Product Description
Northwest Naturals Lamb Freeze-Dried Nuggets offer a premium novel protein option that is increasingly sought after by pet owners looking for alternatives to the most common proteins found in commercial dog food. Lamb is one of the least-used proteins in mainstream pet food, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities to chicken, beef, turkey, or fish - the four proteins dogs are most commonly allergic to. This exceptional freeze-dried formula features grass-fed lamb as the primary protein source, including nutrient-dense organ meats (heart and liver), ground bone, and a carefully curated selection of whole food fruits and vegetables, all processed using Northwest Naturals' proprietary HPP technology under USDA human food standards.
What makes lamb particularly special as a protein source is its unique fatty acid profile. Lamb naturally contains higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio compared to many other animal proteins, which can support healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and promote coat shine. The inclusion of lamb heart and liver adds exceptional nutritional depth - heart provides CoQ10 and B vitamins for energy and cardiac health, while liver delivers vitamin A, iron, B12, and essential amino acids that support immune function and overall vitality. At 50% minimum protein and 39% minimum crude fat, this is one of the richest formulas in the Northwest Naturals line.
The freeze-drying process preserves nutrients at peak freshness while creating a lightweight, shelf-stable product perfect for any feeding situation. Each bite-sized nugget can be served dry as a crunchy treat, rehydrated with warm water or bone broth for a fresh meal, crumbled over kibble as a nutritional supplement, or broken into smaller pieces for training rewards. With 147 calories per ounce, this energy-dense formula is ideal for dogs requiring calorie-rich nutrition in a compact package.
Key Features
- Complete and balanced for all life stages except growth of large-sized dogs (70+ lb adults)
- Novel protein - lamb is rarely used in mainstream dog food, ideal for food sensitivities
- 50% minimum crude protein from grass-fed lamb
- 39% minimum crude fat - one of the richest formulas in the NW Naturals line
- 147 calories per ounce - highly energy-dense nutrition
- Naturally anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile with balanced omega ratio
- Dual organ meat formula - heart and liver for comprehensive nutrition
- HPP (High Pressure Processing) eliminates pathogens without heat, preserving nutrients
- Made under USDA human food standards with human-grade ingredients
- Shelf-stable freeze-dried format requires no freezer or refrigeration
- Grass-fed lamb sourced from USA and/or New Zealand without antibiotics or hormones
- USDA inspected and passed for human consumption
- 10% raw ground bone supplies bio-available calcium and phosphorus
- Grain-free, gluten-free formula with no corn, wheat, or soy
- Active enzymes support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption
- Highly palatable lamb flavor dogs find irresistible
- Easy to break apart for training treats or portion control
- Can be fed dry, rehydrated, or crumbled as a kibble topper
- Low 5% maximum moisture extends shelf life and concentrates nutrition
- Made in USA with sustainably sourced ingredients
Ideal For
This is the premier choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to common proteins - particularly dogs who have already reacted to chicken, beef, turkey, or fish. Lamb's status as a novel protein (rarely encountered in commercial dog food) makes it an excellent candidate for elimination diets and food allergy trials. Excellent for dogs with inflammatory skin conditions, itching, hot spots, or ear infections that may be triggered by common food allergens. Perfect for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or chronic digestive issues where anti-inflammatory nutrition is beneficial. Ideal for active and working dogs who need high-fat, calorie-dense nutrition to fuel demanding lifestyles. Great for dogs in colder climates requiring extra fat calories for thermoregulation. Perfect for senior dogs needing nutrient-dense food in smaller portions. Excellent for protein rotation diets - lamb provides a distinctly different amino acid and fatty acid profile than poultry or fish. Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs as lamb is highly digestible. Perfect for travel and emergency preparedness due to shelf-stable format.
Feeding Instructions
For complete meal feeding: Feed approximately 1 nugget per 5 pounds of body weight daily, divided into two meals. For example, a 25 lb dog would receive approximately 5 nuggets daily (2-3 nuggets per meal). Due to the high fat content of this formula (39%), portions may be slightly smaller than leaner formulas - monitor body condition and adjust accordingly. Active dogs, working dogs, and dogs in cold climates may require 25-50% more food. Senior or less active dogs may need 10-25% less.
