Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Nulo Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Share

Dogster_Nulo Dog Food Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Nulo Dog Food a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. 

Nulo was created with quality care for dogs in mind. Its founder realized that there weren’t enough care options available for dogs for last-minute requests. He also noticed that there was a bit of a health crisis in terms of weight and quality food for dogs. Most off-the-shelf dog food brands are like fast food for humans in the sense that they contain fillers and have low nutritional value—Nulo was introduced to change this. Keep reading to learn why it stands out from your regular dog food.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

At a Glance: The Best Nulo Dog Food Recipes:

Rating Image Product Details
Winner
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato
  • Added essential vitamins and omega acids
  • Free from egg and chicken
  • Added calcium
  • Second place
    Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas
  • Packed with essential nutrients
  • Packed with animal-based proteins
  • Included omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
  • Third place
    Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils
  • Supports fat metabolism
  • Cod as the first ingredient
  • High in animal-based protein
  • Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils
  • 84% protein from real meat
  • Extra small kibble size
  • Low carbohydrates
  • Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato
  • Free from chicken and egg proteins
  • Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Contains pure probiotic strains to aid digestion
  • divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

    Nulo Dog Food Reviewed

    Nulo started in Austin, Texas with the founder’s dog, Max, and his health needs in mind. It is still manufactured in Austin, Texas today and shipped to many countries around the world.

    Which Type of Dog Is Nulo Best Suited For?

    If you have a dog that requires high protein content in its diet and low carbs, Nulo would be a good option. It contains ingredients that support energy and a balanced diet for healthy immune systems and digestive health. Nulo is best for owners looking to manage their dog’s weight or those with specific health needs. If your vet has suggested you switch to dog food that is suitable for pets with stomach issues or sensitivities to certain ingredients, Nulo is a good choice. Additionally, if you have been told to switch your dog to a grain-free recipe there are options from Nulo for this purpose.

    Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

    There are simpler and just as nutritious dry dog food options for dogs, such as Taste of the Wild, Royal Canin, and more, that are great alternatives. If you aren’t looking for weight management or recipes designed for sensitive stomachs and digestion issues, you might not need to look at Nulo as an option.

    divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

    Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

    The primary ingredients for Nulo vary depending on the type of recipe you choose to feed your dog. Whether it’s trout, turkey, or salmon and peas, the primary ingredient may change but the overall nutritional value is similar across recipes.

    High Protein

    Nulo puts a lot of importance on the high content of protein and has deboned meat listed as its first ingredient across its recipes. With 30% protein in every meal, Nulo skips on fillers and preservatives to provide the best ingredients for overall health. When you review the list of ingredients in its nutritional information, the high-quality protein makes it really stand out.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    As mentioned previously, the list of ingredients stands out with a great variety of essential vitamins, supplements, and superfoods. Ingredients such as blueberries, apples, potassium, iron, and vitamins A and B12 provide a lot of comfort to pet parents with optimal health in mind.

    divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

    A Quick Look at Nulo Dog Food

    Pros
    • Variety of food options
    • High-quality protein
    • High vitamin content
    Cons
    • Somewhat cheesy branding
    • Fairly expensive

    Recall History

    As of this writing, Nulo Dog Food does not have any history of recalls.

    Get Free Dog Food Recall Alerts!

    Stay in the know. Get instant updates on dog food recalls here

    divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

    Reviews of the 3 Best Nulo Dog Food Recipes

    1. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

    This grain-free formula is the top-rated and most popular Nulo dry dog food recipe on our list. With 85% of its protein coming from animal-based ingredients, it tops the charts in dog nutrition. This recipe is created to provide amino acids to your pup to build lean muscle mass. The low carbohydrates and advanced probiotics support overall nutrition. The wide array of available sizes provides many options for pet owners too.

    This recipe is grain-free for dogs who have digestion issues and food sensitivities, although grain-free recipes are not ideal for all dogs.

    Pros
    • Added essential vitamins and omega fatty acids
    • Free from egg and chicken (for sensitive stomachs)
    • Added calcium for bones and dental health
    Cons
    • Not for picky eaters
    • Grain-free recipes are not ideal for all dogs

    2. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food

    This Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free recipe has 80% animal-based protein in its ingredients. It’s packed with additional vitamins and nutrients to support energy and heart health in dogs. The added essential amino acids support lean muscle and energy support. The nutritional benefits also include low carb content, advanced probiotics for digestive and immune support, and no chicken or eggs for dogs with allergies. This recipe also includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to improve a dog’s skin and coat.

