Turkey Meal vs. Turkey in Dog Food

Key takeaways:

• "Turkey" refers to fresh or raw turkey, which contains high water content
• "Turkey meal" is a concentrated form of turkey with moisture removed, making it richer in protein
• Both can be high-quality if sourced and processed properly
• Turkey meal often provides more protein per pound than raw turkey
• The quality of the ingredient depends on sourcing, not just the label name
• Brothers uses high-quality, named turkey meals with superior digestibility

What Are We Really Feeding Our Dogs?

If you’ve ever compared dog food labels, you’ve probably seen ingredients like “turkey” and “turkey meal” - but do you know what they actually mean?

Both sound healthy. Both come from turkey, but they’re not the same. And if you’re shopping for a limited ingredient turkey dog food or looking for a formula with digestive and allergy support, it’s critical to understand the difference.

Let’s break it down.

What Is “Turkey” in Dog Food?

When a label lists just “turkey,” it usually refers to fresh or raw turkey meat. This may sound great, but there’s a catch:

• Fresh turkey is about 70–75% water
• That means once cooked, much of that water weight is lost
• So while “turkey” may be the first ingredient on the label, it might not be the main source of protein in the final product

In short: It looks good on paper, but its nutritional value per pound is lower than it seems.

What Is “Turkey Meal” in Dog Food?

“Turkey meal” is made by cooking down fresh turkey to remove moisture, then grinding the remaining protein-rich solids into a concentrated powder.

• Contains very little water, typically 10% or less
• Offers much more protein per pound than raw turkey
• Easier to store, measure, and incorporate into consistent formulas
• Can be highly digestible if it’s from a named, single-species source

According to AAFCO guidelines, a “meal” must still be made from clean, rendered muscle tissue. It’s not a filler - it’s a protein powerhouse when sourced responsibly.

Turkey vs. Turkey Meal: Which Is Better?

It depends on quality - not just the name.

The best dog foods often combine both for balance - but if you’re feeding a dry food, turkey meal may actually offer more nutritional value in each bite.

What to Watch Out For

Not all turkey meals are created equal. Here's what to avoid:

• Generic “poultry meal” or “meat meal” with no species listed
• By-products or ambiguous terms like “animal digest”
• Low-quality meals from multiple unknown sources

Look for:

• Named, single-protein meals like “turkey meal”
• Transparency about sourcing and batch production
• Formulas that balance turkey meal with real, whole-food ingredients

Why Brothers Uses Turkey Meal (And Why You Shouldn’t Be Worried)

At Brothers, we carefully select turkey meal as a high-quality, highly digestible protein source that supports:

• Sensitive stomachs
• Allergy-prone dogs
• Lean muscle development
• Gut health and immune function

Our turkey meal is:

• From a single, named source - no mystery meats
• Gently cooked and preserved to retain nutrient density
• Balanced with enzymes, probiotics, and low-glycemic carbs to support digestion

We’re not trying to win a beauty contest on the label. We’re trying to support your dog’s health from the inside out.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Judge a Dog Food by Its Label

“Turkey” might sound better. “Turkey meal” might look technical. But the real question is: Where did it come from, and how was it processed?

In high-quality formulas, turkey meal provides more usable protein, better digestibility, and more consistent nutrition - without sacrificing safety or flavor.

If your dog thrives on turkey-based dog food, choose one that uses named, high-quality turkey meal alongside gut-friendly ingredients.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your vet when making changes to your dog’s diet.