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Gently Cooked Grain Free Duck & Kale Recipe Wet Dog Food
Health Extension

Gently Cooked Grain Free Duck & Kale Recipe Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 26, 2026

Dog · Wet All Life Stages All Breed Sizes Small

This is a gently cooked, grain-free wet dog food featuring duck as the primary protein, cooked in beef bone broth with vegetables and superfoods like kale, carrots, and goji berries. It’s formulated as a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and comes in convenient shelf-stable pouches. Added oils, prebiotic inulin, kelp, and turmeric round out the recipe to support overall nutrition.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

Strong Choice

Overall, this is a high-quality gently cooked wet food with duck as the main animal protein, suitable for puppies, adults, and even large-breed growing dogs when fed as directed. The moisture-rich formula, straightforward ingredient list, and all–life stage AAFCO formulation make it a solid option for owners who like a fresh-style food without needing freezer space. It should work well for many dogs who do fine on grain-free diets and do not have sensitivities to duck or beef.

Nutritional profile 8.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 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

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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.
Skin Coat Health Digestive Health Immune Support Probiotic Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Duck as the first ingredient provides an identifiable animal protein source, with a moderate fat level appropriate for many dogs when fed as the main diet.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs, which is a higher nutritional bar than adult-only diets.
  • Uses bone broth, vegetables, and superfood ingredients like kale, goji berry, kelp, and turmeric, along with added vitamins and chelated minerals, to create a complete and balanced meal rather than just a topper.
  • Prebiotic inulin may help support a healthy gut microbiome for some dogs, and the high moisture content can support good hydration, especially in dogs that don’t drink much water.

Considerations

  • This is a grain-free formula relying on ingredients like duck, carrot, and oils for energy; that’s fine for many dogs, but owners who prefer grains for their dog’s diet may want to pair it with a grain-inclusive option.
  • Duck and beef bone broth are both animal proteins, so this food would not be appropriate for dogs with known duck or beef allergies.
  • As a relatively high-moisture, gently cooked pouch food, portion sizes are larger than dry kibble for the same calories, so owners should measure carefully to avoid unintended weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Duck, Carrot, Beef Bone Broth, Kale, Goji Berry, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Coconut Oil, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin C Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Inulin, Kelp Powder, Turmeric, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Potassium Iodide

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
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
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03
Beef Bone Broth
Beef bone broth is used in pet foods and as a topper to add moisture, savory flavor and small amounts of soluble collagen, gelatin, minerals and amino acids, making it a palatability and hydration enhancer for dogs and cats. It may support hydration and gut or joint comfort through gelatinous proteins, but it should not replace a balanced diet and caregivers should choose low‑sodium, additive‑free pet-safe broths and avoid products with seasonings or bone fragments, especially for pets with beef allergies.
04
Kale
Kale is a cruciferous leafy green used in pet foods as a source of fiber, vitamins (A, C and K), minerals (such as calcium and potassium) and antioxidants, providing low‑calorie bulk and micronutrient support when added in small amounts. Because kale contains goitrogens, oxalates and other compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset or, if fed excessively, interfere with thyroid function or contribute to urinary/kidney issues (and rarely hemolytic problems), it should be offered sparingly, prepared plain (cooked or finely chopped) and never seasoned with toxic ingredients like onion or garlic.
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05
Goji Berry
Goji berries are used in pet foods and treats as a fruit-based source of antioxidants, carotenoids, fiber and phytochemicals that provide natural flavor and modest micronutrients; they are more commonly included for dogs and as a complementary ingredient in feline formulas rather than a primary nutrient source. In moderation they may help support antioxidant intake and eye health, but owners should note their sugar and calorie content, possible gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions, and consult a veterinarian before giving goji-containing products to pets with diabetes, pancreatitis, or those on certain medications.
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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)
10.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
5.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1502
kcal / Kg
128
kcal / 3 oz pouch
385
kcal / 9 oz pouch
High
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 All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Breed size Small
Texture Ground
Processing method Gently Cooked
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Holistic Health Extension Duck and Kale Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Pro dles for All Life Stages including growth of large-size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

Brand

Health Extension is the flagship brand of Health Extension Pet Care, offering holistic dog and cat foods made with premium proteins and whole-food ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, grain-inclusive, and grain-free options without artificial additives.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Health Extension Pet Care
Founded 1963
Headquarters Hauppauge, New York, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region New York
Manufacturing oversight

Health Extension Pet Care oversees manufacturing in facilities that comply with FDA and AAFCO standards. Each batch undergoes quality assurance and safety checks, and foods are made in the USA using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.

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 Health Extension Gently Cooked Grain Free Duck & Kale Recipe Wet 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.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Gently Cooked Grain Free Duck & Kale Recipe Wet Dog Food
Health Extension · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Health Extension ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Health Extension. 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.