Nutro Dog Food Summary

Best Seller
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dry Dog Food
9.5/10Our Score
  • High quality protein source is the ingredient in the delicious dry kibble
  • Formulated to support healthy immunity with essential antioxidants and healthy digestion with natural fiber
  • Helps promote healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids

What is Nutro Dog Food?

Nutro Dog Food is a pet food brand owned by The Mars Company that makes dog and cat food with non-GMO ingredients.

Nutro Dog Food uses wholesome foods for its ingredients and never adds artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.

The brand’s philosophy is about transparency and whole food ingredients, which is why they list the ingredients in each food and why they include those ingredients on their website.

Where is Nutro Dog Food Made?

Nutro Dog Food is made in the USA. The dry foods are made in Henderson, North Carolina, and Victorville, California.

The wet foods are manufactured at Nutro facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Sioux City, South Dakota.

How is Nutro Dog Food Made?

Nutro Dog Food is made using ingredients sourced mostly from trusted farmers, but they receive some ingredients from China.

Every ingredient they use is verified non-GMO, and their philosophy is to keep dog food simple and purposeful. This means every ingredient is there for a reason and came from a source they trust to put their brand on.

They cook the ingredients just enough to make them safe for dogs to eat, then they minimally process them to ensure each ingredient retains as much of its natural nutrient profile as possible.

All Nutro Dog Food recipes adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means all of their state-of-the-art facilities are as safe and as clean as possible.

Is Nutro Food Good for Dogs?

Yes, Nutro Dog Food is good.

Nutro Dog Food founds its recipes on purposefully used and selected ingredients to make sure dogs are receiving the most nutrient-dense food possible.

There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and all ingredients are non-GMO. This means the risk for allergic or adverse reactions is generally very low with Nutro.

Is There a Problem With Nutro Dog Food?

Recently, there have been complaints about dogs getting sick after eating Nutro Company foods.

It was later found that in some cases, the dogs had developed heart problems. It is unclear if there is a link between the two, but the FDA has investigated the issue.

The investigation concerns 16 other brands and mainly revolves around grain-free formulas and their relation to heart disease in dogs.

Nutro Dog Food Formulas Reviewed

Nutro Dog Food has an extensive range of pet food formulas. Here is an in-depth review of the brand‘s best-selling recipes.

Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dry Dog Food

Summary: This dry kibble is made with non-GMO ingredients, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. An animal protein source is the first ingredient in this formula that is made specifically for adult dogs with variations specific to large and small breeds. It is made in a variety of flavors of available in four sizes.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Price: $2/08/lb

Pros
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients
  • Rich in essential omega-3 fatty acid
  • Antioxidants for immune system support
  • No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy
  • Excellent source of dietary fiber
Cons
  • There is an unspecified natural flavor in the ingredients

Ingredient Analysis: Real meat is the first ingredient, followed by brown rice. This makes the food a good source of high-quality protein and complex carbohydrates. Chicken meal and chicken fat are added for minerals and crude fat content, while whole-grain barley, whole grain sorghum, and rice bran add fiber for healthy digestion. Dried beet pulp and whole flaxseeds are excellent sources of antioxidants and fatty acids, while the vitamins and minerals are supplemented to complete the nutritional profile of this dry dog food.

Review: This Nutro Dog Food averages a 4.8-star rating with over 4,600 reviews, with 95% of reviewers giving it a 4 or 5-star rating. These consumers were happy with the price and quality of the food and that real meat was the first ingredient. Some customers even noticed reduced shedding and itching when feeding this food to their dogs.

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food

Summary: Formulated for puppies up to 1 year old with non-GMO ingredients, this food is made with small bite-sized pieces to be easier for puppies to chew and digest. It is available in the small breed and large breed puppy varieties. Each type is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber to promote a healthy coat, immune system, and digestion. It is sold in four different sizes and various flavors to keep your puppy entertained during meals.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Puppies

Flavor Options: Chicken

Price: $2.07/lb

Pros
  • Animal protein source as the first ingredient
  • Helps build strong bones and joints
  • Smaller kibble makes eating easier for puppies
  • Rich in fatty acids for skin & coat health
  • Supports brain and eye development
Cons
  • Often out of stock on online retailers

Ingredient Analysis: Real meat is the first ingredient and provides a high-quality source of protein. Chicken meal, a mash of organs, bones, and chicken cartilage, is the second ingredient and is a good source of minerals and protein. Vitamins and minerals like potassium chloride, vitamin E, and folic acid are added to make this a source of complete nutrition.

