Steve's Real Food Turkey Recipe Freeze-Dried Pet Food for Cats & Dogs (1.25 lb) - US 0640

Lean Free-Range Turkey Raw Nutrition, Conveniently Freeze-Dried for Pets

Product Description

Steve's Real Food Turkey Recipe Freeze-Dried Pet Food is a complete BARF diet for dogs and cats of all ages. Each 1.25 lb bag makes 5 lbs once rehydrated, with tater tot-sized nuggets. The formula includes 80% meat, organ, and bone; 15% produce; and 5% added ingredients like New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel and raw goat milk. It contains no synthetic vitamins, fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives, and watermelon boosts lycopene, an antioxidant.

Benefits

• Lean Protein for Weight Management: Turkey is one of the leanest proteins available, making it an excellent choice for pets that need to maintain a healthy weight or are sensitive to high-fat diets.
• Novel Protein Source: Turkey is considered a novel protein, making it less likely to trigger food sensitivities in pets who have reacted to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
• Rich in B Vitamins: Turkey is packed with essential vitamins B3 (niacin), B6, and B12, which support energy metabolism, brain function, and overall vitality in pets.
• Antioxidant Support: The addition of watermelon provides increased levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and supports immune health.
• No Fillers or Synthetics: Contains no synthetic vitamin packs, no fillers, no artificial colors or preservatives, and no added hormones or antibiotics.

Ingredients

Ground Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Hearts, Broccoli, Spinach, Watermelon, Celery, Goat's Milk, Chia Seeds, Flaxseed, Dried Kelp, Sesame Seeds, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, Taurine, Salmon Oil, Coconut Oil, Inulin, Ground Eggshell.

Guaranteed Analysis

Calorie Content: 5,114 kcal/kg | 145 kcal/oz

How to Use

Directions for Use

• Step 1 – Scoop: Measure the amount of freeze-dried food for your dog or cat using a measuring cup. Scoop one cup of nuggets for every 10 pounds of body weight.
• Step 2 – Soak: Measure ¾ cup of liquid for every 1 cup of food. Add water, pet-safe broth, raw goat milk, etc., on top of the food and let the liquid absorb to rehydrate, usually about 5–10 minutes.
• Step 3 – Serve: When ready, serve to your pet. Dispose of any uneaten food and wash all utensils, dishes, and surfaces that come into contact with the raw food.
• Transitioning: Introduce any new food by slowly mixing with your pet's current diet for the first 7–10 days, increasing the amount gradually while decreasing the amount of the other brand.
• Meal Frequency: Divide the daily serving size into 1–2 meals for adult pets, or 3–4 meals for puppies or kittens.

Daily Feeding Chart

Additional Information

Precautions

• Raw Meat Handling: Wash your hands, utensils, and any surfaces that come into contact with the raw food, following the same safe handling practices used for raw meats prepared for humans.
• Rehydration Required: Pets require at least 60% moisture in their food for proper digestion. If the meal is not rehydrated before serving, it will absorb water from the gut, potentially dehydrating your pet and causing discomfort or constipation.
• Storage Instructions: Keep the bag sealed and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as garages or sheds.
• Shelf Life: Freeze-dried diets remain good for up to two years when stored properly. Once rehydrated, food can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Gradual Transition: Sudden changes in diet, including overfeeding, can sometimes result in digestive issues; always introduce new food gradually over 7–10 days.

Possible Side Effects

• Digestive Upset During Transition: Loose stools or mild stomach upset may occur when switching to a raw diet; monitor your pet's temperament and stool quality during the transition period.
• Dehydration Risk (if fed dry): Feeding dry in large amounts can lead to discomfort, constipation, or, in severe cases, intestinal blockage; always rehydrate before serving as a meal.
• Food Sensitivities: While turkey is a novel protein suited for sensitive pets, always monitor your pet closely when introducing any new protein for the first time.
• Picky Eating Behavior: Some cats and dogs may initially resist the transition; try mixing old food with the raw food, using it as a topper, or serving it slightly warmed (never cooked) to enhance aroma.

Shipping & Returns

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What makes the Turkey recipe different from other protein options in this freeze-dried lineup?

Ans: Turkey is one of the leanest proteins in the lineup, making it ideal for weight-conscious pets. It also features a unique addition of watermelon, which provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant not found in most other recipes in the range.

Q2: Is the Turkey recipe suitable for both dogs and cats?

Ans: Yes, the Turkey recipe is complete and balanced for both dogs and cats of all life stages. It meets AAFCO nutritional standards, including growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more), making it a great option for multi-species households.

Q3: Why is turkey considered a good option for pets with food sensitivities?

Ans: Turkey is a novel protein, meaning pets with sensitivities to more common proteins, such as chicken or beef, are less likely to have developed a reaction to it. Its lean profile also makes it easier to digest, benefiting pets with sensitive stomachs.

Q4: What role does watermelon play in this recipe?

Ans: Watermelon is included in the turkey recipe as a functional whole-food ingredient. It provides increased levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, specifically those derived from oxygen, supporting immune and cellular health in pets.

Q5: How much frozen food should I serve per day?

Ans: Scoop one cup of nuggets per 10 pounds of body weight daily. Divide into 1–2 meals for adult pets or 3–4 meals for puppies and kittens. Always adjust portions based on your pet's individual age, size, breed, and activity level.

Q6: What liquids can be used to rehydrate the freeze-dried turkey nuggets?

Ans: Hot water works well and is the easiest option. Other great choices to enhance the meal include low-sodium bone broth, raw goat milk, or kefir. Note that cold or thick liquids, like kefir, will take considerably longer to fully rehydrate the food.

Q7: Where does Steve's Real Food source its turkey?

Ans: The turkey comes from a family farm in California, where turkeys roam freely, are given enrichment activities, and are raised on a non-GMO, biologically appropriate diet. No added hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides are used.

Q8: Can puppies and kittens eat this freeze-dried turkey diet?

Ans: Yes, the turkey recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies. Raw feeding closely aligns with the natural dietary needs of young pets, supporting healthy growth and development.

Q9: Can this recipe be used as a meal topper or treat instead of a full meal?

Ans: Yes, the freeze-dried turkey nuggets are flexible enough to serve as a complete meal, a topper for current food, or a high-quality treat. Their tater tot-sized shape makes them easy to break apart for training and rewarding pets on the go.

Q10: How long does the product stay fresh after opening?

Ans: Freeze-dried diets remain good for up to two years when stored properly in a cool, dark place with the bag sealed. Once rehydrated, any unused food should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.