Product Description
Northwest Naturals Turkey Freeze-Dried Nuggets deliver an exceptional lean poultry formula that combines the highest protein content in the Northwest Naturals line (52% minimum) with approval for ALL life stages including large breed puppy growth. Turkey is a naturally lean, highly digestible protein that dogs find extremely palatable, making this an ideal choice for dogs who enjoy poultry but need an alternative to chicken - whether due to sensitivity, preference, or simply for nutritional rotation. This premium freeze-dried recipe features USA-raised turkey as the primary protein source, including muscle meat, ground bone, heart, and liver, all processed under USDA human food standards using HPP technology to ensure safety while preserving maximum nutrition.
Turkey stands out among poultry proteins for its exceptional amino acid profile, particularly high in tryptophan (which supports serotonin production and calm behavior) and methionine (which supports kidney health and immune function). The inclusion of turkey heart and liver adds incredible nutritional depth - heart provides CoQ10 and B vitamins for energy and cardiac health, while liver delivers the full spectrum of fat-soluble vitamins, iron, and essential amino acids. At 52% protein and only 30% fat, this is the leanest high-protein formula in the Northwest Naturals lineup, making it ideal for dogs who need maximum protein without excess calories - perfect for weight management while maintaining muscle mass.
The freeze-drying process preserves nutrients at peak freshness while creating a lightweight, portable product perfect for home feeding, travel, or emergency preparedness. Each bite-sized nugget can be fed dry as a crunchy treat, rehydrated with warm water or bone broth for a fresh meal, crumbled over kibble as a nutritional booster, or broken into smaller pieces for training. With 138 calories per ounce, this formula provides concentrated protein-forward nutrition for dogs of all sizes and life stages.
Key Features
- Complete and balanced for ALL life stages including growth of large-sized dogs (70+ lb adults)
- 52% minimum crude protein - highest protein in the Northwest Naturals line
- Lean formula at only 30% fat - ideal for weight management with high protein
- Turkey heart and liver provide CoQ10, B vitamins, vitamin A, and iron
- Rich in tryptophan - naturally supports calm behavior and serotonin production
- Excellent alternative for dogs with chicken sensitivities who prefer poultry
- HPP (High Pressure Processing) eliminates pathogens without heat, preserving nutrients
- Made under USDA human food standards with human-grade ingredients
- Shelf-stable freeze-dried format requires no freezer or refrigeration
- All turkey raised in USA without antibiotics or added hormones, USDA inspected
- 10% raw ground bone supplies bio-available calcium and phosphorus
- Grain-free, gluten-free formula with no corn, wheat, or soy
- Active enzymes support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption
- Highly palatable turkey flavor dogs find irresistible
- Easy to break apart for training treats or portion control
- Can be fed dry, rehydrated, or crumbled as a kibble topper
- Approved for large breed puppies - Great Danes, Mastiffs, Shepherds, and more
- Low 5% maximum moisture extends shelf life and concentrates nutrition
- Made in USA with sustainably sourced ingredients
Ideal For
Perfect for dogs of ALL life stages and sizes, including large breed puppies - one of only two Northwest Naturals formulas (along with Chicken) approved for large breed growth. Excellent for large breed puppy owners who want a poultry-based option for their Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and other growing giants. Ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities who still prefer or thrive on poultry-based nutrition - turkey provides a different protein that dogs with chicken allergies can often tolerate. Perfect for weight management programs - the high protein (52%) and relatively lean fat (30%) profile supports muscle maintenance while allowing calorie control. Great for dogs with anxiety or behavioral issues - turkey's high tryptophan content naturally supports serotonin production and calm, balanced behavior. Excellent for active dogs requiring lean, high-protein nutrition. Ideal for senior dogs needing protein-rich nutrition to maintain muscle mass as they age. Perfect for protein rotation diets alongside beef, fish, and lamb for nutritional variety. Great for multi-dog households where puppies and adults can share the same food. Essential for travel and emergency preparedness due to shelf-stable format.
Feeding Instructions
For complete meal feeding: Feed approximately 1 nugget per 5 pounds of body weight daily, divided into two meals. For example, a 25 lb dog would receive approximately 5 nuggets daily (2-3 nuggets per meal). This lean, high-protein formula is well-suited for weight management - monitor body condition and adjust portions to maintain ideal weight. For large breed puppies (will be 70+ lbs as adults), follow feeding calculator guidelines carefully to support healthy growth rate without overfeeding. Growing puppies may require 2-3 times adult portions. Active dogs may require 25-50% more food. Senior dogs may need 10-25% less.
