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Now Fresh

Small Breed Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Duck Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 20, 2026

Dog · Dry Puppy Small

This is a grain-free dry food formulated specifically for small-breed puppies, with deboned turkey as the primary animal protein, supported by salmon, duck, and whole egg. Peas, potatoes, and lentils provide the main carbohydrate and fiber sources, while added omega fatty acids, taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics support healthy growth and digestion. It’s designed for small-breed pups expected to be 25 lb or less as adults and offers a relatively energy-dense kibble for their higher calorie needs.

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

Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced choice for small-breed puppies that focuses on animal proteins, moderate fat, and a reasonable fiber level. It is grain-free and relies heavily on peas and potatoes for carbohydrates, which some owners choose to avoid, but it does include added taurine and omega-3s. Overall, it should suit most healthy small-breed puppies that tolerate poultry, fish, and egg well.

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

Health Benefits
Probiotic Support Digestive Health Skin Coat Health Immune Support
Suitable For
Puppy Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Good protein level for growing puppies, with turkey, egg, salmon, and duck providing high-quality amino acids.
  • Includes added DHA and EPA from marine microalgae oil, which helps support brain and eye development in puppies.
  • Contains prebiotic fiber and probiotics, which can help support a healthy digestive system in many dogs.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles specifically for growth in small-breed dogs 25 lb or less as adults.

Considerations

  • This is a grain-free formula that relies on peas, pea flour, potatoes, and lentils, which some research has linked to heart issues in certain dogs when very legume-heavy diets are fed long term.
  • Contains multiple common allergens, including turkey, salmon, duck, egg, and flaxseed, so it is not ideal for puppies with known food sensitivities.
  • Because it is relatively calorie-dense per cup, small-breed puppies that gain weight easily may need careful portion control.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

de-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, pea flour, potatoes, potato flour, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, monocalcium phosphate, coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), de-boned salmon, de-boned duck, flaxseed, apples, pea fiber, calcium carbonate, suncured alfalfa, tomato, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, pomegranate, papayas, lentils, broccoli, salt, marine microalgae oil, dried chicory root, choline chloride, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, beta-carotene, vitamin B12 supplement, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, selenium yeast, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, DL-methionine, L-lysine, potassium chloride, L-carnitine, dried rosemary

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
Deboned Turkey
Deboned turkey is commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality, lean animal protein that provides essential amino acids, B vitamins, and contributes to palatability and digestibility for both dogs and cats. It supports muscle maintenance and growth but can be an allergen for some animals, so owners of pets with food sensitivities should monitor reactions; additionally, complete diets must be formulated to meet species-specific needs (for example, adequate taurine for cats).
02
Whole Egg
Whole egg is a highly digestible, nutrient-dense ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods as a complete protein and source of healthy fats, essential amino acids, fat‑soluble vitamins (A, D), B vitamins including B12 and choline, and other micronutrients. It enhances palatability and supports muscle, skin and coat health, but should be cooked to reduce salmonella risk and deactivate avidin in raw egg white (which can impair biotin absorption if fed frequently), and may be allergenic or calorie-dense for some pets.
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
Pea Flour
Pea flour is a finely milled powder from whole peas used in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, starch and fiber to add bulk, improve texture and boost overall protein content. It provides digestible protein, fiber and some micronutrients, but plant proteins are lower in certain essential amino acids (important for cats in particular) and high inclusion of legumes can create formulation imbalances, so manufacturers typically supplement limiting amino acids and process pea flour to reduce anti-nutritional factors; pet owners should note rare allergies and rely on complete, balanced diets rather than single-ingredient comparisons.
05
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.

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)
28.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
18.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3773
kcal / Kg
415
kcal / Cup
Moderate
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 Puppy
Breed size Small
Texture Kibble
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 Growth (puppy/kitten)
Substantiation Formulation
Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth of small breed dogs 25lbs or less as an adult.

Brand

Now Fresh

Now Fresh is a super-premium pet food brand from Petcurean offering recipes made with 100% fresh meat, fish, and poultry with no rendered meals. It targets pet owners seeking natural, minimally processed diets for their pets.

Visit Now Fresh
Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Petcurean Pet Nutrition Inc.
Founded 1999
Headquarters Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Manufacturing type Contract Manufacturer
Manufacturing country Canada
Manufacturing region British Columbia
Manufacturing oversight

Petcurean oversees its manufacturing through trusted, approved partners in Canada and the United States that operate under strict quality control protocols. Facilities adhere to rigid food safety and quality assurance standards, including HACCP compliance and regular 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

Now Fresh Small Breed Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Duck Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
Small Breed Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Duck Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Now Fresh · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Now Fresh ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Now Fresh. 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.