Farmina is an Italian pet food brand with a presence in 70 countries worldwide. They offer a wide range of products, including a veterinary line, a grain-inclusive line, and a grain-free line. Let’s take a closer look at this brand.
✅ Pros
- High levels of animal-based protein.
- Reasonable carbohydrate levels in certain lines (especially Prime).
- Generally good balance of macronutrients.
- A cooking technique that reportedly helps preserve nutrients better.
❌ Cons
- Some lines have lower protein levels and higher carbohydrate content (e.g., Tropical line).
- High amounts of pea starch in some recipes, particularly the grain-free options.
- A mix of various animal proteins in some recipes. It could cause digestive issues or lead to food sensitivities.
- Long ingredient lists with some items of questionable nutritional value (e.g., fruits and vegetables).
Farmina Dog Food Ratings
Here’s our analysis of this brand recipes.
Farmina Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Mini
78/100
💪 Proteins: 34%
🥑 Fats: 18%
🌑 Ash: 7.8%
🌾 Fiber Content: 2.6%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.8%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 3999 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 0.9%
🌻 Omega-6: 3.3%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 28.6%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 85
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 43
⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.25
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 3.67
This is likely one of the brand’s best formulas on paper. The Prime line, similar to other premium lines is reserved for their best formulations. Farmina claims 98% animal protein in this recipe, which, if accurate, is a record in the market. The protein density relative to total calories (PRC) is solid, scoring 85. The carbohydrate content is about 29%, which is average. Overall, the macronutrients are well-balanced, like the other Prime recipes from this brand.
Farmina N&D Quinoa Dog – Digestion Lamb Adult
67/100
💪 Proteins: 25%
🥑 Fats: 12%
🌑 Ash: 7.5%
🌾 Fiber Content: 1.9%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 0.9%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.6%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 3749 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 0.4%
🌻 Omega-6: 1.9%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 44.6%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 67
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 42
⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.50
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 4.75
This one is a bit less impressive, with lower protein, higher carbs, and a significant amount of pea starch. Recent scientific studies have raised concerns about peas in grain-free kibble, especially in large quantities. Although this recipe isn’t grain-free, we would still prefer a different starch source. The carbohydrate content is nearly 44%, which is quite high. The entire Quinoa line shares these characteristics.
Farmina N&D Ocean Dog – Cod, Pumpkin & Cantaloupe Puppy Mini
72/100
💪 Proteins: 35%
🥑 Fats: 20%
🌑 Ash: 8.5%
🌾 Fiber Content: 1.9%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1.1%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.91%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 4125 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 2.5%
🌻 Omega-6: 1.8%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 25.6%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 85
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 38
⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.21
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 0.72
If your dog likes fish, this is the recipe for him. It features a mix of various fish, including cod, herring, and shrimp. We’re generally not fans of such blends, but it’s common in the kibble world. The ash content is a bit high, which is typical for Farmina. Otherwise, it’s well-balanced with an PCR (Protein-Calorie Ratio) of 85, less than 30% carbs, a good omega-3 and omega-6 balance, and well-maintained phosphorus and calcium levels. The entire Ocean line has similar features.
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Chicken, Pumpkin & Pomegranate Puppy Mini
73/100
💪 Proteins: 35%
🥑 Fats: 20%
🌑 Ash: 7.8%
🌾 Fiber Content: 1.9%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1.1%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.91%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 4150 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 0.9%
🌻 Omega-6: 3.4%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 26.3%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 84
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 38
⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.21
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 3.78
Once again, we see an impressive 96% animal protein content, mainly from fresh chicken and chicken meal. However, there’s still the issue of adding other protein sources, such as herring and fish oil, in addition to chicken fat. Nevertheless, the recipe shows strong parameters, especially for puppies, with higher fat content, more energy density, and a decent PCR of 84.
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Light Medium/Maxi
73/100
💪 Proteins: 34%
🥑 Fats: 11%
🌑 Ash: 8.7%
🌾 Fiber Content: 6.4%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1.1%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.8%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 3375 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 0.55%
🌻 Omega-6: 2.1%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 30.9%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 101
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 43
⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.38
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 3.82
Personally, this is my favorite line from the brand. It includes grains and doesn’t use pea starch. This recipe isn’t without its flaws, like a borderline high ash content and a carbohydrate level near 30%, as well as the usual mix of proteins. However, the PCR is excellent, thanks to a low fat content (11%) designed for overweight dogs.
Farmina N&D Spirulina Dog – Lamb, Spirulina & Goji Berries Adult Mini
67/100
💪 Proteins: 30%
🥑 Fats: 18%
🌑 Ash: 7.5%
🌾 Fiber Content: 2.9%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 0.8%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.7%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 3973 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 2.3%
🌻 Omega-6: 1.6%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 32.6%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 76
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 43
⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.14
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 0.70
This is a standard line but with an exotic ingredient: spirulina! Known for its detoxifying properties, particularly against heavy metals, it could be a good addition. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this spirulina is cultivated in a clean environment, as it can absorb toxins from its surroundings. If it’s already contaminated, it could have the opposite effect. The mineral and carbohydrate content is also high, making this not the best recipe in our opinion.
