The History Of Nulo Dog Food
Nulo Company was established in 2010 by Michael Landa, a California resident who owned a black lab named Max. After doing thorough research on the pet foods available in the markets, the corporate guy-turned-pet care lover and business owner noticed that more and more pets were becoming overweight as a result of consuming more pet food filled with more than 40% fillers. Additionally, some dog foods that advertise being high in protein actually include more proteins from plants than from meat or other animals.
He was committed to finding the ideal diet for his dog and ultimately many others to resolve the problem. He wanted to develop formulae that didn’t have empty calories from filler substances, which were common in other companies products.
The Nulo dog food brand places a strong emphasis on animal-based proteins as a key component of a healthy canine diet. The company develops recipes in collaboration with top veterinary nutritionists, clinical animal nutritionists, and food formulators that prioritize animal-based proteins while also incorporating non-allergenic and low-glycemic components.
Now that you are more familiar with Nulo, it is time to learn more about their dog food. We’ve analyzed their top-rated dry dog food, wet dog food, freeze-dried dog food, meaty pouches, and treats below to help you decide whether they’re the ideal fit for your dog.
Reviews of Our 5 Best Nulo Dog Food Recipes
1) Best Nulo Dry Dog Food: Nulo Freestyle Adult Dog Salmon & Peas Recipe
This dog food is made of 80% animal-based protein, more amino acids, and better flavor. It is made using high-quality ingredients that your dog needs to thrive.
This grain-free food contains salmon as its first ingredient to help build strong muscles and bounce back from a day of play.
The presence of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in this food helps to nourish the dog’s skin making it glow.
This blend is available in other flavors of lamb, turkey, or salmon; however, I choose salmon because it is my dog’s favorite.
I prefer Nulo Pet meals mainly because they don’t include maize, wheat gluten, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
This food contains low carbs and has probiotics to support the digestive and immune systems. Since not all dogs like chicken protein, Nulo food contains no chicken meat or egg. You will get this food at a relatively higher price compared with other foods in the market. However, you will rest assured that your dog is getting the optimal nutrition needed for his day-to-day life.
Flavor Options: Salmon, Turkey, or Lamb
Pros
- Protein-rich food for lean muscles
- All-natural and grain-free formula
- No grains, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- Made in the USA
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Cons
- Strong smell
Ingredients List: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Chickpeas, Deboned Turkey, Lentils, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Vitamin A Supplement, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Tomatoes, Dried Carrots, Salt, Calcium Carbonate.
Allergen alert: This product contains deboned salmon and menhaden fish meals, which may be problematic for canines with allergies to seafood.
2) Best Nulo Wet Dog Food: Nulo Grain Free Canned Wet Dog Food
This wet food has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from pet parents. It is grain free and includes extra protein and animal fats to promote shinier coats, healthier skin, and more energy. Beef, which is regarded as a high-quality protein source, is the ingredient mentioned with the largest quantity. Additional high-quality sources of protein include beef liver and turkey.
Like all other Nulo foods, this product’s primary ingredients don’t include any byproducts or bulk-adding fillers.
For a strong immune system and to keep your dog active, it contains a valuable combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
It aids with weight management by lowering carbohydrate intake. As a result, your pet will be less prone to conditions like osteoarthritis and heart disease.
Please note that this product contains guar gum, an additive that some experts believe may play a role in the development of certain medical disorders in dogs.
Flavor Options: Beef, Peas & Carrots, Chicken & Salmon, Chicken, Carrots & Peas, Lamb & Lentils, Salmon & Chickpeas, Turkey & Sweet Potato, Turkey Cod & Sweet Potato, Turkey, Cod & Sweet Potato.
Pros
- Contains antioxidants
- Grain-free and low-fat formula
- No by-products, artificial preservatives, or flavors
- No eggs, peas, white potato, corn, carrageenan, and tapioca
- Available in 3 flavors
Cons
- Small servings sizes
- Contains Guar gum
Ingredients List: Beef, Turkey, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Peas, Carrots, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Salt, Natural Flavor, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Allergen alert: The beef, beef broth, and beef liver in this product may be problematic for dogs that have food allergies to beef.
