Nutro Dog Food Review: Prices, Quality, Nutrients

Dog owners worldwide have come to treat their dogs as family members and are forever looking out for better diets that will provide for the unique nutritional needs of their dogs. A bag of kibble labeled “Adult” could not be perfect for all adult dogs. But, with the massive range of dog food brands, how do you choose? 

Manufacturers find ways to attract dog owners to choose their brands, whether by colors, images or catch-words like “Holistic” and “Complete and Balanced.” Those are words that give many dog owners the impression that the food will be nutritious and balanced and will benefit the dog’s total health and wellness, but will it?

What is Holistic?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets quality standards for animal feed and pet food, adding a label to products that the organization deems “complete and balanced” nutrition for animals. While they have definitions for words like “natural” or “organic” when it comes to dog food, they do not define ‘’holistic.’’ In the pet food industry, “holistic” is a marketing term used to imply whole-body health. Since there’s no legal definition of the term, it’s used freely without any regulation or oversight. If a dog food label claims it’s both natural and holistic, only the word natural has any real meaning.

What is Nutro’s Commitment?

Dog Food Care wants to help you determine which of the dog food products in the Nutro product range are perfect for your dogs. Nutro says its goal is to please every single dog by lovingly crafting each bite to satisfy and nourish. They say they bring together high-quality ingredients to create an energizing mix of proteins, fat, and carbohydrates.

Nutro manufactures its dry dog foods at facilities for NUTRO™ products located in Henderson, North Carolina and Victorville, California. Their cans and trays have separate wet food manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Sioux City, South Dakota. Nutro has not had any recalls since December 2015, when they initiated the withdrawal of 4-oz Nutro Apple Chewy Treats due to their potential to form mold. 

Nutro is committed to their FEED CLEAN™ philosophy—because they know there’s no greater privilege than being loved by a pet and no greater responsibility than deciding what you feed them. They exclusively source non-GMO ingredients as close to their native form as possible and never add artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. They will not use ingredients like chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

We will produce nutrient-rich food, ensuring every single ingredient serves a precise purpose and making a high-quality protein the foundation of each recipe. They formulate their recipes based on a “TRIO OF PROTEINS,” using chicken, lamb, and salmon, enriched by 15 superfoods like brown rice, flaxseed, sunflower oil, and vine-grown tomatoes, sun-ripened blueberries and more. As a member of the NUTRO™ family, their products are Simple, Purposeful & Trustworthy, and made with real, recognizable Non-GMO ingredients.

Is Nutro a Complete and Balanced Dog Food?

Choosing the best food for your furry family member is a challenge and not a job to do without doing your research. Even though Nutro is a top-rated company that produces high-quality foods, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Can you trust the manufacturer’s claim that the dog food is “Complete and Balanced?” 

For any dog food to be marketed as “Complete and Balanced,“ it must meet the nutritional standards established by AAFCO. AAFCO is an acronym for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a non-profit organization that sets standards for pet foods in the United States.

These nutritional adequacy standards are defined by two nutrient profiles based on a dog’s stage of life.

• Adult maintenance
• Growth and reproduction

If you see “(dog food name) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog) Food Nutrient Profiles for (life stage)” on a dog food label, it verifies that the dog food meets AAFCO’s nutrient profiles. However, there is no law making such testing, analysis, or inclusion on dog food labels compulsory in the US. 

What are the Sub-brands of the NUTRO Dog Food Brand?

I would like to point out that all prices quoted are as of June 1, 2022.

Nutro has a vast dog food range, including kibble, canned food, and wet food in cups and tubs. Deciding which would be best for your precious pup is even more challenging when there are so many to choose from. Dog Food Care will help ease the process.

Who Owns Nutro, and when was it founded?

Nutro Natural Pet Food, founded in 1926, was acquired by Mars in 2007. Mars Inc. was established in 1911 and is now based in McLean, Virginia. Mars Inc. has two dry pet foods manufacturing facilities for NUTRO™ products located in Henderson, North Carolina and Victorville, California. Their cans and trays also have wet food manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Sioux City, South Dakota.

As of 2020, Mars Petcare Inc. was the No. 1 pet food company in the world, with over $18 billion in annual revenue, according to data provided by Pet Food Industry. Nutro Pet Foods are available in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

NUTRO offers a wide range of dog food products. Nutro’s primary ingredient is always a real meat source, and none of the Nutro recipes include unnecessary fillers, animal by-product meal, or artificial flavors and preservatives. Overall, Nutro dog foods are designed to promote healthy skin and coats. 

If your dog has sensitive skin, you’d be glad to know that the Nutro formulations include patented combinations of linoleic acid, a great source of omega-6 fatty acid, and zinc and B vitamins. Nutro has enough trust in the dog food formulas to offer a money-back guarantee on all their products if dog owners don’t immediately see results.

What are the Nutritional Profiles of the Different Nutro Dog Foods Recipes?

Nutro Natural Choice Dry Dog Food

NUTRO™ NATURAL CHOICE™ Dry Dog Food range is the most popular sub-brand.

It includes grains in 19 recipes for dogs in all life stages. Nutro recipes are suitable for dogs older than one year. That means Nutro Natural Choice does not include recipes for puppies between being weaned and their first birthday. Although large and giant breed dogs remain puppies for 18 months or two years, some small and toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies reach adulthood by six to eight months. Therefore, the Nutro Natural Choice range does not have a recipe suitable for small breed puppies.

