What's actually in Farmina?
We analyzed Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult, their flagship grain-inclusive formula. The first five ingredients are dehydrated chicken, whole spelt, whole oats, chicken fat, and dried beet pulp.
Dehydrated chicken is a concentrated protein source — unlike whole chicken, the water has already been removed, so it doesn't drop down the list after cooking. That means the #1 slot genuinely represents a protein-dominant formula. Whole spelt and whole oats are ancient grains that provide complex carbohydrates and fiber without the inflammatory concerns of corn or wheat. Chicken fat is a standard, well-regarded energy source. Dried beet pulp is a clean fiber source that supports digestive health. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
The standout here is the inclusion of dehydrated chicken liver at position #6. Organ meat is one of the most nutrient-dense foods a dog can eat — packed with vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper — yet almost no commercial kibble includes it. This is something you'd expect in a raw or fresh food diet, not a shelf-stable kibble. It's a genuine differentiator.
Herring oil provides EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids — the marine-sourced forms that are directly bioavailable, unlike the plant-based omega-3s from flaxseed that many brands rely on. The superfood lineup is functional, not token: pomegranate provides ellagic acid (a potent antioxidant), dried tomato adds lycopene, and artichoke supports liver function. Yucca schidigera extract helps reduce stool odor. Added taurine is a responsible inclusion for heart health.
The grain choice matters too. Spelt and oats are low-glycemic, easily digestible ancient grains that provide sustained energy. This is a meaningfully different approach from the corn-and-wheat fillers in budget formulas or the pea-and-legume loading in grain-free alternatives.
The not-so-good stuff
Protein diversity is limited. Chicken is the only animal protein source (dehydrated chicken, chicken fat, chicken liver). Dogs benefit from protein rotation, and a formula at this price point could include a second animal protein like fish or lamb. Orijen includes six animal protein sources for comparison.
Peas appear at position #7. While a single pea inclusion this far down the list isn't alarming, it's worth noting given the ongoing FDA investigation into legume-heavy diets and potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The amount here is modest — nothing like the triple-pea loading in some grain-free formulas — but it's there.
Farmina is also one of the most expensive kibbles on the market. The quality justifies a premium, but at this price you're in the same territory as Fromm (B/84) and Acana (B/88), both of which offer more protein diversity. You're paying for the organ meat, the Italian manufacturing heritage, and the superfood profile — whether those are worth the premium over equally-scored alternatives is a personal call.
How it compares
Farmina's B/78 ties it with Diamond Naturals, Kirkland Signature, Blue Buffalo, and Taste of the Wild — strong company for a brand that approaches formulation so differently from the pack. What sets Farmina apart at this score isn't the number — it's the how. Organ meat, ancient grains, and targeted superfoods are rarities in the B/78 tier.
The most useful comparison is with Acana (B/88), which scores 10 points higher. Acana wins on protein diversity and intensity (six animal ingredients before the first carb). Farmina's grain-inclusive formula is the safer choice for breeds predisposed to DCM, but the protein density gap is real.
Against mainstream brands, Farmina scores 16 points higher than Purina Pro Plan (C/62) and 17 above Hill's Science Diet (C/61). The ingredient profiles aren't in the same category.
Read the full breakdown in our Farmina vs Acana head-to-head comparison.
The bottom line
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain earns a B grade (78/100) from KibbleIQ. The dehydrated chicken, organ meat, ancient grains, and targeted superfoods make this one of the most thoughtfully formulated kibbles in the B tier. The limited protein diversity and premium price keep it from climbing higher, but if you want a kibble that reads more like a fresh food recipe than a processed product, Farmina is the closest you'll get from a bag. Shop on Amazon →