These days, most dog owners are aware that many food allergies that affect our dogs come from common protein sources. In response, more dog food is being made with novel proteins, including lamb. Or, maybe you’re looking at lamb for your dog because your pup is particularly picky and you want to try out new and unique flavors.
Whatever the reason, there is quite a variety of lamb-based dog food out there, so here are reviews of 10 of the best lamb-based dog food. We hope that you’ll find your dog’s new favorite food!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorite Picks in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Lamb Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Fresh lamb is the first ingredient
Tailored to each dog’s specific needs
Human-grade Ingredients
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Best Value
Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food
Well-priced
Made in the U.S. and family owned
Pasture-raised lamb is the main ingredient
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Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food
Whole lamb is the main ingredient
Vitamins and minerals derived from real veggies and fruit
Antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics for overall health
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Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food
Contains DHA for vision and brain development
Real lamb and rice are the main ingredients
Live probiotics for digestive and immune health
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Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend Dry Dog Food
Well-priced
Real lamb is the main ingredient
Glucosamine and high protein for heart, joint, and muscle health
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The 11 Best Lamb Dog Foods
1. Ollie Lamb Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice
Protein content: Min 11%
Fat content: Min 9%
Calories: 1804 kcal ME/kg
Lamb is lean meat that makes for a great protein option. It is not only rich in essential amino acids but has a lower fat content. So, if you are needing lamb-based dog food, nothing beats Ollie’s Fresh Lamb recipe, which is why it sits at the top spot as best overall.
Ollie’s focus is on offering high-quality all-natural food that is portioned specifically for the individual. Fresh lamb is the first ingredient on the list and the recipe is packed full of other fresh ingredients like butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, and rice. Ollie doesn’t use any fillers like corn, wheat, or soy and all their recipes are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and by-products.
Ollie is a subscription-only service that will deliver right to your door. The unopened frozen vacuum-sealed pack can last up to 6 months, so you’ll want to make some extra room in the fridge and freezer for storage. Since it is fresh food, it can be expensive in comparison to dry and canned food competitors.
Ollie Fresh Lamb is great for dogs that have sensitive stomachs or suffer from any food allergies or sensitivities. Owners rave about how energetic and vibrant their dogs became when making the switch. There were also lots of shinier, healthier coats. Ollie does test every batch of food for safety and nutritional quality, which is very reassuring. Overall, we think Ollie Fresh Lamb Recipe is the best lamb dog food you can find this year!
Pros
Fresh lamb is the first ingredient Tailored to each dog’s specific needs No artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products Each batch is tested for safety and quality Great for food allergy sufferers
Cons
Expensive Requires space in refrigerator/freezer Subscription-only services are not for everyone
The best lamb dog food for the money is Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food. It’s made in the U.S. by a family-owned company, which uses pasture-raised lamb as the main ingredient. The recipe contains the right kind of vitamins and minerals that support joints, bones, and strong muscles. There are omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants to support the immune system, healthy digestion, and overall health. It doesn’t contain wheat, corn, artificial colors, or flavors.
Fresh lamb is the first ingredient Tailored to each dog’s specific needs No artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products Each batch is tested for safety and quality Great for food allergy sufferers
- Fresh lamb is the first ingredient
- Tailored to each dog’s specific needs
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products
- Each batch is tested for safety and quality
- Great for food allergy sufferers
Expensive Requires space in refrigerator/freezer Subscription-only services are not for everyone
- Expensive
- Requires space in refrigerator/freezer
- Subscription-only services are not for everyone
Main ingredients: Lamb meal, white rice, cracked pearled barley
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 403 kcal/cup
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The problem with this food is that it contains chicken fat, so it is not particularly helpful for dogs allergic to chicken.
Pros
Well-priced
Made in the U.S. and family owned
Pasture-raised lamb is the main ingredient
Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants for overall health
Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors
Cons
Contains chicken fat
The Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food includes whole lamb as the main ingredient and contains enough protein to support lean muscles, joints, and bones. It has a bunch of vitamins and minerals derived from real fruit and veggies, like sweet potatoes and blueberries, to keep your pup’s energy and overall health going. It includes antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics for immune and digestive system support, and it is from a family-owned company in the U.S. It doesn’t contain wheat, corn, grains, artificial colors, or flavors.
