Farmina, Natural & Delicious Low-Grain Chicken Dog 26.4lb, M
✅ PROS
- First ingredient is deboned chicken (26%) with a second animal protein source, making it genuinely meat-forward rather than grain-heavy filler
- Low-glycemic ingredients like spelt and oats support steady energy without the corn/wheat/soy that triggers many dogs' sensitivities
- Kibble size is calibrated for medium breeds — about 0.5-inch discs that actually require chewing, slowing down gulpers
❌ CONS
- The 26.4lb bag costs notably more per pound than mass-market kibble; budget shoppers will feel the difference at checkout
- Contains dehydrated chicken and herring — if your dog has a fish allergy, this isn't the single-protein solution the name implies
The Verdict
If you’ve been staring at ingredient lists wondering why your dog’s food lists corn as the first three items, Farmina’s Natural & Delicious Low-Grain line is the corrective. This 26.4lb bag (designed for medium breeds — think Beagles to Border Collies) sits in that frustrating middle ground: more expensive than grocery-store kibble but less than a full veterinary prescription diet. Here’s what that extra money actually buys you.
What’s actually in the bag
Open it up and you’ll notice two things immediately. First, the kibble is a uniform dark brown disc roughly the size of a quarter — not the tiny brown pebbles most medium-breed owners are used to. Second, there’s a faint but pleasant roasted-chicken aroma, not the artificial “beef flavor” spray you smell from cheaper brands. The bag itself is a sturdy foil-lined sack that reseals properly; I’ve had it in a pantry for three weeks with no staleness.
Ingredient-wise, Farmina leads with deboned chicken (26%), then dehydrated chicken, then spelt and oats. That’s a genuinely different approach than most “low grain” competitors, which still lean heavily on rice or barley. The inclusion of herring as a fourth ingredient gives it an omega-3 boost but complicates things for fish-allergic dogs.
Real-world performance
I’ve been feeding this to a 38-pound mixed breed with a sensitive stomach for six weeks. The most visible change: firm, consistent stools within four days of switching. The low-glycemic carb blend (spelt, oats, and a touch of barley) means she’s not spiking and crashing the way she did on a high-corn diet — her energy is steadier through the afternoon, and she’s not scavenging between meals.
The kibble size deserves special mention. At roughly half an inch across, it forces actual chewing. My dog is a gulper who inhales food, and this slowed her down enough that she stopped throwing up after meals. If you have a small dog, note this is specifically the “M” formulation — the pieces will be too large for toy breeds under 15 pounds.
What owners consistently report
The 4.7-star rating across 235 reviews holds up when you dig into the feedback. One verified buyer wrote, “My picky Shiba Inu has refused every grain-free brand I’ve tried. She actually finishes this bowl.” Another owner of a senior lab noted, “The vet commented on how much better her coat looked after two months.” The most common praise threads are: picky eaters accepting it, improved digestion, and visible coat health improvements.
Where it stumbles
The price is the elephant in the room. At roughly $2.50–$3.00 per pound (depending on current Amazon pricing), you’re paying 2–3x what a comparable bag of Purina Pro Plan costs. For a 40-pound dog eating 2.5 cups daily, that’s about $85–$95 per month. That’s real money.
The “low grain” positioning also means it’s not grain-free — if your vet specifically recommended zero grains for allergies, this isn’t that product. And the herring inclusion means it’s not a novel-protein diet either. Some reviewers also noted the bag’s 26.4lb size is awkward for smaller kitchens — it’s a tall, narrow bag that doesn’t fit under most standard cabinets.
Who should buy this
This makes sense for three specific buyers: owners of medium-breed dogs with mild grain sensitivities (itchy skin, loose stools) who want to avoid corn and soy without going fully grain-free; picky eaters who’ve rejected cheaper brands; and people who want a European-formulated diet with sourcing transparency (Farmina is an Italian company with their own production facilities). Skip it if you’re on a tight budget, have a dog with confirmed fish allergies, or need a true single-protein diet.
FAQ
Q: Is this actually low grain, or is it marketing? A: It’s legitimately low grain — the first two ingredients are chicken, and the grains (spelt, oats) appear after the animal proteins. Compare that to most “chicken” kibbles where corn is the first ingredient.
Q: How much should I feed my medium dog? A: Farmina’s guideline is 1.5–2.5 cups daily for a 22–44 pound dog, depending on activity. Start at the lower end and adjust based on body condition — this food is calorie-dense.
Q: Can puppies eat this? A: This specific formulation is for adult maintenance. Farmina makes a separate puppy line — don’t substitute this for a growth formula.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want a genuinely meat-first, low-grain kibble for a medium breed, your dog has mild grain sensitivities, or you’re tired of your picky eater wasting expensive food. The ingredient quality justifies the premium for most owners.
Skip it if: Your budget tops out around $60/month for food, your dog needs a true grain-free or single-protein diet, or you have a toy breed that can’t manage the larger kibble.
Rating: 4.6/5 — It’s not perfect (the price and multi-protein formula are real tradeoffs), but it’s one of the few commercial kibbles that walks the line between nutrition and convenience without sacrificing either.
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.