Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe
Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (high — 91% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Jun 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe freeze-dried cat food good?
Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe is a freeze-dried cat food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 47% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16% |
| Est. Carbs | 24% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Ash | 7% |
Moisture (5%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 45% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 23% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 5% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (47% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Medium (16% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.
Ingredients Analysis
28 of 28 matched
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1 Turkey
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Turkey Neck
Animal ProteinDescription
Turkey neck including bone and cartilage, a natural source of calcium and glucosamine.
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3 Turkey Hearts
Animal ProteinDescription
A great source of riboflavin, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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4 Turkey Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A great source of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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5 Eggs
Animal ProteinDescription
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Gelatin
Animal Protein Food AdditiveDescription
Also known as isinglass, it is mainly made of animal skin and collagen. It is a transparent and tasteless gel, and the main component is protein. Gelatin is most commonly used in foods (such as gummies), medicines, or cosmetics.
Why Notice?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Uncertain/Risky
It is made of a mixture of unnamed animals. It could source from sick, contaminated deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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7 Water
OthersDescription
It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.
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8 Dulse Powder
SupplementDescription
Powdered dulse seaweed, rich in minerals and trace elements.
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9 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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10 Ground Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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11 Organic Psyllium Husk Powder
PrebioticsDescription
Organic psyllium husk ground into powder, a premium soluble fiber source.
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12 Salmon Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Inulin
CarbsDescription
A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
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14 Green Lipped Mussels
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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15 Carrots
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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16 Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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17 Tomatoes
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
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18 Shiitake Mushroom
(Detected): Shiitake Mushrooms
CarbsDescription
Added into pet foods for its high content of B vitamins, copper, potassium, and antioxidants.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
Digestion Concern
Some pets are more sensitive to mushrooms, which could cause mild gastrointestinal (GI) upset.
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19 Broccoli
CarbsDescription
A safe treat for both dogs and cats in small amounts, as it contains isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation.
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20 Oranges
CarbsDescription
Type of citrus fruit, moderate in sugar content, packed with vitamin C and potassium.
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21 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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22 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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23 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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24 Beets
CarbsDescription
High in sugar, carbs, and fiber, along with vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
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25 Cherries
CarbsDescription
A rich source of vitamins A, C, and multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages to the body.
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26 Strawberries
CarbsDescription
A berry fruit high in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.
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27 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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28 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Turkey Neck, Gelatin appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Gelatin.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Gelatin have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Shiitake Mushroom have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 91%
- Unnamed 9%
Strong clarity: 91% of Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 9% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 100%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe freeze-dried cat food Review
Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 91% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 47% protein, 16% fat, 24% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe good for cats?
Yes — Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe grain-free?
Yes — Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe?
The main animal proteins in Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe are Turkey, Turkey Neck, Turkey Hearts. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
