Nutro Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Expert's Opinion

Review Summary

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.

At a Glance: The Best Nutro Dog Food Recipes:

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

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.

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.

A Quick Look at Nutro Dog Food

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.

Reviews of the 3 Best Nutro Dog Food Recipes

1. Nutro Natural Choice Adult 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.

2. Nutro Ultra Adult 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.

3. 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.

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.

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: 

• Just Right Dog Food Review

• Valu Pak Dog Food Review: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and FAQ