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Northwest Naturals

Turkey Recipe

CatFreeze-Dried

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

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:

EggPoultryFishShellfish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyLegumesNutsRed meatUnknown Meal

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.

    Understanding High Protein (40% - 50% Dry Matter)

    Protein-Forward Profile This bucket suggests the food is protein-forward for the selected species. The cat threshold is intentionally higher than the dog threshold because cats generally need more protein than dogs.

    Check Species and Life Stage Growing, pregnant, nursing, senior, or medically managed pets can have different targets. The adequacy statement and your vet's advice matter more than this bucket alone.

  • 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.

    Understanding Medium Fat (10% - 16% Dry Matter)

    Moderate Energy Signal This bucket suggests a moderate fat level on a dry-matter basis. It may suit many adult pets when calories, protein, and the adequacy statement also fit.

    Still Check the Whole Diet Fat percentage does not show total calories by itself. Treats, feeding amount, body condition, and life stage can make the same food work well for one pet and poorly for another.

Ingredients Analysis

25 of 28 matched

  • 1 Turkey
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Turkey Neck

    No match found in database

  • 3 Turkey Hearts
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 4 Turkey Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 5 Eggs
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 6 Gelatin
    Animal Protein Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 7 Water
    Others

    Description

    It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.

  • 8 Dulse Powder

    No match found in database

  • 9 Dried Kelp
    Carbs

    Description

    An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.

  • 10 Ground Flaxseed
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 11 Organic Psyllium Husk Powder

    No match found in database

  • 12 Salmon Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 13 Inulin
    Carbs

    Description

    A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.

  • 14 Green Lipped Mussels
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 15 Carrots
    Carbs

    Description

    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).

  • 16 Apples
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.

  • 17 Tomatoes
    Carbs

    Description

    Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.

  • 18 Shiitake Mushroom

    (Detected): Shiitake Mushrooms

    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 19 Broccoli
    Carbs

    Description

    A safe treat for both dogs and cats in small amounts, as it contains isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation.

  • 20 Oranges
    Carbs

    Description

    Type of citrus fruit, moderate in sugar content, packed with vitamin C and potassium.

  • 21 Cranberries
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 22 Pumpkin
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.

  • 23 Spinach
    Carbs

    Description

    Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.

  • 24 Beets
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 25 Cherries
    Carbs

    Description

    A rich source of vitamins A, C, and multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages to the body.

  • 26 Strawberries
    Carbs

    Description

    A berry fruit high in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.

  • 27 Blueberries
    Carbs

    Description

    Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.

  • 28 Mixed Tocopherols
    Food Additive

    Description

    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

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Turkey, Turkey Hearts are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • 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.
  • Ingredient matching note: 25 of 28 ingredients were matched. One early unmatched item was Turkey Neck, Dulse Powder. We update our ingredient database over time, so this analysis may become more complete if you check again later.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% 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

Turkey Turkey Hearts Turkey Liver Eggs Green Lipped Mussels

Animal Protein

High
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

Turkey Turkey Hearts Turkey Liver Eggs Gelatin Green Lipped Mussels

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 100% 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 — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Egg?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe?

The top animal proteins are Turkey, Turkey Hearts, Turkey Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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