Well-priced
Made in the U.S. and family owned
Pasture-raised lamb is the main ingredient
Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants for overall health
Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors
- Well-priced
- Made in the U.S. and family owned
- Pasture-raised lamb is the main ingredient
- Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants for overall health
- Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors
Contains chicken fat
- Contains chicken fat
Main ingredients: Lamb, sweet potatoes, egg
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 410 kcal/cup
One of the obvious disadvantages is that it’s expensive, and some dogs have experienced digestive upset and skin reactions.
Pros
Whole lamb is the main ingredient
Vitamins and minerals derived from real veggies and fruit
Antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics for overall health
Family-owned company in the U.S.
No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Expensive
Some dogs might have stomach upset or skin reactions
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food is a great choice for puppies under the age of 1 because it has DHA, which aids in vision and brain development. This is a dog food that contains real lamb and rice as the main ingredients, for high-quality protein for those developing muscles. It includes live probiotics for immune and digestive health. It’s highly digestible and formulated for delivering the optimal nutrition for a growing puppy.
Whole lamb is the main ingredient
Vitamins and minerals derived from real veggies and fruit
Antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics for overall health
Family-owned company in the U.S.
No artificial colors or flavors
- Whole lamb is the main ingredient
- Vitamins and minerals derived from real veggies and fruit
- Antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics for overall health
- Family-owned company in the U.S.
- No artificial colors or flavors
Expensive
Some dogs might have stomach upset or skin reactions
- Expensive
- Some dogs might have stomach upset or skin reactions
Main ingredients: Lamb, rice, chicken by-product meal
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 447 kcal/cup
The issues with this food are that it is pricey and that it contains chicken products, it’s not suitable for puppies with chicken allergies.
Pros
Contains DHA for vision and brain development
Real lamb and rice are the main ingredients
Live probiotics for digestive and immune health
Highly digestible
Cons
Pricey
Contains chicken
A great choice for lamb-based dog food is Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend Dry Dog Food. It’s well-priced and features real lamb as the first and main ingredient. It has omega-6 for a healthy coat and skin and natural sources of glucosamine and protein for strong muscles and joints and a healthy heart. It contains antioxidants, such as vitamins E and A, and selenium and zinc for a robust immune system. It’s also highly digestible, so your dog should benefit from the combined nutrition.
Contains DHA for vision and brain development
Real lamb and rice are the main ingredients
Live probiotics for digestive and immune health
Highly digestible
- Contains DHA for vision and brain development
- Real lamb and rice are the main ingredients
- Live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Highly digestible
Pricey
Contains chicken
- Pricey
- Contains chicken
Main ingredients: Lamb, rice flour, whole-grain corn
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 380 kcal/cup
The main issues with this food are that it contains chicken (the fifth ingredient) and that it has artificial color.
Pros
Well-priced
Real lamb is the main ingredient
Glucosamine and high protein for heart, joint, and muscle health
Antioxidants, zinc, and selenium for a healthy immune system
Highly digestible
Cons
Contains chicken
Includes artificial color
Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Lamb & Brown Rice is our vet’s choice. It has deboned lamb as the main ingredient, making for high-quality protein. There are no GMO ingredients and no by-products, wheat, corn, or soy. It was made to promote weight loss and is quite effective for this purpose. It contains essential antioxidants for a healthy immune system and natural fiber for digestion.
Well-priced
Real lamb is the main ingredient
Glucosamine and high protein for heart, joint, and muscle health
Antioxidants, zinc, and selenium for a healthy immune system
Highly digestible
- Well-priced
- Real lamb is the main ingredient
- Glucosamine and high protein for heart, joint, and muscle health
- Antioxidants, zinc, and selenium for a healthy immune system
- Highly digestible
Contains chicken
Includes artificial color
- Contains chicken
- Includes artificial color
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, chicken meal, whole-grain barley
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 7%
Calories: 240 kcal/cup
However, this is a dog food that also contains chicken, and it’s relatively expensive.