3) Best Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food: Nulo Freestyle Turkey Recipe With Cranberries
This freeze-dried food is made of at least 80% meat, organs, and bones and the remaining percent is a mixture of fruits and vegetables to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet. It is free of grains like wheat, rice, and oats to prevent allergy reactions and help manage weight.
The presence of probiotics helps in the proper digestion of food, a good balance of intestinal microflora, and boosts the immune system.
This food is suitable for all ages and breeds (including puppies!) and contains glucosamine, chondroitin for healthy joints, and omega fatty acids for good skin and coat.
You can serve this food as the main meal or as a topper. I prefer using it as a topper to the kibbles, it is damn expensive! I like the face on my dog after having a taste of this food and sometimes I can’t help but give it some more. You should also be warned that some dogs will eat the toppings and leave the kibble, so be wise in your mixing technique.
Flavor Options: Beef, Duck, Lamb, Salmon, Turkey
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Free of grains and gluten
- With real meat, fruits, and vegetables
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Contains probiotics
Cons
- Needs to be thawed before use
Ingredients List: Turkey, Turkey Necks, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Cranberries, Apples, Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Carrots, Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Kelp, Inulin, Salt, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (natural preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Not so-great ingredient: It contains sunflower oil. Overconsumption of sunflower oil can cause immune system problems, inflammation, and weight gain in dogs. It can disrupt the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which may result in inflammatory disorders.
4) Best Nulo Meaty Pouches: Nulo Freestyle Puppy & Dog Wet Dog Food Topper
This Natural Dog Food Topper is a fantastic method to increase variation in your dog’s nutrition. The high-protein, grain-free Nulo Freestyle Beef Dog Food Pouch is made with beef, beef liver, and kale and is available in a convenient pouch. These superior proteins support the upkeep of healthy skin and coats, strong muscles, and strong bones. They are a great source of healthy animal protein and amino acids, which support the development of lean muscle and heart health.
It can be given to your dog as a snack or side dish, or on top of their preferred dry food!
Designed with proprietary probiotics and low-carbohydrate nutrients to sustain lean muscle mass and provide all-day energy
There are no soy, corn, wheat gluten, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this food.
Flavor Options: Chicken & Green Beans, Beef, Beef Liver, & Kale, Chicken, Salmon, & Carrot, Lamb, Mackerel, & Kelp, Chicken, Duck, & Kale, Mackerel, Chicken, & Mussel
Pros
- Grain-free without white potatoes or tapioca
- Made with 80% animal-based proteins
- contain no artificial flavors or preservatives
- Rich in healthy animal-based protein to support lean muscles and overall wellness.
- Suitable for picky eaters
Cons
- Cause diarrhea in some dogs
- Not every dog’s favorite
Ingredients List: Chicken, chicken broth, green beans, beef, beef broth, beef liver, kale, mackerel, mackerel broth, salmon, carrot, lamb, lamb broth
Allergy alert: some dogs are allergic to salmon and beef
5) Best Nulo Dog Treats: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Healthy Dog and Puppy Training Treats
We can all agree that treats play a big role when we are training our dogs. Treat your dog with Nulo trainers which contain real meat and are free of grains to give an appealing taste. They are available in salmon, duck, and turkey flavors and can be given to dogs of all ages.
They can either be used as food toppers or as treats. Each treat contains 2 kcals which aids in maintaining the health of your dog.
For additional nutrients, these treats are made with cherries, honey, and blueberries.
These treats are free of colors, fillers, and other preservatives.
Nulo treats contain salmon oil, flaxseed, and omega-3 fatty acids which aid in brain development and function mostly in puppies.
Flavor Options: Salmon, Turkey, and Duck
Pros
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Available in a variety of flavors
- Low in calories
- Real meat as the first ingredient
Cons
- Expensive
- Short shelf life
Ingredients List: Turkey, Dried Ground Chickpeas, Honey, Coconut Glycerin, Gelatin, Natural Flavor, Cherries, Blueberries, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Salt, Citric Acid, Distilled Vinegar, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.
Is Nulo FDA Approved?
No, Nulo is not FDA-approved. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse or certify any particular brands or items of pet food. However, there are laws in place to guarantee that all pet food adheres to a set of safety requirements. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO’s) manufacturing guidelines must both be followed while producing pet foods.
