Valens™ - Pasture Dog Food - Lamb & Bison

Valens Pasture combines four animal protein sources: fresh deboned lamb, fresh deboned beef, fresh deboned bison, and fresh deboned wild boar. These are listed as the first four ingredients and are delivered fresh and refrigerated to the production facility daily — never frozen — which helps preserve nutrient quality and flavour.

The formula also includes lamb meal and pork meal as concentrated protein sources, plus three types of organ meat — lamb liver, beef liver, and wild boar liver — which provide highly bioavailable vitamins A and B12 along with iron. This combination delivers a guaranteed minimum of 30 % crude protein, supporting muscle development and maintenance in active dogs.

All meats are sourced from regional Canadian farmers and government-certified facilities, giving you confidence in ingredient quality and traceability. The multi-protein approach also provides a broader amino acid profile compared to single-protein formulas.

Yes — Valens Pasture is a completely grain-free formula. Instead of corn, wheat, rice, or other grains, it uses peas, sweet potatoes, and pea protein as its primary carbohydrate and fibre sources. These ingredients are sourced from British Columbia's Okanagan and Fraser valleys.

The grain-free approach is designed to align with a dog's evolutionary digestive capacity. Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans and historically consumed diets low in grain-based starches. The carbohydrate sources in Valens Pasture are easily digestible and provide sustained energy without the glycemic spikes associated with refined grains.

If you are concerned about the FDA's investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), discuss your dog's specific needs with your veterinarian. Valens Pasture includes taurine-supporting ingredients through its organ meat content, which naturally provides the amino acids involved in heart health. Your vet can recommend the best dietary approach based on your dog's breed, age, and health history.

Feeding amounts depend on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Valens Pasture contains 3,450 kcal/kg with approximately 414 calories per cup, which is calorie-dense compared to many standard kibbles. This means most dogs need less volume per meal than you might expect.

General daily feeding guidelines for adult dogs:

• Small dogs (5–10 kg): approximately 3/4 to 1 cup per day
• Medium dogs (10–25 kg): approximately 1 to 2 cups per day
• Large dogs (25–45 kg): approximately 2 to 3 cups per day
• Giant breeds (45+ kg): approximately 3 to 4 cups per day

These are starting estimates — adjust based on body condition. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist when viewed from above. Active working dogs, pregnant or nursing females, and puppies in growth phases will need more. Senior or less active dogs typically need 10–20 % less. Split the daily amount into two meals for adult dogs.

Transition gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset. Abrupt food changes are the most common cause of temporary diarrhea or loose stools when switching dog foods — the issue is almost always the speed of transition, not the new food itself.

Follow this mixing schedule with your dog's current food:

• Days 1–3: 25 % Valens Pasture mixed with 75 % current food
• Days 4–6: 50 % Valens Pasture mixed with 50 % current food
• Days 7–9: 75 % Valens Pasture mixed with 25 % current food
• Day 10: 100 % Valens Pasture

Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from a slower 14-day transition. If loose stools persist beyond the transition period, reduce the portion slightly and ensure fresh water is always available. The rich protein content at 30 % and the organ meats in Valens Pasture are highly palatable — most dogs take to it eagerly, which makes the gradual approach even more important to prevent overeating during the switch.

Valens Pasture includes both glucosamine and chondroitin directly in the formula — two compounds that are widely recognized for supporting joint cartilage health and mobility. This is a meaningful inclusion for active dogs, large breeds prone to joint stress, and aging dogs showing early signs of stiffness.

Glucosamine supports the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are the building blocks of cartilage. Chondroitin helps cartilage retain water and resist compression during movement. Together, they provide a maintenance-level joint support built into the daily diet rather than requiring a separate supplement.

The formula also contains omega-3 fatty acids (minimum 2.0 %) from flaxseed and cod liver, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties that complement joint health. For dogs already diagnosed with arthritis or significant joint deterioration, the levels in a maintenance diet may not be sufficient on their own — consult your veterinarian about additional therapeutic-dose joint supplementation alongside this food.

Valens Pasture contains four strains of dried probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum thermophilum, and Streptococcus faecium. These beneficial bacteria support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a central role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

Approximately 70 % of a dog's immune system is located in the gut. A balanced intestinal microbiome helps the body fight pathogens, reduces inflammation, and improves stool quality. The probiotics in Valens Pasture are particularly beneficial for dogs transitioning to a new food, those recovering from antibiotic treatment, or dogs prone to digestive sensitivity.

The formula also includes chicory root extract, a prebiotic fibre that feeds the beneficial bacteria already present in your dog's gut. This prebiotic-probiotic combination creates a more effective digestive environment than either component alone. For dogs in Quebec's rural areas that are frequently exposed to environmental bacteria from farm life and outdoor activity, strong gut health provides an important layer of daily protection.

Store the bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, ideally at room temperature between 15 °C and 22 °C. In Quebec, avoid storing kibble in unheated garages or sheds during winter, as repeated freeze-thaw cycles can degrade the fats and reduce palatability. Equally, hot summer storage above 30 °C accelerates fat oxidation.

Once opened, seal the bag tightly after each use by pressing out excess air and folding the top closed, or transfer the kibble to an airtight container. The natural fats preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid in Valens Pasture are effective preservatives, but they work best when air exposure is minimized.

For best freshness, use an opened bag within 4 to 6 weeks. If you have a small dog that eats slowly through a large bag, consider purchasing a smaller size to ensure the food stays at peak quality. Watch for signs of staleness — if your dog suddenly loses interest in food they previously enjoyed, rancid fats from improper storage are a common cause.

Valens Pasture may be a good option for dogs with grain-related sensitivities, as it contains no corn, wheat, soy, or rice. It is also free of common filler ingredients that can trigger digestive reactions in sensitive dogs.

However, because it contains multiple protein sources — lamb, beef, bison, wild boar, and pork — it is not an appropriate choice for dogs undergoing a veterinary elimination diet to identify a specific protein allergy. Elimination diets require a single novel protein the dog has never eaten before, and the multi-protein approach in this food makes it impossible to isolate which protein may be causing a reaction.

If your dog has confirmed allergies to specific proteins, check the full ingredient list carefully. The formula contains lamb, beef, bison, wild boar, pork, and cod liver. For dogs with sensitivities to poultry — chicken or turkey — Valens Pasture is a poultry-free alternative worth considering. When in doubt about food allergies, work with your veterinarian to determine which proteins are safe for your dog before selecting any diet.