Pros
Deboned lamb for high-quality protein
Antioxidants for a healthy immune system
Natural fiber source for digestion
Aids in weight loss
Cons
Contains chicken
Relatively expensive
Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food starts with deboned lamb and contains veggies, fruit, and whole grains. It has essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, and the included LifeSource Bits provide important nutrients and antioxidants. It also has glucosamine, which aids in mobility and joint health, and omega-3 and -6 for coat and skin. There are no wheat, corn, soy, or by-products.
Deboned lamb for high-quality protein
Antioxidants for a healthy immune system
Natural fiber source for digestion
Aids in weight loss
- Deboned lamb for high-quality protein
- Antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- Natural fiber source for digestion
- Aids in weight loss
Contains chicken
Relatively expensive
- Contains chicken
- Relatively expensive
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, fish meal, brown rice
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 381 kcal/cup
The issues here are that this is lamb dog food that contains chicken and that it might cause stomach upset in some dogs.
Pros
Contains deboned lamb, fruit, veggies, and whole grains
Essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
LifeSource Bits provide essential nutrients and antioxidants
Includes glucosamine for mobility and joint health
Has omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Cons
Contains chicken
Might cause stomach upset
Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for senior dogs over 7 years of age. It contains nutrients in the form of oatmeal, barley, and rice as natural fiber for healthy digestion. It is formulated to support senior dogs’ immune systems and joint health with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It doesn’t include wheat, soy, corn, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Contains deboned lamb, fruit, veggies, and whole grains
Essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
LifeSource Bits provide essential nutrients and antioxidants
Includes glucosamine for mobility and joint health
Has omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Contains deboned lamb, fruit, veggies, and whole grains
- Essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
- LifeSource Bits provide essential nutrients and antioxidants
- Includes glucosamine for mobility and joint health
- Has omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Contains chicken
Might cause stomach upset
- Contains chicken
- Might cause stomach upset
Main ingredients: Lamb, chicken meal, brown rice
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 338 kcal/cup
The problems here are that it contains chicken and that the kibble is quite large, so it might be too big for small dogs.
Pros
Great for dogs 7+
Natural fibers for healthy digestion
Formulated to support joints and immune system of senior dogs
Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients
Cons
Contains chicken
Kibble might be too large for small dogs
- See also: Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review 2022: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe Canned Dog Food only uses lamb as its protein source and comes in a tasty pâté. Besides the lamb, it contains veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas and fruit like cranberries and blueberries. It’s also enhanced with minerals and vitamins to support lean muscles, and it doesn’t have corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Great for dogs 7+
Natural fibers for healthy digestion
Formulated to support joints and immune system of senior dogs
Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients
- Great for dogs 7+
- Natural fibers for healthy digestion
- Formulated to support joints and immune system of senior dogs
- Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients
Contains chicken
Kibble might be too large for small dogs
- Contains chicken
- Kibble might be too large for small dogs
Main ingredients: Lamb, lamb broth, lamb liver, carrots
Protein content: 8.5%
Fat content: 7.5%
Calories: 522 kcal/can
However, it is a little pricey, and picky dogs might not like this food.
Pros
No chicken — only lamb protein
Contains fresh veggies and fruit
Vitamins and minerals maintain lean muscles
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
Pricey
Picky dogs might not like it
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Tender Cuts in Gravy Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Lamb and chicken broth, liver, lamb
Protein content: 10%
Fat content: 3%
Calories: 350 kcal/can
Purina ONE SmartBlend Tender Cuts in Gravy Canned Dog Food contains real lamb and brown rice in cuts, all in a delicious gravy. It includes rich sources of antioxidants with selenium, zinc, and vitamins A and E. It’s a nutritionally complete food for adult dogs and includes spinach and carrots.
No chicken — only lamb protein
Contains fresh veggies and fruit
Vitamins and minerals maintain lean muscles
No artificial flavors or preservatives
- No chicken — only lamb protein
- Contains fresh veggies and fruit
- Vitamins and minerals maintain lean muscles
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Pricey
Picky dogs might not like it
- Pricey
- Picky dogs might not like it
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Main ingredients: Lamb and chicken broth, liver, lamb
Protein content: 10%
Fat content: 3%
Calories: 350 kcal/can
The issue here is that it contains chicken and artificial color.
