Top 10 Best Turkey Dog Food

Purina One Natural True Instinct Dry Dog Food– Best Value

Main ingredients:	Turkey, chicken meal, soy flour
Protein content:	30%
Fat content:	17%
Calories:	365 kcal/cup

Our pick for the best turkey dog food for the money is Purina One Natural True Instinct Turkey and Venison. This recipe packs a pile of protein into its crunchy kibbles, with real turkey doing the heavy lifting regarding nutrition.

It’s made in the USA and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It contains added nutrients like calcium and glucosamine for bone and joint health, along with fatty acids and antioxidants. If you want to avoid chicken, this isn’t the right choice for you since it contains chicken meal. Users rate Purina One highly overall, but some dogs seem uncertain about the taste, especially the meaty morsels.

Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe – Best Overall

Main ingredients:	Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots
Protein content:	11%
Fat content:	7%
Calories:	1390 kcal/kg

Our pick for the best overall turkey dog food is Ollie Fresh Turkey with Blueberries Recipe. The ingredients in this food are familiar to anyone who’s ever spent time in a supermarket: kale, lentils, carrots, and turkey. Ollie takes these simple ingredients and gently cooks them into a delicious, fresh meal, tailored to your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

They ship it directly to your house on a pre-arranged schedule of your choosing, adjustable at any time. Based on the many glowing user reviews, dogs really seem to enjoy eating this recipe. Because it’s made of whole, fresh ingredients, it is higher-priced than many on our list. It also doesn’t ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or anywhere internationally.

Cons

• Higher-priced than brands
• Doesn’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or international addresses

Pros

• Most dogs love the taste
• Made with fresh, simple ingredients
• Customized to your dog’s needs
• Ships direct to your home

Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients:	Turkey, quinoa, pumpkin
Protein content:	24%
Fat content:	17%
Calories:	380 kcal/cup

Earthborn Holistic is the brand for those who care about where their dog’s food comes from, just like they do their own. Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Turkey is made with free-range, antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed turkey as the primary protein source.

It’s free of chicken and other common allergens like wheat, featuring grains like quinoa packed with fiber and protein. Unlike many similar recipes, this one also avoids legumes like peas. Plenty of superfood fruits and vegetables add additional fatty acids, antioxidants, and taurine for heart health. Several users noted that Earthborn made their dogs poop a lot, although many appreciated the quality ingredients without peas or chicken. Some thought it was not very cost-effective.

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Canned Food – Vet’s Choice

Main ingredients:	Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver
Protein content:	2.8%
Fat content:	1.9%
Calories:	253 kcal/can

Formulated to be gentle on the stomach and nourishing for the skin, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Turkey Stew also boasts an irresistible, slow-cooked flavor. Turkey, chicken, and rice are featured in this easy-to-digest canned diet. For skin health, you’ll find fatty acids and antioxidants.

It’s made by an experienced dog food brand and has the science and feeding trials to back up the claims on the label. Overall, users had positive things to say about Hill’s. Two common complaints were that the consistency was too thin and runny, and the can was hard to open. Some also noticed issues with their cans arriving dented or damaged after shipping.

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Classic Canned Food – Best for Puppies

Main ingredients:	Turkey, liver, meat by-products, water
Protein content:	10%
Fat content:	7%
Calories:	460 kcal/can

For young turkey lovers, consider Purina ProPlan Classic Turkey Grain-free Entree. It’s high in protein for growing puppies and features DHA to support brain and vision development. It’s made in the USA with no artificial ingredients. Full of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, this puppy food provides balanced nutrition to help your dog grow at just the right pace and build muscle doing it!

Before serving this recipe, check with your vet to ensure grain-free food is okay, as many dogs don’t need to avoid grain. The formula also contains chicken, making it a poor choice for puppies with early signs of food sensitivities.

Cons

• Contains chicken
• Grain-free not necessary for all dogs

Pros

• High in protein
• DHA for brain and eye development
• No artificial ingredients

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Dry Food

Main ingredients:	Deboned turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal
Protein content:	28%
Fat content:	15%
Calories:	408 kcal/cup

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Turkey and Oatmeal is ideal for small dogs thanks to its mini morsels and is made with non-GMO ingredients. It has a blend of proteins and whole grains and is also packed with additional nutrients. With fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine, and taurine, there’s barely a body system this food doesn’t boost and support.

