9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
Grandma Lucy’s was born in 1999 when Eric and Breann Shook, a California couple, couldn’t find clean, simple dog food for their English Cocker Spaniel, Lucy, who suffered from chronic skin reactions and food sensitivities. Frustrated by ingredient lists full of fillers and by-products, they started freeze-drying whole foods in their own kitchen—meat, vegetables, and fruits you’d recognize from your own meals. What began as a homemade solution grew into a family-owned company that now serves dog owners nationwide, all while staying true to that original mission: transparent ingredients, minimal processing, and recipes you could eat yourself.
The brand positions itself in the premium freeze-dried segment, competing with names like The Honest Kitchen and Stella & Chewy’s. Unlike mass-market kibble brands that rely on high-heat extrusion and anonymous “meat meals,” Grandma Lucy’s emphasizes whole-food sourcing and gentle freeze-drying to lock in nutrients and flavor. Their core values center on ingredient integrity, transparency, and solving real feeding problems—allergies, sensitive stomachs, picky eaters—without resorting to artificial additives or questionable fillers.
Grandma Lucy’s remains 100% privately owned by the Shook family, with no corporate parent or private equity backing as of 2025. This independence shows up in consistent messaging and product philosophy—there’s no pressure to cut corners or chase quarterly growth at the expense of quality. All production happens in-house at their state-of-the-art facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and the company claims that every ingredient meets human-grade standards.
What I find impressive about this setup is the level of control it allows. When a brand manufactures its own food rather than contracting with a co-packer, it can respond quickly to quality issues and maintain tighter oversight of ingredient sourcing and handling. That said, the company doesn’t publish third-party audit reports or ISO certifications publicly, so you’re taking their word on internal quality controls—a gap I’d like to see filled.
Grandma Lucy’s has zero recalls on record, which is remarkable for a brand operating for over 25 years. This clean safety history sets it apart from many competitors, including larger brands that have faced aflatoxin or Salmonella contamination issues. Customer reviews consistently praise the brand for responsiveness and transparency, and the founders remain actively involved, which adds a personal touch that’s rare in the pet food industry.
The brand’s reputation among natural-food advocates is strong, though it doesn’t have the same mainstream recognition as, say, Blue Buffalo or Hill’s Science Diet. You’ll find Grandma Lucy’s in specialty pet boutiques and online retailers rather than big-box stores, which aligns with its positioning as a premium, health-focused option for informed dog owners.
| Price per pound | $11 – $20 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Venison, Rabbit, Fish |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (all life stages) |
| Formula options | 4 product lines (Artisan, Pureformance, Macanna, 3 Bears) |
| Availability | Specialty pet stores + online retailers |
If you’ve ever read a dog food label and felt like you needed a chemistry degree, you’re not alone. Grandma Lucy’s keeps things refreshingly simple: the first ingredients are named animal proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, or fish, followed by recognizable whole foods like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, flaxseed, and fruits. No anonymous “poultry meal” or “animal by-products”—just ingredients you’d find in your own kitchen.
Across the Artisan, Pureformance, Macanna, and 3 Bears lines, the first ingredient is always a whole, named meat. For example, the Artisan Chicken formula lists chicken as the lead ingredient, followed by potatoes, flaxseed, and celery. Pureformance Chicken swaps potatoes for chickpeas, targeting dogs that need lower glycemic carbs or weight management. Macanna Turkey adds hemp hearts and turmeric, positioning itself as an anti-inflammatory, superfood-rich option.
What I appreciate here is the lack of meat meals or rendered proteins. Freeze-drying whole meat preserves more nutrients and moisture than rendering, and it avoids the quality variability that comes with meal ingredients. The downside? Whole meat is expensive, which is why Grandma Lucy’s costs more per pound than kibble brands that rely on chicken meal or by-product meal.
Grandma Lucy’s uses potatoes, chickpeas, pinto beans, or rolled oats depending on the product line. Artisan leans on potatoes—a moderate-glycemic carb that’s easy to digest and rarely triggers allergies. Pureformance uses chickpeas, which are lower on the glycemic index and higher in fiber, making them a better choice for dogs prone to weight gain or blood sugar spikes. Macanna incorporates pinto beans, adding plant-based protein and additional fiber.
