Grain Free Small and Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
This is a grain-free dry puppy food designed for small and medium breed dogs, using turkey and turkey meal as the main animal protein sources along with fish meals for added amino acids and omega-3s. Green and red lentils plus garbanzo beans provide the main carbohydrates and some additional protein. It’s a higher-protein, higher-calorie formula with added probiotics, prebiotics, taurine, and L-carnitine to support digestion and overall growth in smaller puppies and adult dogs under 70 pounds.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a solid, higher-protein, grain-free option for small and medium breed puppies and can also be used for adult dogs under 70 pounds. I like the emphasis on animal proteins, added omega fatty acids, probiotics, and key nutrients like taurine and L-carnitine. The main carbohydrates are lentils and chickpeas, so for dogs from breeds with potential heart concerns, I’d be a bit cautious due to current research around legume-heavy, grain-free diets.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Turkey and turkey meal as the first ingredients provide concentrated, highly digestible animal protein for growing puppies.
- Protein and fat levels are nicely in the range for small and medium breed puppies that need dense nutrition.
- Includes probiotics, yeast-based prebiotics, and fiber sources to help support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, and L-carnitine support skin, coat, and overall metabolic health.
Considerations
- This is a legume-heavy, grain-free formula using lentils and chickpeas as main carbohydrates, which some heart studies have raised questions about in dogs.
- Contains chicken and fish ingredients, so it is not a good fit for puppies with known chicken or fish allergies.
- The calorie density is quite high, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain.
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
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.
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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.
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03
Green Lentil
Green lentils are a cooked, plant‑based ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble and insoluble fiber, and plant protein while contributing iron, folate, B vitamins and other minerals with low fat. They can add beneficial fiber and micronutrients for dogs but are an incomplete protein for obligate‑carnivore cats and should be included only in balanced formulations; cooking and processing reduce anti‑nutritional factors, but lentils can cause gas, mildly impair mineral absorption, and—when used heavily in some grain‑free recipes—have been scrutinized in linkage discussions to canine DCM (causality not established), so diets should ensure adequate bioavailable amino acids and taurine where relevant.
04
Red Lentil
Red lentils are a plant-based source of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble and insoluble fiber that are used in pet foods to boost protein and fiber content and provide micronutrients such as folate and iron. They can support digestive health and weight management, but are lower in some essential amino acids compared with animal proteins, may contain antinutrients that are reduced by cooking/processing, and because high-legume diets have been scrutinized in relation to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and lack certain nutrients (e.g., taurine) important for cats, they should be included only as part of a complete, balanced formulation.
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.
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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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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
A family-made line of dry and wet dog and cat food produced in Perham, Minnesota, spanning the NutriSource, PureVita, Element Series, and Choice ranges. Built around its Good 4 Life supplement system and vertically integrated manufacturing.
Manufacturer
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Tuffy's Pet Foods, Inc. is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for NutriSource Grain Free Small and Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has NutriSource ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for NutriSource. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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