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Nulo

FreeStyle High-Protein Limited+ Small Breed Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages Small

This is a high-protein, limited-ingredient dry food made for small-breed dogs of all life stages (except large-breed puppies), using turkey and turkey meal as the only animal protein sources. Chickpeas and sweet potato provide the main carbohydrates, while added omega fatty acids, probiotics, taurine, and L-carnitine support overall health and lean body condition. It’s designed for dogs who may do better on a simpler, turkey-based formula or who need small, easy-to-chew kibble.

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

Overall, this is a high-quality, limited-ingredient kibble that should suit many small-breed dogs, including those who need to avoid common proteins like chicken or beef. It offers solid protein and fat levels for active small dogs, with added omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics for additional nutritional support. It is not appropriate as the sole diet for large-breed puppies, but works well for small-breed puppies, adults, and seniors who tolerate legumes and turkey 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
Allergy Support Probiotic Support Digestive Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health Weight Management
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
All Life Stages Small
Not Formulated For
What "not formulated for" means Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.
Excludes Large Breed Growth
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Single animal protein source (turkey and turkey meal) can be helpful for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
  • Good macronutrient profile for dry food (30% protein, 17% fat) to support lean muscle and energy needs in small breeds.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, L-carnitine, vitamin C and E, and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) for added skin, heart, and digestive support.
  • AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it can be used for most small-breed puppies, adults, and seniors.

Considerations

  • Uses chickpeas as an early ingredient; for dogs with heart disease risk, some cardiologists prefer avoiding legume-heavy diets until more is known about the DCM association.
  • Contains salmon oil and turkey, so it is not suitable for dogs with fish or poultry allergies.
  • Calorie density is fairly high at about 422 kcal per cup, so portion control is important for small dogs prone to weight gain.
  • Not appropriate as a primary diet for large-breed puppies (over 70 lb adult size), per the AAFCO statement.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Potassium Chloride, Salt, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganous Oxide, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, 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
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
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.
03
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
04
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
05
Canola Oil
Canola oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer that supplies energy and essential fatty acids—mainly omega‑6 (linoleic acid) and some omega‑3 (ALA)—and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins. It can support skin and coat condition when balanced with animal fats or supplemental omega‑3s, but is calorie‑dense so must be portioned to avoid weight gain, does not provide species‑specific fats such as arachidonic acid for cats, and must be kept fresh to prevent oxidation.

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)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
17.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3712
kcal / Kg
422
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 All Life Stages
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 All Life Stages
Exclusions Excludes Large Breed Growth
Substantiation Formulation
Nulo FreeStyle Limited+ Small Breed Turkey Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).

Brand

Nulo

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.

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Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Nulo, Inc.
Parent company Apax Partners
Founded 2009
Headquarters Austin, Texas, USA
Website nulo.com
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Midwest and Southern regions
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Nulo FreeStyle High-Protein Limited+ Small Breed Turkey Recipe 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.
8.4 /10 Grade A
FreeStyle High-Protein Limited+ Small Breed Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nulo · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.