Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck
Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck scores 3/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 86% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (moderate — 53% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck dry dog food good?
Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck is a dry dog food rated 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Legumes, Poultry, Shellfish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 30% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17% |
| Est. Carbs | 42% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Ash | 7% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 27% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 38% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (30% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.
- Fat is High (17% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
36 of 36 matched
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1 Fresh Duck Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
Fresh duck muscle meat, a quality protein source.
Why Prefer?
Named fresh muscle meat providing high-quality animal protein.
-
2 Amaranth
CarbsDescription
As a better filler than other grains, amarath has higher protein and fat content. It is also rich in manganese and magnesium.
-
3 Pea Flour
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Produced by dry milling of dehulled peas, which is a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
4 Vicia Faba Bean Flour
Plant Protein CarbsDescription
Flour made from fava beans (broad beans), a plant protein and carbohydrate source.
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5 Chick Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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6 Inactivated Brewers' Yeast
SupplementDescription
Heat-treated brewers yeast, no longer active but rich in B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
Natural source of B vitamins and minerals.
-
7 Krill
Animal ProteinDescription
A small shrimp-like sea animal that is often consumed by whales. Because of their short lifespan, they do not accumulate a lot of contaminants. It is a rather clean source of protein, low fat, omega 3s, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
8 Kibbled Carob
CarbsDescription
Crushed carob pods, used as a natural sweetener and fiber source.
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9 Apple Pomace
CarbsDescription
It is usually the finely ground remnants byproduct of making apple juice. It mainly serves as a source of fiber in pet food.
Why Concerned?
Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
-
10 Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
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11 Chia Seed
Fat Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A "superfood" that is rich in plant-based omega 3s(ALA) and contains around 24% of protein. It is added mainly as a gel or suspending agent in pet foods.
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12 Carrot
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
-
13 Parsnip
CarbsDescription
A green leaf-like vegetable, a great source of vitamin C, K, and folate.
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14 Beetroot
CarbsDescription
High in sugar, carbs, and fiber, along with vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
-
15 Leek
CarbsDescription
Leeks are an edible plant used in many different cuisines, closely related to onions, garlic, often seen in Japanese dishes. Leeks are toxic to both cats and dogs in a higher dose, which is often not recommended to feed.
Why Concerned?
A controversial vegetable that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
Uncertain/Risky
It contains thiosulfate, when feed in a larger amount, it can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells of the body, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
-
16 Poultry Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Livers from a mixture of unknown poultry. Poultry is a generic name that could include any domestic fowl like chicken, turkey, or duck of any condition.
Why Notice?
Often times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
-
17 Chlorella Vulgaris Algae
OthersDescription
A single-celled green algae rich in protein, vitamins, and chlorophyll.
Why Prefer?
Nutrient-dense superfood algae with detoxification properties.
-
18 Sodium Chloride
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
-
19 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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20 Rowan
OthersDescription
Rowan berries, small fruits with antioxidant properties.
Why Prefer?
Natural source of antioxidants.
-
21 Rose Hips
CarbsDescription
Small red seeds that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These help the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
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22 Bilberries
CarbsDescription
Commonly known as European blueberries, contains a good amount of manganese, vitamin C and K.
-
23 Elderberries
CarbsDescription
The unripe berries and other plant parts contain amygdalin, which is toxic to pets. The ripe mature berries are completely safe for consumption.
Why Concerned?
A controversial vegetable that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
-
24 Currants
OthersDescription
Small dried berries rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Why Prefer?
Natural source of antioxidants and fiber.
-
25 Nettle Leaves
CarbsDescription
A herb used as medicine to treat hay fever and allergies, rich in a wide variety of nutrients. In pet foods, it is added mainly to the belief that it could help promote healthy skin/coat and reduce inflammation.
-
26 Gentian Root
OthersDescription
Root of the gentian plant, a traditional bitter herb for digestive support.
Why Prefer?
Traditional digestive herb that stimulates appetite.
-
27 Centaury
OthersDescription
A bitter herb traditionally used to stimulate digestion.
Why Prefer?
Traditional digestive herb with bitter compounds.
-
28 Chamomile
CarbsDescription
Flowery herbs used to make tea in the human world. For us, the main benefit is to treat inflammation and gastrointestinal upset.
-
29 Fennel
CarbsDescription
Contains vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is said to aid digestion for pets. More research is needed for confirmation.
-
30 Caraway
CarbsDescription
Caraway is a small, brown pod (which looks like a seed) used in cooking and herbal medicine. Recent research suggests that the aromatic compounds may help to improve digestion and provide other potential health benefits.
-
31 Mistletoe
OthersDescription
An herb traditionally used in small amounts for its potential immune-modulating properties.
-
32 Yarrow
OthersDescription
A flowering herb traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Why Prefer?
Traditional herb with anti-inflammatory properties.
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33 Blackberry Leaves
OthersDescription
Dried leaves from blackberry bushes, traditionally used for digestive support.
Why Prefer?
Natural herb with traditional digestive benefits.
-
34 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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35 Yucca Schidigera
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
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36 Olive Extract
OthersDescription
Extract from olives, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
Natural source of polyphenols with antioxidant benefits.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Fresh Duck Meat are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Pea Flour, Vicia Faba Bean Flour, Chick Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dicalcium Phosphate, Poultry Liver.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Leek, Poultry Liver have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Pea Flour, Chick Peas, Dicalcium Phosphate have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 86%
- Unnamed 14%
Strong clarity: 86% of Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 14% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 53%
- Plant 47%
Mixed protein sources in Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck: 53% animal, 47% whole plants, and 0% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck dry dog food Review
Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 86% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Legumes, Poultry, Shellfish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 30% protein, 17% fat, 42% estimated carbohydrates.
- Free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Meal.
- Overall rating: 3 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck good for dogs?
Mostly — Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck is a solid mid-tier choice at 3 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing high ingredient transparency with moderate animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your dog’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck grain-free?
No — Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Grains (gluten-free). That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most dogs tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your dog must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck?
The main animal proteins in Belcando Mastercraft Fresh Duck are Fresh Duck Meat, Krill. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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