I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food

Common questions

Is I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food healthy?

I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dog food contains high-quality protein sources such as beef, beef meal, and menhaden fish meal, which provide essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.

How processed is I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food?

I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Beef, Beef meal, Menhaden fish meal count in its favor; Natural flavor is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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I and love and you Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food

70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 10
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pet Food
Summary

This dog food contains high-quality protein sources such as beef, beef meal, and menhaden fish meal, which provide essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. The inclusion of whole grains like oatmeal and quinoa adds fiber and slow-release energy. However, the presence of 'natural flavor' as an ingredient introduces some uncertainty due to its lack of transparency, and the product's processing level limits its maximum score.

Key ingredients 20

Beef
Good

Beef is a high-quality source of protein and essential amino acids. It provides vital nutrients for muscle maintenance and energy. Grass-fed beef is preferable for higher omega-3 content.

Risks

Potential for allergies in some dogs sensitive to beef.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential nutrients, supporting muscle health and energy levels.

See more about Beef →
Beef meal
Good

Beef meal is a concentrated protein source derived from beef. It provides a high level of protein and essential nutrients. The rendering process concentrates nutrients, making it a valuable ingredient in pet food.

Risks

May cause allergies in dogs sensitive to beef proteins.

Benefits

Offers a concentrated source of protein and nutrients, supporting muscle development and maintenance.

Menhaden fish meal
Good

Menhaden fish meal is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It supports skin and coat health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. The meal is made from whole fish, ensuring nutrient density.

Benefits

High in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

See more about Menhaden fish meal →
Oatmeal
Good

Oatmeal is a whole grain rich in fiber and nutrients. It supports digestive health and provides a slow-release energy source. Oats are minimally processed, retaining their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Rich in fiber, supporting digestive health and providing sustained energy.

See more about Oatmeal →
Chicken fat
Good

Chicken fat is a source of healthy fats and energy. It is preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural antioxidant. The fat provides essential fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Benefits

Provides essential fatty acids, supporting skin and coat health.

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Dried egg product
Good

Dried egg product is a high-quality protein source with essential amino acids. It supports muscle maintenance and overall health. Eggs are a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids.

Risks

Potential allergen for dogs sensitive to eggs.

Benefits

Rich in high-quality protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle health.

Quinoa
Good

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain providing protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It is a complete protein, offering all essential amino acids. Quinoa is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provides protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, supporting overall health.

See more about Quinoa →
Lamb
Good

Lamb is a high-quality protein source rich in essential amino acids. It provides vital nutrients for muscle maintenance and energy. Grass-fed lamb is preferable for higher omega-3 content.

Risks

Potential for allergies in some dogs sensitive to lamb.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential nutrients, supporting muscle health and energy levels.

See more about Lamb →
Flaxseeds
Good

Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They support skin and coat health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Whole seeds retain their nutritional benefits better than processed oils.

Benefits

High in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, promoting healthy skin and coat.

See more about Flaxseeds →
Dried carrots
Good

Dried carrots are a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They support eye health and provide antioxidants. The drying process retains most of the nutritional benefits of fresh carrots.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting eye health and overall wellness.

Ground sorghum
Neutral

Ground sorghum is a gluten-free grain providing carbohydrates and fiber. It is less processed than refined grains, retaining more nutrients. Sorghum is a good alternative for dogs with grain sensitivities.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates and fiber, supporting digestive health.

Millet
Neutral

Millet is a gluten-free grain providing carbohydrates and some protein. It is less processed than refined grains, retaining more nutrients. Millet is a good alternative for dogs with grain sensitivities.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates and some protein, supporting energy levels.

See more about Millet →
Natural pork flavor
Neutral

Natural pork flavor is used to enhance palatability in pet foods. It is derived from pork and adds flavor without significant nutritional value. The natural origin is preferable to artificial flavors.

Benefits

Enhances palatability, encouraging consumption without artificial additives.

Dried tomato pomace
Neutral

Dried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato processing, providing fiber and nutrients. It supports digestive health and adds bulk to pet food. The processing retains some nutritional benefits of tomatoes.

Benefits

Provides fiber and nutrients, supporting digestive health.

Ground miscanthus grass
Neutral

Ground miscanthus grass is used as a fiber source in pet foods. It supports digestive health by adding bulk. The grass is minimally processed, retaining its fiber content.

Benefits

Provides fiber, supporting digestive health.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a necessary mineral for maintaining electrolyte balance. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues, but it is essential in moderation.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance and overall health.

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Potassium chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used as a potassium source and salt substitute. It helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports heart health. The ingredient is generally safe when used in appropriate amounts.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hyperkalemia, affecting heart function.

Benefits

Supports electrolyte balance and heart health.

See more about Potassium chloride →
Choline chloride
Neutral

Choline chloride is a source of choline, an essential nutrient for liver function and brain health. It is often added to pet foods to ensure adequate choline intake. The ingredient is generally safe and beneficial in appropriate amounts.

Benefits

Supports liver function and brain health.

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Minerals
Neutral

Minerals such as ferrous sulfate and zinc oxide are essential for various bodily functions. They support immune health, bone strength, and overall wellness. These minerals are added to ensure nutritional adequacy in pet foods.

Risks

Excessive intake of certain minerals can lead to toxicity.

Benefits

Essential for immune health, bone strength, and overall wellness.

See more about Minerals →
Natural flavor
Bad

Natural flavor is a catch-all term that can include various additives. It lacks transparency and may include processed ingredients. The lack of specificity makes it difficult to assess health impacts.

Risks

Potential for hidden allergens or processed ingredients.

See more about Natural flavor →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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