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Chicken, Beef, or Turkey? How to Choose the Right Protein for Your Dog

3 min read By Kristina Voltin
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Loyal Saints' high-protein Beef formula fuels exactly this — real whole-food nutrition, no fillers, no synthetic premix.

Not all proteins are created equal — and the right choice for your dog depends on their age, health, activity level, and even their taste preferences. Here's a science-backed, practical breakdown of our three freeze-dried raw proteins to help you feed your dog exactly what they need.

Freeze Dried Raw Chicken: The All-Rounder

Chicken is one of the most bioavailable protein sources for dogs. It's lean, easily digestible, and rich in essential amino acids that support muscle maintenance and immune health. It's also lower in fat than beef, making it a smart choice for dogs prone to weight gain or pancreatitis.

Best for: Most dogs, especially those new to raw, dogs with sensitive stomachs, overweight dogs, or dogs recovering from illness.

Shop Freeze Dried Raw Chicken — 5oz | 14oz

Freeze Dried Raw Beef: The Powerhouse

Beef is nutrient-dense and naturally higher in iron, zinc, and B vitamins than poultry. It supports red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and a healthy immune system. Dogs with high energy needs — working dogs, highly active breeds, or dogs in cold climates — tend to thrive on beef.

Best for: Active and working dogs, dogs needing more caloric density, dogs who've been on chicken-based diets for a long time and need rotation.

Shop Freeze Dried Raw Beef — 5oz | 14oz

Freeze Dried Raw Turkey with Salmon: The Skin & Coat Formula

Turkey is a lean, highly digestible novel protein — meaning it's less commonly found in standard dog foods, which makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or suspected chicken allergies. The addition of salmon adds a powerful dose of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are clinically shown to support healthy skin, a glossy coat, joint health, and even cognitive function.

Best for: Dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities, dogs with itchy or dull coats, senior dogs with joint concerns, and dogs who need brain-supporting nutrition.

Shop Freeze Dried Raw Turkey with Salmon — 5oz | 14oz

Should You Rotate Proteins?

Yes — and most nutritionists recommend it. Rotating proteins ensures your dog gets a wider spectrum of nutrients and reduces the chance of developing a food sensitivity from overexposure to a single protein source. Our 14oz Variety Pack and 5oz Variety Pack make rotation simple — rotate weekly or per bag, whatever works for your routine.

Still Not Sure?

When in doubt, start with the protein closest to what your dog currently eats. If they're on a chicken-based kibble, start with our Chicken formula for a smooth transition. If they've been on chicken for years, it might be time to try Beef or Turkey with Salmon for a nutritional refresh.

Live Longer Together

At Loyal Saints, we believe clean, whole-food nutrition is the foundation of more healthy years together. Every formula is freeze-dried raw, complete and balanced, and made with human-grade ingredients — no fillers, no synthetic premix. It’s the food a dog mom built to heal her own dog, King.

Not sure which formula is right?

Take the 60-second feeding quiz

Answer a few questions about your dog and get a personalized formula recommendation — built around their breed, age, and needs.

Find Your Dog’s Formula →

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Loyal Saints different?

Loyal Saints is a woman-owned, 100% freeze-dried raw dog food brand that achieves complete, balanced AAFCO nutrition through whole foods — no soy, corn, wheat, fillers, or synthetic vitamin premix. Every product is a complete meal.

How much does Loyal Saints cost per day?

About $2–3 per day as a ½-cup daily topper — or about $12–15 per day fed as a complete meal to a 35 lb dog. Halo Club members save 20% on every order, with free shipping.

Is Loyal Saints complete and balanced?

Yes. Every Loyal Saints formula meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages and can be fed as your dog’s complete, sole diet — uniquely, through whole foods rather than a synthetic premix.

Real food. Real proof. From ~$2–3/day.

Complete, balanced freeze-dried raw — no fillers, no synthetic premix. Start with the Halo Club, 20% off every order.

Kristina Voltin

The Loyal Saints team is passionate about canine nutrition, real food, and helping dog parents make the best choices for their pups.

Reviewed against the Loyal Saints nutrition standard — founded by Kristina Voltin, who created our freeze-dried raw food to heal her own dog, King. Meet the founder →

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