Dental Treat Skin & Coat Venison Medium & Maxi
Verified Jun 30, 2026
This is a crunchy dental treat for medium and large dogs that uses venison as an animal protein source and pea starch and sweet potato as the main base. It includes herring oil and flaxseed to provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin and coat, along with ingredients like psyllium and inulin for added fiber. It’s designed as an occasional or supplemental reward rather than a complete diet.
Nutritionally, this looks like a thoughtfully formulated functional treat for medium and large dogs, focusing on dental abrasion plus skin and coat support. Venison provides a novel animal protein source, while herring oil and flaxseed contribute useful omega fatty acids. It’s best used as a small daily extra alongside a balanced main diet, not as a primary source of nutrition.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses venison as a named animal protein source, which can be helpful for dogs that do better on alternative proteins.
- Includes herring oil and flaxseed, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
- Moderate calorie density for a treat (about 82–85 kcal per ounce), which helps with portion control when used as a once-daily reward.
- Formulated specifically as a dental treat, with a crunchy texture and ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate that can help with tartar control.
Considerations
- This is not a complete and balanced food and should only be given as a supplemental treat; your dog still needs a full, balanced diet as their main food.
- Protein content is relatively low for a venison product, which is fine for a treat but means it shouldn’t be relied on for significant protein intake.
- Contains peas and pea-derived ingredients as primary components, which some owners of dogs with suspected legume sensitivities may want to avoid.
- Dogs with fish or venison allergies should not receive this treat due to the presence of dehydrated venison and herring oil.
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
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).
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
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 Venison Medium & Maxi has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedPost your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.