Protein is an essential macronutrient that your dog needs to thrive. Unfortunately, not all dogs fare well on all types of protein sources1. It’s simple to find chicken or beef-based dog food options, but turkey or fish aren’t quite as common.
Turkey is a fantastic option as it provides the animal-based protein your dog needs and is perfect for dogs allergic to chicken or beef. So if you’re searching for the best turkey-based dog food, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading to find our reviews of the ten best turkey dog food options and our guide to choosing the best food for your pup.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Fortified with additional vitamins
Delivers to your door in regular intervals
Free shipping to American customers
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Best Value
Purina ONE Real Turkey & Venison
Affordable price
High in protein
Real turkey is the first ingredient
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Premium Choice
Merrick Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
Real turkey is the main ingredient
Grain-inclusive formula
Great for dogs with chicken allergies
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Best for Puppies
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health
Boosts coat and skin health
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Kibble is puppy-sized
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Vet’s Choice
Nulo Frontrunner Turkey, Trout & Spelt
Doesn’t contain peas
Supports digestive and immune health
High in animal-based protein
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The 10 Best Turkey Dog Foods
1. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription Tasty Turkey Fare – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach
Protein content: 10%
Fat content: 5%
Calories: 201 cal/cup
Nom Nom’s Tasty Turkey Fare is our overall best turkey dog food because it is a home-cooked meal made with whole, fresh ingredients. This recipe has no preservatives and is made with USDA-inspected ground turkey so you know it’s safe to feed your pup. Plus, turkey contains vitamin B6 for glucose generation and nervous system function and selenium, which is essential for your dog’s metabolism and DNA synthesis.
This formula also contains brown rice, a healthy carbohydrate that will give your dog the energy it needs for its active lifestyle.
Nom Nom also ensured this recipe is chock full of minerals and vitamins your dog needs to thrive. They fortify the formula with an extra dose of vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as magnesium, zinc, and iron. It also has omega-3s, which act as an anti-inflammatory and boosts brain and eye development.
We also love that Nom Nom is a delivery food service, so you can personalize a diet to your dog’s needs and always receive your shipments on time.
Unfortunately, Nom Nom only offers shipping to American customers at this time.
Pros
Fortified with additional vitamins
Delivers to your door in regular intervals
Free shipping to American customers
Boosts brain health
Cons
Only ships to the USA
This formula from Purina One features real turkey as the main ingredient and venison to boost the kibble’s protein content. As a result, this nutrient-dense kibble provides a whopping 30% protein which can support strong muscles and a healthier heart.
Fortified with additional vitamins
Delivers to your door in regular intervals
Free shipping to American customers
Boosts brain health
- Fortified with additional vitamins
- Delivers to your door in regular intervals
- Free shipping to American customers
- Boosts brain health
Only ships to the USA
- Only ships to the USA
Main ingredients:
Turkey, chicken meal, soy flour, beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols, whole grain wheat
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 356 cal/cup
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Turkey, chicken meal, soy flour, beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols, whole grain wheat
Turkey, chicken meal, soy flour, beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols, whole grain wheat
This recipe features ingredients that have been selectively chosen to boost your dog’s health while remaining highly digestible. In addition, it includes glucosamine to promote your dog’s joint health, making it an excellent pick for older and adult dogs.
Since it has no fillers or added preservatives, it’s of the healthiest and best turkey dog foods for the money.
The third ingredient is soy flour which contains a high amount of protein but provides a lower biological value than animal protein.
Pros
Affordable price
High in protein
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Highly digestible recipe
Provides joint support
Cons
Soy flour is not the best protein source
Feeding your pet predominantly wet food can get pricey, but if you’re hunting for the best premium turkey dog food, Merrick’s Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe should fit the bill.
Affordable price
High in protein
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Highly digestible recipe
Provides joint support
- Affordable price
- High in protein
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- Highly digestible recipe
- Provides joint support
Soy flour is not the best protein source
- Soy flour is not the best protein source
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal
Protein content: 8%
Fat content: 6%
Calories: 402 cal/cup
This grain-inclusive canned food features real deboned turkey as its main ingredient and provides a single-source protein which is great if your dog has allergies to other protein types.
This recipe is made without any pea ingredients and features a blend of wholesome grains to support your pup’s sensitive digestive system. This formula also doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives and seeks to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your adult dog.
This recipe is significantly lower in protein than others on our list.
