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.

Nutro Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Expert’s Opinion

Dogster_Nutro Dog Food Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Nutro dog food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Finding high-quality, tasty, and affordable meals for our dogs is something we’re all searching for in dog food, and Nutro dog food is a great option. It provides a premium formula that won’t break your budget.

The brand offers different recipes for various dietary and nutritional needs, and you’re likely to find a recipe for your dog. Changing your pup’s food is a big decision, and we’ve collected everything you’ll need to know about Nutro dog food.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

At a Glance: The Best Nutro Dog Food Recipes:

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite
Winner
Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food
  • Excellent protein sources
  • Formulated with antioxidants
  • No GMO or artificial ingredients
  • Second place
    Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
  • High-quality protein source
  • Superfoods used
  • Contains meat from chicken, lamb, and salmon
  • Third place
    Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight
  • Excellent high-quality protein source
  • Low in fat
  • No meat by-products
  • Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management
  • Specially formulated for overweight adult dogs
  • Protein-rich recipe
  • No artificial preservatives, flavors or colors
  • Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
  • Salmon is the #1 ingredient
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients
  • Specially made to help nourish sensitive skin
  • Nutro Dog Food Reviewed

    Nutro dog food’s philosophy is to “FEED CLEAN,” which means they make food that is high-quality, full of flavor, and packed full of nutrients. Not only do they achieve this with their dry dog food but also with their wet food and treats.

    Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food (1)

    Who Makes Nutro Dog Food, and Where Is It Produced?

    The Nutro Company was founded in 1933 and operated as an independently owned pet food company until it was acquired by Mars, Incorporated, one of the largest pet food producers in the world.

    All of the food currently sold in the United States is made in the U.S. However, the company sometimes uses imported ingredients from around the world. Currently, they operate dry food factories in Tennessee and California, and the wet food is made in Arkansas, Ohio, and South Dakota.

    Which Types of Dogs Is Nutro Dog Food Best Suited For?

    Nutro has several varieties, which means you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for. The Natural Choice recipe is a dry kibble made with grain, and the Limited Ingredient Diet is a grain-free option for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Both of these recipes also come in wet food versions.

    labrador retriever dog eating its food from a bowl
    Image by: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    A Quick Look at Nutro Dog Food

    Pros
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Wide product range, including grain-rich and grain-free options
    • Cheaper than other premium brands
    • Meat is always the first ingredient
    • Made without artificial ingredients
    • Widely available
    Cons
    • History of recalls
    • No longer independently owned
    • Can be pricey

    Nutro Dog Food Recall History

    Nutro’s recall history isn’t extensive, but it’s essential to know when and why food was recalled when deciding on a new diet for your pup! In 2015, the company recalled Nutro Chewy Treats With Real Apple because of the potential for mold growth.

    In 2009, there was a voluntary recall for selected varieties of dry cat food and dog food because plastic was found in the factory’s production line. It was later identified as a melted plastic worker’s hat that did not end up in the finished product. However, they recalled the potentially affected products to be on the safe side. The same year, the company recalled several cat food products for incorrect potassium and zinc levels.

    In 2007, Nutro Natural Choice, Ultra, and Max canned and dry dog and cat foods were recalled because of melamine contamination.

    Plus, while there were no recalls issued, it’s worth noting that Nutro was included in the FDA’s list of brands linked to cases involving dilated cardiomyopathy.

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    Reviews of the 3 Best Nutro Dog Food Recipes

    1. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    This recipe is one of the most popular from Nutro. Chicken and chicken meal are some of the first ingredients, which are excellent protein sources. Adult dogs need around 18%–25% protein in their food, and this recipe has 22.0% crude protein. However, this recipe might not be the best option for a pup that suffers from allergies related to poultry products.

    It steers clear of GMO ingredients and by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy, which can be bad for sensitive tummies and is made with antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the formula promote healthy coats and skin.

    It contains brewer’s rice, which is a controversial ingredient because it is a cereal grain by-product. However, the rice is an excellent source of carbohydrates and is easily digestible.

    Pros
    • Excellent protein sources
    • No GMO or artificial ingredients
    • Formulated with antioxidants
    • Omega-3 and omega-6 for overall health
    Cons
    • Controversial ingredients
    • Potential allergen

    2. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food

    NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food

    The Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice, but it is important to note this recipe is one of the pricier options on our list. It provides slightly more protein than the previous recipe (24.0%) and features chicken and chicken meal as the top ingredients and includes lamb and salmon meal. Lamb is a fantastic source of essential amino acids, while salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids.

    The new ingredients listed on Chewy mention the removal of brewer’s rice, although there is still the controversial beet pulp included, which is a high fiber by-product of the sugar beet process. The recipe also is rounded out with “superfoods” like blueberries, chia, and kale.

    Pros
    • High-quality protein source
    • Contains meat from chicken, lamb, and salmon
    • Superfoods used
    • No preservatives, flavors, or colors
    • No corn, wheat, or soy
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Chicken is a potential allergen

    3. Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

    Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

    If your dog is slightly less active or tends to put on weight, this recipe is an excellent option for all breed sizes. It is low in fat (7.0% min and 10.0% max) without compromising protein content (24.0%) or essential nutrition and fiber.

    High-quality protein is used in the form of deboned lamb and chicken meal, and while chicken is not mentioned in the title, it appears in the ingredients. If your buddy has a food sensitivity or allergy, please be aware of this.

