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Behind every happy and healthy dog is a food brand providing all the nutrients it needs for daily activities. And while there are several dog foods out there, Nulo is one of the most famous and oldest food labels, with various tested and trusted formulas.
If you’re considering Nulo dog food for your four-legged friend, you’re in the right place. You’ll find everything you need to know here, from the company’s history and Nulo dog food reviews from customers to different products and their ingredients.
Rating
Based on Nulo products' variety, prices, and nutritional value, we give the brand a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Based on Nulo products' variety, prices, and nutritional value, we give the brand a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.*Find out more about our editorial & review standards
Nulo Dog Food Overview
Michael Landa and Brett Montana established Nulo in 2009 to solve weight and obesity issues among pets. The veterinarians who worked at a pet care business realized that most pet food brands included too many carbohydrates in their products, causing animal health problems.
With the creation of the Nulo company, Michael and Brett produced natural dog foods with all the required nutrients for a dog to stay strong and healthy. They achieved this by using minerals and vitamins that a pet needs, not random ingredients better suited for a human.
Although Nulo was initially established to provide nutrition for dogs of all shapes and sizes, the brand has since branched out to include cat foods. And since its inception, Nulo has maintained a reputation for supplying fantastic nutrition to dogs and cats.
Regarding dog foods, Nulo produces a wider variety than most brands. Some of its products are traditional dry dog food, freeze-dried dog food, limited-ingredient dog food, dog treats, canned food, and wet dog food. Best of all, most of the products come with budget-friendly price tags that won’t dent your wallet.
Much more than that, these food options come with age-specific formulas. So, you can find meals for both puppies and adult dogs. Unfortunately, Nulo doesn’t produce breed-specific meal options.
Nulo brand has its head office in Texas, USA, and its products are sold in several pet stores across the United States. You can also find their goods on reputable online pet food chains like PetFlow, Amazon, and Chewy.
Is Nulo Dog Food Good?
To determine how beneficial any dog food is, you should pay attention to its nutritional content, including minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. On top of that, it has to meet the nutritional content guidelines provided by AAFCO, which recommends that each pet meal contains at least 10-20% fat, 1-5% fiber, and 18-26% protein.
Now, Nulo recipes offer above-average nutritional benefits that make the brand one of the best on the market. Each formula includes high protein content and healthy fats with the right amount of carbohydrates. This combo is ideal for active dogs because it gives them the energy they need for activities and helps maintain their build.
However, the high protein content present in Nulo Dog Food makes it more indigestible than other dog foods. So, you have to be careful if your pet already suffers from digestive problems. Yes, the brand adds patented probiotics to its meal to support digestion, but it isn’t foolproof, as some owners still complain about indigestion in their dogs.
There’s also the issue of gluten and grain-free meals that the company is known for. While these recipes are nutritious, vets and dog experts have argued that there are healthy grains like brown rice that contain high-nutrition levels.
And, since dogs are omnivores, it makes sense that they need grains in their diet. Since Nulo produces limited grain-inclusive formulas, some dog owners might want to consult other dog food brands.
Pros
To put things in perspective, here are some advantages of Nulo dog foods:
- Different varieties of recipes and formulas.
- Natural flavor and ingredients.
- Packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Approved by USDA, FDA, and AAFCO.
- Produced in the USA.
Cons
As excellent as Nulo products are, they still have some shortcomings, like:
- Not all products are easily digestible.
- No breed-specific recipes.
Nulo Dog Food Benefits
To fully understand how beneficial Nulo food is to your pet, here’s a breakdown of some of its benefits.
Low-Carb Formulas
Carbohydrates don’t offer much nutritional value to dogs besides brief energy bursts. For this reason, Nulo’s recipes contain low carbohydrate content, replacing it with lean and healthy protein that provides more extended energy levels.
Grain-Free Formulas
Some Nulo dog meals are grain-free and don’t contain allergens like tapioca, white potatoes, corn, or other products. Similarly, you won’t find wheat in the recipe because it’s known to cause digestive issues in some animals.
However, for formulas with grain, Nulo sticks to low glycemic ingredients like brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, and felt.
