Nutro is a pet food company that has been operating since 1926. Although the company’s headquarters are in Franklin, Tennessee, dog owners in particular highly value its reputation and popularity among pet parents worldwide. This is so because Nutro adheres to the “Feed Clean” philosophy, which calls for using only natural, healthy, non-GMO food, and uses premium products from reliable farmers and suppliers. The company produces reliable recipes that support canine health and well-being at various phases of life. However, Nutro dog foods are not exactly cheap, leading many dog owners to question whether the brand is worth the cost.
I’ll look at the product lines offered by Nutro, their recall record, their top dog foods, and much more. This will allow you to make an informed decision before introducing one of Nutro Formulas to your dog.
How is Nutro Dog Food Made?
The majority of the components used to make Nutro Dog Food come from reputable farms, but they also import some products from China.
Every product they use is non-GMO, and their objective is to make dog food simple and nutritious. This indicates that every ingredient is present for a reason and came from a supplier they have trusted.
All Nutro Dog Food recipes follow the rules established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), ensuring that all of their modern manufacturing facilities are as safe and clean as possible.
Nutro Dog Food Reviewed
1. Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food
This adult dog dry food has been precisely produced to provide both nutrition and flavor. Real lamb is at the top of the ingredient list for a high-quality protein source.
It is designed for adult dogs, with variations for large and small breeds. It is available in four sizes and a range of tastes. It’s cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy digestion.
It also has brown rice for good carbs, fruit, and vegetables for vitamins and minerals, and omega fatty acids for good skin and fur.
Pros
- Antioxidants for the immune system support
- Real Lamb is the main ingredient
- Made with whole grains
- Manufactured in the U.S
- Omega-3 and omega-6 for overall health
Cons
- Some dogs have a tough transitioning
2. NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Puppy Dry Dog Food
This tasty kibble is perfect for all puppies up to one year of age and is formulated to suit the nutritional demands of developing pups. This recipe, like most Nutro recipes, features chicken as the major ingredient, which is a good source of protein. It is available in both small and large breed puppy sizes. Each variety contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, which help to maintain a healthy coat, immune system, and digestion.
Whole-grain barley, brewers rice, and whole-grain brown rice are all highly digestible carbohydrates that can assist your pup’s bowel movement.
This formula, which is free of chicken byproducts, corn, soy, and other cheap fillers, has everything a growing puppy requires to grow into a healthy and happy dog.
Pros
- Helps build strong bones and joints
- small kibbles
- Supports brain and eye development
- Contains calcium for strong bones
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
Con
- Can cause allergy reactions in some dogs
3. NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food
Each serving of this Nutro dog food formula offers senior dogs a full and balanced diet. This dry food contains crucial antioxidants to support your mature dog’s aging immune system, calcium to support strong bones and joints, and natural fiber for healthy digestion. The naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin are also included to help your dog build healthy cartilage crucial for joint health. It is made with non-GMO ingredients; no corn, wheat, or soy are used.
Pros
- Does not include GMOs or artificial ingredients
- Contains calcium
- Contains antioxidants
- No GMO ingredients
Cons
- Contains no probiotics to ease digestion
4. NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
To ensure adequate levels of protein, chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal are added to the main protein source and the first ingredient, chicken. This delicious kibble will keep your small dog energized throughout the day while also supporting lean and strong muscles.
Made with sunflower oil and whole flaxseed, has perfect levels of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which will keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat shining. It is produced with high-quality ingredients supplied by a reliable network of farmers and suppliers, just like the other Nutro dog feeds.
Unfortunately, some dogs can be allergic to ingredients like salmon meals and chicken fat.
Pros
- Contains omegas
- High protein levels
- Resealable bags
- Small sized kibbles
- No artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Potential allergens
5. NUTRO Adult Natural Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
This wet dog food is made with real chicken, which provides a high-quality source of protein for a healthy dog. This delicious meal provides a grain-free nutritional diet for your pet. This implies that dogs with intolerances can eat a well-balanced meal without difficulty. However, due to probable cross-contact during manufacture, some trace amounts may be present). It is available in a range of tastes and for various age groups.
There are no artificial flavors or preservatives in it. The vitamins and minerals incorporated help dogs in remaining healthy and powerful.
