Dental Treat Skin & Coat Herring Mini Treat
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a crunchy herring-based dental treat for small-breed dogs, designed for intermittent or supplemental feeding. It uses pea starch and sweet potato as the main carriers, with dehydrated herring, herring oil, and flaxseed contributing protein and omega fatty acids that can support skin and coat. The texture and added sodium tripolyphosphate are aimed at helping with dental care while providing a low-calorie daily chew.
Nutritionally, this is a thoughtfully designed functional treat for small dogs, with moderate protein, low fat, and added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The ingredient list is clear, with herring as the main animal protein and several fiber sources that can help stool quality and satiety in a low-calorie treat. It works well as a once-daily dental and skin/coat supplement, but it does not replace a complete and balanced diet and contains fish and pea ingredients that won’t suit every dog.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses named fish ingredients (dehydrated herring, herring oil) plus flaxseed to provide both protein and a good level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
- Relatively low fat and calorie-dense enough to be satisfying while still fitting into most small dogs’ daily treat allowance when limited to one per day.
- Includes multiple functional fibers (inulin, pea fiber, psyllium) and prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides, yeast extract) that can support digestive health when used in moderation.
- Contains sodium tripolyphosphate, which is commonly used in dental products to help reduce tartar formation, making it a reasonable choice as a daily dental-style treat.
Considerations
- Formulated as a supplemental treat only, so it must be fed alongside a complete and balanced dog food and should not make up a large portion of the diet.
- Contains fish (herring), which is a common allergen for some dogs, so it is not appropriate for dogs with known fish allergies or sensitivities.
- Pea starch and pea fiber are key components; while fine in small treat amounts for most dogs, they may be best limited in dogs whose main diet is already very legume-heavy.
- Guar gum and other gums are generally safe, but in dogs with very sensitive digestion, excessive gums can occasionally contribute to soft stools if many such products are fed together.
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
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
02
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
03
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a soluble plant-derived fiber commonly used in pet foods as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier to improve texture, moisture retention and prevent separation in wet foods, gravies and coatings. It provides little nutritional value beyond soluble fiber—which can help stool consistency and modestly slow digestion—but excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or affect nutrient absorption, so it is used at controlled low levels and is generally considered safe for most dogs and cats.
04
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
05
Quinoa
Quinoa is used in pet foods as a cooked pseudo‑grain providing digestible carbohydrates, fiber and a relatively high‑quality plant protein with a broad amino acid profile. It supplies B vitamins and minerals (e.g., iron, magnesium) and can be a useful energy and fiber source for dogs, but should be cooked and rinsed to remove bitter saponins, offered in moderation due to calorie density and potential digestive upset, and it should not replace essential animal‑derived nutrients (such as taurine) required by cats.
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
Farmina is the flagship brand of Farmina Pet Foods, known for its Natural & Delicious (N&D) and Vet Life lines. The brand focuses on diets that combine natural ingredients with scientific research. Farmina’s offerings target premium pet owners seeking nutritionally balanced recipes made with high-quality proteins and low-glycemic carbohydrates.
Visit FarminaManufacturer
Farmina operates its own manufacturing facilities in Italy, Serbia, and Brazil, allowing complete control over ingredient sourcing, formulation, and production quality. The company follows strict quality assurance protocols and complies with international food safety standards including HACCP and ISO-certified processes.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Farmina Dental Treat Skin & Coat Herring Mini Treat has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Farmina ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Farmina. 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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