Raw Dog Food Review
Smallbatch Frozen Raw Dog Food Review: Lamb Sliders
- Author: Samuel James
- Published: October 7, 2026
No. of Recipes
14
Recipe Reviewed
1
Line Rating
5.0 / 5
Rating Range
5 to 5
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Ingredient Analysis
Nutrient Analysis
Cost Analysis
Recall Check
On This Page
Products List
Recipe Reviewed
This dog food line has 14 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible, so we selected Smallbatch Frozen Raw Lamb Sliders for detailed analysis. The analysis below applies only to this recipe and does not represent the ingredients or formulation of the other products in the line.
Ingredients
Lamb Heart, Ground Lamb Bone, Lamb Liver, Organic Butternut Squash, Organic Celery, Organic Bok Choy, Organic Broccoli, Organic Kale, Organic Green Beans, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Dandelion Greens, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Spinach, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cilantro, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt, Dried Organic Kelp, Vitamin E Supplement, Organic Oregano, Organic Shiitake Mushroom, Organic Thyme
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, which can affect how ingredients appear near the top of the list.
Ingredient Analysis
This Smallbatch Frozen Raw Dog Food Review highlights the first five items as the formula’s primary ingredients.
Primary Ingredients
Lamb Heart
Lamb heart is a clearly named animal tissue ingredient. Although it is an organ by location, heart is a muscular tissue and is often described separately from many other organ ingredients. In dog food, it may contribute animal-based protein, fat, flavor, and naturally occurring nutrients, depending on the amount used in the formula.
Why It Matters
It is a specific lamb tissue ingredient and may add meaningful animal-based nutrition to the recipe.
Ground Lamb Bone
Ground lamb bone is lamb bone processed into smaller particles. It may help supply calcium and phosphorus, which are important dietary minerals. Its value depends on the amount used, how finely it is ground, and whether the complete recipe maintains an appropriate mineral balance.
Why It Matters
Lamb Liver
Why It Matters
Organic Butternut Squash
Organic butternut squash is a vegetable grown under organic production standards. It can add carbohydrates, fiber, moisture, and naturally occurring plant compounds such as carotenoids. Fresh squash contains substantial water, so its label position may look stronger than its final dry-matter contribution.
Why It Matters
Organic Celery
Organic celery is a vegetable grown under organic production standards. It can add moisture, fiber, natural flavor, and small amounts of plant nutrients. Fresh celery contains considerable water, so its label position may look stronger than its final dry-matter contribution.
Why It Matters
Secondary Ingredients
This Smallbatch Frozen Raw Dog Food Review looks at the next four items as the formula’s secondary ingredients.
Note: Throughout this ingredient list, “organic” refers to the production method and does not necessarily indicate greater nutritional value.
Organic Bok Choy
Organic bok choy is a leafy vegetable grown under organic production standards. It can add moisture, fiber, and small amounts of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
Organic Broccoli
Organic broccoli is a vegetable grown under organic production standards. It can add fiber and small amounts of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
Organic Kale
Organic kale is a leafy vegetable grown under organic production standards. It can add fiber, natural color, and small amounts of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
Organic Green Beans
Organic green beans are vegetable pods grown under organic production standards. They can add moisture, carbohydrates, fiber, and small amounts of plant nutrients.
Other Notable Ingredients
This Smallbatch Raw Dog Food Review also notes several ingredients appearing further down the list.
Organic Sunflower Seeds
Organic sunflower seeds are seeds grown under organic production standards. They can add plant-based fat, protein, fiber, and naturally occurring minerals. They may also contribute linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that can support normal skin and coat condition when the full diet is balanced.
Organic Dandelion Greens
Organic dandelion greens are the leafy parts of dandelion plants grown under organic standards. They may contribute fiber and small amounts of naturally occurring plant nutrients. They are usually included as a supporting botanical ingredient rather than a major nutrient source.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is a fat ingredient extracted from cod liver. It can provide concentrated energy and may contribute marine omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D. Its value depends on the amount used and the recipe’s complete nutrient balance.
Organic Pumpkin Seeds
Organic pumpkin seeds are seeds grown under organic production standards. They can add plant-based fat, protein, fiber, and naturally occurring minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Their nutritional importance depends on the amount used and their position in the ingredient list.
