Our verdict
Is Canidae Real Lamb & Ancient Grains Recipe a good dog food?
We score it 47/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for dogs of all life stages, with lamb, dried chicken protein and oats as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for all lifestages
- Doesn't list beef, turkey, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists dried chicken protein
- Your dog avoids lamb: the label lists lamb
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon oil
- Your dog avoids pork: the label lists dehydrated pork protein
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists oats
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 24% · Fat 10%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24% |
| Fat | 10% |
| Fibre | 5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.70% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
lines × Adult (typical activity) Dog Weight Feeding Quantity 2-10 lbs / .9-4.5 kg 1/4 - 5/8 cup / 34-85 grams 10-25 lbs / 4.5-11.3 kg 5/8-1 3/8 cups / 85-188 grams 25-50 lbs / 11.3-22.7 kg 1 3/8-2 1/4 cups / 188-307 grams 50-75 lbs / 22.7-34 kg 2 1/4-3 cups / 307-409 grams 75-100 lbs / 34-45.4 kg 3-3 3/4 cups / 409-512 grams 100-125 lbs / 45.4-56.7 kg 3 3/4-4 3/8 cups / 512-597 grams 125-150 lbs / 56.7-68 kg 4 3/8-5 1/8 cups / 597-699 grams Close × OK Footer Start Connect With Us --> All Life Stages New Heartland Resources FAQ Transitioning New Pet Food Blog Accessibility
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Zinc 100 mg/kg; Selenium 0.4 mg/kg; Vitamin E 50 IU/kg; Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 30 mg/kg; Taurine 0.15 %; Glucosamine 400 mg/kg; Chondroitin Sulfate 700 mg/kg; Vitamin E supplement; Zinc proteinate; Zinc sulfate; L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate; Ferrous sulfate; Iron proteinate; Niacin supplement; Copper sulfate; Vitamin A supplement; Copper proteinate; Sodium selenite; Manganese sulfate; Manganese proteinate; Thiamine mononitrate; d-calcium pantothenate; Riboflavin supplement; Pyridoxine hydrochloride; Vitamin B12 supplement; Calcium iodate; Folic acid; Vitamin D3 supplement; Biotin
Technological additives
Mixed tocopherols (a preservative)
Ingredients (47)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 53.9%
- carb 13.4%
- meat 8.2%
- veg 8.0%
- additive 7.0%
- oil 4.9%
- fibre 2.5%
- mineral 2.0%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamb | Lamb | meat · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 2 | chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.8 |
| 3 | oatmeal | Oats | carb · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 4 | barley | Barley | carb · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 5 | whole grain sorghum | Sorghum | carb · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 6 | millet | Millet | carb · good | - | 2.7 |
| 7 | pork meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) | Dehydrated Pork Protein | meat · good | - | 2.6 |
| 8 | peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 9 | brown rice | Rice - brown / whole grain | carb · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 10 | suncured alfalfa meal | Alfalfa Meal | fibre · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 11 | flaxseed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 12 | chicken fat | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.5 |
| 13 | dried yeast | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.5 |
| 14 | salmon oil | Salmon Oil | oil · good | - | 2.4 |
| 15 | natural flavor | Flavor | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 16 | salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 17 | Threonine | Threonine | supplement · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 18 | potassium chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 19 | choline chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 20 | taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 21 | Tryptophan | L-Tryptophan | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 22 | mixed tocopherols (a preservative) | Tocopherols | additive · good | - | 2.2 |
| 23 | vitamin E supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 24 | zinc proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 25 | zinc sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 26 | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 27 | ferrous sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 28 | iron proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 2.0 |
| 29 | niacin supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 30 | copper sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 31 | vitamin A supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 32 | copper proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 33 | sodium selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | manganese sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | manganese proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | thiamine mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | d-calcium pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 38 | riboflavin supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | pyridoxine hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | vitamin B12 supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | calcium iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product | Dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | folic acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 44 | vitamin D3 supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | green tea extract | Green Tea | veg · good | - | 1.5 |
| 47 | rosemary extract | Rosemary | veg · good | - | 1.4 |
- 1. Lamb2.8% estimated
- 2. chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate)2.8% estimated
- 3. oatmeal2.8% estimated
- 4. barley2.7% estimated
- 5. whole grain sorghum2.7% estimated
- 6. millet2.7% estimated
- 7. pork meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate)2.6% estimated
- 8. peas2.6% estimated
- 9. brown rice2.6% estimated
- 10. suncured alfalfa meal2.5% estimated
- 11. flaxseed2.5% estimated
- 12. chicken fat2.5% estimated
- 13. dried yeast2.5% estimated
- 14. salmon oil2.4% estimated
- 15. natural flavor2.4% estimated
- 16. salt2.4% estimated
- 17. Threonine2.3% estimated
- 18. potassium chloride2.3% estimated
- 19. choline chloride2.3% estimated
- 20. taurine2.2% estimated
- 21. Tryptophan2.2% estimated
- 22. mixed tocopherols (a preservative)2.2% estimated
- 23. vitamin E supplement2.2% estimated
- 24. zinc proteinate2.1% estimated
- 25. zinc sulfate2.1% estimated
- 26. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate2.1% estimated
- 27. ferrous sulfate2.0% estimated
- 28. iron proteinate2.0% estimated
- 29. niacin supplement2.0% estimated
- 30. copper sulfate1.9% estimated
- 31. vitamin A supplement1.9% estimated
- 32. copper proteinate1.9% estimated
- 33. sodium selenite1.9% estimated
- 34. manganese sulfate1.8% estimated
- 35. manganese proteinate1.8% estimated
- 36. thiamine mononitrate1.8% estimated
- 37. d-calcium pantothenate1.7% estimated
- 38. riboflavin supplement1.7% estimated