The 3 Bears line is the only grain-inclusive option, featuring rolled oats. This was a smart move—many dogs do fine with grains, and oats provide soluble fiber that supports digestive health. If your dog doesn’t have a grain sensitivity, 3 Bears offers a more affordable entry point without sacrificing ingredient quality.
Flaxseed appears in most formulas, providing omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Some recipes also include fish oil (herring), which delivers EPA and DHA—omega-3s that support joint health and cognitive function. Fat percentages range from 14% to 16% on a dry matter basis, which is moderate and appropriate for most adult dogs.
What’s missing are highly refined oils like soybean or canola oil, which are common in budget kibbles. Grandma Lucy’s sticks with whole-food fat sources, which I consider a plus for ingredient transparency and bioavailability.
Depending on the formula, you’ll see carrots, celery, apples, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, kale, coconut, and ginger. These ingredients provide antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, though the exact amounts aren’t disclosed. The Macanna line takes this further with hemp hearts (omega-3s and plant protein), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), and kale (vitamins A, C, and K).
Are these superfoods a game-changer? Probably not—dogs get most of their nutrition from protein and fat, and the impact of small amounts of kale or turmeric is likely modest. But they don’t hurt, and for dogs with chronic inflammation or joint issues, every bit of dietary support helps.
All Grandma Lucy’s recipes include added vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO standards—think vitamin E, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. These are necessary because freeze-drying whole foods doesn’t always provide complete nutrition in the right ratios. What you won’t find are artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Freeze-drying itself acts as a preservation method, so there’s no need for BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
One limitation: Grandma Lucy’s doesn’t disclose specific probiotic strains or dosages, and glucosamine/chondroitin levels aren’t listed. If your dog has severe joint issues, you may still need to add a dedicated supplement.
Grandma Lucy’s avoids most of the usual suspects—no corn, soy, wheat, or by-products. However, some formulas contain peas and chickpeas, which have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some studies, particularly when used as primary protein sources. It’s worth noting that Grandma Lucy’s uses legumes as carbs, not protein replacements, and the FDA has not concluded that legumes definitively cause DCM. Still, if you’re concerned, the Artisan or 3 Bears lines use potatoes or oats instead.
Understanding guaranteed analysis percentages is one thing; knowing whether they translate to real nutritional adequacy is another. Grandma Lucy’s formulas are designed to meet or exceed AAFCO standards for all life stages, but let’s dig into what that means in practice.
Protein levels range from 28% to 36% on a dry matter basis, depending on the product line. Artisan Chicken sits at 28%, which is solid for an all-life-stages food. Pureformance Chicken jumps to 36%, making it one of the higher-protein freeze-dried options on the market and a good fit for active dogs or those needing weight management. Macanna and 3 Bears land around 32-33%, balancing protein with moderate fat and carbs.
For comparison, many premium kibbles offer 24-30% protein, so Grandma Lucy’s is competitive or better. What matters more than the percentage is protein quality—named meats with complete amino acid profiles beat anonymous meals every time, and Grandma Lucy’s delivers here.
Fat content hovers between 14% and 16%, which is moderate and appropriate for most dogs. Caloric density is roughly 4,000-4,300 kcal/kg on a dry matter basis, similar to other freeze-dried foods. Because you rehydrate the food before serving, the as-fed calorie density is lower, which can help dogs feel fuller without overeating.
If your dog is highly active or underweight, the Pureformance or Macanna lines offer slightly higher fat and calories. For less active or overweight dogs, Artisan or 3 Bears with careful portion control works well.
Estimated carbohydrate content ranges from 36% to 50%, with Artisan on the higher end (potatoes) and Pureformance on the lower end (chickpeas). Fiber sits between 6% and 8%, which supports healthy digestion without causing loose stools in most dogs.
The moderate fiber levels are a sweet spot—enough to keep things moving without overwhelming sensitive stomachs. If your dog tends toward constipation, the Pureformance or Macanna lines offer slightly more fiber from legumes and vegetables.
All Grandma Lucy’s recipes with added protein meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, meaning they’re formulated to support puppies, adults, and seniors. The Pre-Mix lines require you to add your own protein, so they’re incomplete on their own—an important distinction if you’re considering those for convenience.
Calcium and phosphorus ratios are appropriate for bone health, and added vitamins cover potential gaps from freeze-drying. However, the brand doesn’t publish detailed micronutrient breakdowns or digestibility studies, so you’re trusting their formulation expertise rather than seeing third-party validation.
