Addiction
Viva La Venison Grain-Free
Rating
Is Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free dry dog food good?
Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free is a dry dog food rated 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Red meat.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 27%
- Fat 13%
- Est. Carbs 48%
- Fiber 4%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 24%
- Fat 12%
- Est. Carbs 43%
- Fiber 4%
- Moisture 10%
- Ash 7%
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (27% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.
- Fat is Medium (13% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many adult dogs, assuming the full diet matches activity and body condition.
Ingredients Analysis
44 of 44 matched
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1 Venison
Animal ProteinDescription
A more exotic red meat, higher protein and lower in fat compared to other domestic red meats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Venison Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of venison, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. Venison is a more exotic red meat, higher protein, and lower in fat compared to other domestic red meats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Green Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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4 Tapioca
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.
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5 Coconut Oil
FatDescription
The richest source of "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCT). One of the MCT, lauric acid is said to help to fight off viruses and infection of the body.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
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6 Pea Protein
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Digestion Concern
The process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
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7 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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8 Dried Brewers Yeast
(Detected): Dried Brewer's Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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9 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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10 Yellow Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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11 Natural Buffered Vinegar
Food AdditiveDescription
A pH-adjusted vinegar used as a natural preservative in pet food to inhibit bacterial growth.
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12 Sea Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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13 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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14 Magnesium Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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15 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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16 Dried Cranberry
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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17 Dried Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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18 Dried Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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19 Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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20 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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21 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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22 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
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23 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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24 Zinc Amino Acid Complex
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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25 Iron Amino Acid Complex
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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26 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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27 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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28 Copper Amino Acid Complex
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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29 D-calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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30 Manganese Amino Acid Complex
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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31 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
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32 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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33 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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34 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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35 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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36 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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37 Cobalt Sulfate
SupplementDescription
Cobalt is essential for the synthesis of vitamin B12. This is an inorganic form of cobalt, which has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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38 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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39 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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40 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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41 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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42 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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43 Tea Extract
OthersDescription
Extract from tea leaves, rich in polyphenols and natural antioxidants.
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44 Mint Extract
CarbsDescription
A spice used in many yummy dishes, it has numerous health benefits but is usually added in pet foods for its aroma.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Venison, Venison Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Green Peas, Pea Protein, Yellow Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Pea Protein.
- Possible digestion triggers: Green Peas, Coconut Oil, Pea Protein, and 1 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 63%
- Plant 13%
- Plant concentrate 22%
- Auxiliary 2%
Mixed protein sources in Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free: 63% animal, 13% whole plants, and 22% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free dry dog food Review
Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- You're avoiding plant-protein concentrates like pea or soy isolate
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Pea Protein.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Red meat.
- On a dry-matter basis: 27% protein, 13% fat, 48% estimated carbohydrates.
- 63% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free good for dogs?
Mostly — a solid mid-tier pick at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.
Does Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free?
The top animal proteins are Venison, Venison Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
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