Ingredients Takeaway
This recipe appears to center on named lamb ingredients, with heart and liver providing animal tissues while ground bone contributes minerals rather than muscle meat. Organic vegetables, seeds, and cod liver oil add plant variety, fiber, and fat. Overall, the profile appears straightforward and combines whole-food ingredients with added vitamin supplementation.
Nutrient Sources
For this Frozen Raw Lamb Sliders Review, we analyzed the likely ingredient sources of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber, along with its likely vitamin and mineral contributors.
Protein Sources
Protein appears to come mainly from the early named lamb ingredients, especially lamb heart and lamb liver, while ground lamb bone contributes little protein compared with its mineral role. Organic sunflower and pumpkin seeds may add secondary plant protein.
Lamb Heart
Lamb Liver
Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
+ others
Fat Sources
Fat appears to come mainly from the lamb ingredients, particularly lamb heart and liver, while cod liver oil provides an additional named fat source. Organic sunflower and pumpkin seeds may contribute smaller amounts.
Lamb Heart
Lamb Liver
Cod Liver Oil
Sunflower Seeds
+ others
Carbohydrate Sources
Carbohydrates appear to come primarily from the vegetables, led by organic butternut squash and supported by celery, bok choy, broccoli, kale, and green beans. The list contains no obvious grain, legume, or potato ingredient, so its carbohydrate structure appears to rely more on vegetables and fruit than on conventional starch ingredients.
Butternut Squash
Celery
Bok Choy
Green Beans
+ others
Fiber Sources
Butternut Squash
Celery
Broccoli
Green Beans
+ others
Vitamins: Likely Food-Based Sources
Minerals: Likely Food-Based Sources
Ground lamb bone appears to be a prominent mineral contributor, with lamb liver, seeds, dried kelp, sea salt, and leafy vegetables potentially adding further naturally occurring minerals. No named mineral supplements appear in the supplied list, so the formula’s mineral content appears to come mainly from the listed ingredients.
Ingredient Concerns
Things to consider
What Stands Out Positively
What May Concern Some Owners
Some owners may note that ground lamb bone is listed as the second ingredient and that the leading animal ingredients are lamb heart, bone, and liver rather than a conventional named cut of lamb meat. The formula also includes a long sequence of vegetables, seeds, and botanical ingredients, which may seem more layered to buyers who prefer a simpler ingredient panel.
Overall Concern Level: Smallbatch Frozen Raw Dog Food Review
Minor. The ingredient list is relatively transparent, with clearly named lamb ingredients and recognizable plant ingredients. The main considerations are the early placement of ground lamb bone and the more layered mix of vegetables, seeds, and botanicals. These considerations are unlikely to meaningfully affect the recipe’s overall ingredient profile for owners who are comfortable with this type of formulation.
Nutrient Analysis
For this Smallbatch Raw Dog Food Review, we analyzed the recipe using guaranteed analysis, dry matter basis, and calorie basis to better understand its macronutrient profile.
Protein (Dry Matter Basis)
44.7%
Fat (Dry Matter Basis)
41.0%
Estimated Carbs (Dry Matter Basis)
4.1%
Fiber (Dry Matter Basis)
3.4%
Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Estimated Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
Guaranteed Analysis | 13.2% | 12.1% | 1.2% |
Dry Matter Basis | 44.7% | 41.0% | 4.1% |
Calorie Basis | 30.1% | 67.1% | 2.7% |
This interpretation is based on our editorial comparison tool and is intended for general review purposes only. It is not an official product claim or a statement from the manufacturer.
AAFCO and FEDIAF Comparison
This section compares the recipe’s estimated dry matter protein and fat levels with AAFCO and FEDIAF minimums.
Adult Maintenance
Standard | Protein (min.) | Fat (min.) |
|---|---|---|
AAFCO | 18.0% | 5.5% |
FEDIAF (MER 110 kcal/kg^0.75) | 18.0% | 5.5% |
FEDIAF (MER 95 kcal/kg^0.75) | 21.0% | 5.5% |
Recipe Estimate | 44.7% | 41.0% |
Based on the estimated dry matter values, this recipe appears to exceed both the AAFCO and FEDIAF adult maintenance minimums for protein and fat.
