Challenger High-Protein Game Bird Quarry Duck, Turkey & Guinea Fowl Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a high-protein dry dog food featuring duck, turkey, and guinea fowl as the main animal protein sources, supported by salmon and chicken meals. It uses organic oats, millet, and barley as the primary carbohydrates, with added omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics. The formula is designed for puppies and adult dogs (but not large-breed puppies), offering a nutrient-dense option for active dogs who do well on a grain-inclusive diet.
This is a nutrient-dense, higher-protein kibble that should suit many active puppies and adult dogs who tolerate poultry well and do not fall into the large-breed puppy category. It combines multiple named animal proteins with organic grains, added taurine, and probiotics, resulting in a well-rounded all-life-stages formula. It would be a strong option for owners looking for a high-meat, grain-inclusive diet, as long as their dog does not have poultry or fish allergies and is not a large-breed puppy.
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
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (duck, turkey, guinea fowl, salmon meal, chicken meal) high on the ingredient list provide high-quality, varied amino acid sources.
- Grain-inclusive formula using organic oats, millet, and barley rather than relying on peas or lentils as main carbohydrates, which avoids current concerns about legume-heavy diets and DCM.
- Strong nutrient profile for an active dog: 35% protein and 18% fat (as-fed) with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus taurine supplementation.
- Includes Bacillus coagulans probiotic, dried chicory root (prebiotic), and antioxidant-rich ingredients like pumpkin, blueberries, and spinach, which can support digestive and overall health.
Considerations
- Not appropriate as a sole diet for large-breed puppies (over 70 lb expected adult weight), so owners of large-breed pups should choose a food specifically approved for large-breed growth instead.
- Contains several common allergens (chicken, turkey, duck, fish), so it is not a good choice for dogs with known poultry or fish allergies or sensitivities.
- The relatively high calorie density (about 423 kcal per cup) means portion control is important, especially for dogs prone to weight gain or with lower activity levels.
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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
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).
03
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.
04
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
05
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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
Nulo is a premium pet food brand focused on grain-free and high-meat-protein recipes for dogs and cats. It is positioned as a performance and wellness brand, emphasizing quality ingredients, ancestral diet alignment, and the inclusion of probiotics to support digestive health.
Visit NuloManufacturer
Nulo partners with trusted manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada that maintain high food safety standards including HACCP and SQF certification. Nulo oversees ingredient sourcing and quality control to ensure nutritional accuracy and consistency across batches.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nulo Challenger High-Protein Game Bird Quarry Duck, Turkey & Guinea Fowl Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nulo ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nulo. 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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