Farmina N&D honest review: the Italian premium brand that rivals Orijen
There are few pet food brands that can credibly claim European manufacturing, an active university research partnership, and scores that rival Orijen or Acana. Farmina is one of them. Its N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate formula scores 87/100 on our grid - a firmly established A in the upper tier.
But Farmina is also a brand with a broad product range and variable quality across it. The N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat is not the N&D Prime. The Farmina Mini Adult is not the N&D Ancestral Grain. This article analyses the full range, explains why some products earn an A while others settle in the B tier, and honestly compares Farmina to its direct competitors.
French version: Farmina N&D avis honnete.
Farmina: the company, the history, the context
Farmina was founded in 1965 in Italy by the Russo family. Headquarters in Naples, production split between Italy and Poland, presence in over 70 countries. It is an independent family business - a meaningful distinction in a market dominated by Mars, Nestle Purina, Colgate-Palmolive (Hill's), and J.M. Smucker (Nutrish).
Farmina's independence has practical consequences for its formulas. Without the obligation to maximise margins for institutional shareholders, Farmina can maintain high meat incorporation rates that would make its formulas non-competitive on price within a publicly listed portfolio. This is the same dynamic that explains why Edgard & Cooper, another independent brand, reaches an A (86) while the major conglomerates' brands frequently cap at C.
The University of Naples research partnership
Farmina's most visible market differentiator is its research partnership with the University Federico II of Naples. This partnership has produced peer-reviewed publications on protein bioavailability in grain-free kibble, the impact of pomegranate polyphenols on oxidative health in domestic carnivores, and ancestral diet formulation.
The studies are not disguised marketing. Publications in peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition carry independent scientific value. Farmina cites the work of Professor Giancarlo Biagi on comparative nutrition between wolves and domestic dogs as the theoretical foundation of its formulas.
This is not unique in the premium pet food world - Champion Petfoods also collaborates with academic institutions - but it is rare in Europe and rarer still for a family-owned brand of this size.
N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate: analysis of the flagship product (87/100)
Declared composition
Fresh chicken (45%), chicken meal, peas, lentils, chicken oil, pomegranate concentrate (0.1%), brewer's yeast, marine algae powder, rosemary extract.
First immediately visible point: no grains. No corn, no wheat, no rice, no barley. The undesirables dimension score is logically high.
Second point: 45 percent fresh chicken as the first ingredient. This is higher than what you find in Iams (29%) or even some Acana products (which list fresh chicken but without declared percentages).
Chicken meal as the second ingredient is the dehydrated form. Combining both, Farmina declares a total of 42 percent dry matter animal content from chicken, placing this formula squarely in tier A.
Detailed sub-scores
| Dimension | Score | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proteins | 30/35 | A | 45% fresh chicken + meal, single identified source |
| Nutrition | 17/20 | A | Pomegranate, algae, excellent macro balance |
| Undesirables | 18/20 | A | Grain-free, no synthetic preservatives |
| Transparency | 13/15 | A | Percentages declared, sources named |
| Adaptability | 9/10 | A | Optimal formula for active adult dogs |
| Total | 87/100 | A |
The pomegranate: marketing or science?
Pomegranate concentrate at 0.1 percent may seem incidental. Yet it is one of the most studied elements of the N&D formula.
Pomegranate polyphenols (primarily ellagic acid and punicalagins) have documented antioxidant properties in mammals. In dogs, the University of Naples studies show measurable impact on oxidative stress markers after 90 days of consumption. The effect is not spectacular - a 12 to 18 percent reduction in inflammatory biomarkers is not visible to the naked eye - but it is genuine science, not branding.
The marine algae powder provides omega-3 EPA and DHA that are directly bioavailable, unlike the ALA omega-3 from flaxseeds found in Iams or Hill's. Our analysis on best dog food for senior dogs explains why the marine source is more efficient than the plant source for carnivores.
