CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken
CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken scores 3.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (moderate — 57% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 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 CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken dry dog food good?
CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken is a dry dog food rated 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Dairy, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
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.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 30% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16% |
| Est. Carbs | 40% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 11% |
Moisture (8%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 28% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 36% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 8% |
| Ash | 10% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (30% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.
- Fat is High (16% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
36 of 36 matched
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1 Turkey Meal
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 Whole Green Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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3 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Navy Beans
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carbs. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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5 Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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6 Dried Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
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7 Brewer´s Yeast
(Detected): Brewer's Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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8 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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9 Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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10 Natural Fish Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
A flavor made of unnamed fish, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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11 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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12 Calcium Oxide
SupplementDescription
Inorganic calcium supplement (quicklite).
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13 Apple Pulp
OthersDescription
The fleshy part of apple fruit, providing fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
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14 Dried Carrot
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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15 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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16 Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A form of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant used as a natural preservative.
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17 Whey Protein
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Protein derived from whey, a highly digestible protein source.
Allergen Concern
Contains dairy allergens.
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18 Rosemary Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Flavoring derived from rosemary, used as a natural preservative.
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19 Citric Acid
Food AdditiveDescription
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Digestion Concern
Research suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
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20 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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21 Zinc Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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22 Vitamin E
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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23 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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24 Iodine
SupplementDescription
Supplement for iodine, a rare mineral essential for healthy thyroid function, usually found in seaweed.
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25 Vitamin B12
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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26 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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27 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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28 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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29 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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30 Manganese Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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31 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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32 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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33 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
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34 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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35 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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36 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Turkey Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Whole Green Peas, Navy Beans, Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Natural Fish Flavor.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Natural Fish Flavor have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Whey Protein have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken'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
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 57%
- Plant 29%
- Plant concentrate 12%
- Auxiliary 2%
Mixed protein sources in CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken: 57% animal, 29% whole plants, and 12% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken dry dog food Review
CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to dairy
- You're avoiding legumes
- You're avoiding plant-protein concentrates like pea or soy isolate
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Whey Protein.
- Contains common allergens: Dairy, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 30% protein, 16% fat, 40% estimated carbohydrates.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken good for dogs?
Mostly — CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken is a solid mid-tier choice at 3.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing high ingredient transparency with moderate animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your dog’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken contain Dairy?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken contains Dairy. Pets with a known Dairy 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 CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg 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 CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes 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 CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken 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 CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken grain-free?
Yes — CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken 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 CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken?
The main animal proteins in CRIUS Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken are Turkey Meal, Chicken Liver. 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 dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
