Chicken and beef can be tasty and healthy for humans and dogs alike. But some dogs just can’t handle them as the first (or main) ingredient.
And that’s okay! Why not try switching your pup to lamb dog food?
Our number one choice is SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal dry dog food.
This formula only contains 5 ingredients and is a mono-animal protein food. This means that even the most sensitive adult dogs can enjoy this without an upset tummy or allergic flare-ups.
And we have other choices, too — including options for puppies and adult dogs who need higher protein diets.
Our Best Lamb Dog Food
- SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)
- Purina Pro Plan High Protein DHA Lamb & Rice Formula Puppy Food (Best for Puppies)
- Eukanuba Senior Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food (Best for Seniors)
- Zignature Lamb Formula Small Bites Dry Dog Food (Best for Small Breeds)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food (Best for Large Breeds)
- Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Food)
- Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best Premium Food)
- ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Sensitive Stomachs)
- Ollie Lamb Dog Food (Best Fresh Food)
10 Best Lamb Dog Food Reviewed
Each of the below formulas follow AAFCO’s nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your dog to new dog food, consult with your veterinarian.
SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Lamb, Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 383 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Limited-ingredient dry dog food with whole grains for digestive health
One of the biggest reasons owners switch their pups to lamb dog food is health issues like food allergies or intolerances. This is because lamb is considered a “novel” protein — also known as a new protein that’s less likely to cause reactions.
Most dogs don’t mind the switch since lamb is so flavorful and fatty. And with SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal dry dog food, even dogs with sensitive tummies or other health problems still get a nutritious and delicious meal.
This formula contains five simple ingredients (not including vitamins and minerals). In other words, it’s perfect for dogs with lots of allergies.
It starts with a high-quality lamb meal made from New Zealand lamb. It packs 22% Crude Protein, which is perfect for most adult dogs.
However, if your furry friend is a working animal or highly active, this may not be the best choice (but keep reading!).
Cold-pressed sunflower oil packs healthy fats and omega fatty acids, including ARA and DHA. These boost skin health and coat shine, and aid in cognitive function.
Next up are brown rice and ground white rice. These complex carbohydrates keep your pup satiated and help protect their gut health. Plus, brown rice contains plenty of calcium and phosphorus — perfect for strong bones.
Dog owners love this chicken-free dog food and are happy to find something that even their most sensitive dog can handle.
Purina Pro Plan High Protein DHA Lamb & Rice Formula Puppy Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 447 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: High-calorie and high-fat puppy food with omega fatty acids and DHA for brain development
Puppies can have sensitive tummies and allergies too. Because of this, your vet may recommend a dog food with lamb instead of other proteins. Luckily, it’s easy to cater to these needs with Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula dry dog food.
It starts out with real deboned lamb as the first ingredient. This helps provide protein, one of the essential building blocks that your puppy’s body needs.
And, with added fish oil, they’ll also get plenty of DHA and EPA with the omega fatty acids. These nourish your canine’s brain and aid in vision development.
Oatmeal and whole-grain corn provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates for smaller tummies and offer prebiotic fiber for gut health. Plus, Purina supplements guarantee live probiotics to support digestive and immune health.
This formula is free of artificial flavors and colors. However, it does include grains, so this may not be the best option if your dog is intolerant to those.
The added chicken and by-product meal is made from chicken feet and bones, which offer natural taurine and glucosamine for heart and joint health. But, if your dog is extra sensitive to this protein, please avoid this food.
Puppy parents loved how this food helped fix their pup’s digestive problems, like loose stool or constipation. And they say that since switching, their dog hasn’t had any skin flare-ups.
Eukanuba Senior Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Brewers White Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Lamb Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Low-fat and lower-calorie dry dog food with lamb for sensitive seniors
Naturally, senior dogs will slow down as they reach their golden years. But that doesn’t mean that their needs lessen.
It’s the opposite. Your older dog will need just as much support as they did as a puppy. That’s where Eukanuba Senior Lamb 1st Ingredient dry dog food comes in.
This formula is packed with prebiotics, fats, and even dental care ingredients, all formulated for your senior.
