CORE Grain Free Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Duck Dry Cat Food
Verified May 22, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for cats featuring deboned turkey, turkey meal, pork meal, and duck as key animal protein sources. Peas and pea protein supply additional plant protein and carbohydrates, while flaxseed and canola oil contribute omega fatty acids, and added taurine supports heart and eye health. It also includes joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin plus probiotics and prebiotic fibers aimed at supporting digestion in adult cats and cats of other life stages.
Nutritionally, this is a protein-dense, grain-free dry diet with multiple animal protein sources and a well-rounded supplement profile, suitable for most healthy adult cats and many cats at other life stages. It offers elevated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, added taurine, antioxidants, and joint-support ingredients, which can be helpful for active or larger cats. The main nutritional caveat is its heavy reliance on peas and pea protein in a grain-free formula, which some owners may prefer to avoid for cats that do better on more traditional, grain-inclusive diets.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (38% as-fed) with multiple named animal proteins (deboned turkey, turkey meal, pork meal, duck), which supports lean muscle maintenance in cats.
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed and canola oil, with declared omega levels that support skin and coat health.
- Includes added taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin, providing targeted support for heart function and joint health, along with probiotics and prebiotic fibers (chicory root, beet pulp) for digestive support.
- Grain-free and uses primarily animal and legume ingredients rather than lower-nutrient fillers, which can suit cats that do poorly on certain grains.
Considerations
- Peas and pea protein are prominent ingredients, so a noticeable share of the protein comes from plant sources rather than meat alone; this may not be ideal for cats that do best on more meat-heavy formulas.
- As a grain-free, legume-heavy diet, it may not be the best fit for every cat, especially if your veterinarian has recommended a more traditional grain-inclusive diet pattern.
- Contains common animal proteins (turkey, pork, duck), so it would not be appropriate for cats with confirmed allergies to any of these ingredients.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
02
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
03
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
04
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
05
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Wellness is WellPet’s flagship brand, offering a full range of natural pet foods including dry, canned, and toppers for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on complete, balanced nutrition using natural ingredients and is positioned within the holistic and premium segment of the market.
Visit WellnessManufacturer
Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities in the United States under strict quality and safety programs, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards for pet food production. Wellness Pet Company maintains internal quality assurance teams and ingredient traceability protocols.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wellness CORE Grain Free Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Duck Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Wellness ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wellness. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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