The full N&D range: what it is worth product by product
Farmina N&D is a broad range. Very broad. There is the N&D Prime, N&D Ancestral Grain, N&D Quinoa, N&D Ocean, and N&D Pumpkin. Each follows a different logic, and their scores on our grid vary significantly.
N&D Prime: tier A (85-90/100)
This is the grain-free premium range. The Chicken & Pomegranate, Lamb & Blueberry, and Tuna & Orange versions all score between 85 and 90 on our grid. Meat content is high across all formulas, the plant substitutes are legumes (peas, lentils) rather than grains, and the functional additives have a documented scientific basis.
The kitten version (N&D Prime Kitten) deserves special mention: 47 percent fresh chicken, DHA supplementation for neurological development, taurine levels above FEDIAF minimums. For a kitten between 2 and 12 months, it is one of the best formulas available in Europe.
N&D Quinoa: tier B (72-78/100)
The Quinoa range is positioned as "functional": Skin & Coat, Digestion, Weight. It uses quinoa as an alternative carbohydrate source instead of grains. Quinoa is a complete protein with all essential amino acids, giving it superior nutritional value compared to rice or corn. But it is still plant protein, not animal protein.
N&D Quinoa Digestion shows 35 percent total protein but the animal protein proportion is lower than in N&D Prime. Vegetables constitute a larger share of the formula. It is a solid B, not an A.
N&D Ancestral Grain: tier B+ (75-82/100)
This range reintroduces ancient grains (spelt, oats) in small quantities. Farmina's position is that unprocessed ancient grains used in moderate proportions do not carry the same glycemic impact as highly refined corn or wheat. This thesis is supported by some nutritionists but contested by those who favour fully grain-free formulas.
N&D Ancestral Grain remains a solid B+ (75-82/100) because meat remains dominant and the grains used are high-quality. But it cannot reach the A of N&D Prime as long as carbohydrates appear in the first five ingredients.
N&D Ocean: tier A- (83-87/100)
Fish-based formulas have a different structure. N&D Ocean Herring & Orange uses herring as the primary protein source - a less common source than chicken, making it a good option for dogs with chicken sensitivities. The EPA/DHA omega-3 profile is excellent thanks to the intrinsic nature of herring.
N&D Ocean scores between 83 and 87 depending on the specific product. It is a confirmed tier A, with the added benefit of an alternative protein source for sensitive dogs.
Farmina versus direct competitors
Farmina vs Orijen: 87 vs 92
Orijen maintains its lead at 92/100. The difference comes down to two points: animal species diversity (6 for Orijen versus 1-2 for Farmina N&D Prime) and total crude protein rate (38 percent for Orijen versus 32-34 for Farmina).
In practice, this 5-point difference means Orijen is marginally better for an active or sport dog that will benefit from the amino acid diversity of 6 species. For a sedentary or low-activity dog, the gap is more theoretical than practical.
Price favours Farmina: N&D Prime costs between 7 and 9 EUR/kg depending on the retailer, while Orijen frequently exceeds 9.50 EUR/kg. Over a year for a 15 kg dog, the difference is approximately 60 to 80 euros.
Farmina vs Acana: 87 vs 90
Acana scores 90/100, three points ahead of Farmina N&D Prime. The complete breakdown is in our Acana vs Orijen comparison, but the key points are: Acana has 75 percent animal content versus 42 percent for Farmina (on dry matter basis), and 3 animal species versus 1-2 for Farmina.
Farmina has specific advantages Acana does not: scientifically documented functional additives (pomegranate, algae) and European production, which may matter to owners concerned about geographic traceability.
Farmina vs Hill's Science Plan: 87 vs 70
Hill's is a B (70/100). The gap with Farmina is 17 points. It comes down primarily to three dimensions: meat proportion (Farmina well ahead), grain absence (Farmina grain-free versus Hill's with corn and wheat), and transparency (Farmina declares percentages, Hill's does not consistently).
