Cage-Free Turkey & Rice Formula Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a grain-inclusive canned pâté for dogs that uses boneless cage-free turkey as the main protein source with rice as the single grain carbohydrate. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be used as a sole diet or alongside a dry food. The recipe is relatively simple, with added vitamins, minerals, and taurine, plus small amounts of fruits and vegetables for extra nutrients.
A high-quality canned option centered around turkey and rice, this formula offers a straightforward ingredient list and appropriate nutrient levels for dogs of all life stages, including puppies and pregnant or nursing females. The protein and fat levels are solid for a wet food, and the calcium and phosphorus are in a range that works for growth as well as adult maintenance. It should suit many dogs, especially those who do better on grain-inclusive, pea- and potato-free recipes, as long as they tolerate turkey well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Boneless turkey as the primary protein provides highly digestible animal protein suitable for most dogs, including many with beef or chicken sensitivities.
- Rice as a single grain carbohydrate source, with no corn, wheat, soy, peas, or potatoes, which can help simplify the diet for some sensitive dogs.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it’s appropriate for puppies, adults, and pregnant or lactating females when fed as directed.
- Added taurine plus a full vitamin and chelated mineral premix supports overall nutritional completeness, and the canned format can be very palatable and hydrating.
Considerations
- Contains turkey, which can be an allergen for some dogs, so it’s not suitable if your dog is known to react to turkey or poultry in general.
- As a wet food with about 74% moisture, calorie density is moderate, so larger dogs may need several cans per day to meet their energy needs.
- The inclusion of fruits and vegetables is nutritionally fine but in very small amounts; they should be viewed more as minor extras than major nutrient sources.
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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
03
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
04
Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) is used in pet foods as a flavor enhancer, mild preservative and a source of essential electrolytes (sodium and chloride), and is often provided in iodized form to help meet iodine requirements for thyroid function; these minerals support nerve and muscle function and fluid balance in dogs and cats. Small, controlled amounts are nutritionally important, but excessive salt can cause dehydration, worsen heart or kidney disease and, in extreme cases, lead to salt toxicity, so pet owners should avoid adding extra table salt or high‑sodium human foods and follow veterinary guidance for animals with medical conditions.
05
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a common mineral supplement and buffering agent in pet foods used to provide dietary calcium, help meet calcium-to-phosphorus balance, and stabilize pH. It supports bone and dental health and is essential for growth, reproduction, and metabolic functions, but excessive calcium (or imbalanced calcium/phosphorus ratios) can cause skeletal problems in growing animals—especially large-breed puppies—so it should be included at appropriate levels determined by a qualified formulation.
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
FirstMate is the flagship brand of FirstMate Pet Foods, offering premium, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient traceability, appealing to pet owners looking for high-quality, family-made Canadian pet food.
Visit FirstMateManufacturer
FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
FirstMate Cage-Free Turkey & Rice Formula Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has FirstMate ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for FirstMate. 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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