Farmina Dog Food: Review

Farmina is a premium pet food brand on a mission to develop the best, all-natural and scientifically validated food that cats and dogs will enjoy. Their story began in Italy over 50 years ago, in 1965. 

Originally, Mr. Francesco Russo founded the Russo Mangimi company that specialized in animal nutrition. He raised his children with the same knowledge and passion for animal nutrition that he had. So it’s no surprise that in 1999, his son Dr. Angelo Russo, transitioned the company into the pet food realm. He collaborated with Farmina, an English company that specialized in food research and formulation to create healthy pet food. 

Farmina believes that nutrition is pivotal in improving the lives of pets, but that it should be based on science and focused on wellness. As a result, Dr. Russo brought together a team of vets and nutritionists that were tasked with studying and developing the best food for the wellbeing of pets everywhere. 

Today, Farmina’s products are loaded with natural antioxidants, GMO-free and free from growth hormones and steroids. Many of their diets are high in protein and low in carbs, and they have products that are tailored to the different life stages of a dog. Some products even appeal to health issues such as weight control and bladder stones. Their food lines include their clinical Veterinarian line, Farmina Vet Life, Natural & Delicious Grain-Free (without cereals) and Low Ancestral Grain. 

Scientific research is critical to Farmina. That’s why they also have an ongoing relationship with the Chair of Animal Research at the University of Naples. 

Their main factories are located in Sao Paulo (Brazil), Indija (Serbia), and Naples (Italy).

Now that you know more about Farmina, it’s time to look at their products more closely. To help you decide on whether their dog food is the right fit for your canine, we’ve reviewed their highest-rated dry and grain-free food below.

Farmina’s top-selling dry food is made using high-quality ingredients, it has a high amount of protein with 28%, with most of this coming from lamb. This protein % puts it above the industry average in this regard.

It is a low glycemic formula, meaning it won’t spike your dog’s blood sugar levels. There is also a handy amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in this formula. If you want a high-quality recipe and aren’t fussed with an ancestral grain recipe then this is a good option.

Customer reviews:

“After trying about 8 different kinds dog food for my super picky baby we finally found one that she likes and I feel good about feeding. Definitely recommend for any dog owners that have picky dogs to try. And I LOVE the fact it’s not grain free. It is a little on the pricey side but they are worth it!”

“I have tried so many different brands of kibble but my dog never liked them, she’d leave her food sitting there for hours before finally giving in and eating. I did a ton of research on other kibble brands and decided to try this one; she’s been eating it for 6 weeks and she LOVES it! She can’t get enough, she goes crazy for it. I’m so thrilled! I have a 50 pound female pit bull.”

Guaranteed analysis:

• Protein (min): 28.0%
• Fat (min): 18.0%
• Fiber (max): 2.9%
• Moisture (max): 9.0%

Nutritional Info
Ingredients: Lamb, Dehydrated Lamb, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Dried Whole Eggs, Fresh Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Chicken Fat, Herring Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Carrots, Sun-Cured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides, Yeast Extract, Dried Blueberry, Dried Apple, Dried Pomegranate, Dried Sweet Orange, Dried Spinach, Psyllium Seed Husk, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Turmeric, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative).

Caloric Content

3941 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup

Farmina’s top-selling grain-free recipe is crazy high in protein. The industry average for dry food is 26.5%, guess what this food has in it? Can’t guess? Well, it has a minimum of 37%, which is insane. The main source of fat and protein is deboned chicken. This is also a low glycemic formula, so you won’t have to worry about your dog’s blood sugar. 

There are not GMO or added plant oils in this recipe, which can upset dogs’ stomachs at times. And the natural omegas will promote healthy skin and coat. A nice touch is the antioxidants this recipe has, from pomegranates and berries, which help fight free radicals that cause disease.

Customer reviews:

“My ten year old scottish terrier has had ear issues his whole life. Black gunk and very sensitive; he’s had antibiotics and other vet ideas that only worked temporarily. About a year ago we began feeding our dogs N&D and both dogs like it. At Pablo’s vet check this year the vet gave his ears a clean bill of health!! This is the only thing we have changed for him- I am so happy for my best friend!”

“I have an 11 year old Havanese and he has always eaten a prescription dog food for digestive issues. I don’t know why it took so long to discover that this expensive dog food had so many fillers and grains. I guess I thought it would automatically be healthy. Someone recommended Famina and my dog loved it as we made the transition to the new food. I feel it’s healthier and he has no digestion issues. I have a cat the same size as the dog and he noshes from the dog bowl and seems to like it also….”

Guaranteed analysis: 

• Protein (min): 37.0%
• Fat (min): 18.0%
• Fiber (max): 2.6%
• Moisture (max): 10.0%

Nutritional Info
Ingredients: Deboned chicken, dehydrated chicken (source of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate), potato, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dehydrated egg product, herring (source of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate), dehydrated herring (source of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate), herring & salmon oil blend (preserved with mixed tocopherols), fiber vegetable of peas, dried carrots, sun-cured alfalfa meal, chicory root extract, fructooligosaccharide, yeast extract (source of mannan-oligosaccharides), dehydrated pomegranate, dehydrated apple, dehydrated spinach, psyllium seed husk, dehydrated blackcurrant berry, dehydrated sweet orange, dehydrated blueberry, salt, brewers dried yeast, turmeric, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, choline chloride, beta-carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium yeast, DL-methionine, taurine, L-carnitine, aloe vera gel concentrate, green tea extract, rosemary extract.

Caloric Content

3941 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup

There have been no recalls of Farmina since 2013 when they started selling their food in the U.S.