Egg and Chicken-Free Formulas
While chicken fat is healthy for dogs, some pets find it difficult to process chicken and its products, such as eggs. For dogs like this, Nulo has made poultry-free recipes available, so you don’t have to worry if your pet falls into this category.
Probiotics and Healthy Fats
In addition to all the nutrients in Nulo dog foods, the brand boasts a patented probiotic recipe. This formula is a strand of healthy bacteria called BC30, and its primary function is to encourage overall well-being and a healthy digestive system.
Nulo also has several pet foods with omega-3 and fatty acids obtained from salmon. These healthy fats help your dog maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Immune and Muscle Health
Many Nulo dog meals are made with fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins C and E to strengthen your dog’s immune system and defend them against illnesses and infections. Likewise, amino acids and lean protein in each meal guarantee strong muscular and cardiovascular support.
Nulo’s Product Lines
Nulo has two distinctive product lines, each uniquely made to meet every pet’s needs. Here’s a quick list of them.
Nulo Freestyle
Nulo Freestyle is the most popular sub-brand with a wide variety of pet food and treats. It includes grain-free recipes for cats and dogs, and the dog kibble doesn’t contain chicken or poultry protein. Most freestyle products have animal-based protein ranging between 80-87%.
Nulo Frontrunner
Nulo Frontrunner is produced with ancient grains and features about 77% animal protein. However, unlike the freestyle sub-brand, the frontrunner has a limited assortment. It’s available in six kibble formulas for dogs.
Best of Nulo Dog Food Products
Since Nulo has many dog food products, pet parents might be confused about the best option for their pets. To make it easier for you to choose, we’ve put together some of the brand’s best products, including their ingredients and nutrient content.
1. Nulo Freestyle Adult Dry Food (Salmon and Peas Recipe)
Nulo Freestyle Salmon and Peas Recipe is a grain-free dog food that features high-quality animal protein in its formula. In addition, this recipe has no artificial flavors, colors, or fillers, making it a favorite among dog owners.
With a high animal-based protein content, this is the ultimate meal to help your four-legged friend build strong bones and muscles. But, much more than that, the absence of chicken or its products means your dog won’t have a problem enjoying it, even if it’s a very picky eater.
According to AAFCO Nutrient Profile, Nulo Freestyle Salmon and Peas Recipe abides by the Adult Maintenance rule on a 5-star rating.
Nutrient Content
Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
Guaranteed Analysis | 33% | 18% | N/A |
Dry Matter Basis | 37% | 20% | 35% |
Calorie Weighted Basis | 30% | 40% | 29% |
Ingredients List: Sweet potato, deboned turkey, tomatoes, yellow peas, chickpeas, vitamin A & D3 supplements, lentils, carrots, folic acid, yeast culture, pea fiber, trout, blueberries, rosemary extract, chicory root, chicken fat.
Ingredients Analysis
The main ingredient in Nulo Freestyle dog food is turkey, which contains about 73% water before cooking. Afterward, the moisture reduces, reducing the meat content slightly less than its initial weight.
Next, we have turkey meal and salmon meal, both classified as meat concentrate and higher in protein than fresh turkey. As for the chickpeas, they belong to a class of fiber-rich legumes and have about 22% protein.
Chicken fat is another primary ingredient with omega-6 fatty acid and linoleic acid, and although some adult dogs might not like it, it’s still a quality ingredient. Chicken is also rich in essential amino acids, and its high digestibility features help to maintain your dog’s digestive health.
Sweet potatoes contain complex carbohydrates but are rich in beta-carotene and dietary fiber. Finally, like other legumes, yellow peas possess a high level of natural fiber and are an excellent source of carbohydrates.
- Controversial Ingredients: Turkey meal and fish meal
- Estimated Meat Content: Turkey
2. Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Turkey Recipe)
Many pet parents have realized how important it is to feed their dogs raw food, and Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is the best product in that regard. The freeze-dried feature allows the formula to retain maximum nutrients. Also, this recipe has no artificial additives, and the presence of turkey and salmon means that your canine will enjoy the meal’s taste.
Besides the fact that Nulo Freeze-Dried formula is a 100% grain-free meal, another great feature of this adult dog food is that it contains GanedenBC30 probiotics to provide immune support and maintain digestive health.