Not every dog food works for every dog, and Grandma Lucy’s is no exception. Here’s where it shines and where it might fall short.
A nutritionally perfect food doesn’t matter if your dog refuses to eat it. So how does Grandma Lucy’s perform in the palatability department?
Grandma Lucy’s offers a solid range of flavors across its product lines:
Chicken and pork tend to be the most popular based on customer reviews, while fish and rabbit appeal to dogs with protein sensitivities. The variety is decent but not overwhelming—you won’t find exotic proteins like kangaroo or alligator, but you have enough options to rotate proteins or find something your dog tolerates.
Most reviews report high acceptance rates, especially among dogs who struggle with kibble. The rehydrated texture resembles a thick stew or porridge, which many dogs find more appealing than dry pellets. Owners frequently mention that picky eaters who previously left food in the bowl now clean their dishes enthusiastically.
That said, some dogs don’t love the texture or smell. A handful of reviews mention dogs refusing the food after an initial taste, and a few note that the earthy or fruity smell (from vegetables and fruits) is off-putting to certain dogs. If your dog is texture-sensitive or prefers crunchier food, you might need to mix Grandma Lucy’s with kibble during the transition.
Rehydrating freeze-dried food takes a few minutes—you add warm water, stir, and wait for it to absorb. Some owners find this inconvenient, especially during busy mornings, but others appreciate the ritual and control over food consistency. You can adjust the water amount to make the food soupy or more solid, depending on your dog’s preference.
One practical tip: if you’re in a rush, you can rehydrate a batch the night before and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before serving, as most dogs prefer food that’s not ice-cold.
Let’s talk money. Grandma Lucy’s isn’t cheap, and whether it’s worth the cost depends on what you value and how you define “good value.”
Prices vary by product line and bag size, but here’s a general overview:
For context, a 10-pound bag of Artisan Chicken costs around $140, which yields roughly 40 pounds of rehydrated food. If you’re feeding a 50-pound dog, that’s about $3.50 to $4.50 per day, depending on activity level and portion size. Compare that to premium kibble at $1.50-$2.50 per day, or fresh subscription services like The Farmer’s Dog at $5-$8 per day.
Within the freeze-dried category, Grandma Lucy’s is competitively priced. Stella & Chewy’s and Primal often cost $16-$20 per pound, while The Honest Kitchen ranges from $12-$18 per pound. Grandma Lucy’s sits comfortably in the middle, offering similar ingredient quality at a slightly lower price point.
If you compare it to kibble, the cost difference is significant. But you’re also getting whole-food ingredients, minimal processing, and no fillers—benefits that kibble can’t match. For dogs with chronic allergies or digestive issues, the potential savings in vet bills and medications can offset the higher food cost.
For owners who prioritize ingredient transparency and visible health improvements, yes. If you’ve watched your dog struggle with itchy skin, loose stools, or low energy on kibble, switching to Grandma Lucy’s could genuinely improve their quality of life. Many reviewers mention that their dogs’ coats are shinier, stools are firmer, and energy levels are more consistent—changes that make the cost easier to justify.
On the other hand, if your dog is thriving on a mid-range kibble and you’re on a tight budget, Grandma Lucy’s might be overkill. You can get adequate nutrition for less money, and your dog likely won’t suffer for it. The value equation here is personal and depends on your dog’s needs and your financial flexibility.
Where and how dog food is made matters more than most people realize. Contamination, inconsistent nutrient levels, and poor ingredient handling can all stem from weak production practices.
Grandma Lucy’s produces all its food in-house at their facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. This gives them direct control over the process, from ingredient receiving to freeze-drying to packaging. It also means they’re not relying on a co-packer with competing priorities or quality standards.
The company emphasizes that ingredients meet human-grade standards, though they don’t specify whether the facility itself is certified for human food production. This is a minor but notable distinction—some brands like The Farmer’s Dog use USDA-inspected kitchens, which adds an extra layer of oversight.
Grandma Lucy’s highlights their commitment to quality, but they don’t publish detailed QC protocols or third-party audit results. There’s no mention of HACCP, ISO 22000, or SQF certifications, which are industry standards for food safety. This doesn’t mean their controls are weak—it just means you’re taking their word for it rather than seeing independent verification.