Feeding methods: Dry feeding - Pour nuggets directly into bowl and serve as crunchy meals or treats. Rehydrated feeding - Add warm water or bone broth (1 part liquid to 1 part food), wait 2-3 minutes until soft, then serve (excellent for seniors and dogs with dental issues). Kibble topper - Crumble 2-4 nuggets over regular food to boost nutrition and palatability. Training treats - Break nuggets into pea-sized pieces for high-value, healthy rewards. Elimination diet - When using for allergy testing, feed exclusively for 8-12 weeks (consult your veterinarian).
Transition period: When switching to Northwest Naturals from another diet, transition gradually over 7-10 days. Days 1-3: 25% new food, 75% old food. Days 4-6: 50% new food, 50% old food. Days 7-9: 75% new food, 25% old food. Day 10: 100% Northwest Naturals. For dogs with known food sensitivities or allergies, transition more slowly over 14 days and monitor closely for any reactions. Always provide fresh, clean water. For elimination diets, consult your veterinarian before transitioning. Store unused nuggets in airtight container to maintain freshness.
Guaranteed Analysis (Freeze-Dried)
| Crude Protein (min) | 50.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 39.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 7.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 5.0% |
| Ash (max) | 7.2% |
| Calcium | 2.82% |
| Phosphorous | 1.94% |
| Metabolizable Energy | 5180 kcal/kg (147 kcal/oz) |
Ingredients
Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, Ground Lamb Bone, Broccoli, Apples, Carrots, Cantaloupe, Eggs, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Blueberries, Cranberries, Inulin, Ginger, Parsley, Garlic, Apples, Tomatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Oranges, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Spinach, Beets, Cherries, Strawberries, Mixed Tocopherols (as preservative).
Novel Protein Formula: Lamb is one of the least commonly used proteins in commercial and even premium pet food, making it an excellent novel protein for dogs with established sensitivities to chicken, beef, turkey, or fish. When a dog has never been exposed to lamb, the immune system is unlikely to have developed antibodies against it - making this formula ideal for both allergy testing and long-term feeding of sensitive dogs.
Anti-Inflammatory Fatty Acid Profile: Lamb naturally provides a more balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids compared to many other animal proteins, combined with higher levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). This naturally anti-inflammatory profile, enhanced by the addition of salmon oil and ground flaxseed, makes this formula particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from chronic inflammation, skin conditions, and joint issues.
Sourcing: All lamb is grass-fed and raised in the USA and/or New Zealand without antibiotics or added hormones, USDA inspected and passed for human consumption. Produce comes with certificates of guarantee. Grain and gluten-free - no corn, wheat, or soy. Complete and balanced diet formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except growth of large-sized dogs (70 lbs or more as adults). All recipes contain 10% raw ground bone.
Why We Love It
Northwest Naturals Lamb formula fills a critical gap in the premium pet food market - a genuinely novel protein option that dogs with the most challenging food sensitivities can safely enjoy. The commitment to sourcing grass-fed lamb from trusted farms in the USA and New Zealand, processing it under USDA human food standards, and preserving its nutrition through HPP technology reflects the company's unwavering dedication to quality. This is not just another dog food with lamb as a secondary ingredient - lamb is the star, supported by nutrient-dense organ meats and a carefully selected array of whole food fruits and vegetables. Northwest Naturals' mission of creating health-enhancing, life-prolonging nutrition is especially evident here, where every ingredient choice serves a purpose for dogs who need the cleanest, most therapeutically beneficial food available. The naturally anti-inflammatory properties of lamb, combined with the omega-rich additions of salmon oil and flaxseed, make this formula a true wellness food for sensitive dogs. Made in the USA with sustainably sourced ingredients and green manufacturing practices, this has earned the trust of veterinary nutritionists and allergy-conscious pet parents alike.
Storage & Care
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Unlike frozen raw food, freeze-dried nuggets require no refrigeration or freezer storage, making them shelf-stable and ideal for homes with limited freezer space. Once opened, reseal bag tightly using zip closure or transfer to airtight container to maintain maximum freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Store in pantry, cabinet, or cool storage area away from heat sources and humidity. Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations that could compromise quality. Product remains fresh for extended periods when stored properly (check best-by date on package). If nuggets become exposed to moisture, appear discolored, or develop any off-odor, discard immediately. Clean feeding bowls daily with hot, soapy water. For rehydrated nuggets, feed immediately and refrigerate any leftovers in sealed container for no more than 24 hours. When using for allergy elimination diets, keep a feeding journal to track any reactions and share with your veterinarian. When traveling, portion nuggets into smaller airtight containers or resealable bags for daily use. The lightweight, compact freeze-dried format makes this ideal for travel, camping, emergency preparedness, and any situation where refrigeration is unavailable.