Boreal Original Line — Dry Dog Food Review
CanadaPetPicks.ca Score: 4.3 / 5 | Single product review | Made in Ontario, Canada | All life stages | Single protein | Grain-free
Where to Buy
- Boreal store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
Boreal Original Turkey is part of the flagship Original Grain-Free dry dog food line, manufactured in Ontario, Canada. Fresh Canadian turkey leads the ingredient list — a genuine single-protein, novel protein recipe suitable for dogs with chicken or salmon sensitivities. The formula is grain-free, gluten-free, and potato-free, built around the same low-glycemic pea-and-bean base that defines all Boreal dry foods. Bags are available in 25 lb (11.3 kg), 8.8 lb (4 kg), and 4 lb (1.8 kg) sizes.
Our Assessment
Boreal Original Turkey uses fresh turkey as the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal — a notable distinction from many competitors that lead with meal rather than fresh meat. Dog Food Advisor rates the Original Grain-Free line 4.5 stars, describing it as above-average for dry dog food with a protein profile averaging 32% dry matter, fat 19%, and carbohydrates 41%. The use of fresh turkey as the lead protein differentiates this recipe within the Original line, where the Lamb recipe uses lamb meal (rather than fresh meat) as its primary protein source.
The recipe includes supplemental taurine, prebiotics (chicory root, mannanoligosaccharides), and Availa-Pet chelated minerals throughout — above what is typically found in this price tier. The main consideration for owners is the presence of yeast extract (used as a palatant) and DL-methionine, both flagged as minor concerns by Moesonson but considered acceptable by Dog Food Advisor. The carbohydrate level (41% dry matter) is below average for kibble but higher than ideal for very low-carb diets.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.0 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 5.0 / 5 |
| Nutritional profile | 4.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 / 5 |
| Palatability (owner reports) | 4.5 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Score | 4.3 / 5 |
Best For
- Dogs with chicken or fish protein sensitivities needing a novel protein
- Active dogs needing a high-protein, low-carb everyday diet
- Owners wanting a Canadian-made, single-protein grain-free kibble
- All life stages including puppies and gestating females
- Rotation feeding alongside wet food to increase moisture intake
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Meal, Pea, Dried Whole Egg, Pea Starch, Chicken and Turkey Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Northern White Pea Bean, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Turkey Flavour, Flaxseed, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Lecithin, Yeast Extract, Chicory Root Extract, Apple, Carrot, Spinach, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Blueberry, Cranberry, Green Tea Extract, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate.
Fresh turkey leads followed by chicken meal — the combination of fresh meat and concentrated meal is a quality approach that maximises both palatability and protein density. Peas and pea starch provide the primary carbohydrate base, followed by northern white pea beans. Dried whole egg adds a high biological value protein source. Flaxseed provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. The antioxidant and botanical blend (apple, carrot, spinach, blueberry, cranberry, green tea extract) is more extensive than most competing Canadian kibbles. Taurine is supplemented directly — important for cardiac health in dogs on grain-free diets.
Feeding Guide
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| 5 — 10 lbs (2 — 4.5 kg) | 1/4 — 1/2 cup |
| 10 — 20 lbs (4.5 — 9 kg) | 1/2 — 7/8 cup |
| 20 — 40 lbs (9 — 18 kg) | 7/8 — 1 1/2 cups |
| 40 — 60 lbs (18 — 27 kg) | 1 1/2 — 2 cups |
| 60 — 80 lbs (27 — 36 kg) | 2 — 2 1/2 cups |
| 80 — 100 lbs (36 — 45 kg) | 2 1/2 — 3 cups |
| 100 lbs+ (45 kg+) | 3 cups + 1/4 cup per additional 10 lbs |
Puppies: feed up to twice the adult rate. Lactating or gestating females: 2-3 times the adult rate. Adjust based on activity level and body condition. All life stages AAFCO compliant.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | Boreal Pet Foods |
| Product | Original Turkey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
| Line | Original (Grain-Free) |
| Made in | Ontario, Canada 🍁 |
| Primary protein | Fresh Canadian turkey + chicken meal |
| Bag sizes | 1.8 kg (4 lb), 4 kg (8.8 lb), 11.3 kg (25 lb) |
| Protein (dry matter) | ~28-32% |
| Fat (dry matter) | ~18-20% |
| Carbohydrates (est.) | ~41% |
| Grain free | Yes |
| Potato free | Yes |
| Single protein | Yes (turkey) |
| AAFCO profile | All life stages |
| Dog Food Advisor rating | 4.5 / 5 (line rating) |
| Approx. price (CAD) | $95 — $110 / 11.3 kg |
Where to Buy
- Boreal store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
- Amazon Canada — search for Boreal pet food
Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our ratings or recommendations.