Growth & Reproduction
Standard | Protein (min.) | Fat (min.) |
|---|---|---|
AAFCO | 22.5% | 8.5% |
FEDIAF (Early Growth & Repro.) | 25.0% | 8.5% |
Recipe Estimate | 44.7% | 41.0% |
Based on the estimated dry matter values, this recipe appears to exceed both the AAFCO and FEDIAF growth and reproduction minimums for protein and fat.
"This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for all life stages, excluding growth of large breed dogs."
What that statement means
This statement indicates that Smallbatch Frozen Raw Lamb Sliders is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, meaning it is intended for puppies, adult dogs, and reproduction, with one important exception: it is not formulated for the growth of large-breed dogs. The claim is based on formulation to the nutrient profile rather than an animal feeding test. In practical terms, the recipe may be suitable across life stages for most dogs, but owners of large-breed puppies should choose a food specifically formulated for their growth needs.
Cost Analysis
Smallbatch Frozen Raw Lamb Sliders are currently sold through retail stores and are not available for direct online purchase from Smallbatch. Because there is no consistent online price, we could not calculate a reliable cost comparison for this recipe. Smallbatch does sell its Freeze-Dried Raw Lamb Sliders online, but this is a different product and its pricing should not be compared directly with the frozen raw formula.
Online Smallbatch Alternative
For shoppers who prefer an online option, Smallbatch Freeze-Dried Raw Lamb Sliders are available directly from the brand. Since they differ in processing method, package size, and formulation, they are best viewed as an alternative Smallbatch lamb product rather than a direct price comparison with the Frozen Raw Lamb Sliders.
Pros and Considerations
Pros
• Clearly named lamb heart, ground bone, and liver lead the ingredient list.
• A single-protein lamb formula keeps the primary animal-protein profile straightforward.
• High protein content is a meaningful strength for protein-focused buyers.
• Organic vegetables, greens, seeds, and blueberries add broad whole-food variety.
• No grains, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or sweeteners are listed.
Cons
• Refrigeration, advance thawing, and prompt use after defrosting are required.
• The AAFCO statement excludes growth of large-breed dogs.
Recall and Safety
Raw Food Handling
As a raw food, careful storage, handling, handwashing, and cleaning of bowls and preparation surfaces are important to reduce potential exposure to harmful bacteria.
Recall History
We found no FDA recall notices for Smallbatch in the FDA Recalls & Withdrawals records reviewed from 2019 to present.
Last Checked
October 7, 2026
Recall Monitoring Note
Recall status may change over time as new FDA notices are announced.
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Our Rating
Reviewed Recipe Rating
5/5
Editorial score for the specific recipe reviewed on this page.
Editorial Verdict: Excellent
100 / 100
Ingredient Quality
5/5
Ingredient Safety
5/5
Processing
5/5
What influenced this recipe score
• Multiple clearly named lamb ingredients appear near the top of the ingredient list, supporting the recipe’s ingredient-quality assessment.
• No major ingredient safety issues were identified from the available label information.
• Strong dry-matter protein and low carbohydrate content supported nutritional value.
• Raw processing, an AAFCO adequacy statement, and manufacturer-stated sourcing claims supported the overall assessment.
This rating reflects our independent editorial opinion of the specific recipe reviewed, based on the information available at the time of publication. It is not intended to disparage the brand or company, and other reviewers may reasonably reach different conclusions.
Final Verdict
Who This Food May Suit
This recipe may suit owners seeking a frozen raw, single-protein lamb recipe with clearly named animal ingredients and organic produce. It may also appeal to buyers who value high protein content, and an AAFCO formulation covering most life stages.
Who May Want an Alternative
Owners of large-breed puppies may want to compare another formula because the AAFCO statement excludes growth of large-breed dogs. Buyers who prefer a protein source other than lamb may also want to look for an alternative recipe.
Overall Editorial Verdict
Overall, Smallbatch Frozen Raw Lamb Sliders earns an Excellent 5/5 editorial assessment, supported by its named lamb ingredients, high-protein profile, ingredient quality, and complete-and-balanced formulation for all life stages except the growth of large-breed dogs. This stated exclusion is the main limitation. Based on the available information, it appears to be a strong option for dogs that fit its intended life-stage suitability.
This review is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice.
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Editorial Note
Samuel James
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