Farmina N&D, Quinoa Digestion Lamb Quinoa Fennel and Mint Re
✅ PROS
- First five ingredients are all animal-based — deboned lamb, herring, dried egg, herring meal, and chicken meal — no cheap fillers upfront
- Quinoa and fennel target actual digestive issues, not just marketing claims — the fiber profile is genuinely different from standard grain-free formulas
- High omega-3 content from herring and fish oil supports skin/coat health, which owners with itchy dogs repeatedly confirm
❌ CONS
- Price point is steep — expect to pay premium for the quinoa base, roughly 30-40% more than comparable lamb-based kibbles from brands like Purina Pro Plan or Hill's
- Switching requires a slow transition — several reviewers report loose stools for the first week if they switched cold turkey
- Kibble size is small and uniform, which may not satisfy aggressive chewers or large breeds that prefer a larger crunch
The Verdict
Is this the digestive solution your dog needs, or just another overpriced “grain-free” label? I dug through the ingredient panel, the chemistry, and 220 Amazon reviews to give you the real answer.
Farmina positions the N&D Quinoa Digestion line as a bridge between grain-free and grain-inclusive diets — and for once, the marketing matches the recipe. This lamb, quinoa, fennel, and mint formula isn’t a rebranded chicken-and-rice kibble. It’s a genuinely different approach to sensitive stomachs.
What’s Actually in the Bag
The ingredient list leads with deboned lamb, herring, dried egg, herring meal, and chicken meal. That’s five animal proteins before you hit a single carbohydrate source — impressive for any kibble, regardless of price point. The quinoa that follows provides a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, which is rare in plant-based ingredients.
Fennel and mint aren’t just for scent. Fennel contains anethole, a compound that relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle — which is why it’s been used for centuries to relieve gas and bloating. Mint offers mild anti-inflammatory properties. These aren’t token inclusions; they’re present in meaningful quantities.
The guaranteed analysis shows 28% minimum crude protein and 18% fat, with a fiber content of 5.8% — notably higher than typical kibbles hovering around 3-4%. That extra fiber is the backbone of the digestive claim.
Real-World Performance
The 4.4-star rating across 220 reviews holds up when you read the actual feedback. A recurring theme in the positive reviews: dogs with chronic soft stools or frequent vomiting improved within two to three weeks. One reviewer noted, “My 9-year-old Lab had diarrhea for months. Three weeks on this and he’s had solid stools every single day.” Another owner of a French Bulldog — notoriously prone to GI issues — reported her dog’s “constant gas and licking paws stopped within a month.”
Beyond digestion, multiple reviewers highlight coat improvements. The omega-3 fatty acids from herring and fish oil are substantial, and several owners of dogs with dry, flaky skin saw noticeable changes within six weeks.
Where It Falls Short
Let me be direct about the downsides.
The price stings. You’re paying a significant premium for the quinoa and the Italian manufacturing. If your dog has no digestive issues, you’re overpaying for features you don’t need.
Transition matters. The higher fiber content means you cannot switch your dog over in two days. Multiple reviews warn about loose stools during the first week if you don’t extend the transition period to 10-14 days. Plan ahead.
The kibble is small. It’s about the size of a pea, uniform and smooth. Great for small breeds and senior dogs with dental issues. Less satisfying for a Golden Retriever who wants something to crunch.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You have a dog with mild-to-moderate digestive sensitivity — chronic soft stools, frequent gas, occasional vomiting. Also ideal if you want a protein-forward recipe without going full grain-free, which some dogs don’t tolerate well.
Skip it if: Your dog has a confirmed chicken allergy (chicken meal is in the recipe). Also skip if your dog has no GI issues — you’ll get the same coat and energy benefits from a standard Farmina formula at a lower price. And if you have a large breed that prefers big kibble, look elsewhere.
FAQ
Is this actually grain-free? No. Quinoa is a pseudocereal, similar to quinoa you’d buy for yourself. The formula uses quinoa instead of traditional grains like rice or corn. It’s gluten-free but not grain-free in the technical sense.
Can I feed this to a puppy? Yes, but check the feeding chart on the bag. Farmina makes a puppy-specific version of this formula. If you’re feeding the adult version, adjust portions based on your puppy’s weight and consult your vet.
How long until I see digestive improvements? Most reviewers report noticeable changes within 10-14 days. Full stabilization typically takes three to four weeks. If stools haven’t improved after a month, this formula may not address your dog’s specific issue.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5
Farmina N&D Quinoa Digestion is a genuinely effective digestive formula for dogs with sensitive stomachs — backed by a smart ingredient panel and real owner success stories. The premium price is justified if your dog actually benefits from the quinoa/fennel combination. But it’s not a miracle fix, and it’s definitely not for every dog.
Buy it if your dog struggles with digestion and you want a single-protein-forward recipe with functional botanicals. Skip it if your dog has chicken allergies, no digestive concerns, or you’re not prepared for the premium cost. This is a specialized tool, not a daily driver for every household.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.