Nulo stands out in the crowded pet food market with its commitment to high-protein, nutrient-rich formulas designed to help dogs thrive. With a wide array of product lines like Freestyle, MedalSeries, and Challenger, it’s clear Nulo aims to cater to dogs of all ages, sizes, and dietary needs. But with so many options and a premium price point, pet parents are right to ask: Is Nulo A Good Dog Food? This comprehensive review delves into Nulo’s ingredients, product ranges, pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your canine companion.
Nulo offers an extensive selection of recipes, each tailored to different life stages, dietary requirements, and flavor preferences. Let’s explore the main product lines:
Nulo Freestyle Dog Food
The Freestyle range is Nulo’s flagship line, encompassing a vast collection of high-protein kibble, wet food, broths, and treats. A hallmark of the Freestyle formulas is their impressive meat content, boasting between 80% and 87% of protein from animal sources. This high animal protein content ensures dogs receive essential amino acids vital for muscle development and overall health. Furthermore, all Freestyle recipes are grain-free, which can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain intolerances. For dog owners concerned about poultry allergies, many Nulo Freestyle grain-free adult kibbles are formulated without chicken or egg protein. However, some wet food options do feature chicken as a primary ingredient.
Nulo Freestyle dry recipes are designed to support an active lifestyle with their high protein and fat content, and lower carbohydrate levels. For example, the Freestyle High-Protein Kibble Salmon & Peas recipe provides an above-average protein content of 33.3% and a fat content of 17.7% on a dry matter basis, surpassing typical dry dog foods. Similarly, Nulo Freestyle wet recipes offer excellent protein levels. The FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Carrot In Broth recipe contains a substantial 75% protein (dry matter) and an average fat level of 12.5% (dry matter), positioning it as a protein-rich choice compared to many canned dog foods.
Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw & Raw Medleys
For pet parents seeking minimally processed options, Nulo’s Freeze-Dried Raw and Raw Medleys within the Freestyle range present compelling choices. The Freeze-Dried Raw formulas are composed of pure, freeze-dried chunks of meat, organs, and other wholesome ingredients. Raw Medleys combine freeze-dried pieces with traditional kibble, offering a textural variety.
Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw dog food is generally recognized for its high quality. Most formulas feature a single animal protein source combined with nutrient-rich produce like pears, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. Common secondary ingredients include flaxseed, broccoli, carrots, blueberries, and pumpkin, contributing to a well-rounded nutritional profile. Reflecting their raw nature, Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw recipes are rich in both protein and fat. The Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken & Blueberries recipe, for instance, provides an impressive 42.1% protein and 33.6% fat on a dry matter basis, exceeding the averages for other freeze-dried dog foods.
Raw Medleys cater to dogs who prefer the familiar texture of kibble but still benefit from raw inclusions. These recipes incorporate a blend of unprocessed meat cuts and meat meals, along with grains and pulses like oats, chickpeas, and lentils among the top ingredients. Nulo Raw Medley Salmon, Sweet Potato & Turkey, for example, contains an above-average 33.3% protein and 18.8% fat on a dry matter basis when compared to similar dog food products.
Nulo MedalSeries and Frontrunner Dog Food
The MedalSeries and Frontrunner lines offer further options within the Nulo family, each with its own nuances.
The MedalSeries shares many similarities with the Freestyle range. It encompasses kibble, canned food, and broth-based meals, all emphasizing high meat content with 77% to 85% of protein derived from animal sources. While some MedalSeries recipes are grain-free, others incorporate ancient grains. Unlike Freestyle, MedalSeries also includes kibble recipes with chicken and egg-based protein. Nutritionally, the protein and fat levels in MedalSeries are comparable to Freestyle. The MedalSeries High-Protein Kibble Chicken & Peas dry recipe contains 35.5% protein and 18.8% fat as dry matter.
Nulo Frontrunner is a smaller range focused on kibble recipes, including options for adults, puppies, and small breeds. True to Nulo’s philosophy, meat or fish is the primary ingredient, and 77% of the protein comes from animal sources. Frontrunner recipes utilize low-glycemic ancient grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice, and are enriched with probiotics and omega fatty acids to support digestive health and skin and coat condition. The Frontrunner range maintains Nulo’s standard for macronutrient profiles. The Frontrunner High-Protein Turkey, Trout & Spelt dry dog food offers an above-average 30% protein and 17.7% fat on a dry matter basis.
Nulo Challenger and Gently-Cooked Dog Food
The Challenger and Gently Cooked lines represent Nulo’s commitment to catering to specific needs and preferences.
Nulo Challenger stands out as the range with the highest proportion of animal-derived protein, reaching up to 90% in some recipes and boasting crude protein levels as high as 35%. This makes Challenger an excellent choice for highly active dogs requiring sustained energy. The Challenger range includes dry kibble recipes for various breed sizes and stew-style wet foods made with human-grade ingredients. Challenger recipes combine real meat as the first ingredient with organic ancient grains and probiotics for immune and digestive support. They also provide ample DHA and Omega fatty acids. Notably, Challenger participates in the TerraCycle recycling program, allowing customers to return used packaging for recycling. Challenger recipes tend to be higher in protein and fat compared to other Nulo kibbles. The Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon & Redfish dry food, for example, contains 38.8% protein and 20% fat on a dry matter basis.