The use of no-mess tray packaging makes meal preparation easier than before. It can be used as a stand-alone meal or as a topping for dry kibbles.
This formula is relatively pricey.
Pros
- Real chicken is the very first ingredient
- Made in the USA
- Grain-free dog food
- NO corn, wheat, or soy, NO chicken by-product meal, NO artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
Cons
- Pricey
6. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food Duck & Lentils Recipe
These dry dog food recipes eliminate common food sensitivities in dogs such as chicken, beef, maize, wheat, soy, and dairy protein. This grain-free dog food, made with high-quality, natural ingredients like duck and lentils, not only tastes excellent but also nourishes delicate skin, giving canines a silky, lustrous coat. The natural, identifiable components give actual nutrition for dogs of all life stages, with no artificial tastes, colors, or preservatives.
Despite the nutritional benefits provided by this formula, it is nevertheless too expensive for some owners.
Pros
- Supports sensitive digestion
- High-quality protein sources
- No artificial preservatives
- Vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Contains controversial ingredients like canola oil.
7. NUTRO SO Simple with Beef Adult Dog Food
This formula is made with a select group of essential ingredients, including beef, whole grains, chicken, peas, eggs, and flaxseed in addition to natural flavors, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Although the food’s grains enable healthy digestion, you should still feed your dog according to your veterinarian’s recommendations to avoid future weight problems.
This formula is tasty thanks to the taste of real beef and vegetables.
Produced without the use of corn, wheat, soy, chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Unfortunately, it contains potential allergens and causes stomach upsets in some dogs.
Pros
- No GMO or artificial ingredients
- Available in most places pet food is sold
- Quality sources of proteins
Cons
- Frequent changes in prices
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
8. NUTRO Mini Bites Dog Treats Beef & Hickory Smoke Flavor
Each NUTRO Mini Bites chewy treat has fewer than 3 calories, making it the ideal daily snack for dogs.
High-quality protein is used in the formulation of these delectable delights to create a treat that is both nutrient- and protein-rich.
These snacks are conveniently packaged in resealable bags to preserve freshness.
These soft dog treats are the size of little bites and are free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or colors, by-product meal from poultry, and artificial preservatives.
They are an excellent method for training your dog, rewarding good behavior, or just chilling, and having good times.
Pros
- Tasty
- Nutritious
- Quality protein source
Cons
- Very small in size
- Expensive
Ingredient Analysis
Nutro dog food is made with only the finest ingredients, and each stage of the formulation process is monitored and managed from beginning to end. The ingredients in Nutro Dog Food are fresh, fit for human consumption, and devoid of preservatives.
Some of the ingredients include;
Real Meat
Chicken is often included as the first ingredient in Nutro dog meals. Deboned chicken, which is highly prized for its protein and fat, is a frequent ingredient in many dog treats. Since Nutro is not known for using animal byproducts in their recipe, only pure chicken meat is used instead of organs like livers or spleens.
Salmon and lamb meat are two of the other ingredients. Lamb meat has less moisture and more protein than chicken. Even the pickiest dogs will eat salmon because it is an oily meat high in Omega-3 fatty acids and has a tantalizing flavor. Salmon is a fish that has a low mercury concentration, so owners can let their dogs eat it without worrying.
Nutro occassionally use beef in the formulation of Nutro dog food. It is one of the most protein-dense meats and aids in the development of strong muscles.
Sweet Potatoes
Another common ingredient in Nutro dog food is sweet potatoes. Given their nutritional advantages, many dogs also regularly enjoy them as treats. They also contain a significant amount of nutritional fiber and vitamins, such as vitamin B2. They’re a great source of energy because they are high in complex carbs.
They can also be used as a grain replacement; as many dogs cannot stomach grains in their diet, sweet potatoes step in to provide them with the healthy amounts of carbs they require. It should be noted that dogs may develop yeast infections from eating sweet potatoes, therefore if in doubt about your dog’s sensitivity, always consult a veterinarian.
Real Meat Meal
The high moisture content of raw chicken is well recognized to dilute the nutritional advantages of some formulations. To address this, Nutro dog recipes contain some ground-up chicken. The protein is concentrated in this manner and retains less moisture. Some of the formulae also contain lamb meal, which increases the protein and calorie density of the foods that contain it.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are one of the safest legumes for dogs, and they are high in protein, potassium, and magnesium. They’re high in fiber and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, both of which are needed for optimal nutrition.
