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Freeze-Dried Turkey Recipe Morsels Dog Food
Acana

Freeze-Dried Turkey Recipe Morsels Dog Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a very high-protein, freeze-dried turkey-based food for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies. It uses turkey (with bone and giblets) and whole herring as the main animal ingredients, with small amounts of pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, and pears for added fiber and phytonutrients. The low-starch, low-sugar formula and inclusion of omega-3s make it suitable as a complete meal, topper, or high-value treat for most healthy dogs.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a rich, meat-forward, low-carbohydrate freeze-dried diet that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs. The protein and fat levels are quite high, which can work very well for active, lean dogs or as a calorie-dense topper, but may be more than some sedentary or overweight pets need as a main diet. Overall, it’s a high-quality option for owners looking for a minimally processed, animal-ingredient–focused food, as long as portion sizes are carefully controlled.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very high animal-protein content (turkey with bone, turkey giblets, and whole herring) providing a rich amino acid profile for growth and maintenance.
  • Low carbohydrate load with controlled starch (max 10%) and sugar (max 1%), which suits dogs that do better on lower-carb diets.
  • Includes omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and total omega-3) along with omega-6s to support skin, coat, and overall health needs.
  • AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, so it can be used as a sole diet or confidently as a topper without unbalancing nutrition.

Considerations

  • Very high fat (minimum 28% as-fed) and calorie-dense at about 4,200 kcal/kg, so portions need to be modest, especially for dogs prone to weight gain or with a history of pancreatitis; some dogs may do better with a lower-fat food as their main diet.
  • Contains turkey and fish, which are common protein allergens; not ideal for dogs with known sensitivities to poultry or fish.
  • Freeze-dried foods are less processed but can be quite rich for some dogs, so a gradual transition and careful monitoring of stool quality are important.
  • Bone content from “turkey with ground bone” can be beneficial for minerals, but in some dogs with underlying kidney or urinary issues, a veterinarian should confirm that the overall mineral load is appropriate.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Turkey with ground bone, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, pumpkin, natural flavor, turkey bone broth, organic butternut squash, organic carrots, organic pears, salt, dried chicory root, turmeric, dried kelp, mixed tocopherols (preservative), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate, copper proteinate), citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract

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
Turkey Giblet
Turkey giblets (commonly hearts, livers, gizzards and sometimes neck) are used in pet foods as a flavorful animal protein source and palatability enhancer, supplying concentrated protein, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and other trace minerals. They are nutrient-dense for both dogs and cats but should be included in balanced amounts because liver is very high in vitamin A and can cause hypervitaminosis if overused, may trigger poultry allergies in sensitive animals, and must be properly processed to minimize bacterial contamination.
03
Turkey Liver
Turkey liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods as a protein-rich, palatability-enhancing ingredient and a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals—particularly vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12), iron, and copper. It offers nutritional benefits for metabolism and skin/coat health but should be included in moderation within a balanced diet to avoid vitamin A excess and high purine intake, and must be properly handled or cooked to reduce foodborne risks.
04
Turkey Heart
Turkey heart is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and palatability ingredient that also provides essential amino acids (including taurine), B vitamins, iron, zinc and other trace minerals. It can be especially beneficial for cats because of its taurine content and for dogs as a nutrient-dense protein source, but should be included in balanced amounts (not as the sole diet component) and handled/processed properly to avoid pathogens or intolerance in sensitive pets.
05
Turkey Gizzard
Turkey gizzard is a nutrient-dense organ muscle commonly used in pet foods and treats as a high-quality animal protein source that adds meaty flavor and firm texture. It supplies protein, B vitamins (notably B12 and niacin), iron and other trace minerals and some taurine beneficial for dogs and cats, but should be properly processed/cooked to avoid pathogens and fed as part of a balanced diet since organ-rich ingredients can concentrate certain nutrients and may need moderation for pets with specific health conditions.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
43.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
28.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
5.00%
Low High
4200
kcal / Kg
71
kcal / Cup
High
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Freeze Dried
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
ACANA(TM) FREEZE-DRIED MORSELS FREE-RUN TURKEY RECIPE DOG FOOD is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, INCLUDING growth of large size dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).

Brand

Acana

ACANA offers high-protein dog and cat foods made from fresh regional ingredients. The brand focuses on biologically appropriate nutrition with recipes inspired by nature, often containing various ratios of meat, fish, and poultry along with fruits and vegetables. Positioned as a premium choice, ACANA targets pet owners seeking high-quality, grain-free or limited-ingredient diets.

Visit Acana
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Champion Petfoods
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1985
Headquarters Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada and United States
Manufacturing region Alberta; Kentucky
Manufacturing oversight

Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Acana Freeze-Dried Turkey Recipe Morsels Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Freeze-Dried Turkey Recipe Morsels Dog Food
Acana · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Acana ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Acana. 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.

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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.