In addition to that, this meal has fatty acids to improve your dog’s skin health. Generally, Nulo Freeze-Dried meal might be the best food for dogs of all life stages and breeds. However, you should note that it might take a while for your pet to get used to raw diets, so you must slowly incorporate it into their meals. Moreover, not all animals will enjoy this recipe.
AAFCO recognizes Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (turkey recipe) as a formula for All Life Stages with a 5-star rating.
Nutrient Content
Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
Guaranteed Analysis | 44% | 29% | N/A |
Dry Matter Basis | 46% | 31% | 15% |
Calorie Weighted Basis | 34% | 55% | 11% |
Ingredients List: Turkey or beef liver, necks and heart, salmon, sweet potatoes, vitamin E supplement, broccoli, cranberries, apples and apple cider vinegar, ground flaxseed, natural preservative, beef liver, salt, inulin, dried kelp.
Ingredients Analysis
First on the list of ingredients is turkey, which is said to possess ten vital amino acids that your dog needs. More so, the neck, liver, and heart are organ meats that supply natural minerals and high-quality animal protein.
Cranberries and apples are two fiber-rich fruits that you’ll find in freeze-dried dog food. And unsurprisingly, you’ll find sweet potato, a complex carbohydrate with a high level of beta carotene and dietary fiber.
There’s also broccoli, a vegetable rich in fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. In fact, broccoli is known to help prevent cancer in dogs. Likewise, flaxseed is present in the recipe, which is rich in soluble fiber and a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Moreover, inulin is a starch-like element obtained from chicory root and a good carbohydrate source. The prebiotic compound encourages beneficial bacteria to grow inside your pet’s gastrointestinal tract and improve its digestion.
- Controversial Ingredients: Sunflower oil
- Estimated Meat Content: Turkey or beef liver, neck, heart, and salmon
3. Nulo Freestyle Limited Plus (Salmon Recipe)
Nulo Freestyle Limited Plus is a dry dog food that’s grain free and a significant source of animal protein. Its main ingredient is salmon, and it’s an excellent option for canines that are allergic to other animal protein sources besides fish.
This Freestyle Limited Plus recipe is prepared with real salmon meal and deboned salmon, so the protein content is high. Salmon also contains natural fatty acids and is easy to digest. Even better, the formula is packed full of flavors your dog won’t be able to resist.
Other major ingredients are chickpeas and sweet potatoes, both of which provide adequate carbohydrate-based nutrients to your pet. And the ultimate element—the patented GanedenBC30 probiotics—will ensure your pet is less susceptible to infections and skin issues.
Based on AAFCO nutrient profile, Nulo Freestyle Limited Plus (Salmon recipe) meets the requirements for All Life Stages on a 4.5 rating.
Nutrient Content
Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
Guaranteed Analysis | 30% | 18% | N/A |
Dry Matter Basis | 33% | 20% | 39% |
Calorie Weighted Basis | 28% | 40% | 32% |
Ingredients List: Salmon meal, deboned salmon, chickpea flour, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, natural flavor, miscanthus grass, dried chicory root, vitamins supplements, potassium chloride, canola oil (containing citric acid and mixed tocopherols), rosemary extract, etc.
Ingredients Analysis
Salmon is the first ingredient in this dog food and has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Coming close to it is salmon meal, which is regarded as a meat concentrate and contains more protein content than fresh fish.
You can also find chickpeas, otherwise called garbanzo beans, which have high fiber content and approximately 20% protein. More so, the recipe includes chickpea flour, a powder obtained from roasted chickpeas and an excellent carbohydrate source.
While regarded as a controversial ingredient, canola oil remains a top ingredient in this formula. It’s also called rapeseed oil and is an affordable source of fats, vitamins E and K, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Controversial Ingredients: Canola oil, sodium selenite
- Estimated Meat Content: Salmon, deboned salmon
4. Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains (Chicken)
Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains is a grain-inclusive dog food that’s high in fat with moderate proportions of protein and carbohydrates. And as the name implies, the formula is meat-based, having chicken as its primary ingredient.