Pros
Cuts of lamb in gravy with brown rice
High sources of antioxidants with selenium and zinc
Nutritionally complete and includes spinach and carrots
Cons
Contains chicken
Has artificial color
- Iams ProActive Health Canned Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Chicken, lamb, brown rice
Protein content: 8%
Fat content: 6%
Calories: 390 kcal/can
Iams ProActive Health Canned Dog Food is a pâté that has been slow-cooked in real broth. It has added minerals and vitamins, which include vitamin E, to support a healthy immune system. It contains omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin and is made in the U.S. It’s also decently priced.
Cuts of lamb in gravy with brown rice
High sources of antioxidants with selenium and zinc
Nutritionally complete and includes spinach and carrots
- Cuts of lamb in gravy with brown rice
- High sources of antioxidants with selenium and zinc
- Nutritionally complete and includes spinach and carrots
Contains chicken
Has artificial color
- Contains chicken
- Has artificial color
Main ingredients: Chicken, lamb, brown rice
Protein content: 8%
Fat content: 6%
Calories: 390 kcal/can
There are a couple of issues here, however. First, the main ingredient is actually chicken; lamb is the fourth ingredient. Second, some dogs might experience stomach upset.
Pros
Pâté slow cooked in broth
Added vitamin E for immune system support
Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
Decent price
Cons
First ingredient is chicken
Some dogs might experience stomach upset
Lamb is the fourth ingredient
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Lamb Dog Foods
This buyer’s guide is meant to provide extra information about lamb-based dog food.
Pâté slow cooked in broth
Added vitamin E for immune system support
Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
Decent price
- Pâté slow cooked in broth
- Added vitamin E for immune system support
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- Decent price
First ingredient is chicken
Some dogs might experience stomach upset
Lamb is the fourth ingredient
- First ingredient is chicken
- Some dogs might experience stomach upset
- Lamb is the fourth ingredient
Novel Protein
Chicken and beef are among the most common food allergies that dogs can have. Therefore, many dog food manufacturers are offering different sources of protein, such as duck, venison, and of course, lamb. Like beef, lamb is a red meat and can be part of a nutritionally balanced diet. It’s high in protein and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is a perfect novel protein for dogs allergic to other protein sources.
Ingredients
It’s important to always read the ingredient list on your dog’s food, particularly if your dog does have a food allergy. Many lamb-based dog foods also contain chicken. The best option is to purchase food that has lamb as the first ingredient, with whole deboned lamb being ideal. But if the ingredients include lamb meal, that is still a nutritious ingredient. Typically, foods that contain large amounts of artificial ingredients aren’t high quality.
Grain Free
It’s important to note that grain-free dog foods aren’t always a good thing. If your dog has a wheat allergy, you should certainly opt for dog food that doesn’t contain wheat, but corn or oatmeal are healthy ingredients. If your dog doesn’t have an allergy to grains, you’ll want to avoid the grain-free options.
The FDA has found a link between dogs on a grain-free diet and being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, which can lead to death if left untreated. Speak to your veterinarian before switching your dog to grain-free foods.
Size
First, when you’re introducing your dog to a new food, you should opt for the smallest bag possible. Even if you can save money by purchasing in bulk or just a large bag, you’ll be out more money if your dog rejects the food. Always err on the side of caution, particularly if you know that your dog is a picky eater.
Second, be sure to transition your dog to the new food gradually. Start by adding a small amount of the new food to the old, and slowly increase the amount of new food over the next few weeks. Not only does this help picky eaters, but it can also help your dog’s digestive system become accustomed to the new food and they’re less likely to experience stomach upset.
Conclusion
Our overall favorite is Lamb recipe dog food is Ollie’s Fresh Lamb recipe; its lean meat makes for a great protein option. It is not only rich in essential amino acids but has a lower fat content, which is why it sits at the top spot as best overall.
The Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food contains antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics for immune and digestive system support. Best for puppies is Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy because it is highly digestible and formulated to deliver optimal nutrition for a growing puppy. Finally, Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Lamb & Brown Rice is our vet’s choice for its effectiveness in weight loss and the use of natural fiber for digestion.
We hope that these reviews of lamb-based dog food have helped you pick out the perfect one for your dog’s needs. Our dog’s health and happiness are paramount, after all!
Featured Image Credit: Ayla Verschueren, Unsplash
