N&D Brown Coat Lamb, Norwegian Kelp & Carrot Adult Med/Max Dry Dog Food, 4.4-lb bag
Graded by The Sniff System
Farmina N&D Brown Coat Lamb, Norwegian Kelp & Carrot is a dry food for adult medium to large dogs, with lamb as its main protein.
This food offers good protein quality, with lamb providing solid amino acid coverage. It also uses quality carbohydrate sources that include fermentable fiber. You'll find good fat sources here too, with named fat and marine oil for EPA and DHA.
The formula contains MSG, which is often included via yeast extract. While the safety signal is internet-fueled, the real issue is that yeast extract can obscure the true formulation.
Good fit for adult dogs, especially those of medium to large size. Nothing serious working against it.
Summary written by The Sniff System from the data above. Same rubric, same drivers, expressed in English.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals reports a hip dysplasia prevalence of 11.4% in Labrador Retrievers, based on 147,706 evaluations submitted between 1974 and 2023 (OFA) . Strong fit for active large sporting breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and English Setters navigating hip and joint concerns. No glucosamine or chondroitin on the label, with fish oil at position 6 for anti-inflammatory EPA/DHA.
Looking at this for adult Labrador Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers with hip and joint concerns ? We are building dedicated pages for these combinations.
Auto-matched from this product's measurements (ingredients, life stage, calorie density) to a breed archetype. Not a substitute for vet input on your specific dog.
Research informing this analysis
MethodologyThe Sniff System grades this product against 5 cited studies relevant to its profile. Each link opens the original source.
- OFAorthopedics · breed predisposition· cited in 4 claims
- APOP, 2023weight management
- Bhathal et al., 2017glucosamine
- Brooks et al., 2014weight management
- OFAorthopedics
Every claim on Sniff traces to a source. If you find a citation that's wrong, outdated, or misapplied, tell us.
At 66/100, this formula lands in solid B territory. The lift comes from protein quality, worth 15.5 points to the final number: Reasonable protein quality. lamb delivers solid amino acid coverage. Where it lost ground: controversial-ingredient penalty, costing 3 points. Contains msg. Safety signal is internet-fueled; real issue is transparency. Yeast extract as MSG loophole obscures formulation. The path to A-tier is about 9 points; controversial-ingredient penalty is the structural lever.
Reasonable protein quality. lamb delivers solid amino acid coverage.
Quality carbohydrate sources with fermentable fiber.
Quality fat sources: named fat with marine oil (EPA and DHA source).
Contains msg. Safety signal is internet-fueled; real issue is transparency. Yeast extract as MSG loophole obscures formulation..
- Top 4% for carb quality in grain-free dry kibbles (15/16)
- Bottom 10% for fat quality in Farmina's lineup (12/16)
- Top quartile for DMB protein in grain-free dry kibbles (37.4%)
Computed against the rest of our catalog. Percentiles refresh on each catalog update.
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Scores 13 points higher with a similar formulation profile.
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$4.04/lb vs your seed's $9.09/lb (56% less) at a comparable score.
Surfaced from a vector similarity search across 3,491 scored dog foods. How this works.
Read why each ingredient is good or bad for dogs.
- 1protein animallamb
Real meat. Often used for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities. Slightly higher fat content than chicken.
Position 1: primary protein source. After cooking removes water, this may drop in proportional weight, but it anchors the recipe.
- 2dehydrated lamb protein
Position 2: co-primary protein. Two named animal proteins in the top 2 is a strong protein build.
- 3vegetablesweet potato
Complex carb with fiber and beta-carotene. Gentle on the stomach.
Position 3: meaningful whole-food inclusion. Source of vitamins, antioxidants, or natural fiber.
- 4hydrolysed fish protein
- 5fatchicken fat
Despite the name, a high-quality energy source. Concentrated calories plus essential fatty acids like linoleic acid. See why →
Position 5: secondary fat. Often where marine oils sit when present alongside a primary land-animal fat.
- 6fatfish oil
Concentrated omega-3s. The reason 'EPA' and 'DHA' get to show up on the bag.
Position 6. Moderate marine-oil inclusion. Supplements EPA/DHA without being the primary fat.
- 7supplementdried kelp
Natural source of iodine and trace minerals. A common premium-brand inclusion.
- 8linseed
- 9dried carrot
Real vegetable. Fiber, beta-carotene, antioxidants. Same as carrots, sometimes singular on labels.
- 10supplementturmeric
Spice with anti-inflammatory compounds. Real research in humans, but the dose in kibble is small. Mostly there for label appeal.
- 11pea fibre
Position 11. Trace inclusion. Below the level associated with the FDA's DCM-pattern concerns.
- 12supplementalfalfa meal
Dried alfalfa. Real fiber and trace minerals. Functional plant ingredient.
- 13fiberinulin
Prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Same compound found in chicory root.
Position 13: trace fiber inclusion.
- 14fructo-oligosaccharides
- 15yeast extract
Yeast broken down to a paste. Strong palatant plus a real source of B vitamins.
- 16dried spinach
Leafy green. Some iron, vitamin K, and fiber. The dose in kibble is small but it's real food.
- 17psyllium husks and seeds
- 18dried brewers' yeast
- 19mineraldicalcium phosphate
Calcium and phosphorus combined. Required source of both minerals, especially in formulas without much bone content.
- 20mineralpotassium chloride
Required mineral. Sometimes used as a salt substitute. Standard inclusion in complete diets.
- 21mineralsodium chloride
Same as salt. Required mineral, necessary at small doses.
- 22aloe vera extract
- 23glucosamine
- 24chondroitin sulphate
14 of 24 ingredients have a curated note. Coverage grows over time.