Farmina N&D Pumpkin Dog Food is a premium dry kibble line designed for dogs of all sizes and life stages, earning top marks from pet nutrition experts. This grain-free formula stands out with its use of pumpkin as a key ingredient, providing digestive support alongside high-quality meats like chicken, lamb, and exotic proteins such as boar and venison. If you’re searching for a nutrient-dense, highly digestible dog food that prioritizes real animal proteins and superfoods, this review breaks down why all 18 recipes score 5 stars for quality and performance.
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Mini Chicken and Pomegranate kibble close-up
Our Expert Verdict on Farmina N&D Pumpkin
Dog Food Advisor rates the entire Farmina N&D Pumpkin range at 5 stars, classifying it as “Highly Recommended.” This assessment comes from in-depth analysis by founder Mike Sagman, content director Julia Ogden, and verified pet nutritionist Laura Ward, who holds a BSc in Animal Science with Nutrition accreditation and years of industry experience.
The line includes formulas for puppies, adults, and giant breeds, tailored by size (mini, medium/maxi, maxi giant) and protein sources. All recipes meet or exceed AAFCO standards for growth, maintenance, or all life stages. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Product | Rating | AAFCO Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Starter Puppy | 5 stars | Unspecified |
| Chicken, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Puppy Mini | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Lamb and Blueberry Puppy Mini | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Chicken, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Puppy Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Lamb and Blueberry Puppy Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Chicken and Pomegranate Adult Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Lamb and Blueberry Adult Mini | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Chicken and Pomegranate Adult Mini | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Lamb and Blueberry Adult Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Lamb and Blueberry Adult Maxi Giant | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Boar and Apple Adult Mini | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Boar and Apple Adult Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Duck and Cantaloupe Melon Adult Mini | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Duck and Cantaloupe Melon Adult Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Quail and Pomegranate Adult Mini | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Quail and Pomegranate Adult Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Venison and Apple Adult Mini | 5 stars | Maintenance |
| Venison and Apple Adult Medium/Maxi | 5 stars | Maintenance |
These recipes average 32.4% protein, 20.4% fat, and 39.3% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis—above average for protein and fat, with moderate carbs compared to typical kibbles. The fat-to-protein ratio of 63% indicates a meat-rich profile suitable for active dogs.
Detailed Recipe and Label Analysis
We analyzed Farmina N&D Pumpkin Chicken and Pomegranate Adult Mini as a representative formula. On a dry matter basis, it provides:
- Protein: 33%
- Fat: 19.8%
- Carbohydrates: 39.2%
- Fiber: 2.9%
Key ingredients include chicken (first), dehydrated chicken (second), pea starch, chicken fat, dried pumpkin, dried whole eggs, herring, dehydrated herring, and herring oil. These deliver essential amino acids, omega-3s (EPA/DHA), and omega-6s for skin, coat, and heart health.
Pumpkin adds beta-carotene, complex carbs, and soluble fiber for gut health, while superfoods like pomegranate, apple, spinach, blueberry, and sweet orange provide antioxidants. Joint support comes from glucosamine and chondroitin, and chelated minerals enhance absorption.
Red-flag-free, this recipe avoids common fillers, with nutritional boosts from taurine (for heart function, especially in grain-free diets), L-carnitine, and prebiotics like inulin and fructooligosaccharides.
In-Depth Ingredients Breakdown
Leading with chicken—a clean flesh-and-skin source rich in all 10 essential amino acids—followed by dehydrated chicken, a concentrate retaining more nutrients than high-heat-processed meals. Chicken fat supplies linoleic acid for vitality.
Dried pumpkin shines for digestion, echoing veterinary recommendations for fiber-rich veggies in canine diets. Whole dried eggs offer superior digestibility and biological value. Marine proteins like herring and herring oil provide omega-3s, combating inflammation.
Lower-listed items include pea fiber and alfalfa meal for bulk fiber, though they’re not primary nutrients. Yeast extract and brewers dried yeast add B-vitamins and minerals but spark debate over allergies or glutamates—monitor your dog if sensitive. Selenium yeast is a safer, organic form versus synthetic selenite.
Overall, meat content dominates, even accounting for plant proteins, making this ideal for dogs needing high palatability and nutrition without grains.
Farmina N&D Pumpkin dry dog food bag for adult mini breeds
Nutrient Profile Strengths
This line excels with above-average protein from animal sources, supporting muscle maintenance per AAFCO guidelines (minimum 18% for adults). Fat levels fuel energy for all breeds, while carbs stay controlled via veggies over grains.
Veterinarians often praise pumpkin-inclusive formulas for sensitive stomachs, aligning with studies on fiber’s role in microbiome health (e.g., chicory-derived inulin as a prebiotic). No protein-boosting from peas dominates; meats lead.
Recall History and Safety
Farmina N&D Pumpkin has no recalls through November 2025, per FDA and AVMA records. This clean history underscores manufacturing rigor in Italy, with U.S. distribution.
Final Thoughts on Farmina N&D Pumpkin Dog Food
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Dry Dog Food merits its 5-star rating as a grain-free powerhouse blending novel proteins, pumpkin for digestion, and science-backed additives. Perfect for picky eaters, allergy-prone pups, or those thriving on superfood kibble, it outperforms average brands in meat quality and nutrient balance.
Consult your vet before switching, especially for puppies or dogs with health issues. Stock up via trusted retailers for potential autoship savings—your dog deserves this level of excellence.
Sources:
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Nutrient Profiles.
- Dog Food Advisor independent analysis (updated September 26, 2024).