Nulo Gently Cooked offers home-style recipes featuring ground meat, broth, vegetables, fruit, and grains, gently cooked to maximize nutrient retention and digestibility. These recipes are similar to fresh dog food services but are shelf-stable and do not require a subscription. The Gently Cooked range is considered premium quality with excellent protein-to-fat ratios. The Turkey & Green Beans recipe provides 36.3% protein and 13.6% fat on a dry matter basis, which is above average for similar dog foods.
Nulo Cold Pressed
Nulo Cold Pressed is a unique line, processed at low temperatures to preserve nutritional value, unlike traditional high-heat kibble production. Despite the different processing method, Nulo Cold Pressed recipes maintain a kibble-like crunchy texture. These recipes are considered excellent quality, featuring multiple meat sources among the top ingredients. A distinctive ingredient is spray-dried porcine plasma, a highly digestible source of amino acids. Secondary ingredients include miscanthus grass, apple, and pumpkin. However, some Nulo Cold Pressed recipes have a higher fat-to-protein ratio than preferred. The Nulo Cold Pressed Chicken recipe contains 34% protein and 28.4% fat on a dry matter basis.
Why Nulo Dog Food Gets Wag!’s Approval
Wag! highlights several key reasons why Nulo dog food is a favored brand:
- Exceptional Variety: Nulo’s extensive range ensures there’s a suitable option for nearly every dog, including puppy, senior, small breed, large breed, weight management, and limited ingredient formulas.
- Impressive Flavor Selection: Picky eaters are likely to find a Nulo recipe they enjoy, with diverse meat and grain combinations available in dry, wet, and freeze-dried forms.
- High Protein Content: Nulo prioritizes animal-based protein, minimizing plant-based alternatives and fillers, resulting in formulas rich in essential amino acids.
- Nutrient-Dense Recipes: Beyond protein, Nulo foods are packed with Omega fatty acids and probiotics, promoting immune system strength, digestive health, and healthy skin and coat.
Points to Consider About Nulo Dog Food
While Nulo has many positives, there are a few considerations for pet parents:
- Manufacturing Location: While most Nulo products are made in the USA, some wet recipes are produced in Thailand.
- Price Point: As a premium brand using high-quality ingredients, Nulo is generally more expensive than some other dog food brands. The Freestyle kibble starts at around $3.35 per pound for larger bags, while Gently Baked pouches can reach $55 for eight.
- Ownership: Since 2021, Nulo is majority-owned by the private equity firm Apax Partners. While the CEO remains the original founder, some pet parents are mindful of changes in brand direction following such acquisitions.
Real Pet Parent Feedback on Nulo
Customer reviews offer valuable insights into real-world experiences with Nulo dog food:
- Positive Review: “My two dals love this kibble… They are usually very picky and I have had a difficult time finding a good kibble… They have good bowel movements, and are full of energy daily!! Highly recommend this brand.”
- Positive Review on Grains: “I recently went back to foods with grain, and this one seems to work with my pup well… it forces him to slow down and chew when eating, so it works out!”
- Enthusiastic Review: “I cannot recommend this kibble enough! It is so high-quality and includes oats, barley, and brown rice together with the meats… Once you open the bag, you already know it’s chicken-and-turkey-heavy because it smells great! Very aromatic… Our cat… tries to steal this kibble from our dog. She loves this stuff! … Cannot recommend more highly.”
These reviews, and many others online, suggest high satisfaction with Nulo dog food in terms of palatability, digestibility, and overall dog health.
The Nulo Story
Nulo’s origin is rooted in the personal experience of founder Michael Landa and his Labrador, Max. Landa’s pet-care business exposed him to many unhealthy dogs, leading him to believe that diet played a crucial role. He collaborated with nutritionists and veterinarians to create Nulo in 2010, aiming to provide a healthier, protein-rich alternative to many existing dog food options. Since then, Nulo has gained a strong following for its quality ingredients and nutritional focus.
Nulo Recall History: A Clean Record
As of February 2025, Nulo dog food has not had any recalls, indicating a strong commitment to safety and quality control in their production processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nulo Dog Food
Who is the Parent Company of Nulo dog food?
Since 2021, Apax Partners, a private equity firm, holds majority ownership of Nulo. Michael Landa, the founder, continues to serve as CEO.
Where are Nulo dog foods Manufactured?
The majority of Nulo’s dog food products are manufactured in the United States. However, some of their pouch and wet food recipes are produced in Thailand.
Does Nulo Offer Food for Different Dog Ages and Sizes?
Yes, Nulo provides specialized recipes within most of its product lines for puppies, small breeds, and large breeds. They also offer weight management and limited ingredient options for dogs with specific needs like obesity or allergies.
Does Nulo Dog Food Meet AAFCO Standards?
Yes, all Nulo product lines are formulated to meet the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It is recommended to check the product packaging for specific nutrient profiles, as some formulas are designed for ‘All Life Stages’ while others are for ‘Maintenance’ or ‘Growth and Reproduction’.
In conclusion, based on its high-quality ingredients, focus on animal protein, diverse product ranges, and positive customer feedback, Nulo dog food appears to be a good choice for many dogs. While it comes at a premium price and some recipes are manufactured outside the USA, the brand’s commitment to nutrition and quality makes it a worthwhile option for pet owners seeking optimal health for their canine companions.
