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 2026: 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

    Dog-Friendly Restaurants: What Are Penny’s Favorites?

    Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. You should know by now that...

    What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food Made Of? Vet-Verified Ingredients

    If your dog is struggling with symptoms of food allergies (more on those later), your vet may suggest changing to hypoallergenic dog food....

    Primal vs Stella & Chewy Dog Food: Our 2026 Comparison (Vet-Reviewed)

    When you’re shopping through the ever-growing sea of commercial dog food selections, you might come across these two companies: Primal and Stella &...

    Are Plastic Bowls or Containers Bad for Dog Food? Vet-Approved Guide

    Plastic is in the limelight—raising many concerns. As the pet market grows, so does the controversy about using certain products. But with so...

    More related

    15 Ancient Dog Breeds: With Info & Pictures

    Some studies suggest that dogs began domestication around 40,000 years ago, while DNA analysis shows a date of about 130,000 years ago when...

    Do Maltipoos Shed a Lot? Facts & FAQ

    Maltipoos are a popular hybrid, known for their cute appearance and hypoallergenic coats. But what about their shedding? Do Maltipoos shed a lot?...

    Cane Corso Catahoula Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & More

    The Cane Corso Catahoula mix is a cross between the Cane Corso and Catahoula Leopard Dog breeds. They are both vigilant working dogs...

    Do Dogs Have Tickle Spots? Vet-Verified Fun Facts

    If you’ve ever given your dog’s belly a good scritch or two, you might have noticed one of their legs kicking out when...

    Keep reading

    Can Dogs Eat Sprinkles? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Risks & Alternatives

    Having parties and celebrations for dogs has become more common in recent years. While there’s absolutely no problem with planning parties for your dog, it’s important to provide dog-safe food and snacks. A common treat present at parties is sprinkles....

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Sprinkles

    Can Dogs Eat Almond Flour? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Portion Awareness

    Almond flour is an alternative to wheat flour that, in humans, is considered healthier because it has fewer carbs, contains plenty of nutrients, and has a naturally sweeter flavor. However, while almond flour isn’t toxic to dogs, and it can...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Almond Flour

    Can Dogs Eat Couscous? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Couscous has become an increasingly popular grain in people’s diets because it’s delicious, versatile, and healthy. If you make couscous often and have a dog, you might have wondered if this food is safe to give to your pup. After...

    Can Dogs Eat Couscous

    10 Best Foods for Pregnant Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Congratulations, you have a pregnant dog! Now, this is where the hard work really starts, which includes making sure she’s getting the right nutritionally balanced diet. After all, she is eating for six or maybe even seven puppies! She needs...

    Pregnant dog eating food from the floor

    Can Dogs Eat Bread? Vet-Verified Types & Risks

    Humans have enjoyed bread since ancient times. It is a staple in most households, and we’ve derived so much pleasure from eating it. But if you’ve been thinking about sharing some with your dog, you want to ensure dogs can...

    Can Dogs Eat Bread

    Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce? Vet-Verified Health Facts

    Some people like their food to be extra spicy, with hot sauces being a $1.65 billion market in the United States. Of course, not everyone likes the heat. That includes your dog. Wild or domestic canines don’t encounter this taste...

    Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce

    Can Dogs Eat Almonds? Vet-Verified Health & Nutrition Facts

    Human foods can be quite tempting for our pets, and despite our best efforts to keep them put away, sometimes our pups still get into them. While almonds aren’t technically toxic for dogs like some other nuts, they definitely aren’t...

    Can Dogs Eat Almonds

    How to Cook Eggs for Dogs: 3 Vet-Approved Recipes & Facts

    Eggs are a nutritious (and tasty) part of most people’s breakfasts, so you might wonder if they can be a part of your dog’s diet too. The answer is yes, they can! However, you need to purchase pasteurized in-shell eggs...

    hard boiled eggs