Pros
Real turkey is the main ingredient
Grain-inclusive formula
Great for dogs with chicken allergies
No peas
Cons
Expensive
Low in protein
If you have a puppy that needs a turkey-fueled diet, you need to choose food that’s designed specifically to support a growing pups’ needs. The Wellness Complete Health Turkey, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal formula is perfect for small breed puppies. The kibble is small, making it easy for pups with smaller mouths and teeth to eat.
Real turkey is the main ingredient
Grain-inclusive formula
Great for dogs with chicken allergies
No peas
- Real turkey is the main ingredient
- Grain-inclusive formula
- Great for dogs with chicken allergies
- No peas
Expensive
Low in protein
- Expensive
- Low in protein
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, salmon meal, barley
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 19%
Calories: 489 cal/cup
This recipe is made without any meat by-products or artificial preservatives. It’s been fortified with omega fatty acids, which your pooch needs to promote healthy skin and coat. It also contains calcium and phosphorus to support your pup’s bone growth and Vitamin A, promoting healthy eyes and teeth.
Pros
Boosts coat and skin health
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Kibble is puppy-sized
Supports bone growth
Cons
For small breeds only
We consulted with our team of veterinarians to see what their pick would be for the best turkey dog food. Nulo’s Frontrunner Turkey, Trout, and Spelt formula won them over thanks to its unique recipe that’s made without any pea or potato protein powders. It’s fortified with the fatty acids your puppy dog needs for a shiny coat and healthy skin and probiotics to boost digestive health. This recipe also contains antioxidants to support your pup’s immune health.
Boosts coat and skin health
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Kibble is puppy-sized
Supports bone growth
- Boosts coat and skin health
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- Kibble is puppy-sized
- Supports bone growth
For small breeds only
- For small breeds only
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oats, barley, turkey meal
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 431 cal/can
Thanks to this recipes’ 77% animal-based protein, your dog will be getting a hefty dose of amino acids that it needs for heart health and muscle mass.
While this food is on the pricey side, our vets think it’s worthwhile, and so do we.
Pros
Doesn’t contain peas
Supports digestive and immune health
High in animal-based protein
Boosts skin and coat health
Cons
Expensive
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe
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Main ingredients:
Dehydrated turkey, organic oats, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, dehydrated carrots
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 470 cal/cup
The Honest Kitchen’s turkey recipe provides a dehydrated option for your pup’s dinners. This meal will rehydrate to four times its weight with warm water. Feel free to tweak how much water you put into each meal once you determine what texture your dog prefers. One 10-pound box will make 40 pounds of fresh food.
Doesn’t contain peas
Supports digestive and immune health
High in animal-based protein
Boosts skin and coat health
- Doesn’t contain peas
- Supports digestive and immune health
- High in animal-based protein
- Boosts skin and coat health
Expensive
- Expensive
Check Price on The Honest Kitchen Check Price on Chewy
Check Price on The Honest Kitchen
- Use code PETKEEN30 to SAVE 30% on your first order over $30 on thehonestkitchen.com
Dehydrated turkey, organic oats, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, dehydrated carrots
Dehydrated turkey, organic oats, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, dehydrated carrots
This recipe is made with real whole food, including cage-free turkey for protein and organic oats for energy. It features gently dehydrated ingredients to preserve not only nutrition but flavor. There are no fillers, by-products, or preservatives used in the formulation of this recipe.
This formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult and senior dogs of any breed or size.
This formula was crafted in a human food facility which means you can expect higher quality ingredients and stricter safety protocols.
Pros
Complete and balanced nutrition
Whole and healthy ingredients
Perfect for adults or seniors
Made without by-products or fillers
Cons
A bit on the expensive side
Requires preparation to serve
This recipe was formulated to support your dog’s lean muscle mass and whole-body health. This formula features real turkey as the first ingredient and garden fruits and vegetables for an additional nutrition boost. It contains carrots and sweet potatoes as sources of beta carotene and antioxidants and brown rice for energy and fiber.
Complete and balanced nutrition
Whole and healthy ingredients
Perfect for adults or seniors
Made without by-products or fillers
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Whole and healthy ingredients
- Perfect for adults or seniors
- Made without by-products or fillers
A bit on the expensive side
Requires preparation to serve
- A bit on the expensive side
- Requires preparation to serve
Main ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, carrots, peas
Protein content: 8%
Fat content: 6%
Calories: 421 cal/cup
A great bonus of wet food is that you can feed it as a complete and balanced meal, use it as a meal topper for your dog’s current kibble, or mix it into diet food to get your pup interested in its kibble.
This recipe contains peas, which can be a controversial ingredient.
Pros
Can be used alone or as a meal topper
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Vegetables and fruits for antioxidants
Supports lean muscle mass
Cons
Contains peas
Halo’s Grain-Free Holistic Turkey, Turkey Liver, and Duck recipe is an excellent pick if you and your vet have decided a grain-free diet is right for your dog.
