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Small Breed Organic Turkey & Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food
Tender & True

Small Breed Organic Turkey & Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Dry Puppy Adult Small

A grain-inclusive dry food formulated for small-breed dogs of all life stages, using organic turkey as the primary protein along with chicken meal and egg for added amino acids. Organic oats and brown rice provide the main carbohydrates, with flaxseed and salmon oil contributing omega fatty acids, including DHA and EPA to support growth and overall health. The bite-sized kibble and AAFCO all-life-stages formulation make it appropriate for small adult dogs as well as puppies, except for large-breed growth.

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

This is a high-quality, organic, grain-inclusive kibble designed specifically for small-breed dogs and puppies, with an emphasis on turkey-based protein and moderate fat levels. The nutrient profile (26% protein, 16% fat) is appropriate for all life stages for small breeds, and the inclusion of DHA, EPA, and a good omega-6 to omega-3 balance is a plus, especially for growing puppies. It should suit many small dogs well, as long as they tolerate poultry and egg proteins and do not require a large-breed puppy formula.

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
Antioxidant Support
Suitable For
Puppy Adult 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

  • Organic turkey as the first ingredient, supported by chicken meal and egg, provides multiple high-quality animal protein sources for good amino acid coverage.
  • AAFCO-complete for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it can safely be used for both small-breed puppies and adults if fed according to guidelines.
  • Grain-inclusive with organic oats and brown rice, avoiding legumes, which sidesteps current concerns about legume-heavy, grain-free diets and DCM in dogs.
  • Includes flaxseed and salmon oil, supplying omega-3s (EPA and DHA are specifically guaranteed) along with listed omega-6 and omega-3 minimums to support skin, coat, and puppy development.

Considerations

  • Contains multiple poultry and egg ingredients (turkey, chicken meal, chicken fat, chicken liver, dried egg), so it is not suitable for dogs with chicken, turkey, or egg allergies or sensitivities.
  • Formulated by AAFCO nutrient profiles rather than proven in feeding trials, so actual digestibility and long-term performance haven’t been independently tested in that way.
  • Calorie density is relatively high at about 360 kcal per cup, so small dogs prone to weight gain may need careful portion control to avoid overfeeding.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Organic turkey, Organic chicken meal, Organic oats, Organic brown rice, Organic flaxseed, Organic tapioca starch, Organic chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Organic chicken liver, Organic dried egg, Natural flavor, Salt, Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Potassium chloride, Choline chloride, Organic carrots, Organic blueberries, Organic spinach, Vitamins (L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E supplement, Inositol, Niacin, Thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin supplement, d-Calcium pantothenate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement, Citric acid (preservative), Vitamin B12 supplement, Folic acid), Organic Chicory Root Powder, Organic Sweet Potato, Minerals (Zinc proteinate, Zinc sulfate, Manganese proteinate, Ferrous sulfate, Iron proteinate, Zinc oxide, Copper proteinate, Sodium selenite, Copper sulfate, Manganous oxide, Potassium iodide), Monosodium phosphate.

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.
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
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.
05
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.

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
Protein (min)
26.00%
Low High
Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3500
kcal / Kg
360
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 Puppy
Lifestage Adult
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
Tender & True Small Breed Organic Turkey & Oats Recipe for dogs 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 lb. or more as an adult).

Brand

Tender & True

Tender & True is a premium to super-premium pet food brand offering USDA-certified organic, antibiotic-free, and sustainably sourced dog and cat foods. The brand caters to pet owners seeking ethically produced, environmentally responsible, and high-quality nutrition options for their pets.

Visit Tender & True
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Tender & True Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Founded 2014
Headquarters Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Nebraska
Manufacturing oversight

All Tender & True products are made in the United States in facilities following USDA Organic and Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certification standards. The company prioritizes quality control, traceability, and ethical sourcing through partnerships with certified humane farms and audited suppliers. Their products meet AAFCO nutritional standards.

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

Tender & True Small Breed Organic Turkey & Oats 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.
8.6 /10 Grade A
Small Breed Organic Turkey & Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food
Tender & True · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Tender & True ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Tender & True. 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.