What's actually in Annamaet?
We analyzed Annamaet Encore 22/9 Chicken & Salmon Meal, their moderate protein formula designed for adult dogs. The first five ingredients are chicken meal, salmon meal, brown rice, ground millet, and cracked pearled barley.
Two named protein meals leading the formula is a strong start. Both chicken meal and salmon meal are concentrated proteins — the water has been removed, so their position on the list accurately reflects how much protein they contribute. Brown rice is a digestible, quality grain. Ground millet is an ancient grain that's rarely seen in commercial dog food — it's gluten-free, high in B vitamins, and easier to digest than corn or wheat. Cracked pearled barley adds fiber and beta-glucans that support immune function. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
The protein foundation is excellent. Having two named animal protein meals in positions 1 and 2 means animal protein is unambiguously the dominant macronutrient. Chicken provides the bulk, and salmon adds omega-3 fatty acids as a bonus on top of its protein contribution. Dried egg product further down the list adds a third animal protein source with one of the highest biological values of any protein.
The grain selection is notably thoughtful. Millet and pearled barley are both ancient grains with lower glycemic impact than the corn, wheat, and rice that dominate the budget market. These choices suggest Annamaet is formulating for nutritional quality, not cost optimization. Flaxseed adds plant-based omega-3s and soluble fiber for digestive health.
Chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) is the gold standard for fat preservation in dog food — natural, effective, and miles better than the BHA/BHT used in budget brands. Dried chicory root provides prebiotic inulin, and yucca schidigera extract helps reduce stool odor. Added taurine supports heart health — a responsible inclusion that shows the formulators are paying attention to current veterinary research.
The not-so-good stuff
The "22/9" in the product name refers to the guaranteed analysis: 22% protein, 9% fat. That's on the lower end for a premium dog food. Brands like Orijen deliver 38% protein, and even mid-tier options like Taste of the Wild (B/78) hit 32%. The Encore formula is designed for moderate-activity adult dogs, but active, working, or large breed dogs may need a higher-protein option.
The ingredient list is relatively short — no fruits, vegetables, or superfoods beyond the chicory root and yucca extract. Brands at this score level like Fromm (B/84) include cheese, eggs, and a broader range of functional ingredients. Annamaet keeps it clean and simple, which is a valid philosophy, but it also means fewer nutritional bonuses beyond the protein-and-grain foundation.
Availability is the biggest practical obstacle. Annamaet is a small, Pennsylvania-based company that distributes primarily through independent pet retailers. You won't find it at PetSmart, Petco, or most grocery stores. Online options exist but are limited compared to mainstream brands.
How it compares
Annamaet's B/76 places it in the mid-B tier alongside Victor and Purina Pro Plan Sensitive. For a brand most people haven't heard of, it holds its own against products with massive marketing budgets.
The closest comparison is Fromm (B/84), another small, family-owned brand with excellent ingredient quality and limited distribution. Fromm wins by 8 points thanks to its broader ingredient profile, more protein sources, and higher protein levels. But Annamaet's dual fish-and-chicken protein base gives it an omega-3 advantage that Fromm's chicken-and-duck formula doesn't match.
Against mainstream competition, Annamaet outperforms Purina Pro Plan (C/62) by 14 points while often costing the same or less per pound when purchased through specialty retailers. The ingredient quality gap is real: named protein meals vs. rice-and-wheat fillers.
Read the full breakdown in our Annamaet vs Fromm head-to-head comparison.
The bottom line
Annamaet Encore 22/9 earns a B grade (76/100) from KibbleIQ. Dual named protein meals, ancient grains, and a clean ingredient list with zero fillers make this a solid choice for adult dogs with moderate activity levels. The lower protein percentage and limited retail availability are the main trade-offs. If you can find it, Annamaet delivers quality nutrition from a company that's been quietly making dog food since 1986 — long before "holistic" became a marketing buzzword. Shop on Amazon →