Archetype Quail Freeze-Dried Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a very high-protein, high-fat freeze-dried quail formula designed as a complete and balanced maintenance diet for adult dogs and cats. Quail provides the primary animal protein, with added taurine, probiotics, and a mix of fruits, vegetables, and seeds for additional nutrients. Its low carbohydrate, starch-free profile makes it a concentrated option for pets who do well on rich, meat-based diets.
Nutritionally, this is a very rich, meat-focused freeze-dried diet that suits healthy adult dogs and cats who tolerate high protein and fat well. Quail as the main protein can be useful for pets that don’t do well on more common proteins like chicken or beef. Because it’s calorie-dense and low in fiber, it’s best for pets with good digestive health and normal to higher energy needs, and it should be introduced gradually as the label suggests.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (50% min) and fat (25% min) on an as-fed, low-moisture basis, which is appropriate for a meat-based freeze-dried diet and supports active, healthy adult pets.
- Quail as the primary animal protein may be helpful for some pets that react to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Includes added taurine plus multiple probiotic fermentation products, which can support adequate taurine intake (important for cats) and healthy digestion.
- AAFCO-formulated as complete and balanced for maintenance for both adult dogs and adult cats, so it can be used as a stand-alone diet for that life stage.
Considerations
- Very rich and calorie-dense (about 233 kcal per cup) with high fat, so portions need to be carefully controlled, and it may not be ideal for overweight or very sedentary pets.
- Low fiber (max 0.5%) and high fat can be challenging for some pets with sensitive digestion or a history of pancreatitis; the gradual transition directions are important to follow.
- Contains dairy (whey), which could be an issue for pets with dairy sensitivities.
- As a raw, freeze-dried product, it requires careful handling and hygiene, especially around immunocompromised people or animals.
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
Quail
Quail is used in pet foods as a novel or alternative animal protein—available as meat, whole-ground bird, or meal—to provide high-quality, bioavailable protein and essential amino acids for both dogs and cats. It supplies B vitamins and minerals like iron, is often featured in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas, but pets can still develop sensitivities, raw or cooked bones may present hazards, and diets relying heavily on quail should be complete or balanced by formulation or supplementation.
02
Natural Flavor
Natural flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in pet foods to improve taste and aroma and is not intended to provide significant nutrients, typically coming from concentrated extracts of meat, poultry, plant, or fermentation sources. While it can increase acceptance in picky dogs and cats, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific sources so pets with known sensitivities or allergies may react, and presence of natural flavor should not be taken as a guarantee of overall product quality.
03
Taurine
Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid added to pet foods to support essential functions such as heart muscle performance, retinal health, and reproduction, and is particularly critical for cats, which cannot synthesize enough on their own. Adequate taurine prevents conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and vision degeneration—dogs generally make more taurine but certain breeds or homemade/vegetarian diets may require supplementation—so commercial diets should meet species-specific levels and homemade plans should be carefully supplemented.
04
Blueberry
Blueberries are used in pet foods and treats as a low‑calorie source of dietary fiber, vitamins (notably vitamin C) and antioxidant phytochemicals (anthocyanins), providing natural color and mild flavor. They may support general antioxidant and digestive health in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats (obligate carnivores), but should be offered in moderation due to natural sugars and possible gastrointestinal upset, and owners should avoid products with added sweeteners (especially xylitol) or harmful preservatives.
05
Barley Grass
Barley grass is the young green shoot of the barley plant used in pet foods and supplements primarily as a plant-based source of fiber, micronutrients (small amounts of vitamins A, K and B vitamins), minerals and antioxidants like chlorophyll. It can support mild digestive health and act as a low‑calorie “green” supplement—particularly for dogs and to aid hairball passage in cats—but should be used in moderation because it is not a complete nutrient source and poorly processed or contaminated products may carry residues or molds; pets with known grain sensitivities should be monitored and owners should consult their veterinarian before adding concentrated supplements.
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
Wysong is the flagship brand of Wysong Corporation, offering holistic, high-protein, minimally processed foods, raw diets, and supplements for pets. The brand targets pet owners seeking biologically appropriate and nutritionally advanced foods. It is known for formulas such as Epigen, Archetype, and Optimal Performance.
Visit WysongManufacturer
Wysong manufactures its own products in-house at its Michigan facility under strict quality control measures. The company adheres to FDA and AAFCO guidelines for pet food production and utilizes HACCP-based quality assurance systems.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wysong Archetype Quail Freeze-Dried Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Wysong ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wysong. 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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