    Pros
    • Excellent high-quality protein source
    • Low in fat
    • No meat by-products
    • No corn, wheat, or soy
    • Suitable for all breeds
    Cons
    • Chicken is a potential allergen

    Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

    What Other Users Are Saying

    • DogFoodAdvisor: “The Dog Food Advisor finds Nutro to be a quality, grain-inclusive kibble.” They rate the food as “Highly Recommended.”
    • Dog Food Insider: “NUTRO has provided dog food to consumers for 90 years and there is a reason their brand continues to grow. People love the natural ingredients and the flexibility of lines like ULTRA and Rotations.”
    • Canine Journal: “Nutro produces nutrient-rich products for dogs from every walk of life.”
    • Amazon: We always check out reviews on Amazon before we commit to buying anything as pet owners. You can read these by clicking here.

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    Summary

    When deciding what food to serve your dog, most people are looking for the same things: the food needs to be healthy, tasty, affordable, and accessible.

    Nutro might not be the highest-rated food on the market, but it is a high-quality, widely accessible brand that is worthy of its 4.5-star rating. It provides nutritious recipes and options for various conditions, and while it can be pricey, it’s more affordable than many of its competitors.

    See also: 

    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

    4 Responses

    1. I have been unable to find the percent of carbohydrates in Nutro kibble. I am feeding my bulldog the health weight product. Can you find the amount of carbs forme?

      1. Hello,

        Thank you for your question. It's a great question, as the carbohydrate content isn't always listed on a product's Guaranteed Analysis.

        According to online product information and a dog food review site, the carbohydrate percentage for Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight adult formulas can be estimated. While the Guaranteed Analysis on the bag does not list carbohydrates directly, it does provide other nutrient percentages. One review of the Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Chicken & Brown Rice recipe estimates the carbohydrate content to be approximately 42.1% on a dry matter basis, however please mind that this is not an official information.

        If you have specific dietary concerns for your bulldog's weight management, it would be best to consult with a professional veterinarian. You can book a 20-minute video-call appointment with one of the veterinarians from our telehealth service at PangoVet.com to get a professional opinion and helpful suggestions from the comfort of your home. Our vets will be happy to answer all your questions.

        Hope this helps.

      1. Hi Vicki, we're happy to hear that our article was helpful and that your Pom has finally found a dog food they love!

    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

    Why Do Dogs Eat Tampons? Vet-Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

    It’s a fact of dog ownership: they often get into things and eat objects they shouldn’t, whether it’s used condoms, dirty diapers, or...

    Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil For Dogs: The Key Differences

    Both produced from a variety of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant, hemp oil and CBD oil have grown in popularity as natural supplements...

    11 Best Natural Dog Shampoos in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

    Whether you hold your dog to a rigorous bathing schedule or pop them in the tub only when they’re so dirty you don’t...

    4 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Lafayette, LA You Can Visit Today

    Nestled in the bayou only a deceptively short drive away from Baton Rouge, you’ll not want to miss Lafayette on your tour of...

    More related

    How to Train a Great Dane (15 Expert Tips)

    If you recently brought home or plan to add a Great Dane pup to your family, this is such an exciting and challenging...

    Unexpected Support for My Chronic Fatigue: How My Dogs Adapted to Napping

    Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn. Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

    Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Unless you’re using the turkey neck in a tasty gravy, stock, or soup, many of us can’t think of anywhere else to put...

    Shiranian (Shih-Tzu & Pomeranian Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

    The Shiranian dog is a cross between the Shih-Tzu and a Pomeranian, and what you get from that cross is a whole lot...

    Keep reading

    Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    If there’s one so-called superfood that’s made a big splash in the last few years, it’s goji berries. Known for their sour flavor and bright red color, goji berries are a popular addition to salads, smoothies, or a super snack...

    Can Dogs Eat_goji berries

    How to Start a Dog Food Business: 10 Tips & Tricks

    Given how important nutrition is to pet health, starting your own dog food business can be an interesting and even lucrative idea. Indeed, according to IBISWorld, the pet food industry brings in $27 billion a year, and it is growing...

    Pet Food Packets At Store

    Royal Canin Dog Food Review 2025 – Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

    Royal Canin is easily one of the most popular dog food brands out there. It produces many different recipes, including ones that are breed specific, so many dog owners are drawn to it. However, there are also negatives about this...

    9 Best Dog Foods for Bullmastiffs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    With so many dog food brands available, it can be difficult to know exactly which is right for your pooch. Some breeds might need higher protein due to their higher activity levels, and some need to focus on weight management....

    Bullmastiff dog standing outdoor

    Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

    If you check the dog food aisle in most pet stores, you will see an abundance of grain-free and wheat-free foods. There is a modern belief that dogs benefit from this kind of diet. While it is unlikely that a...

    Close up of wheat grains and wheat ears

    6 Great Sources of Carbohydrates for Dogs: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

    When it comes to dog nutrition, carbohydrates are a tricky subject. While canines can get energy from protein and fat, many dog food brands contain one or multiple sources of carbs. On the opposite end, there are dog food recipes...

    dog eating rice

    Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

    Dog owners must have strong stomachs when they think of the unusual snacks we give our pets, like pig ears, cow hooves, and bully sticks. But can you add raw chicken feet to that list? The mere suggestion may sound...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat Raw Chicken Feet

    Can Dogs Eat Flour Tortillas? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

    Our dogs can enjoy quite a few items we have in our fridge or ripening on our counter. They delight in fruits, vegetables, and grains the same as any human. However, when it comes to processed foods with multiple ingredients,...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Flour Tortillas