CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 23, 2026
A high-protein, grain-free dry food designed for adult small-breed dogs, using deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the main protein sources. Potatoes, lentils, and peas provide carbohydrates and fiber, while salmon oil and flaxseed contribute omega fatty acids for skin and coat. The formula also includes added taurine, joint-support ingredients, and probiotics to support overall health in small dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, high-protein option for healthy adult small-breed dogs who do well on grain-free diets. It uses multiple animal protein sources, a moderate fat level, and added omega fatty acids, taurine, and joint-support ingredients. The legume-heavy, grain-free formula means it’s best suited for dogs without heart concerns and under a veterinarian’s guidance for at-risk breeds.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein level from turkey and chicken meals supports lean muscle in active small dogs.
- Includes salmon oil and flaxseed, which provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health, which is useful for many small breeds.
- Contains probiotics and chicory root to help support a healthy digestive tract.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and turkey, so it is not a good choice for dogs with poultry allergies.
- This is a grain-free food that relies on lentils and peas, which have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
- High protein and calorie density may be too rich for very sedentary or overweight small dogs without careful portion control.
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.
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
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.
04
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
05
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a structural component of cartilage commonly added to pet foods and supplements to support joint health, often paired with glucosamine to help maintain cartilage integrity and reduce signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe but evidence of benefit varies, quality and dosage matter, and owners should consult a veterinarian—use cautiously in pets with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications and watch for possible gastrointestinal upset.
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
Wellness is WellPet’s flagship brand, offering a full range of natural pet foods including dry, canned, and toppers for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on complete, balanced nutrition using natural ingredients and is positioned within the holistic and premium segment of the market.
Visit WellnessManufacturer
Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities in the United States under strict quality and safety programs, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards for pet food production. Wellness Pet Company maintains internal quality assurance teams and ingredient traceability protocols.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken 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 Wellness ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wellness. 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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