- 39. pyridoxine hydrochloride1.7% estimated
- 40. vitamin B12 supplement1.6% estimated
- 41. calcium iodate1.6% estimated
- 42. dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product1.6% estimated
- 43. folic acid1.6% estimated
- 44. vitamin D3 supplement1.5% estimated
- 45. biotin1.5% estimated
- 46. green tea extract1.5% estimated
- 47. rosemary extract1.4% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-08-22
Brand and contact: Canidae
- Website
- https://canidae.com/
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-08-22
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- canidae.com
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall rating of 47 out of 100. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +6 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +5.98 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 13.8% | -0.115 | -1.59 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.7% | -0.092 | -0.52 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 3.6% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.3% | 0.163 | +1.19 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 57.9% | -0.012 | -0.71 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.6% | -0.065 | -0.43 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 0.060 | +0.14 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -8.39 | 0.222 | -1.86 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +5.98 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 13.8% | -0.115 | -1.59 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.7% | -0.092 | -0.52 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 3.6% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.3% | 0.163 | +1.19 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 57.9% | -0.012 | -0.71 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.6% | -0.065 | -0.43 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 0.060 | +0.14 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -8.39 | 0.222 | -1.86 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 47.5
- Final score
- 47/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 24 | 26.5 (band 18 to 40%) | 93.2 |
| Fat | 10 | 11 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 93 |
| Fibre | 5 | 5.5 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 4 declared nutrients (combined weight 60); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 29 nutritional additives on the label
- Zinc 100 mg/kg
- Selenium 0.4 mg/kg
- Vitamin E 50 IU/kg
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 30 mg/kg
- Taurine 0.15 %
- Glucosamine 400 mg/kg
- Chondroitin Sulfate 700 mg/kg
- Vitamin E supplement
- Zinc proteinate
- Zinc sulfate
- L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
- Ferrous sulfate
- Iron proteinate
- Niacin supplement
- Copper sulfate
- Vitamin A supplement
- Copper proteinate
- Sodium selenite
- Manganese sulfate
- Manganese proteinate
- Thiamine mononitrate
- d-calcium pantothenate
- Riboflavin supplement
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- Calcium iodate
- Folic acid
- Vitamin D3 supplement
- Biotin
Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) - not on file | 0/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
See all current recalls we track.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
80/100 · limited — 5 checkable claims: 4 consistent, 1 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "optimum, high protein" — the declared label says otherwise on high protein.
Consistent with the label
- "All Life Stages dry dog food provides complete nutrition for multi-dog families" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "complete nutrition and a balanced diet for puppies, adults, and senior dogs" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "complete and balanced nutrition for multi-dog families" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
33 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Limited: at least one claim contradicts the declared label, or a recent upheld ASA ruling applies.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| contains essential nutrients to support muscle health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| All Life Stages dry dog food provides complete nutrition for multi-dog families (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| nutritionally dense (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| premium dog food (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Real Lamb & Ancient Grains Recipe (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| optimum, high protein (on page) | High/low level | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| Regeneratively Farmed (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| optimum protein levels (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete nutrition and a balanced diet for puppies, adults, and senior dogs (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| real lamb as the first ingredient (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| developed by vet and pet nutrition experts for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Lamb is a highly digestible protein (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Farm-Raised Nutrition (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| nourishes in every bite (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| promote healthy digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| beautiful skin & coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| a healthy immune system (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| heart health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| healthy joints (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| We source regenerative ingredients from US farmers (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| help improve soil health (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Our sustainable packaging is made with recycled materials (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.70% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| GLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| ZINC 100.00 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult) (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| SELENIUM 0.40 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CRUDE FAT 10.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| MOISTURE 10.00% MAX (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE 700 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| HealthPlus Solutions, a proprietary blend of probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.03% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CRUDE PROTEIN 24.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VITAMIN E 50.00 IU/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| irresistible taste (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CRUDE FIBER 5.00% MAX (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete and balanced nutrition for multi-dog families (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
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