High-quality deboned cooked lamb is the first ingredient, offering a whopping 27% Crude Protein, along with chicken by-product meal from chicken bones. If your dog needs a lower-protein food for kidney health, this may not be the best option.
Of course, be careful if your dog is allergic to chicken. But, the ingredient contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help keep your senior dog’s joints and muscles limber.
Fish oil and chicken fat keep your old friend sharp with DHA and antioxidants to support healthy brain function. And Eukanuba’s proprietary 3D DentaDefense supports dog dental health by reducing tartar buildup to keep teeth and gums healthy.
Remember that this lamb and rice formula is intended for small and medium breeds up to 54 pounds. While bigger dogs will be able to eat it, the kibble is on the smaller side. So, if your dog loves to gobble their food, it could be a choking or bloat hazard.
Senior pup owners love how the food was smaller for dogs with dental issues, like missing teeth. But many noted that their bigger dogs seemed to get gassy right after eating.
Zignature Lamb Formula Small Bites Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Flour
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 393 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: High-protein dry dog food with a smaller kibble size for tiny breeds
Small breeds are notorious for being picky and sensitive — both gut and skin-wise. If your pup is one of these dogs, no fear, there’s a lamb dog food for them.
Zignature Lamb Small Bites is small and rounded for even the tiniest jaws and packed with protein to suit their energy needs.
It starts with both real deboned lamb and fresh lamb meal. It is a mono-protein formula, so you don’t have to worry about proteins like chicken or beef causing an adverse reaction. And lamb offers protein and healthy fats, which aid in energy production and lean muscle mass.
Instead of grains, this formula contains chickpeas, peas, and pea flour for complex carbohydrates. These also provide prebiotic fiber for a healthy gut and immune system.
Zignature supplements taurine since there is no chicken or beef involved. So your dog will still get the heart-healthy nutrients that they need.
This kibble doesn’t contain potatoes, grains, corn, soy, eggs, chicken, by-products, or artificial flavors or preservatives.
This recipe is considered a hypoallergenic option, so it’s great if your dog needs that kind of kibble. But be sure to check with your vet to ensure it will work for your dog’s needs.
Small breed owners love the smaller kibble size and say their picky eaters gobble this food up.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: 19% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 367 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Highly digestible dog food with supplemented glucosamine for joint health in large breeds
Did you know that the percentage of protein isn’t always the most essential part of your dog’s food? The key to protein content is how much your dog digests.
And with a highly-digestible protein like real lamb and complex and nutrient-rich grains, your large breed will have plenty of energy and support for their body.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed dry dog food is perfect for larger dogs 50 pounds and over.
It starts with a high-quality fresh lamb meal, which offers omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your pooch’s skin for a healthy and shiny coat.
And while the protein content is lower than other foods on this list, lamb is easier for dogs to digest, so your pup is absorbing almost all of it.
Chicken fat provides glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint and cartilage health. And it contains a natural source of taurine for a strong heart.
And for easier digestion and fiber for immune health, cracked pearl barley and brown rice are included.
This recipe doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Large breed owners say this food makes their dogs run to their bowls. And they love that it keeps their muscles and joints limber.
Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Lamb Broth, Turkey Broth
- Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 506 kcal/can
- Key Feature: High-protein and high-calorie wet dog food made without chicken
It can be difficult finding a high-protein wet dog food that’s also gentle, grain-free, and high in calories. But don’t worry, we found the perfect option.
Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free canned dog food is the ideal solution for sensitive or picky pups.
This food boasts almost 40% Crude Protein (when measured on a dry matter basis), so it’s great for dogs who need to maintain their muscle mass and joints. And, it’s easier to digest since it doesn’t contain any harsh or reaction-causing proteins.
It starts with real deboned lamb as the first ingredient. It’s important to note that this food also has turkey and turkey liver, but this poultry is less likely to cause issues with sensitive pups.
These ingredients offer taurine, chondroitin, and glucosamine — essential nutrients for heart health and strong muscles.
Since this food is grain-free, it contains lentils and carrots instead. These gentle and complex carbohydrates offer magnesium for metabolic support and fiber for easier digestion.
And ground flaxseeds, along with the turkey liver, deliver essential fatty acids for joint support and brain function.
Many dog moms and dads love this lamb based dog food as a food topper or even fed exclusively to their small and medium breeds. But large dogs can also enjoy this wet food!
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Pea Starch
- Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 381 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Dry dog food with lamb that’s high in antioxidants and probiotics for dog owners on a budget
Need a dog with real lamb, but want to stay on a budget? High-quality protein and essential vitamins and nutrients don’t have to cost a fortune. Give Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb dry dog food a try.
It starts with deboned lamb and fish meal. The lamb provides beta-alanine, which aids in healthy muscle development. And fish meal is packed with essential amino acids for flexible joints and healthy skin.
Whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, and cracked pearled barley are easy-to-digest grains — even for sensitive tummies. And they contain nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.
Chicken fat provides a natural source of glucosamine for joint health and mobility.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula also has “LifeSource Bits”, a precise blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients. These include components like blueberries, cranberries, parsley, turmeric, and dried kelp. These boost your dog’s immune system and keep inflammation at bay.
And, if that wasn’t enough wholesome food, this formula also includes live probiotics. These are dusted on the food after cooking to provide plenty of gut support.
Canine owners say their dog hasn’t had a flare-up or allergic reaction since switching to this food. And they also notice that their pup has more energy.
Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Egg, Sweet Potato, Tapioca, Lamb Fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 19% Crude Fat, 2.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 467 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Premium high-protein and high-fat dog food made without major allergens
Would you rather spoil your pup with the best of the best instead? If so, look no further than Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Cage-Free Lamb dry dog food.
This high-protein formula is perfect for dogs who need a grain-free diet and packs plenty of antioxidants for immune support.
It starts with deboned and free-range lamb and lamb fat. These provide glucosamine and amino acids for joint health and muscle support.
It’s important to note that this food contains cage-free whole eggs, so pups with egg allergies will need to steer clear. But if your dog can have them, they provide a natural source of taurine.
Sweet potatoes and tapioca (also known as cassava) provide a healthy dose of prebiotic fiber. Plus, they contain beta-carotene and vitamin C, which aid in eye and immune health.
Superfoods like blueberries, broccoli, and dandelion greens pack antioxidants and free radicals to protect your dog against environmental allergies. And, they aid in a more robust immune system, so allergic reactions are less likely.
This formula is free of peas, lentils, chickpeas, and white potatoes.
Pet owners say this is the perfect food for dogs with sensitive skin or shedding coats.
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potato, Whole Chickpeas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 5% Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 371 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Chicken-free limited ingredient dry dog food with probiotics for allergies and sensitive tummies
Dogs with severe food allergies and sensitivities may need a limited-ingredient diet to avoid the most common components that trigger their reactions.
Proteins like chicken, beef, and eggs can cause flare-ups, and grains tend to exacerbate symptoms, so your dog truly never feels like themselves.
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet dry dog food contains 12 ingredients, including a single-source animal protein — deboned lamb. This high-quality protein also provides omega fatty acids without the chance of an adverse reaction.
This food also contains pollock oil and vitamin E oil, along with the lamb. These provide omega fatty acids for joint health.
And these healthy fats also coat the stomach to protect your dog from inflammation and excess stomach acid that can worsen symptoms like itchy skin.
Whole chickpeas, whole lentils, and sweet potatoes offer easy-to-digest carbohydrates and fiber for a healthy digestive system and boost immune support.
Like many other formulas on this list, ACANA is free of peas, corn, and chicken. And they don’t include any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Pet parents admit that this is the only food that fixes their dog’s skin and digestive issues. Plus, they love that their pup now has shinier and thicker fur.
Ollie Lamb Recipe Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice
- Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 74% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 192.50 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Human-grade dog food that’s customizable for sensitive pups
Instead of switching to a raw diet that you have to put a lot of money, time, and effort into, try a customizable and fresh-made lamb-based dog food made with human ingredients you can find right in your fridge.
Ollie makes each batch of food and ships it out within 24 hours of preparing it. And they offer a lamb formula for sensitive tummies. It includes high-quality ingredients like real deboned lamb, butternut squash, and whole-grain rice.
To get started, you’ll need to take Ollie’s online quiz. They’ll ask about your dog’s weight, height, food allergies, and activity level. Once completed, they’ll calculate your pup’s specific nutritional requirements.
While the lamb based food is a top option, Ollie does have beef, chicken, and turkey formulas. But no matter which option you choose, Ollie will make your dog’s food and ship it right to your door every two to four weeks.
And, because they include a scoop and nutrition guide, you don’t have to do extra work; just open up some freezer space.
Dog owners love how they can choose the ingredients and options in their pup’s food. And many note that because of the fresh ingredients in the lamb and rice dog food their dogs no longer have allergy reactions or sensitive stomachs.
How to Choose the Best Lamb Dog Food
Switching to new dog food with lamb as the main ingredient isn’t for every dog. Before making the switch, here’s what you need to know.
Is Lamb Good For Dogs?
It can be. Real lamb is high in protein, fatty acids, and is usually gentle on sensitive tummies that can’t handle chicken and beef. Plus, it’s tasty!
Also, unlike other novel proteins like fish, bison, venison, or rabbit, you can find lamb dog foods for about the exact cost as those with chicken and beef.
However, it is essential to note that lamb is still in the top five allergens for dogs (next to turkey and eggs). So it may not work for every sensitive pup.
Nutritional Value of Lamb
Lamb is packed with nutrients. First, it contains a whopping 27 grams of protein per serving. And it’s also full of healthy fats, including amino acids and DHA for healthy joints and brain development.
Along with these macronutrients, it’s also filled with iron, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and selenium. These aid in energy production, heart health, strong bones, and a faster metabolism.
But, on the flip side, lamb is also high in saturated fat. If you have a working or hunting dog, that’s not bad, but sedentary dogs could gain weight if they eat lamb too often.
And it’s lower in taurine, which is essential for heart health. So you’ll want to make sure that the food you buy supplements it or add it to your dog’s diet.
When to Feed Dog Food With Lamb
Almost any dog will do well on a lamb based food and diet. But it’s beneficial for dogs with protein allergies and sensitive tummies.
It’s also great if your dog is picky and doesn’t like the taste of specific proteins because it tends to be more flavorful and fatty.
If your dog needs a super gentle recipe, try a lamb and rice dog food. These ingredients are easier on the tummy than other proteins and grains.
When Not to Feed Lamb Dog Food
Does your dog need hypoallergenic dog food? If so, be careful. Lamb may be a novel protein, but it’s not hypoallergenic. So your pup may need a different type of food.
Also, since lamb is so high in fat, it may not be the best choice for dogs with obesity issues or heart problems. Excess saturated fat could cause more symptoms and even make your dog gain weight.
What to Look for When Buying Lamb Dog Food
When looking for the right pet food, there are a few things to consider. First, you always want to ensure that lamb or premium quality lamb meal is the first protein ingredient.
If your dog has severe allergies or intolerances, you also want to be sure that it’s the only protein source.
Second, focus on fat content. Dog food with 12%-20% Crude Fat is ideal, depending on your pup’s needs, activity level, breed, and age. But try not to dip below 12% since your dog depends on fat for their energy and joints.
Next, since lamb is low in taurine, the pet food you buy should supplement this essential nutrient. Taurine is crucial for heart health in dogs, and you shouldn’t skip it.
Last but not least, avoid fillers as much as possible. Soy and corn — and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives — should be steered clear of.
While some of these fillers are okay in small quantities, some dogs can have adverse reactions. So it’s safer to avoid them unless your vet recommends them for your pup.
Our Verdict
As you can see, there are plenty of options for dog food with real lamb. And there are many types of choices, from dry to wet, and everything in between.
Our favorite pick is SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal dry dog food.
It’s great for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and nutritional needs. And, because it’s such a simple formula, you can eliminate potential allergens that your dog may have.
But don’t worry — all of the dog foods on this list were hand-picked to support dogs of all ages and shapes to aid in their whole-body health. So you can’t go wrong with any choice!