Farmina N&D Tropical Selection Dog – Chicken, Spelt, Oats & Tropical Fruits Adult Medium/Maxi
67/100
Another unique line, at least in name, because aside from the addition of tropical fruits at the end of the ingredient list (is this really necessary?), there’s not much different in this recipe. It seems like this line is targeted at the South American market.
🥑 Fats: 16%
🌑 Ash: 7.5%
🌾 Fiber Content: 2.7%
💧 Moisture: 9%
🦴 Calcium Content: 0.9%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 0.8%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 3885 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 0.7%
🌻 Omega-6: 3%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 37.8%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 69
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 34
🦴⚖️ Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.13
⚖️ Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 4.29
Detailed Analysis: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Light Medium/Maxi
73/100
Ingredients
Deboned chicken (20%), dehydrated chicken protein (18%), spelt (10%), oats (10%), herring, dehydrated herring protein, dried eggs, dried beet pulp, alfalfa meal, chicken fat, fish oil (herring), dried carrots, inulin, fructooligosaccharides, yeast extract (source of mannan-oligosaccharides), dried pomegranate (0.5%), dried apple, dried spinach, psyllium seed husk (0.3%), dried orange, dried blueberry, sodium chloride, dried brewer’s yeast, turmeric (0.2%), aloe vera extract, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate.
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Level | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 34% | Optimal for kibble, especially since it’s animal-based protein. This level supports tissue repair, crucial for active and healthy dogs, and helps maintain satiety. |
| Fat Level | 🟢 Good – 11% | Adequate for sustaining energy without contributing to obesity, making it suitable for overweight dogs. |
| Ash Content | 🔴 To Monitor – 8.7% | A high ash content that could lead to an excessive mineral load. |
| Fiber Content | 🟠 Average – 6.4% | This fiber level accelerates digestion and promotes satiety but could reduce energy intake, characteristic of light formulas. However, excess fiber might dilute nutrients. |
| Moisture | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 9% | Standard for kibble. |
| Calcium Level | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 1.1% | Perfectly balanced to support bone health without risking hypercalcemia, important for growing puppies and senior dogs. |
| Phosphorus Level | 🟢 Good – 0.8% | Supports a healthy balance with calcium for bone health, though this ratio should be closely monitored for kidney health. |
| Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio | 🟢 Good – 1.38:1 | This ratio is near ideal for bone health, supporting bone formation and minimizing joint and bone disease risks in dogs. |
| Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio | 🟢 Good – 3.82 | Falls within a good range for reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin and coat. |
| Carbohydrate Level | 🟠 Average – 30.9% | A bit high for kibble intended for overweight or less active dogs. |
| Animal vs. Plant Protein | 🟢 Good > 90% | Farmina excels in providing high levels of animal protein, a rarity in the kibble market. |
| High-GI Ingredients | 🟢 Good – Top-3 | The limited presence of high-GI ingredients helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, crucial for avoiding insulin spikes and diabetes risks. |
| Protein-Calorie Ratio (PRC) | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 101 | This RPC indicates a high protein-to-calorie ratio, which is ideal. |
| Protein-Phosphorus Ratio (PPR) | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 43 | Shows an excellent balance of protein relative to phosphorus, aiding in better absorption of calcium and phosphorus. |
| Preservatives | 🟢 Good | Natural preservatives. |
| High-GI Ingredients | 🟢 Good | No high-GI ingredients in this recipe. |
| Manufacturing Location | 🟢 Known | Farmina produces its kibble in three countries: Brazil, Serbia, and Italy. |
| Cooking Method | 🟢🟢 Excellent | These kibbles are extruded at temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees for 55 seconds to 1 minute 45 seconds. Farmina uses a twin-screw extruder, commonly used in human food production, which improves starch gelatinization and increases digestibility by 20-25% compared to single-screw systems, resulting in less nutrient degradation and better digestibility. |
| Transparency | 🟢 Good | Generally good, with the brand, for example, disclosing the origin of its animal proteins (see website). |
| Veterinary Formulation | ❓ Not Specified | No mention found. |
Our Opinion
Farmina offers a wide variety of kibbles across several lines. They are a major player in the pet food industry, perhaps less known in the U.S. compared to other Latin countries.
The extensive use of animal meals (dehydrated protein) helps boost protein levels, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing since animal meals can be high-quality. However, the heavy use of pea starch is more concerning, making the Ancestral Grain line more reassuring as it includes grains that have a more established history of use.
Farmina’s cooking technique is a major strength, appearing to use a gentle and innovative process that theoretically better preserves nutrients.