    Pros
    • Packed with essential nutrients
    • Packed with animal-based proteins
    • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
    Cons
    • Strong smell

    3. Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim Dry Dog Food

    Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim Dry Dog Food

    This Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils recipe is low in fat and has 74% animal-based protein content. It also contains ingredients that have a low glycemic content and probiotics to help digestion. Calcium and phosphorus help support strong bones and balanced nutrition to support doggy immune systems. This recipe is created with more fiber and fewer calories from fat for dogs who need weight management support in their daily meals. The fiber-rich ingredients help to keep your dog full for longer.

    Pros
    • Supports fat metabolism
    • Cod as the first ingredient
    • High in animal-based protein
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Strong fish odor

    divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

    What Other Users Are Saying

    • Chewy – “Dog loves the food and I noticed a great improvement in attitude, appetite as well as bodily function.”
    • Chewy – “She has been on Nulo food for over 3 years now and I wouldn’t change it! Great dog food!”
    • Amazon – “I will try a sensitive stomach recipe, but my dog loooooves this dog food. It’s too bad that he is not digesting it very well.” You can read more of these Amazon reviews by clicking here.

    divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

    Conclusion

    In summary, Nulo dog food has its perks, and you may get turned off by its “too good to be true” marketing pasted all over the bag. All the recipes contain high protein content, though, and have their protein sources listed as their first ingredient. They have a variety of recipes for your dogs to choose from, and each recipe contains a lot of nutritional value that benefits an overall healthy immune system for your dog. Nulo was created with healthy dogs in mind and was founded by a pet owner that only wants the best for all dogs.

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog’s Sleeping Habits Have Changed! (May 18, 2026)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    The Crate Setup Most Dog Owners Get Wrong (And How To Fix It!)

    Most people assume that if their dog hates the crate, the crate is the problem. So they try a bigger one, a different...

    1,500 Beagles Rescued from Wisconsin Lab Farm – Here’s Where They’re Going

    You may remember that a few weeks ago, we reported on a tense situation at Ridglan Farms, Wisconsin, a facility infamous for housing...

    Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Window Watchers (May 11, 2026)

    Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

    More related

    15 Vet-Reviewed Pros & Cons of Having a Labradoodle (Lifestyle Fit & FAQ)

    Deciding whether a Labradoodle is the right breed for you and your family can be difficult. While these designer dogs have quickly become...

    How to Make Dog Treats That Are Actually Healthy

    You’re scanning dog treat ingredient lists at the grocery store when you notice a pattern: chicken, rice, sweet potato, mystery “byproducts.” Then you...

    How to Become a Police Dog Trainer: Career, Requirements & More

    Among the rewarding careers that entail working with animals—veterinarian, dog groomer, zookeeper, etc.—only one requires a unique set of skills, determination, and an...

    Fruit & Vegetable Treats for Dogs With Pancreatitis (Vet Answer)

    If your dog has been affected by pancreatitis, you know how important their diet is to their long-term recovery. One of the most...

    Keep reading

    8 Best Hydrolyzed Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Owners are becoming more discerning about the ingredients and preparation of their pet’s food. Many times, there are products that we have never heard of and processes that we do not understand. One thing is for sure, however: When it...

    miniature schnauzer dog eating on the sofa

    20 Best Dog Food Affiliate Programs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Caring for a pet dog is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. They are great companions and help us learn a thing or two about love. In the U.S., the number of pets has increased overwhelmingly to...

    Golden Retriever dog eating

    Can Dogs Eat Scallions? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

    If your dog licks their lips as your vegetable stir-fry sizzles on the stove, you might wonder if it’s safe to slip them a bite. It might not seem dangerous to give them just a taste, but you should first...

    Can Dogs Eat Scallions

    Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Vet-Approved Nutrition Guide

    Our canine companions love peanut butter. There are even photography books dedicated entirely to pictures of dogs who love eating this tasty and beloved treat! Dog parents love giving their pups peanut butter, too, especially as a means of getting...

    Can Dogs Eat Peanuts

    15 Dog Friendly Restaurant Chains: Take Your Pup Out For a Lunch

    Eating out with your dog can be a ton of fun. It is a way to get out of the house and help socialize your dog. But which restaurants are dog friendly? Most restaurants that have outdoor patios will allow...

    corgi dog in the restaurant

    BIXBI Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary One of the best ways to keep your dog out of the vet office is to offer them a species-specific, nutritionally dense diet. Every pup is different, so there’s more than one way to do this. Some pets...

    Dogster_BIXBI Dog Food Review

    11 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    No two dog breeds are exactly the same. That’s why the market is ever-expanding with products that cater more to specific categories of dogs to personalize the diet experience better. As far as Miniature Schnauzers go, it might be hard...

    miniature schnauzer dog standing on sofa and eating dog food from bowl

    Best Calming Treats for Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    It’s never been a better time to be a dog. The humanization of the pet industry has brought a wealth of new toys, foods, and treats. Research has been done to understand our canine companions better and develop new products...

    Owner giving treats as reward for training dog

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




    Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter