I’ll be upfront: I held off on reviewing Farmina for a long time because of the price. Every time I looked at it online or saw it at a specialty pet store, I’d glance at the tag, quietly put it back, and move on. An Italian premium brand with ingredient lists that look like something from a farm-to-table restaurant — lamb, pumpkin, blueberry — and a price point that makes Orijen feel like a budget option.
But dog food reviewers who only test affordable foods aren’t giving the full picture. And after several people in my dog training group raved about Farmina N&D, I figured it was finally time to actually spend the money and see what all the talk was about.
So in early 2026, I ordered the Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry formula, committed to a full 30-day trial, and tracked my three dogs the same way I always do. Here’s my completely honest assessment after spending more on dog food than I’ve ever spent in a single month.
Product Overview: Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry Grain-Free
Farmina is an Italian pet food company that manufactures in both Italy and Brazil. Their N&D line (which stands for “Natural & Delicious”) is positioned as ultra-premium nutrition with limited, high-quality ingredients. The Pumpkin line specifically uses pumpkin as the primary carbohydrate source instead of traditional grains or the pea/lentil combinations common in American grain-free foods.
This distinction is actually important given the ongoing DCM research — the pumpkin formula sidesteps the legume question more effectively than most grain-free options, which is partly what drew me to this specific formula.
Key Details:
- Brand: Farmina (N&D line)
- Formula: N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry Grain-Free
- Life Stage: Adult (all sizes, various bag sizes for different breeds)
- Target: All breeds
- Primary Proteins: Dehydrated lamb, fresh lamb
- Available Sizes: 5.5 lb, 12 lb, 26.4 lb bags
- Price Range: $32–$100 depending on size (USA retail)
- Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon, specialty pet retailers, some independent pet stores
Quick Verdict: Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry is genuinely one of the most impressive dry dog foods I’ve ever reviewed. The ingredient list is extraordinary, the nutritional profile is exceptional, and the results across all three dogs were among the best I’ve seen in any single month of testing. The price is real and steep — this is the most expensive food I’ve tested. But the quality backs it up, and for the right dog owner in the right financial situation, this food is worth every penny.
My Three Testing Dogs
🐶 Leia — Basenji, 4 Years Old, 22 lbs
Leia is my cat-like, fastidiously clean, perpetually calculating little hunting dog who communicates in chirps and yodels and has opinions about absolutely everything. Basenjis are an ancient breed with a unique metabolism, and Leia’s short, rust-colored coat is an immediate and reliable indicator of her nutritional status — changes show up fast, for better or worse. She’s a picky eater who’s rejected expensive foods before, so Farmina’s palatability would get a proper challenge from her.
🐶 Barnaby — Standard Poodle, 5 Years Old, 55 lbs
Barnaby is my elegant, ridiculously intelligent, slightly theatrical Standard Poodle who has somehow convinced everyone who meets him that he’s the most sophisticated creature in any room. He’s athletic, curly-coated, and genuinely needs quality nutrition to keep that iconic Poodle coat in show condition (we don’t show him, but the same nutritional demands apply). He’s got no documented sensitivities, excellent digestion, and he’s my go-to indicator for whether a food can actually deliver on coat quality claims.
🐶 Hera — American Staffordshire Terrier, 6 Years Old, 65 lbs
Hera is my muscular, loyal, misunderstood-by-strangers-but-loved-by-everyone-who-knows-her AmStaff who has the sweetest soul of any dog I’ve owned. She needs serious protein to maintain her considerable muscle mass, has a short brindle coat that reflects nutrition quickly, and has had mild food sensitivities in the past — specifically to chicken, which makes a lamb-based formula particularly relevant for her.
My 1-Month Experience — Three Dogs, Three Exceptional Months
Eight-day transition for all three. Given the dramatically different ingredient profile of this food compared to anything I’d fed previously — pumpkin as the primary carbohydrate, no grains, no legumes, very high meat content — I was cautious about digestive adjustment and gave extra time.
🐶 Leia — Basenji
Energy Levels: Leia’s energy was excellent from week one through week four. Basenjis have a naturally efficient, athletic energy pattern — not hyperactive, but consistently alert and physically capable. This month, her energy felt particularly well-sustained. She was more interested in extended play sessions by week two, which for a cat-like Basenji who normally self-regulates playtime is notable.
Digestion: Exceptional. After a very brief transitional period (two slightly softer days in week one), Leia’s digestion was the most consistent I’ve seen from her in years. Small, firm, well-formed stools with noticeably less volume than on previous foods. For a dog this size, the difference in stool volume between this food and average-quality options was dramatic — Farmina is clearly being absorbed efficiently.
Coat Condition: Leia’s rust coat went from its usual healthy-but-unremarkable state to genuinely luminous by week three. I’m not being hyperbolic. The sheen picked up to a degree I hadn’t seen since she was a younger dog. Her brindle coloring was more vibrant, and the texture was softer when I petted her. The lamb and blueberry formula’s antioxidant profile (blueberries are a genuine antioxidant source, not just marketing) and omega-3 fatty acids were visibly delivering.
Palatability: And here’s the result I honestly didn’t expect. Leia — my notoriously picky, food-inspecting, will-refuse-expensive-food-on-principle Basenji — ate Farmina N&D from day one without hesitation. No sniffing ceremony. No walking away and coming back. Just eating. That alone is remarkable for this particular dog.
Issues: None. Leia had a genuinely flawless month.
🐶 Barnaby — Standard Poodle
Energy Levels: Barnaby maintained his characteristic Poodle intelligence and athleticism throughout the month. Standard Poodles need mental and physical stimulation, and he was consistently energized and focused for both. By week three, his agility practice was notably sharper — he seemed more responsive and quicker to recover between runs.
Digestion: Perfect. Barnaby has always had reliable digestion, but on Farmina, his stools were the most consistently ideal I’ve ever seen from him — small (very small, actually), firm, and remarkably low odor. The high digestibility of this formula shows up directly in stool characteristics, and Barnaby’s were textbook throughout.
Coat Condition: This was the trial’s standout achievement. Standard Poodle coats are notorious for their maintenance demands — they can be stunning or they can be a tangled, dull mess depending on nutrition, grooming, and genetics. Barnaby’s coat, which is typically in good condition because I work hard at maintaining it, went to exceptional by week four. The texture was silkier, the growth seemed more uniform, and the color was a more vibrant silver. When I took him to his groomer at the end of the month, she immediately asked what I’d changed in his diet. That kind of unsolicited professional observation means something.
Activity: Consistent, appropriate, excellent. Barnaby was Barnaby — theatrical, intelligent, and energized at all times.
Issues: Barnaby had one day around week two where he ate only half his meal. He then walked away, came back forty-five minutes later, and ate the rest. I have absolutely no explanation for this. Barnaby being Barnaby, I think he was making an artistic statement.
🐶 Hera — American Staffordshire Terrier
Strength & Muscle Tone: This is where Farmina N&D genuinely surprised me. Hera is already well-muscled, but by the end of the month, her muscle definition was noticeably more pronounced. Her shoulders, chest, and hindquarters showed better definition — not size, but density and firmness. At 35% protein from primarily lamb sources, this formula is delivering serious muscle support. The change was visible enough that my vet noticed it at Hera’s routine checkup mid-month and asked if I’d changed her training regimen.
Immunity & Overall Health: Hera had an excellent month. No skin flare-ups (important for a dog with sensitivity history), no digestive issues, no lethargy. Her brindle coat was glossier and tighter than usual. Her eyes were bright and her overall demeanor was energetic and engaged.
Sensitivity Performance: This was my most watched metric for Hera. Lamb as the primary protein instead of chicken meant I was hoping for a sensitivity-free month. That’s exactly what I got. No paw licking, no skin irritation, no scratching. The clean ingredient profile — pumpkin as the carbohydrate, no common allergens, no corn or wheat — seemed to agree with her system completely.
Stool Quality: Outstanding. Small, very firm, consistent. Hera is a 65 lb dog, and the reduction in stool volume compared to her previous food was significant. What goes in is being used, not just passed through.
Any Issues: None. Hera had her best month nutritionally in as long as I can remember.
Nutritional Information Breakdown
| Nutrient | Value | Ideal Range | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 35% | 20–30% | ✅ Excellent — significantly above ideal range, all animal-sourced |
| Crude Fat | 18% | 10–20% | ✅ Excellent — top of the ideal range |
| Crude Fiber | 2.5% | 3–5% | ⚠️ Slightly below ideal range |
| Moisture | 10% | Up to 12% | ✅ Standard |
| Calories | ~430 kcal/cup | — | Moderate-to-high energy density |
Breaking Down What These Numbers Mean:
35% protein is exceptional. It’s in the same territory as Orijen (38%) and above virtually all other mainstream and premium options. More importantly, this protein comes exclusively from animal sources — dehydrated lamb, fresh lamb, egg, herring — with no plant protein boosters inflating the number.
Fat at 18% is at the top of the ideal range, delivering serious support for coat health, energy, and fat-soluble vitamin absorption. The results in Barnaby’s and Leia’s coats were direct evidence of this fat content doing its job.
Fiber at 2.5% is the one number I find genuinely below ideal. The 3–5% range is what I consider optimal, and 2.5% is a meaningful step below that. Pumpkin does provide some soluble fiber, so the “effective” fiber impact may be slightly higher than the crude fiber number suggests — but it’s worth noting for dogs who need higher fiber for satiety or digestive health.
The Pumpkin Carbohydrate Approach:
This is what makes Farmina N&D Pumpkin genuinely distinctive. Instead of using peas, lentils, chickpeas (common in American grain-free foods) or corn and wheat (common in grain-inclusive mainstream foods), Farmina uses pumpkin as the primary carbohydrate.
Pumpkin is:
- Low in glycemic index (gentler on blood sugar than most grains)
- Naturally high in fiber and antioxidants
- Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene
- Easy to digest
- Not a legume (so the DCM concern essentially disappears)
This is genuinely clever formulation that addresses the DCM research concerns without reverting to traditional grains. It’s one of the main reasons I chose this specific Farmina formula for testing.
Additives:
Blueberries (antioxidants), pomegranate (polyphenols), dried beet (natural colorant and fiber), omega-3 fatty acids from herring, and a comprehensive vitamin/mineral package. Everything is from identifiable, natural sources. No artificial anything. The additive profile is among the cleanest I’ve reviewed.
Ingredient Analysis — Close to Perfection
Top 5 ingredients:
- Dehydrated Lamb — Concentrated, dehydrated lamb protein. Named, specific, and extremely protein-dense. This is one of the highest-quality first ingredients I’ve seen. Rating: Premium.
- Fresh Lamb — Whole, fresh lamb providing additional animal protein and a natural nutritional complement to the dehydrated version. Having both dehydrated and fresh lamb in the top two is exceptional. Rating: Premium.
- Pumpkin — The primary carbohydrate source. Nutritionally superior to corn, wheat, or even many grains. Rich in natural fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. A genuinely intelligent carbohydrate choice. Rating: Premium.
- Lamb Fat — Named, specific fat source from lamb. Not “animal fat” or vague lipid sources — lamb fat, clearly identified. Provides energy, supports coat health, and adds flavor. Rating: Premium.
- Dried Egg — Whole dried eggs providing high-quality, highly bioavailable protein with an excellent amino acid profile. Eggs consistently test as one of the most bioavailable protein sources for dogs. Rating: Premium.
Overall Ingredient Quality Rating: Premium. All five of the top ingredients are named, identifiable, and high-quality. Two forms of lamb lead the protein foundation. Pumpkin provides quality carbohydrate. Lamb fat from a named source. Dried eggs rounding out an exceptional protein profile. There are no fillers, no plant protein boosters, no vague by-product meals, no corn, wheat, or soy anywhere in this formula. This is what a truly premium ingredient list looks like.
Pros & Cons — Based on 30 Days of Real Feeding
✅ Pros
- 35% protein from 100% named animal sources — dehydrated lamb, fresh lamb, eggs, herring
- Pumpkin as primary carbohydrate — avoids the legume/DCM concern while delivering superior nutrition to grains
- All five top ingredients are premium quality — no compromise anywhere in the top of the ingredient list
- Leia accepted it immediately — even my notoriously picky Basenji ate it from day one
- Barnaby’s coat earned groomer validation — unsolicited professional confirmation of improvement
- Hera’s muscle definition noticeably improved — vet-noticed change in body composition
- Outstanding digestive performance across all three dogs — smallest, best-quality stools of any food tested
- No common allergens — lamb and pumpkin are both low-allergen choices
- Blueberry antioxidant inclusion is genuine, not just marketing
- Italian manufacturing standards — rigorous quality control
❌ Cons
- Extremely expensive — the most expensive food I’ve ever reviewed
- Monthly cost for medium-to-large dogs is very significant
- Fiber at 2.5% is below ideal — may not be sufficient for dogs needing high fiber
- Limited availability — primarily specialty pet stores and online
- High calorie density requires careful portioning — especially for weight-prone breeds
- Grain-free — some vets prefer grain-inclusive for certain breeds (though pumpkin carbs somewhat mitigate this concern)
Price Breakdown (USA — All Prices in $)
| Bag Size | Approximate Price | Price Per Pound | Price Per Kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 lb | $32–$38 | ~$6.36/lb | ~$14.02/kg |
| 12 lb | $58–$70 | ~$5.33/lb | ~$11.75/kg |
| 26.4 lb | $90–$108 | ~$3.71/lb | ~$8.18/kg |
Prices based on Chewy, Amazon, and specialty retailers as of early 2026.
Monthly Cost Estimates:
High calorie density (~430 kcal/cup) means smaller portions, which partially offsets the sticker price:
- Small dog (Leia, ~22 lbs): ~¾ cup/day → 12 lb bag lasts ~6+ weeks → ~$38–$46/month
- Medium dog (Barnaby, ~55 lbs): ~1¾ cups/day → 26.4 lb bag lasts ~4.5 weeks → ~$80–$96/month
- Large dog (Hera, ~65 lbs): ~2 cups/day → 26.4 lb bag lasts ~4 weeks → ~$90–$108/month
Value for Money Verdict: This is the most nuanced value assessment I’ve done. Farmina N&D Pumpkin is extraordinarily expensive. There’s no way around that.
But the results were extraordinary too. Leia accepted food that no other expensive food had won over. Barnaby’s coat earned unprompted groomer validation. Hera’s muscle definition changed enough for a vet to notice. And the digestive performance — the smallest, firmest, lowest-odor stools of any food I’ve tested — tells me the body is genuinely using what it’s eating at a level other foods don’t achieve.
For small dogs like Leia, $38–$46/month is actually not unreasonable for this quality tier. For larger dogs, $90–$108/month is a real commitment.
Comparison Table: Farmina N&D Pumpkin vs. Competitors
| Feature | Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry | Orijen Original | Acana Heritage Poultry | Merrick Classic HG Beef | Purina Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein % | 35% | 38% | 31% | 27% | 30% |
| Fat % | 18% | 18% | 17% | 17% | 16% |
| Fiber % | 2.5% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 3% |
| Price (26 lb bag, $) | $90–$108 | $85–$100 | $75–$85 | $58–$68 | $52–$62 |
| Primary Carb | Pumpkin | Legumes/low carb | Oats, lentils | Brown rice, barley | Rice |
| Legume Content | Minimal | Present | Present | Minimal | Minimal |
| First Ingredient | Dehydrated Lamb | Fresh Chicken | Deboned Chicken | Deboned Beef | Chicken |
| Ingredient Quality | Premium | Premium | Premium | Good-Premium | Average-Good |
| Manufacturing | Italian | Canadian/American | Canadian/American | American | American |
| Best For | Sensitive dogs, coat-priority, premium buyers | Maximum protein | Premium grain-inclusive | Quality grain-inclusive | Active adult dogs |
| Rating (/10) | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 8.4 | 7.9 |
Where Farmina N&D Stands:
Is Farmina good for dogs? Based on my 30-day trial, it’s one of the best foods I’ve ever tested. In the category of the best dog food in USA 2026 for premium grain-free nutrition, Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry competes directly with Orijen and Acana.
The pumpkin carbohydrate approach is arguably superior to Orijen’s legume-based grain-free formula from a DCM-concern perspective. Orijen has a slight protein edge (38% vs 35%) but Farmina’s Italian manufacturing standards and unique carbohydrate approach make it a genuine competitor at the top tier.
Final Rating: 9.2 / 10
| Category | Score (/10) |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Quality | 9.8 |
| Nutritional Profile | 9.0 |
| Digestive Performance | 9.5 |
| Coat & Skin Health | 9.5 |
| Palatability | 9.5 |
| Value for Money | 7.5 |
| DCM Safety Profile | 9.5 |
| Overall | 9.2 |
Verdict: Excellent — One of the Best Dog Foods I’ve Ever Reviewed
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry delivered exceptional results across three different dogs with different sizes, breeds, and nutritional histories. The ingredient list is as clean and premium as anything in the market. The pumpkin carbohydrate approach is genuinely innovative and addresses the DCM question more elegantly than most grain-free competitors. And the real-world results — Leia’s coat, Barnaby’s groomer-validated coat improvement, Hera’s vet-noticed muscle definition, all three dogs’ extraordinary digestive performance — back up every premium claim on the label.
The 9.2/10 is held back from a perfect score only by the fiber content below ideal range and a price point that genuinely limits access for many dog owners.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes — emphatically and for all three dogs.
Leia is staying on Farmina. Finding a premium food that my notoriously picky Basenji accepts immediately and thrives on is not something I’m walking away from. Barnaby’s coat improvement earned this food its permanent place in my rotation for him. And Hera — whose sensitivity issues have made food selection complicated for years — had a flawless, sensitivity-free month on lamb and pumpkin. I’m not changing what’s working.
The price is the challenge, and I’m not going to pretend it isn’t real. But for three dogs whose health and quality of life improved measurably in 30 days, the investment feels justified in a way that’s hard to argue with.
Who Should Buy Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb & Blueberry?
Ideal for:
- Dogs with food sensitivities — the clean, limited-allergen ingredient list is exceptional for sensitive dogs
- Small-to-medium breed owners where monthly cost is most manageable
- Owners who’ve been concerned about the DCM/legume-free debate — pumpkin carbohydrates elegantly sidestep this
- Dogs with demanding coat needs — the results with Barnaby and Leia were genuinely extraordinary
- Premium buyers who want maximum ingredient quality — this is as close to the top as dry kibble gets
- Dogs with muscle-tone priorities — the 35% animal protein and results with Hera speak for themselves
- Picky eaters — the palatability results were remarkable even for Leia
Not ideal for:
- Budget-conscious owners — there’s no way around the price
- Large or giant breed owners — monthly costs reach $90–$120+ which is genuinely difficult to sustain
- Dogs who need high fiber — 2.5% crude fiber may be insufficient; consider adding a fiber supplement
- Owners who prefer grain-inclusive diets — despite the pumpkin approach, this is still classified as grain-free
- First-time dog owners without the budget to commit — start somewhere more affordable and work up if desired
My Final Honest Thoughts
I went into this trial skeptical that any food could justify the price tag Farmina N&D commands. I came out genuinely converted — though not without clear-eyed acknowledgment of what that conversion requires financially.
The results were real. The ingredient quality is real. The pumpkin carbohydrate approach is genuinely innovative in ways that matter nutritionally. And the three dogs who ate this food for a month looked and felt noticeably better than they have on anything else I’ve fed them.
Is it the right food for everyone? No. Is it worth the price for the right dog and the right owner? Based on everything I observed over 30 days — yes.
9.2 out of 10. If you can afford it, your dog will probably thank you.