Review: Most reviews of this product are highly rating is for its high-quality protein and ingredients. People seem pleased with the price-to-quality ratio and are happy it seems to have helped their dog’s skin sensitivities. The most common complaint among negative reviews, however, is the apparent fake products being sold on Amazon, causing health issues in their dog.

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Summary: This dog food is made for large breed adult dogs by offering high-quality protein in larger-sized kibble for larger dogs to more easily eat. It uses no chicken by-product meal and is a good source of balanced nutrition, available in several flavors and four sizes.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Large breed adult dogs

Flavor Options: Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe

Price: $1.84/lb

Pros
  • Made with real lamb as the first ingredient
  • Brown rice for healthy carbs and fiber
  • Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants
  • No chicken by-product meals and fillers
  • With glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Cons
  • Only one flavor is available on Amazon

Ingredient Analysis: Real meat is the first ingredient in any recipe’s flavor, making a high protein dry dog food. It contains brown rice, split peas, whole-grain oatmeal for healthy complex carbs, and flaxseed and chia seed for fatty acids. Vitamin and mineral supplements complete this formula to make it a good source of micronutrients. Overall, this is a solid ingredients list.

Review: 95% of reviews on Amazon and Chewy rate this Nutro Dog Food 4 or 5 stars noting the quality of the food and the price as the two biggest reasons for their satisfaction. They were happy with the way their dog behaved while eating the food and how the food made their coat look after introducing their dog to Nutro.

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Summary: This limited ingredient dry dog food is made for adult dogs with food allergies using ingredients that are not known to be allergens. It is a grain-free recipe that uses lentils and peas as the carb source instead of rice or sorghum and offers real meat as the first ingredient. It is made in several flavors and is sold in 22-pound bags.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Lamb and sweet potato recipe; Lamb; Salmon; Duck; Venison

Price: $2.38/lb

Pros
  • Made with less than 10 key ingredients
  • Suitable for dogs with stomach & skin issues
  • Grain-free and high-protein formula
  • No corn, wheat, soy and dairy protein
  • Free from artificial additives and preservatives
Cons
  • May contain trace amounts of GMO material

Ingredient Analysis: Real meat is the first ingredient and provides a great source of high-quality protein as the foundation of this formula. Chickpeas, lentils, and dried sweet potatoes are great carb sources. While canola oil and sunflower oil add healthy fats, the use of canola oil can be a bit controversial with some dog owners. The micronutrient profile is made using supplements for things like vitamin A, thiamine, and vitamin D.

Review: Over 90% of consumers rate this product highly, with the most common praise being simply that their dog likes the food. Some owners of picky dogs with food allergies even say they had luck with feeding this to their dog, and their dog has seemed better after having been put on this food. Reasons for negative reviews were a little sporadic, with some people complaining the lamb had been changed to include chicken and others hinting at the point that grain-free foods have recently been linked to heart problems in dogs.

Nutro ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food

Summary: Using a blend of three animal protein sources, this dry food is formulated to deliver high-quality protein to maintain a lean and athletic frame. It includes 15 superfoods for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals while using no chicken by-product meal. It is only sold in one flavor but is available in kibble suitable for dogs at every life stage.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Dogs of every life stage

Flavor Options: Chicken; Lamb; Salmon

Price: $2.33/lb

Pros
  • With chicken, lamb, and salmon protein
  • A blend of 15 vibrant superfoods
  • Rich in fatty acids, prebiotics, and antioxidants
  • Chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health
  • No chicken by-products, fillers, or preservatives
Cons
  • Often out of stock on online retailers

Ingredient Analysis: Real meat is the first ingredient and gives this food a great source of protein as a foundation. Chicken meal is the second, which offers protein, vitamins, and minerals, while oatmeal, brown rice, and split peas provide fiber and carbohydrates. Whole flaxseed and chia seeds give the food healthy fats while the micronutrients are supplemented to provide complete nutrition.

Review: 95% of reviews give this product 4 or 5 stars, with the most common praise being about the quality of the food. Dog owners notice a difference in the way their dogs react during meal time, and their coat appears to be more vibrant.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food

Summary: This wet dog food has only six key ingredients to ensure clean and wholesome nutrition. It comes in an easy-to-use single-use tray that allows users to top their dog’s meals with this food effortlessly. The natural, recognizable ingredients provide real nutrition with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives that are suitable for dogs of all life stages.

