Medalseries High-Protein Small Breed Turkey & Chickpeas Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food designed specifically for growing and adult small-breed dogs (and small-breed mothers) who need more calories in a small volume. It uses deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, and lamb meal as main animal proteins, with chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes as the primary carbohydrates. The recipe also includes added L-carnitine, omega fatty acids, fiber sources, and a probiotic to support metabolism, digestion, and skin and coat health.
Nutritionally, this is a well-constructed, higher-protein kibble for small-breed puppies and for pregnant or nursing small dogs, and it would also work for many active small adult dogs. It uses multiple animal protein sources, a good fat level, and added omega-3s, L‑carnitine, and probiotics, which together support growth, metabolism, and gut health. The main nutritional caveat is that it is a grain-free, legume-heavy formula, so I would be cautious using it as a long-term sole diet in breeds with heart concerns until we know more about the grain-free/DCM link.
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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
- High protein (minimum 31.5%) with deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, and lamb meal providing varied, high-quality amino acids.
- Calorie-dense kibble (441 kcal per cup) suits the higher energy needs of many small-breed puppies and active small adults when portions are controlled.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon meal and flaxseed, which support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains prebiotic chicory root and Bacillus coagulans probiotic, which can help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free, legume-heavy formula with chickpeas and lentils high on the list; such diets have been linked in some studies to heart issues in certain dogs.
- Multiple animal proteins are included, so it is not ideal for dogs needing a strict limited-ingredient or single-protein diet for suspected food allergies.
- The high calorie content per cup means overfeeding is easy; small dogs prone to weight gain will need careful portion control.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards rather than tested in feeding trials, so actual long-term digestibility and performance have not been feeding-trial verified.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 Medalseries High-Protein Small Breed Turkey & Chickpeas 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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