Frontrunner Small Breed Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 26, 2026
This is a high-protein dry kibble designed for small-breed dogs of all life stages (except large-breed puppies), featuring deboned turkey, chicken meal, and whitefish as key animal protein sources. It uses oats, barley, brown rice, and quinoa as digestible grains for steady energy, and includes added omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics. The small kibble size is tailored to small mouths and calorie-dense needs.
This is a well-formulated, higher-protein dry food for small-breed dogs, suitable for both adults and small-breed puppies, as long as they are not expected to be large dogs at maturity. It provides multiple named animal proteins, moderate fat, and controlled fiber, along with added taurine, DHA, and probiotics for overall support. The use of wholesome grains rather than heavy legume content is a plus for heart health, and the nutrient profile is appropriate for all life stages outside of large-breed growth.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
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 (deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, whitefish) high in the ingredient list provide good-quality, diverse amino acid sources.
- Includes wholesome grains (oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa) rather than relying on peas or lentils, which helps avoid concerns seen with some grain-free formulas.
- Balanced macronutrient profile for small breeds at 27% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber (as fed), with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
- Contains added taurine, DHA, and a guaranteed level of Bacillus coagulans probiotic, which can support heart, brain, and digestive health in many dogs, plus full AAFCO all-life-stages compliance (excluding large-breed growth).
Considerations
- Contains chicken, egg, and fish, which are common protein allergens; not ideal for dogs needing a single novel protein or with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Calorie density is fairly high at about 432 kcal per cup, so portions will need to be measured carefully to prevent weight gain in less active small dogs.
- Formulated for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it should not be used as the main complete diet for puppies expected to reach 70 lbs or more as adults.
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
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
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.
03
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
05
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
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 Frontrunner Small Breed Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe 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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