Herz
Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver
Rating
Is Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver air-dried dog food good?
Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver is a air-dried dog food rated 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and limited 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, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Red meat.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- 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 40%
- Fat 16%
- Est. Carbs 36%
- Fiber 1%
- Ash 7%
Moisture (14%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 34%
- Fat 14%
- Est. Carbs 31%
- Fiber 1%
- Moisture 14%
- Ash 6%
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (40% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- 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.
Ingredients Analysis
30 of 30 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 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 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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4 Duck Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, copper, and iron.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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5 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Date Powder
CarbsDescription
Powder from dried dates, a natural sweetener rich in fiber and minerals.
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7 Coconut Glycerin
Food AdditiveDescription
A clear liquid made from coconut oils, it is a food additive for sweetening and binding free water. It improves the taste and prevents mold growth of pet foods.
Why Notice?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Uncertain/Risky
The process of producing Glycerin, which is called "Saponification", will create soap together with glycerine. An additional chemical process is required to filter the soap - However, depending on the quality of the filtration process, glycerine used in food may still contain traces of soap.
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8 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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9 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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10 Sodium Polyphosphates
(Detected): sodium polyphosphate
Food AdditiveDescription
A chemical compound used as a food preservative by maintaining moisture in pet foods.
Why Notice?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Uncertain/Risky
In higher doses, it could cause diarrhea, vomitting. stomach and intestines inflammation.
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11 Choline Bitartrate
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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12 Zinc Gluconate
SupplementDescription
An organic zinc supplement chelated with gluconic acid for good bioavailability.
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13 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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14 Iron Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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15 Ferric Pyrophosphate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic iron supplement used for fortification, providing a source of bioavailable iron.
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16 Selenium 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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17 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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18 Manganese Gluconate
SupplementDescription
An organic manganese supplement chelated with gluconic acid.
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19 Glucosamine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
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20 Vitamin B3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B3, which is vital for catabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, weight loss, inflammation, and ulcers of the oral.
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21 Vitamin B5
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B5, which is important for energy metabolism and synthesis of specific proteins and fats. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, gastritis, poor growth rate.
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22 Vitamin B2
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.
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23 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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24 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
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25 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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26 Vitamin B9
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B9, which is vital for amino acid (the building block of protein) metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. A deficiency will result in symptoms like poor growth rate and anemia.
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27 Vitamin B12
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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28 Vitamin D3
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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29 Flaxseed Oil
FatDescription
Extracted oil from pressing the ground flaxseed. It is one of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
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30 Vitamin E
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.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Venison, Chicken are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Pea Protein may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Pea Protein, Coconut Glycerin, Sodium Polyphosphates.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Coconut Glycerin, Sodium Polyphosphates have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Pea Protein 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 Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver'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
Low- Animal 54%
- Plant concentrate 45%
- Auxiliary 1%
Protein in Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver leans on plant signals: only 54% comes from animal sources, while plant-protein concentrates make up 45% and whole plant proteins 0%. Plant concentrates like pea or soy isolate are cheap protein boosters but lack the amino-acid profile pets need from meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver air-dried dog food Review
Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver is a solid mid-tier air-dried dog food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and limited 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, Poultry, Red meat.
- On a dry-matter basis: 40% protein, 16% fat, 36% estimated carbohydrates.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver good for dogs?
Mostly — a solid mid-tier pick at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and limited animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.
Does Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Herz Air-Dried Venison with Duck Liver?
The top animal proteins are Venison, Chicken, Duck Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