What we do know is that the brand has zero recalls in over 25 years, which suggests their internal processes are effective. Regular microbiological testing, ingredient traceability, and batch tracking are likely in place, but without public documentation, I can’t confirm the specifics.
The company states that ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, but they don’t disclose specific farms, countries of origin, or third-party sourcing audits. This is a transparency gap that’s common in the industry but frustrating for owners who want full traceability.
On the plus side, the ingredient lists are clear and free of vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal digest.” You know you’re getting chicken, not “poultry,” and carrots, not “vegetable by-products.”
As pet owners become more conscious of environmental impact, brands are under pressure to address sustainability and ethical sourcing. How does Grandma Lucy’s measure up?
Grandma Lucy’s doesn’t publish sustainability reports or carbon footprint data, which is a missed opportunity. Freeze-drying is less energy-intensive than extrusion (the process used for kibble), but it’s not carbon-neutral. The brand also doesn’t discuss water usage, waste reduction, or renewable energy in their production process.
Packaging is recyclable plastic-lined foil pouches, which are better than non-recyclable plastics but still contribute to waste. The company could improve here by offering bulk refill options or compostable packaging, though I recognize those changes require significant investment.
Grandma Lucy’s states that they don’t conduct animal testing, which aligns with ethical standards in the pet food industry. However, they don’t provide details on animal welfare standards for their meat suppliers—no mention of cage-free, grass-fed, or humane slaughter practices.
For owners who prioritize animal welfare beyond their own dog, this lack of transparency is a drawback. Brands like Open Farm and The Honest Kitchen are more explicit about humane sourcing, which sets a higher bar.
The brand’s flagship CSR initiative is #ProjectPetRAK, launched in 2014 to support animal rescues. This is a positive step, though details on funding amounts or impact metrics aren’t publicly available. The 3 Bears line also donates meals to working and service dogs, which adds a feel-good element to purchasing.
Overall, Grandma Lucy’s does more than many brands on social responsibility, but there’s room for improvement on environmental transparency and animal welfare.
I work at a local dog shelter, where we’re always testing different foods to see what works best for dogs with varying backgrounds and health histories. For this review, I tested Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Chicken with a three-year-old mixed-breed named Rosie—a 35-pound bundle of energy with a history of sensitive digestion and occasional itchy skin. She’d been on a mid-range kibble that kept her healthy but didn’t fully resolve her digestive quirks—loose stools a couple times a week and some scratching around her ears.
Switching Rosie to Grandma Lucy’s was straightforward. I mixed it with her old food over five days, gradually increasing the freeze-dried portion. She took to it immediately—no hesitation, no sniffing and walking away. The rehydrated texture seemed to appeal to her more than dry kibble, and she cleaned her bowl every time, which wasn’t always the case before.
Within the first week, I noticed her stools firmed up significantly. Instead of the occasional soft mess, she was consistently producing small, well-formed stools—a relief for both of us during cleanup. By the second week, the scratching around her ears had decreased noticeably. I wouldn’t say it disappeared entirely, but it went from a daily occurrence to something I only saw once or twice over the course of the test.
Her energy levels stayed consistent, which was a good sign—no sudden spikes or crashes that sometimes happen when switching foods. Her coat didn’t transform dramatically, but it did look a bit shinier and felt softer after a few weeks. These weren’t life-changing improvements, but they were noticeable enough to matter in day-to-day life.
The only downside was the prep time. Rehydrating the food took a few extra minutes each feeding, and I had to plan ahead to make sure I had warm water on hand. For a busy shelter environment, this added step was manageable but not ideal compared to scooping kibble. Still, Rosie’s improved digestion and reduced itching made the extra effort feel worthwhile.
Customer reviews paint a largely positive picture, with some recurring themes that are worth paying attention to.
One owner shared: “My golden retriever, Benny, not just digs in, but cleans the bowl kind of love! Positive changes in Jerry—he’s got this gleam in his eyes and his coat is shinier than it’s ever been.” Another mentioned: “We’ve noted a significant improvement in our dogs’ digestion since swapping to this grain-free formula.”
One critical review noted: “My bull terrier was pretty resistant to this brand. Plus, the smell—yikes! It’s like a bizarre fruity/earthy mix.” Another said: “The reconstituted food can have a mushy consistency like cereal or oatmeal, which my dog didn’t love.”
Owners who stick with Grandma Lucy’s for years tend to be highly satisfied. They report consistent coat and digestive health, fewer allergy flare-ups, and stable weight. The brand’s lack of recalls and formula changes also earns trust among long-term users who value consistency.