Nulo satisfies all of these requirements and has been approved by AAFCO as satisfying their nutritional guidelines for complete and balanced meals for cats and dogs of all life stages. This shows that your pets can safely and frequently eat their products.
Does Nulo Source Its Ingredients From China?
According to the company, it has built up a strong network of family farmers who provide it with free-range beef, free-range chickens, wild-caught fish, and turkey.
The fish is caught in accordance with the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program.
These are the only substances they import from China because some vitamin supplements cannot be found locally.
Although some pet owners might find it alarming, all pet food producers do this because China is the only reliable source of some vitamin supplements.
Is Nulo A Good Dog Food?
Yes, from our first-hand experience, Nulo Dog food is good. The Nulo Company has a clean track record and has never experienced any food-related concerns or recalls. The nutritional advantages of Nulo food are above average, which puts the company at the top of the market.
The owner started the company after noticing the many problems in the food market one of them being poor quality food and they mainly aim in bringing a positive change. Despite being a little more expensive than some other brands, they are still a good choice.
Before buying any dog food, you should first consider its nutritional benefit. Every dog meal should contain minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Additionally, it must adhere to AAFCO’s nutritional content standards, which state that each pet meal should contain at least 10-20% fat, 1-5% fiber, and 18-26% protein.
What Customers Say about Nulo Dog Food
Positive Reviews
- It works best for their fussy eater dogs.
- It helps in reduced digestive problems.
- Customers like the resealable containers making food stay fresh for long.
- It is available in many flavors.
- Excellent customer service.
- It is made with quality ingredients.
Negative Reviews
- It is pricey
- It contains ingredients that trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
- Some foods have short shelf life.
What We Like About Nulo Dog Food
1. Real meat:
The Company’s mission is to consistently emphasize the importance of real animal meat as the fundamental component of the best diet for dogs. This makes sure that your dog is getting the optimum and most complete combination of necessary fatty acids and amino acids to support its needs for growth and development. Also, the names of all ingredients, including all animal proteins, are provided.
2. No Preservatives and Fillers:
Its formulations don’t contain preservatives, colors, or flavorings, ensuring that your pet has better skin, coat, and digestive system as well as a safer, gentler stomach. Additionally, because of its more constant metabolism, it will be able to maintain its appropriate body weight regardless of how active it is.
3. Variety of Formulas:
When it comes to selecting a diet from Nulo, there is something for every stage of life, from puppy formulas to senior formulas! They also have food designed for small breeds and large breeds allowing you to discover the ideal food for your dog.
4. Grain-Free recipes:
Since none of Nulo’s recipes contain grains like corn or wheat, they are all simpler to digest than normal kibble diets. This can be beneficial to pets who are sensitive to grains or gluten or have allergies to them.
5. Contains Probiotics:
Every Nulo formulation contains probiotics. They aid in digestion, support the immune system, reduce gastrointestinal issues, reduce allergic reactions, promote nutrient production, enhance nutrient absorption, eliminate toxins from the body, support skin health and positively influence mood and stress-related behaviors.
What We Don’t Like About Nulo Dog Food
1. Pricey:
Nulo is regarded as a “premium” dog food brand. This means that it’s a lot more expensive than many competing brands.
2. Grain and gluten-free:
Even though this is an added advantage to some dogs, there are healthy grains like brown rice that offer significant levels of nourishment. Dogs are omnivores, so it stands to reason that they require grains in their diet. Some dog owners might want to research other dog food manufacturers since Nulo only makes a small number of grain-inclusive formulations.
3. High protein content:
Nulo Dog Food is less digestible than other dog feeds due to its high protein content. Therefore, if your pet already has digestive issues, you need to be cautious.
4. Not as readily available as other leading brands
Conclusion
Now you understand all the nutrition benefits that make Nulo a preferred food for many pet owners. Whatever breed of dog you own, Nulo has something to satisfy its palate. You may choose from a variety of recipes for your dogs, and each recipe is packed with nutrients that will help your dog’s immune system function normally overall. Nulo was founded by a dog owner who only wanted the best for all dogs and was designed with healthy canines in mind.
However, keep in mind that some of Nulo’s recipes could cause indigestion in your pet, so you should speak with your veterinarian to determine which formula is ideal for your canine companion.