Many users switched to this recipe when looking for a grain-inclusive formula with quality ingredients, and most gave it positive reviews. Some noted their dogs didn’t like the food’s taste or strong smell. Others were disappointed to find it contains chicken, despite being labeled as a turkey and oatmeal food.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Food

Main ingredients:	Deboned turkey, turkey liver, turkey broth
Protein content:	8%
Fat content:	6%
Calories:	402 kcal/can

Made with limited ingredients but plenty of turkey, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Brown Rice canned food is full of protein and flavor. It’s also free of nearly every potentially troublesome ingredient you can think of, including peas, chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy. It’s produced in the USA and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The canned food is a bit high in fat compared to some on our list, but most customers mentioned that even picky dogs seemed to enjoy the taste of Merrick. Compared to dry foods, canned diets are less cost-effective, especially for big dogs.

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Dry Food

Main ingredients:	Deboned turkey, oatmeal, brown rice, peas
Protein content:	20%
Fat content:	12%
Calories:	352 kcal/cup

This recipe is a good option for dogs with suspected food sensitivities and is made with a single protein source, turkey. It’s free of chicken, wheat, dairy, and eggs. Although this is the grain-inclusive version of Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Turkey and Potato, it contains peas and pea fiber.

Peas and other legumes are under investigation by the FDA for potentially causing a heart condition. Blue Buffalo includes pumpkin to assist the digestive process and additional antioxidants for immune health. Many users had success feeding the recipe to dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some noted that their dogs disliked the “Lifesource” kibbles.

Cons

• Contains peas
• Some dogs dislike the Lifesource kibbles

Pros

• Single protein source
• A good option for dogs with food sensitivities
• Does seem to help sensitive stomachs

Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Adult Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients:	Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oats
Protein content:	27%
Fat content:	16%
Calories:	431 kcal/cup

Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Trout, and Spelt features unique carbohydrates designed to avoid blood sugar spikes. Despite the label, this recipe has chicken meal as the second ingredient, while trout appears much further down the list. Although it’s not the best choice for food-sensitive pups, Nulo includes probiotics for gut health and taurine for heart health. Users were quite satisfied with 100% of reviewers saying they would recommend it to a friend. Even those who said their dogs didn’t like the taste of the food thought the overall quality was excellent.

Hill’s Prescription Diet g/d Aging Care Canned Food

Main ingredients:	Water, corn flour, pork liver
Protein content:	4%
Fat content:	2%
Calories:	388 kcal/can

This is a veterinary-specific diet with a very specific purpose, which is why it’s featured lower down on our list. Hill’s Prescription diet g/d Aging care is designed for senior dogs, with carefully researched nutrition formulated to be easier for aging organ systems. Less phosphorous, salt, and protein ease the strain on the heart and kidneys.

Decreased fat content also lowers the stress on the pancreas. Hill’s contains controlled calories and exact amounts of higher-quality protein for further kidney support. Hill’s spends its money on research, not advertising, and you won’t find flashy ingredient labels here. Instead, you find food that gets the job done for your old dog. It requires a prescription and is higher in price, as you might expect.

JustFoodForDogs Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe

Main ingredients:	Turkey, whole wheat macaroni, carrots, zucchini
Protein content:	8%
Fat content:	2%
Calories:	1235 kcal/kg

JustFoodForDogs Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe is made with simple, whole ingredients from a recipe formulated by veterinary nutritionists. With no artificial ingredients or growth hormones, the formula is packaged to be shelf-stable for up to 2 years. Many fresh diets must be stored in the fridge or freezer, which can take up a lot of space, but JustFoodForDogs is easier to store. According to users, dogs love the taste, which includes fresh vegetables and fruit.

Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dry Food

Main ingredients:	Chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas
Protein content:	24%
Fat content:	8%
Calories:	405 kcal/cup

Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Formula contains 27% less fat than the regular formula and is designed for older dogs and overweight ones. Canidae gears its All Life Stages food towards multi-dog households, providing appropriate nutrition for all ages and sizes.

While convenient, you’ll still have to pay careful attention to how many calories each dog is eating because the recipe is dense and could be easy to overfeed. It contains peas, which are an ingredient of concern as we already discussed. Several users found that the kibble is easily crushed and doesn’t hold up well during shipping.

Cons

• Nutrient-dense, easy to overfeed
• Contains peas

Pros

• Lower in fat for less active dogs
• Can be fed to all life stages

Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients:	Turkey, whole wheat macaroni, carrots, zucchini
Protein content:	30%
Fat content:	15%
Calories:	416 kcal/cup

Made with only four key ingredients, Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Recipe aims to be easy to digest and suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. It’s high in lean turkey protein and includes probiotics, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Because dogs tend to develop allergies to protein sources rather than carbs, all pups don’t need to eat grain-free meals.