To understand where Grandma Lucy’s fits in the market, it helps to compare it directly with similar brands.
Both brands offer human-grade, dehydrated/freeze-dried recipes with transparent ingredients. The Honest Kitchen has a slightly broader product range and more extensive third-party testing documentation. Pricing is similar, though The Honest Kitchen edges slightly higher on some formulas. Palatability is strong for both, but Grandma Lucy’s Pre-Mix lines offer more customization for owners who want to add their own protein.
Stella & Chewy’s leans heavily into raw and freeze-dried raw, with a focus on ancestral diets and high meat content. It’s generally more expensive per pound than Grandma Lucy’s. Both have strong safety records, but Stella & Chewy’s has had a few minor recalls, while Grandma Lucy’s has none. If you’re committed to raw feeding, Stella & Chewy’s is the better fit; if you want whole-food ingredients without the raw aspect, Grandma Lucy’s wins.
This comparison highlights the difference between premium specialty brands and mainstream options. Not sure whether to choose Grandma Lucy’s or Iams? Read our other review on Iams dog food here. Iams offers scientifically balanced kibble at a fraction of the cost—$1.75-$3.25 per pound versus Grandma Lucy’s $11-$20 per pound. Iams has a recall history (notably for aflatoxin in 2011), and its ingredient lists include meat meals and by-products that Grandma Lucy’s avoids. If budget is your primary concern and your dog thrives on kibble, Iams is a solid choice. If you want ingredient transparency, whole foods, and minimal processing, Grandma Lucy’s is worth the premium.
Brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and Nom Nom deliver fresh, gently cooked meals in pre-portioned packs. These services offer convenience and personalization but require freezer space and cost $5-$8 per day for a medium dog. Grandma Lucy’s is shelf-stable until rehydrated, requires no freezer, and costs $3.50-$4.50 per day—making it a middle ground between kibble and fresh. If you want fresh food without the freezer commitment, Grandma Lucy’s is a practical alternative. If you’re willing to invest in full fresh feeding, services like The Farmer’s Dog might offer even more noticeable benefits.
Grandma Lucy’s is designed for all life stages, meaning you can feed it to puppies, adults, and seniors with appropriate portion adjustments. Here’s a closer look at which dogs benefit most.
The Artisan and Pureformance lines meet AAFCO standards for growth, so they’re safe for puppies. The whole-food ingredients and balanced protein-to-fat ratios support healthy development. If you’re raising a large-breed puppy, pay attention to calcium and phosphorus levels—too much can cause skeletal issues. Grandma Lucy’s provides appropriate levels, but always double-check with your vet, especially for giant breeds.
The Pureformance and Macanna lines are ideal for high-energy dogs who need sustained fuel. With 36% protein and moderate fat, Pureformance supports muscle maintenance and endurance. If your dog runs, hikes, or competes in agility, this formula can help them stay lean and energized.
For dogs who need to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight, the chickpea-based Pureformance line offers lower glycemic carbs that help manage blood sugar and reduce fat storage. Portion control is key here—freeze-dried food is calorie-dense, so measure carefully and adjust based on your dog’s body condition.
Older dogs benefit from the easy digestibility and anti-inflammatory ingredients in Macanna. Hemp hearts and turmeric may support joint health and reduce inflammation, though the effects are modest. The softer, rehydrated texture is also easier on aging teeth and gums.
This is where Grandma Lucy’s really shines. The limited-ingredient formulas and novel proteins like venison, rabbit, and fish make it a strong choice for elimination diets. Pre-Mix lines let you add your own protein, giving you complete control over allergens. If your dog has chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive upset tied to food, Grandma Lucy’s is worth trying.
The rehydrated stew-like texture and strong aroma appeal to dogs who turn up their noses at kibble. If you’ve struggled to find a food your dog will eat consistently, Grandma Lucy’s has a high acceptance rate among fussy eaters.
After analyzing ingredients, nutrition, user experiences, and production practices, here’s my honest take: Grandma Lucy’s is a high-quality, thoughtfully formulated dog food that delivers real benefits for many dogs, especially those with allergies, sensitivities, or picky eating habits. It’s not perfect—transparency gaps around sourcing and quality certifications are frustrating, and the price is a barrier for some—but the brand’s clean safety record, whole-food ingredients, and strong customer satisfaction make it a solid choice in the premium freeze-dried category.
