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Grandma Lucy's

Artisan Venison Recipe

DogFreeze-Dried

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

Is Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe freeze-dried dog food good?

Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe is a freeze-dried dog food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Red meat.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Red meat

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggLegumesNutsPoultryFishShellfishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
  • Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 30%
  • Fat 16%
  • Est. Carbs 38%
  • Fiber 8%
  • Ash 8%

Moisture (7%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 28%
  • Fat 15%
  • Est. Carbs 36%
  • Fiber 8%
  • Moisture 7%
  • 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 (30% 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.

    Understanding Medium Protein (25% - 33% Dry Matter)

    Middle Comparison Bucket This bucket is species-aware: the cat medium range starts higher than the dog range. It helps compare labels, but it is not a complete nutrition verdict.

    Cats Need Closer Review Cats are obligate carnivores and generally need more protein than dogs. For cat foods in this range, the complete-and-balanced statement and life-stage claim are especially important.

  • Fat is High (16% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.

    Understanding High Fat (16% – 22% Dry Matter)

    Higher Calorie Density This range can support pets with higher energy needs, but it can also make overfeeding easier. Portion size, total calories, and body condition matter.

    Pancreatitis and Digestive History For dogs with pancreatitis history, fat level is often reviewed carefully. For cats, fat is only one part of the decision. Use this as a flag for vet-guided review, not as an automatic rejection.

Ingredients Analysis

28 of 28 matched

  • 1 Venison
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Potatoes
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.

  • 3 Flax
    Carbs

    Description

    Flax plant, a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

  • 4 Sweet Potatoes
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.

  • 5 Carrots
    Carbs

    Description

    Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).

  • 6 Celery
    Carbs

    Description

    Source of vitamins A, C, and K, also contains minerals such as folate, potassium, and manganese.

  • 7 Apples
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.

  • 8 Bananas
    Carbs

    Description

    High in carbs and natural sugar, well known for its potassium content.

  • 9 Blueberries
    Carbs

    Description

    Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.

  • 10 Cranberries
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 11 Pumpkin
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.

  • 12 Garlic
    Carbs

    Description

    Often added to improve the taste of pet foods. According to research, garlic is completely safe in a small amount.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial vegetable that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.

    Uncertain/Risky

    It contains thiosulfate, when feed in a larger amount, it can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells of the body, resulting in hemolytic anemia.

  • 13 Vitamin A Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 14 Vitamin D3 Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 15 Vitamin E Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 16 Niacin Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.

  • 17 Iron Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 18 Calcium Carbonate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 19 Phosphorus

    (Detected): Phosphorous

    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of phosphate, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate compared to the organic form. Phosphorus is essential for various body functions, especially critical to maintain normal metabolism.

  • 20 Zinc Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 21 Riboflavin Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.

  • 22 Thiamine Mononitrate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 23 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 24 Manganese Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 25 Copper Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 26 Magnesium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 27 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.

  • 28 Cyanocobalamin
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Venison are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Potatoes, Garlic.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Garlic have caution notes in the ingredient database.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe'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

Venison

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Venison

Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe freeze-dried dog food Review

Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.

Best for

  • Owners who want clearly named protein sources
  • Pets avoiding gluten grains
  • Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Contains common allergens: Red meat.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 30% protein, 16% fat, 38% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe good for dogs?

Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Grandma Lucy's Artisan Venison Recipe?

The top animal proteins are Venison — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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