Freeze-Dried Patties Free-Run Turkey Recipe Dog Food
Verified Jun 3, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw-style turkey dog food designed for all life stages, including large breed puppies. It uses turkey (with bone and organs) and whole herring as primary animal ingredients, with small amounts of pumpkin, squash, carrots, and fruit for fiber and micronutrients. The formula is very low in starch and includes added omega fats and kelp, making it a rich, meat-focused option that can be used as a complete diet or high-value meal alternative, depending on how you feed it.
Nutritionally, this is a very dense, meat-heavy freeze-dried food with excellent protein and fat levels for most healthy, active dogs, and it’s formulated to be complete and balanced even for growing large-breed puppies. The ingredient list is strong: turkey with bone and organs plus whole herring provide high-quality protein and natural minerals, while the carb content is kept quite low with pumpkin and other vegetables. Its richness and calorie density mean it works best for dogs that tolerate higher fat well; dogs needing a lower-fat diet or prone to weight gain may need smaller portions or a different formula.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (43% as-fed) from turkey, organs, and whole herring provides excellent amino acid quality for growth and maintenance.
- High fat (28% as-fed) and 4200 kcal/kg make it an energy-dense option, helpful for active dogs or those needing to gain or maintain weight on smaller meal volumes.
- Formulated to AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is a stricter requirement for calcium and overall balance.
- Low dietary starch (max 10%) and sugars (max 1%), with vegetables and fruit providing fiber and phytonutrients instead of heavy carbohydrate fillers.
Considerations
- The high fat and calorie density may be too rich for dogs with a history of pancreatitis, sensitive stomachs, or those that gain weight easily; portions may need to be carefully controlled.
- Includes turkey and fish, which are common protein allergens, so it’s not ideal for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Freeze-dried foods are minimally processed but very concentrated; sudden switching from a kibble or canned diet can cause digestive upset if not gradually introduced.
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 with Ground Bone
Turkey with ground bone is used in pet food as a combined animal protein and mineral source, providing meat-based essential amino acids along with concentrated calcium and phosphorus from the bone. It can be a nutritious choice for dogs and cats when properly balanced, but high bone content raises ash and mineral levels so formulations must be monitored to avoid calcium/phosphorus imbalances or digestive issues, and sourcing/processing should control microbial risk and allergen considerations.
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.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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
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 AcanaManufacturer
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
Acana Freeze-Dried Patties Free-Run Turkey Recipe Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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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