Would I buy this for my own dog? If my dog struggled with chronic digestive issues, itchy skin, or refused to eat kibble, absolutely. The visible improvements in coat quality, stool consistency, and energy levels that many owners report are meaningful quality-of-life changes, not just marketing hype. For a dog who’s thriving on a mid-range kibble, I might not make the switch purely based on cost, but if I had the budget and wanted to upgrade to whole-food nutrition, Grandma Lucy’s would be on my short list.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with context. If they’re dealing with a dog who has food sensitivities, won’t eat their current food, or needs a cleaner ingredient list, I’d suggest starting with a small bag of Artisan or 3 Bears to test palatability and digestive response. If their dog is healthy and happy on a less expensive food, I’d say it’s a nice-to-have upgrade rather than a must-have.
The brand’s biggest strengths are its ingredient transparency, zero recall history, and versatility across life stages and health needs. The main trade-offs are cost, prep time, and the lack of third-party validation on quality controls. Overall, Grandma Lucy’s earns its reputation as a premium, health-focused option that’s worth the investment for the right dog and owner.
Add warm water to the freeze-dried food at a 1:1 ratio (one cup water to one cup food), stir well, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until fully rehydrated. You can adjust the water amount to make it more soupy or thicker based on your dog’s preference. The food should have a stew-like consistency when ready. You can also prepare it the night before and refrigerate it, just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Yes, all Grandma Lucy’s formulas with added protein meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including puppyhood. The Artisan and Pureformance lines are particularly good for growing puppies. Just remember to adjust portions based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level. For large-breed puppies, the calcium and phosphorus ratios are appropriate, but always consult your vet for specific feeding guidance.
The higher cost reflects several factors: whole, named meats instead of meat meals, human-grade ingredients, minimal processing through freeze-drying, and small-batch production in their own facility. You’re paying for ingredient quality and transparency that mass-market kibble can’t match. While it costs $3.50-$4.50 per day for a medium dog versus $1.50-$2.50 for premium kibble, many owners find the health benefits justify the price difference.
Absolutely. This is one of Grandma Lucy’s biggest strengths. The limited-ingredient formulas and novel proteins like venison, rabbit, and fish make it excellent for elimination diets. The Pre-Mix lines are especially useful because you can add your own single protein source, giving you complete control over potential allergens. Many owners report significant improvements in itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive upset after switching.
Unopened bags are shelf-stable for up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, the freeze-dried food stays fresh for 30-60 days if you keep it sealed and dry. The freeze-drying process removes moisture, which prevents spoilage, but exposure to humidity can reduce shelf life. Always check the expiration date and store in an airtight container after opening.
The Artisan line uses potatoes as the primary carb and offers moderate protein levels (28-30%) at the most affordable price point. Pureformance features chickpeas for lower glycemic carbs and higher protein (36%) for active dogs or weight management. Macanna includes superfoods like hemp hearts, turmeric, and kale for anti-inflammatory benefits. The 3 Bears line is the only grain-inclusive option with oats, making it the budget-friendliest choice.
No, Grandma Lucy’s has zero recalls on record despite operating for over 25 years. This clean safety history is remarkable in the pet food industry and sets them apart from many competitors who have faced contamination issues. Their in-house production and quality control processes appear to be effective, though they don’t publish third-party audit reports.
Generally, no. All formulas with protein are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards, including added vitamins and minerals. However, if your dog has specific health issues like severe joint problems, you might still need targeted supplements since Grandma Lucy’s doesn’t list glucosamine/chondroitin levels. Always consult your vet about your dog’s individual supplement needs.
Yes, many owners successfully mix freeze-dried food with kibble to boost nutrition while managing costs. You can use it as a kibble topper (rehydrated) or mix the dry forms together before adding water. This approach gives you some of the benefits of whole-food nutrition without the full expense of feeding freeze-dried exclusively. Just make sure to adjust portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.
Try adjusting the water ratio first—some dogs prefer it more soupy, others like it thicker. You can also try mixing it with a small amount of their current food or adding a bit of warm bone broth instead of plain water. If your dog still refuses it after a few attempts, the brand may simply not suit their taste preferences. Around 11-16% of dogs don’t take to the texture or flavor, which is normal for any food brand.
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