities.
  • Multiple different proteins are used, so it is not appropriate as a limited-ingredient or simple-protein diet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Duck, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Lamb Hearts, Wild Boar, Rabbit, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint 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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
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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.
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03
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.
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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.
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05
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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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)
35.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
6.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3705
kcal / Kg
389
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 Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Freeze Dried
Food type Dry

Brand

Wellness is WellPet’s flagship brand, offering a full range of natural pet foods including dry, canned, and toppers for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on complete, balanced nutrition using natural ingredients and is positioned within the holistic and premium segment of the market.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Wellness Pet Company
Parent company Clearlake Capital Group
Founded 2021
Headquarters Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Arkansas; Indiana
Manufacturing oversight

Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities in the United States under strict quality and safety programs, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards for pet food production. Wellness Pet Company maintains internal quality assurance teams and ingredient traceability protocols.

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. Wellness Pet Company 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 Wellness Core+ Wild Game Duck, Lamb, Wild Boar & Rabbit Recipe Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.5 /10 Grade A
Core+ Wild Game Duck, Lamb, Wild Boar & Rabbit Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Wellness ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Wellness. 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.