The formula also contains a substantial amount of oats and barley, which both benefit your dogs. However, dog parents should note that grains aren’t ideal for pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Instead, they should only eat grain-free food.
Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains is an Adult Maintenance recipe, according to AAFCO nutrient profile.
Nutrient Content
Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
Guaranteed Analysis | 27% | 16% | 43% |
Dry Matter Basis | 30% | 17.78% | 47.78% |
Calorie Weighted Basis | 24.8% | 35.7% | 39.5% |
Ingredients List: Chicken meal, deboned chicken, turkey meal, oats, citric acid, natural flavor, ground flaxseed, vitamin E supplement, dried chicory root, dried apples, dried blueberries, brewers dried yeast, brown rice, ground miscanthus grass, millet, barley, potassium chloride, etc.
Ingredients Analysis
The first component worthy of note is deboned chicken, which is chicken meat with no bones. When you add this to pet food, it becomes a high-quality protein source. Coming close is chicken meal, another source of animal protein. Usually, this ingredient is made by baking and grinding chicken skin and meat.
Next, we have oats, which are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Also, barley, which is a cereal grain in Nulo Frontrunner, offers similar nutritional value. Moreover, this recipe contains brown rice, which is whole grain rice with high fiber and carbohydrate levels.
Finally, chicory root is another semi-common ingredient in Nulo recipes, including this Forerunner product. When added to pet food, it provides adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins.
- Controversial Ingredients: Turkey meal
- Estimated Meat Content: Chicken and Turkey
5. Nulo Freestyle Lamb and Lentils Recipe (Canned)
Nulo Freestyle Lamb and Lentils Recipe is a low-carbohydrate wet food with natural ingredients that guarantee your pet’s overall well-being. With lamb and turkey as its core components, the meal supplies optimal animal-based protein and other essential nutrients.
On top of that, this formula has a substantial amount of healthy lentils and carrots that add more spice to its flavor and taste. You can use this product as a primary dish for your pet or a topper for some kibbles.
This recipe fulfills all the conditions of an Adult Maintenance meal, according to AAFCO, making it perfect for adult dogs.
Nutrient Content
Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
Guaranteed Analysis | 10% | 9% | 2% |
Dry Matter Basis | 45.5% | 40.9% | 9.1% |
Calorie Weighted Basis | 29.5% | 64.5% | 5.9% |
Ingredients List: Lamb, lamb broth, turkey and turkey liver, salmon, ground flaxseed, lentils, salt, carrot, natural flavor, folic acid, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, guar gum, etc.
Ingredients Analysis
At the core of the Nulo Freestyle Lamb and Lentils Recipe is lamb. This is meat from a baby sheep and is an excellent source of animal protein, fat, minerals, and amino acids. We also have lamb broth, obtained by cooking lamb bones and meat. This broth usually increases flavor and moisture in the formula and contains fat, minerals, and vitamins.
As for the turkey, it’s low in fat and easy to digest. Sometimes, this meat can be the primary source of protein in pet food, or it can be used alongside other protein sources. Similarly, there’s turkey liver, which supplies more than protein—it also provides other essential nutrients like copper, zinc, and niacin.
Another ingredient in the lamb recipe is turkey broth, which is the leftover liquid after boiling the turkey. Adding this to the pet food adds aroma, flavor, moisture, and essential nutrients.
- Controversial Ingredients: Guar gum
- Estimated Meat Content: Lamb and turkey
Product Recalls – 0 Recall
Since its inception, Nulo dog food hasn’t been recalled by any agency. You should note that the Nulo food brand has existed for over a decade, and not having a recall in all those years means that the company has never faltered in producing and distributing quality products.
Nulo Dog Food Customer Reviews
We won’t do all the talking; let’s see what past customers have to say about the wonders of Nulo dog food.
Bottom Line
After our review, it goes without saying that Nulo Dog Food makes the list of top pet meals thanks to its high nutritional values and premium-quality ingredients.
To seal the deal, Nulo ensures that all its products are affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank before feeding your pet a premium meal. No matter the dog you own, the brand has something that’ll appeal to its taste buds.
Still, remember that your pet might experience indigestion after consuming some of the brand’s recipes, so you should consult your vet to know which formula is best for your canine friend.