Grains can provide valuable nutrients; check with your vet before eliminating them from your dog’s diet. Users mentioned that picky eaters may not like Taste of the Wild and noticed some inconsistencies with the quality and appearance of the kibble between bags.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients:	Turkey, chicken meal, brown rice
Protein content:	25%
Fat content:	8%
Calories:	269 kcal/cup

Rachel Ray may be known for creating tasty cuisine, but most dogs seem to think she does alright on their recipes too. Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Turkey has turkey as the first ingredient, and the company recently changed the formula to decrease the number of peas used. It is low in fat and calories per cup, making it a good pick for dogs that need to shed a few pounds.

Users had overall positive things to say about this recipe, but some said the kibble was too small for bigger dogs and their pups care disliked the flavor.

Cons

• Small kibble
• Not all dogs like the taste
• Not for high-energy dogs

Pros

• Low in fat and calories
• Decreased amount of peas used

Newman’s Own Dinner for Dogs Canned Food

Main ingredients:	Organic turkey, water sufficient for processing, poultry liver
Protein content:	8%
Fat content:	5.5%
Calories:	410 kcal/can

Like all Newman’s Own Dinner for Dogs Canned Food products, 100% of the profits go to charity, which might be reason enough for some to purchase it. However, this Turkey and Chicken canned food is no one-trick pony. It features a triple protein combinations, healthy brown rice, vegetables, and all essential vitamins and minerals. Formulated for all life stages, this is a convenient canned option. Newman’s Own is made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Users liked the organic meats but said the consistency could be greasy and unpleasant. Some dogs also dislike the taste.

Cons

• Greasy texture
• Not all dogs like the taste

Pros

• All profits to charity
• Made with some organic ingredients
• For all life stages

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Turkey Dog Food

Now that you know the ten best turkey dog foods on the market today, you are left on your own to choose which will be best for your pooch. You should consider a few things before clicking Add to Cart, though. So before settling on the perfect diet for your pup, keep reading to find everything you need to know.

Is Turkey a Healthy Protein Source for Dogs?

• Turkey is a fantastic protein, and it’s a great pick if your dog has allergies to more traditional meat such as chicken or beef. In addition, Turkey is low in fat and calories than other protein sources, making it an excellent choice for dogs who need to lose weight or maintain their current weight. It’s also highly digestible, which is ideal if your pup has digestive issues.
• Turkey is rich in nutrients such as riboflavin and phosphorus. Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is an essential nutrient to support eye health and preserve strength. Phosphorus is a mineral dogs need for healthy bones, teeth, and optimal metabolism.

Wet vs Dry Food

• The great wet versus dry food debate is prevalent in the pet food industry. Both food types have pros and cons so the decision will ultimately come down to what your dog prefers and what is within your budget.
• Wet food is much higher in moisture than its dry counterparts, which ensures adequate hydration levels. It is also easier to chew, which is excellent for senior dogs or those with oral abnormalities. It is also aromatic, making it more palatable.
• Dry food encourages your dog to chew its food, which can prevent tartar build-up and is much more convenient to feed than its wet counterpart. In addition, Kibble has a longer shelf life and is much more accessible cost-wise.
• Some pet parents offer a mixture of wet and dry foods to give their dogs the best of both worlds.

How Much Protein Does My Dog Need?

• Protein is a necessary macronutrient as your dog needs it to form and maintain cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It also boosts muscle, skin, and hair health. When your dog’s body breaks down the protein it takes in, it creates the amino acids your dog needs to generate energy and sustain life.
• The amount of protein your dog needs depends on several factors such as age, activity level, and overall well-being.
• According to Fetch by WebMD, adult dogs need at least 10% of their daily calories from protein.
• The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets a minimum standard for the vital nutrients of pets. The current standards suggest that for dogs in the growth and reproduction life stage, 22.5% crude protein is recommended on a dry matter basis. For the adult maintenance life stage, 18% crude protein is recommended.
• If you’re ever in doubt about the protein content of your pup’s food, speak to your vet. They can provide guidance and recommend food to support your dog’s current life stage.

Final Thoughts

As our best overall pick, Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe offers simple, clean nutrition. Our best value pick, Purina One Turkey and Venison is affordable and high in protein. Earthborn Holistic Smoked Turkey and Ancient Grains is the earth-saving, allergy-friendly option. ProPlan Puppy Turkey Entree is the perfect meal for growth and development. Hill’s Sensitive Stomach and Skin is easy-to-digest and helps the coat glow! We hope our reviews of these 15 turkey dog foods have brought enlightenment rather than continued confusion about dog food shopping.