Can be used alone or as a meal topper
Real turkey is the first ingredient
Vegetables and fruits for antioxidants
Supports lean muscle mass
- Can be used alone or as a meal topper
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- Vegetables and fruits for antioxidants
- Supports lean muscle mass
Contains peas
- Contains peas
Main ingredients:
Turkey, dried peas, dried chickpeas, dried egg product, dried lentils
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 380 cal/cup
Turkey, dried peas, dried chickpeas, dried egg product, dried lentils
Turkey, dried peas, dried chickpeas, dried egg product, dried lentils
This high-protein formula features real turkey as the first ingredient and doesn’t contain any unnecessary ingredients like meat meals at all. It is fortified with fatty acids to boost skin and coat health. This formula is lower in calories than some of the other options on our list, which is ideal for dogs who need a reduced-calorie diet to maintain or lose weight. This recipe also features probiotics and prebiotics to help support your pup’s digestive system.
Pros
Promotes digestive health
Great for reduced-calorie diets
Real turkey is the first ingredient
No meat meals or unnecessary ingredients
Cons
Contains peas
Not all dogs need a grain-free diet
This grain-free and limited ingredient recipe provides a single source of protein and just a few other ingredients to give your dog a nutritious and filler-free meal. The turkey in this formula has been farm-raised in America and provides a fantastic source of lean protein to support your dog’s muscles.
Promotes digestive health
Great for reduced-calorie diets
Real turkey is the first ingredient
No meat meals or unnecessary ingredients
- Promotes digestive health
- Great for reduced-calorie diets
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- No meat meals or unnecessary ingredients
Contains peas
Not all dogs need a grain-free diet
- Contains peas
- Not all dogs need a grain-free diet
Main ingredients: Turkey, turkey meal, chickpeas, peas, sunflower oil
Protein content: 32%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 394 cal/cup
This recipe contains chickpeas which provide a hefty dose of B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron.
This recipe is great for dogs with allergies, but it is essential to remember that grain-free diets aren’t suitable for every pup. Most dogs can benefit from the inclusion of grain in their diets. Speak to your vet if you’re not sure if grain-free is the way to go for your pet.
Pros
Limited ingredient recipe
High in protein
Real turkey is the first ingredient
American-raised turkey
Cons
Pricey
Grain-free diet isn’t right for every dog
This canned food from Hill’s Science Diet features easily digestible ingredients for better digestion and easier poop pick-up. Its unique formula has been fortified with the nutrition your dog needs for skin and digestive health, making it a winner for any pup with a sensitive tummy or skin.
Limited ingredient recipe
High in protein
Real turkey is the first ingredient
American-raised turkey
- Limited ingredient recipe
- High in protein
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- American-raised turkey
Pricey
Grain-free diet isn’t right for every dog
- Pricey
- Grain-free diet isn’t right for every dog
Main ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice
Protein content: 24.50%
Fat content: 19%
Calories: 253 cal/can
This recipe features whole food ingredients such as carrots, spinach, and green peas (again, a controversial ingredient in some circles). It has a stew-like texture that is irresistible to some dogs.
It doesn’t feature turkey as the first ingredient, but it is the second, so that’s something.
Pros
Perfect for sensitive tummies
Texture is palatable
Promotes digestive health
Boosts skin health
Cons
Turkey is not the first ingredient
Contains peas
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.
Perfect for sensitive tummies
Texture is palatable
Promotes digestive health
Boosts skin health
- Perfect for sensitive tummies
- Texture is palatable
- Promotes digestive health
- Boosts skin health
Turkey is not the first ingredient
Contains peas
- Turkey is not the first ingredient
- Contains peas
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.
Conclusion
The best overall turkey dog food is from Nom Nom for its high-quality recipe and vitamin and mineral content. Purina One is our best value option, thanks to its affordable price and healthy formulation. Our premium pick is from Merrick as it contains real protein and no peas, fillers, or preservatives. The best pick for puppies is from Wellness for its unique formula meant to promote puppy health. Finally, our vet’s pick is Nulo’s Ancient Grains recipe for its high animal-based protein and pea-free formula.
We hope our reviews and subsequent buying guide have made choosing your dog’s new diet easier. Remember, if you’re ever unsure what you should be feeding your dog, your vet will be your best resource.
Sources
AKC PetMD Stella and Chewys PetMD
Featured Image Credit: chendongshan, Shutterstock
- AKC
- PetMD
- Stella and Chewys
- PetMD