Controversial ingredients:
Even with the use of many quality ingredients, Nutro dog food contains other controversial ingredients like;
Tomato pomace, a byproduct left over after tomatoes are processed to make juice, soup, and ketchup, is a controversial ingredient.
While some applaud tomato pomace for being high in fiber and nutrients, others condemn it for being a cheap filler in pet food.
It’s a common ingredient in pet food, intended to enhance fiber and hardness poop (many people judge the quality of food by the firmness of the stools). Beet pulp absorbs a lot of moisture making it difficult for feces to move through the colon. These issues are frequently concealed until the dog switches to a diet free of beet pulp.
Dogs who are allergic to chicken may have to use a different brand because Nutro uses a lot of chicken in their products.
Nutro Dog Food Recalls
Among the Nutro dog food recalls are:
Certain cans of Nutro foods were recalled in March 2007 due to possible melamine contamination, including Nutro Adult, Puppy, Senior, and Weight Management, Large Breed Adult, and Large Breed Puppy recipes. This was issued by the FDA.
Voluntary recall of certain Nutro dog foods in September 2009 owing to plastic found in certain packs. Nutro Ultra Puppy, Small Bites Puppy, and Natural Choice Chicken Meal, Rice, and Oatmeal Formula were all recalled.
Another voluntary recall, this time for treats due to possible mold contamination, was issued in December 2015. This affected the Nutro Apple Chewy Treats.
What We Like About Nutro Dog Food
1. Chelated Minerals
Chelated minerals, or minerals that have been chemically linked to protein, are present in this food.
Better dog meals frequently contain chelated minerals. Chelated minerals are present in each recipe of Nutro dog food. Since these minerals have been chemically linked to protein, they are more easily absorbed.
2. Ingredients with a Holistic Approach
Nutro takes pride in being a holistic dog food company that uses only natural ingredients and avoids fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives. High-quality recipes can assist dogs with digestive disorders in breaking down their food so that it can be readily digested!
3. Wide range of products
Compared to adult dogs, pups have varied nutritional requirements, and older dogs have different requirements still. While larger breeds may benefit from greater kibble sizes, smaller breeds need smaller kibble sizes. Additionally, to maintain their energy levels throughout the day, working or active dogs may need more calories than pets who are less active. Nutro acknowledges all these needs and has formulas for each dog.
Adult dogs can consume the adult dog formula, but Nutro also makes puppy food for dogs under a year old. Furthermore, it produces senior formulas to provide older dogs with the extra support they require to stay healthy.
4. Non-GMO
Nutro uses only non-GMO components in its products. This is perfect if you worry a lot about the impact of genetically modified foods.
5. Easily Available
You can easily get Nutro dog food in the nearest pet store or online.
What We Don’t Like About Nutro Dog Food
1. No Probiotics
The ingredients list makes no mention of probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that you can add to recipes to aid in the digestion and digestive system of dogs (and humans).
2. Pricey
Nutro dog food is pricey if you compare it to many brands and it is beyond the purchasing power of some pet owners.
Where Can I Buy Nutro Pet Food?
Nutro products are available at the majority of major pet product retailers and pet specialty stores. They are available globally, though shipping and taxes in some countries may raise the price. Below is a list of suppliers of Nutro dog food.
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Target
- Petsmart
- Petco
- Walmart
Is Nutro dog food linked to heart problems in dogs?
In July 2019, the Food and Drug Administration listed Nutro as one of 16 dog food brands as probable sources of increased risk of heart failure in dogs. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States concluded that there is no scientific evidence that a grain-free diet causes canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Evidence suggests that risk factors for DCM are specific to a dog’s health situation and are unrelated to a grain-free diet.
Is Nutro A Good Dog Food?
Yes, Nutro Dog Food is excellent.
Nutro products have a high nutritional value and provide all of the nutritional advantages you’d expect from high-quality food, plus more.
It provides healthful recipes and solutions for a variety of conditions, and while it can be pricey, it is less expensive than many of its competitors. Overall, Nutro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a GMO-free alternative to other dog food companies.