Hill's has a historical veterinary legitimacy that earns it clinical prescriptions. But this legitimacy rests more on its therapeutic formulas (Hill's Prescription Diet) than on its general-public range. For a healthy dog, Hill's Science Plan has been nutritionally surpassed by alternatives like Farmina that sometimes cost less.
Farmina vs Purina Pro Plan: 87 vs 74
Purina Pro Plan is a B (74/100). Pro Plan has the advantage of Nestle Purina's institutional research, but its formulas retain grains in prominent positions. The practical difference: Pro Plan suits veterinarians who prescribe trusted brands by name; Farmina suits owners who read labels and compare ratios.
Competitive pricing comparison
| Product | Score | Price/kg | Daily cost 15 kg dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill's Science Plan | B (70) | 7.80 EUR | 1.95 EUR |
| Purina Pro Plan | B (74) | 7.20 EUR | 1.80 EUR |
| Farmina N&D Prime | A (87) | 8.00 EUR | 1.65 EUR |
| Acana Wild Prairie | A (90) | 7.50 EUR | 1.80 EUR |
| Orijen Original | A (92) | 9.50 EUR | 2.10 EUR |
Farmina N&D Prime costs less per day than either Hill's or Purina Pro Plan for a 15 kg dog, despite scoring 13 to 17 points higher. The density differential explains this: a higher meat content means smaller portions needed to meet the same caloric and nutritional requirements.
Farmina for cats: a coherent feline range
Farmina produces feline ranges with the same level of care. N&D Prime Cat Chicken & Pomegranate scores 88/100 on our grid - marginally above the canine version, because the feline formula pushes the protein ratio even higher to match the needs of obligate carnivores.
| Feline product | Score | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| N&D Prime Cat Chicken | A (88) | Excellent for adult cats |
| N&D Prime Cat Tuna | A (86) | Direct marine omega-3 source |
| N&D Quinoa Cat Urinary | B (75) | Adequate functional formula |
| N&D Ancestral Grain Cat | B+ (79) | Well-integrated ancient grains |
For feline alternatives, our best cat kibble 2026 ranking gives the complete market overview.
Points of attention and nuances
Legumes in grain-free formulas
Farmina N&D Prime uses peas and lentils as alternative carbohydrate sources in place of grains. This is common across most premium grain-free formulas.
The FDA opened an investigation in 2018 into a possible link between grain-free diets high in legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. In 2023, the FDA concluded it could not establish a causal link and closed the active investigation. Data published by the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) indicates that DCM incidence in the general canine population has not increased in a statistically significant way.
This debate deserves mention so you can make an informed decision.
Reading "fresh chicken 45%" correctly
Farmina declares 45 percent "fresh chicken" in its formula. "Fresh" means non-dehydrated, with a water content of 70 to 75 percent. On a dry matter basis, 45 percent fresh chicken corresponds to roughly 11 to 13 percent dry chicken protein. The chicken meal adds the rest to reach the declared 42 percent on total dry matter basis.
This nuance is important for comparing Farmina's declared fresh chicken percentage to Orijen's crude protein percentage. Both are honestly declared but the metrics are different and require a conversion key to be comparable.
Farmina wet food: N&D Wet range
Farmina extends its N&D philosophy into wet food formats. The N&D Wet Chicken & Pomegranate and N&D Wet Tuna & Shrimp score between A- (82-86/100) on our grid - broadly in line with the dry formulas but with the natural advantage of wet format's higher animal content per calorie.
The wet range uses the same ingredient philosophy as the dry: identifiable protein sources, pomegranate or pumpkin as functional additives, no artificial preservatives or colours. The cans and pouches are available in 80g and 100g formats - practical for toys breeds or for supplementing a dry food diet.
Mixing Farmina N&D dry (A at 87) with N&D wet (A- at 82-86) is one of the most nutritionally coherent combined feeding approaches available on the European market. The consistency of formulation philosophy between the dry and wet lines means there is no ingredient conflict or sharp macro contrast between the two.