Feeding methods: Dry feeding - Pour nuggets directly into bowl and serve as crunchy meals or treats. Rehydrated feeding - Add warm water or bone broth (1 part liquid to 1 part food), wait 2-3 minutes until soft, then serve (excellent for puppies and seniors). Kibble topper - Crumble 2-4 nuggets over regular food to boost protein and add raw nutrition. Training treats - Break nuggets into pea-sized pieces for high-value, healthy rewards. Rotation feeding - Alternate weekly or monthly with other Northwest Naturals proteins for maximum nutritional variety.
Transition period: When switching to Northwest Naturals from another diet, transition gradually over 7-10 days. Days 1-3: 25% new food, 75% old food. Days 4-6: 50% new food, 50% old food. Days 7-9: 75% new food, 25% old food. Day 10: 100% Northwest Naturals. For large breed puppies, consult the Northwest Naturals feeding calculator for accurate portions during growth. Always provide fresh, clean water. Store unused nuggets in airtight container to maintain freshness.
Guaranteed Analysis (Freeze-Dried)
| Crude Protein (min) | 52.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 30.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 7.0% |
| Moisture (max) | 5.0% |
| Ash (max) | 7.37% |
| Calcium | 2.08% |
| Phosphorous | 1.43% |
| Metabolizable Energy | 4860 kcal/kg (138 kcal/oz) |
Ingredients
Turkey, Ground Turkey Bone, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Apples, Carrots, Lettuce, Watermelon, Eggs, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Blueberries, Cranberries, Inulin, Ginger, Parsley, Garlic, Tomatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Broccoli, Oranges, Pumpkin, Spinach, Beets, Cherries, Strawberries, Mixed Tocopherols (as preservative).
Lean High-Protein Poultry Formula: Turkey provides one of the cleanest, most digestible animal protein sources available. At 52% minimum crude protein with only 30% fat, this is the most protein-forward lean formula in the Northwest Naturals line - ideal for dogs who need maximum protein without excess calories. Turkey is naturally rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin - the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation and calm behavior.
Dual Organ Meat Formula: Turkey heart delivers CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) and B vitamins that support heart health and cellular energy production. Turkey liver provides vitamin A, iron, B12, and essential amino acids - acting as nature's multivitamin to ensure comprehensive nutrition without synthetic supplements.
Sourcing: All turkey is raised in the USA without antibiotics or added hormones, USDA inspected and passed for human consumption. Produce comes with certificates of guarantee. Grain and gluten-free - no corn, wheat, or soy. Complete and balanced diet formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for ALL life stages, including growth of large-sized dogs (70 lbs or more as adults). All recipes contain 10% raw ground bone for optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio essential for skeletal development in growing dogs.
Why We Love It
Northwest Naturals Turkey formula represents a masterclass in formulation - delivering the highest protein content in the entire line (52%) while maintaining the lean profile needed for weight management, all while being approved for large breed puppy growth. This versatility is remarkable and reflects the meticulous nutritional science behind every Northwest Naturals recipe. The company's commitment to using only USA-raised, antibiotic-free turkey processed under USDA human food standards means you're feeding your dog food that literally meets human consumption requirements. The natural tryptophan content of turkey adds an unexpected wellness benefit - dogs fed turkey-based diets often show improved calm behavior and reduced anxiety, a bonus that pet parents genuinely notice. Northwest Naturals' HPP technology preserves the vital enzymes and amino acids that make raw turkey feeding so beneficial, while their whole-prey approach with heart and liver ensures complete nutrition from real food sources rather than synthetic additives. Made in the USA with sustainably sourced ingredients and green manufacturing practices, this formula has become a favorite among pet parents managing weight, seeking poultry alternatives to chicken, and looking for a versatile food that works for the whole household.
Storage & Care
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Unlike frozen raw food, freeze-dried nuggets require no refrigeration or freezer storage, making them shelf-stable and perfect for homes with limited freezer space. Once opened, reseal bag tightly using zip closure or transfer to airtight container to maintain maximum freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Store in pantry, cabinet, or cool storage area away from heat sources and humidity. Product remains fresh for extended periods when stored properly (check best-by date on package). If nuggets become exposed to moisture, appear discolored, or develop any off-odor, discard immediately. Clean feeding bowls daily with hot, soapy water - especially important when feeding puppies or rehydrated nuggets. For rehydrated nuggets, feed immediately and refrigerate any leftovers in sealed container for no more than 24 hours. Large breed puppy owners: keep a growth journal tracking weight, portion sizes, and body condition to ensure healthy development. When traveling with your dog, portion nuggets into smaller airtight containers or resealable bags for daily use. The lightweight, compact freeze-dried format makes this ideal for backpacking, camping, dog shows, emergency preparedness, and any situation where refrigeration is unavailable.