Type: Wet dog food

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Chicken

Price: $1.98/can

Pros
  • Grain-free and simple, 6-ingredient recipe
  • With real chicken as the first ingredients
  • Suitable for picky eaters
  • Excellent choice for a meal topper
  • Available in a variety pack
Cons
  • The packages are small for large breed dogs

Ingredient Analysis: This food is made with very few ingredients, but they all serve a purpose. Chicken and quail eggs provide protein and vitamins, while chicken broth and vegetables give this food moisture and micronutrients. Overall, this is a very good limited ingredient food.

Review: While reviews are limited for this product, most people praise it for being able to convince their picky eaters to eat. They were happy their dog seemed to enjoy eating when this Nutro Dog Food topper was included on their dry kibble and happy that it is made with high-quality limited ingredients. Critical reviews claimed it had made their dog sick, although only two 1-star reviews were available.

Nutro Premium Loaf Adult High Protein Natural Wet Dog Food

Summary: Made with farm-raised lamb, chicken, and beef liver as the first ingredients and offering chicken broth for moisture and taste, the formula of this wet food is sure to provide dogs with the nutrients they need. It is made with non-GMO ingredients and no corn, wheat, or soy. The pate is canned in USA facilities with ingredients from around the world and is sold in a pack of twelve 12.5-ounce cans.

Type: Wet dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Lamb; Chicken; Beef; Turkey

Price: $2.75/can

Pros
  • With high-quality protein sources
  • High moisture content for hydration
  • Real meat is the first ingredient
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients
  • Available in a variety of tasty flavors
Cons
  • More expensive than other products on this list

Ingredient Analysis: Lamb, beef liver, and chicken are all protein sources in this food, while chicken broth adds texture and flavor. Dried peas, potatoes, and carrots are excellent sources of vitamins and carbs, and sunflower oil provides a healthy source of fatty acids. It is all completed with vitamin and mineral supplements to offer a balanced source of nutrition to dogs.

Review: Most buyers rate this product highly with stories about their senior dogs being able to eat again and their picky eaters choosing to eat when this food is offered. While they were happy with the results this food produced in their dog, critics were dissatisfied. The most common complaint, however, was that their dog didn’t like the food, and their reviews had little to do with the quality of the food itself.

Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food

Summary: This weight control formula is made with non-GMO ingredients and no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. It contains a combination of high protein and fiber to help dogs feel full faster and longer to prevent overeating. It is suitable for adult dogs needing some weight management and is sold in several size bags.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult overweight dogs

Flavor Options: Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe; Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

Price: $1.83/lb

Pros
  • Meat is the first ingredient in each flavor
  • High protein content
  • Rich in prebiotics for satiation and digestion
  • Helps support healthy weight loss
  • Suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes
Cons
  • The high-fiber high-protein content may upset tummy issues

Ingredient Analysis: Deboned lamb and chicken meal are the first ingredients, and this gives the food its high protein content while also providing minerals from bones and cartilage found in the chicken meal. Split peas, pea protein, and brown rice offer complex carbs and extra protein and fiber, while chicken fat is used for extra crude fat content. An unspecified ”natural flavor” is added, and this may be offputting to some dog owners as it is unknown from where this flavor comes.

Review: Over 90% of buyers on Amazon rate this Nutro Dog Food at least 4 stars. They are all impressed with the quality, value, and effects the food has had on their overweight pets. Only 4% of consumers rate this 1 and 2 stars, with the most common complaints concerning the inconsistent quality and how their dogs reacted poorly to the food.

What Dog Food Formulas does Nutro Make?

Nutro Dog Food makes several formulas categorized in different product lines. Here is a complete list of the brand‘s lines and their recipes:

Has Nutro Dog Food Been Recalled?

Yes, Nutro Dog Food has a recall history.

Nutro Dog Food has had several voluntary recalls over the years, with the most recent being in 2015. Back in 2015, a market recall was issued for specific packages of Nutro Dog Treats due to a possible mold outbreak.

Is Nutro Dog Food Worth it?

Yes, Nutro Dog Food is worth it.

Nutro‘s ingredients are wholesome and natural, and the nutrients are all delivered by ingredients that have been minimally processed.

The Nutro Dog Food is loaded with essential nutrients and is a complete nutrition source.