Our best wet dog food 2026 ranking covers the full wet food comparison across brands, including the Farmina wet range in the context of all wet food options.
The N&D Pumpkin range: a practical functional option
The newest addition to the Farmina portfolio is the N&D Pumpkin range. Pumpkin replaces pomegranate as the functional additive and introduces a different formula balance. The range targets dogs with specific weight management or joint health needs.
N&D Pumpkin Adult (standard) scores B+ (79/100) on our grid. It is not as strong as the N&D Prime because the pumpkin introduces more carbohydrate content than the pomegranate does in Prime, and the animal content ratio shifts slightly downward as a result. But for a dog that genuinely needs a slightly lower caloric density - an older dog becoming more sedentary, for instance - the Pumpkin range is a thoughtful formulation rather than a marketing pivot.
N&D Pumpkin Weight Management is the most specialised formula in the range. It is designed to maintain lean body mass while reducing total caloric intake. It scores B (74/100) - the caloric reduction is achieved partly by increasing fibre (including from the pumpkin) rather than purely from protein reduction, which is the nutritionally sounder approach. Our best senior dog food 2026 review covers the context of weight management formulas for older or less active dogs.
Where to buy Farmina in Europe and the US
Farmina is available through specialist pet retailers (Zooplus, Bitiba, independent vet clinics that select their own ranges), and directly on the official website. It is not available in supermarkets, which is consistent with its premium positioning.
| Format | Indicative price | Daily cost 15 kg dog |
|---|---|---|
| N&D Prime 2 kg | 28-32 EUR | ~1.80 EUR |
| N&D Prime 7 kg | 75-85 EUR | ~1.65 EUR |
| N&D Prime 12 kg | 110-125 EUR | ~1.58 EUR |
| N&D Prime Puppy 7 kg | 80-90 EUR | ~1.95 EUR |
Puppy formulas: N&D Prime Puppy
Farmina takes its puppy formulas seriously. The N&D Prime Puppy Mini & Medium Chicken & Pomegranate scores A (89/100) on our grid - two points above the adult version.
The formula differences from the adult version are well-targeted:
- DHA from fish oil at a higher level than the adult (supporting neurological and visual development in the first year of life)
- Slightly elevated calcium and phosphorus ratio calibrated for bone development, within the ranges recommended by FEDIAF for growing dogs
- Higher caloric density to support the rapid growth phase
The puppy formula is available in Small & Medium (up to 25 kg adult weight) and Maxi (25 kg+ adult weight) versions, with slightly different calcium/phosphorus ratios calibrated to the different growth curves of small and large breeds. Large breed puppies need a more controlled calcium intake than small breed puppies to prevent developmental orthopedic issues - Farmina handles this distinction correctly.
For a full comparison of puppy food options, our best puppy food 2026 ranking covers all tier A and B puppy formulas currently available.
Verdict: a solid A with range nuances
Farmina N&D Prime earns its A (87/100). It is a grain-free formula with a high proportion of identified animal protein, functional additives with documented scientific basis, transparency above market average, and European production with geographic traceability.
The brand is consistent in its approach: independent, research-oriented, premium without ostentation. The secondary ranges (Quinoa, Ancestral Grain) are sound Bs that address specific needs without pretending to be what they are not.
Farmina sits between Acana (A at 90) and the mainstream B brands like Hill's or Pro Plan. For an active adult dog whose owner wants a quality European grain-free at a price below Orijen, Farmina N&D Prime is probably the best value-for-money in the A tier currently available in France and across Europe.
Our best dog food 2026 ranking gives the complete scoring context for all A-tier brands on the market.
Sources
- Farmina Pet Foods - Nutritional Research
- Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - Polyphenols in canine nutrition (Biagi et al.)
- FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food 2024
- FDA - Investigation into a Potential Link Between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- ACVIM Consensus Statement on DCM and Grain-Free Diets
- Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II - Veterinary Sciences
- Theo Blanchard, Animal Nutrition Analyst, PetFoodRate