However, Nutro Natural Choice includes recipes formulated for larger breed puppies, adults, and seniors. The dry food recipes provide essential antioxidants for healthy immunity and natural fiber for healthy digestion. It’s formulated with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to help give your dog healthy skin and a soft, beautifully shiny coat. 

The two primary options are Chicken and Brown Rice, and Lamb and Brown Rice, and as part of the NUTRO™ FEED CLEAN™ philosophy, these delicious recipes start with a high-quality protein source as the 1st ingredient. Furthermore, it is made with real, recognizable ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers, free of GMO ingredients, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. 

Below is a table showing the summarized AAFCO analysis and rating for the Nutro Natural Choice recipes. It is a helpful tool for selecting quality dog food. Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle, or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt, consult a veterinarian for help.

If you believe your furry friend should have grains included in his diet, then the nutritional profiles of some Nutro National Choice recipes might guide you. When it comes to nourishment, doggy dads and moms typically regard the health of their human and canine children with equal concern. As part of your family, your dogs deserve the best food you can afford. Invest in the good times with your dogs by feeding them nutritious food that helps them reach their full potential. Dog Food Care will help you look at Nutro as an option to keep your dogs healthy as they go through the different life stages. 

1. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken, or Lamb & Brown Rice

Ensure that your canine companion gets nutrition based on his life-stage. Kibble formulated for senior dogs, like Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken or Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, can make his golden years easy and without aches and pains. You will have his company when out walking or cuddling on the couch for longer. 

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

This dry dog food has tasty chicken or lamb as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein. It’s made with the special dietary needs of senior dogs in mind, including essential antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. Plus, calcium helps support strong bones and joints, and natural fiber supports healthy digestion. You can feel good about this recipe made with non-GMO ingredients, and there’s no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy here. The AAFCO also approved this recipe for dogs of all life stages on a maintenance diet.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of this Nutro Natural Choice recipe for Senior dogs.

2. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken or Lamb and Brown Rice

Choose to give your canine partner a natural, nutrient-packed meal with Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb, or Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

This dry food for adult dogs is specially formulated to provide both nutrition and flavor. Real lamb is at the very top of the ingredient list for a high-quality protein source. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a gorgeous, shiny coat, while essential antioxidants support immunity and natural fiber supports good digestion. 

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Natural Choice Adult recipe.

3. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Healthy Weight Lamb and Brown Rice

If your dog needs some extra help to maintain a healthy weight, try Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble. This dry dog food is designed to support healthy weight loss with a tailored blend of protein and fiber. 

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

This recipe is made with real lamb, providing a high-quality source of protein. It’s also formulated with essential antioxidants to support your canine companion’s immune system and natural fiber to support healthy digestion. You can feel great about this non-GMO food, made with recognizable ingredients and no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food

4. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Kibble

Support those fun park romps and long afternoon walks with Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

This dry dog food is made with tasty chicken as the very first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein. It’s made with the special dietary needs of puppies in mind, including omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and eye development. Plus, calcium helps support strong bones and joints, and essential antioxidants support a healthy immune system.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Natural Choice puppy recipe.

Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food

Nutro aims to please every one of your precious pup’s 1,700 taste buds by bringing together high-quality ingredients to create an energizing mix of proteins, fat, and carbohydrates.

The Nutro Ultra™ line is very similar to the NATURAL CHOICE™ line, changing a few ingredients. Each recipe is crafted with a signature blend of three high-quality proteins, chicken, lamb, and salmon. They have 15 superfoods like brown rice, flaxseed, sunflower oil, vine-grown tomatoes, sun-ripened blueberries, and more. All ingredients are non-GMO.

1. Nutro Ultra Adult

Make your precious canine companion’s mealtime nutritious and delicious with Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

Specially formulated for adult dogs, these tasty, dry recipes start with real chicken as the main ingredient, no chicken by-product meal here. Add lamb, salmon, and a blend of 15 superfoods, like brown rice, flaxseed, and sunflower oil, and you have a mouthwatering, healthy meal. Sourced from trusted farmers, the high-quality, non-GMO ingredients provide a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that will help your dog thrive. Plus there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and it is free of corn, wheat, and soy protein. Your favorite furry friend will love to eat this flavorful, nourishing kibble.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Adult recipe.

2. Nutro Ultra Puppy Dog Food

Make your puppy’s mealtime nutritious and delicious with Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

Specially formulated for puppies, these tasty, dry recipes start with real chicken as the main ingredient, with no chicken by-product meal in the recipe. Add lamb, salmon, and a blend of 15 superfoods, like sun-ripened blueberries, flaxseed, and sunflower oil, and you have a mouthwatering, healthy meal. Sourced from trusted farmers, the high-quality, non-GMO ingredients provide a balanced, nutrient-rich puppy diet and help keep your canine companion’s coat and skin healthy. 

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Ultra Puppy recipe.

3. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

Make your aging furry friend’s golden years pain-free by feeding nutritious and delicious with Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

Specially formulated for senior dogs, these tasty, dry recipes start with real chicken as the main ingredient, no chicken by-product meal here. Add lamb, salmon, and a blend of 15 superfoods, like sunflower oil, vine-grown tomatoes, and sun-ripened blueberries, and you have a mouthwatering, healthy meal.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Ultra Senior recipe.

4. Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food

Help your favorite canine companion get fit with nutritious and delicious Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

Specially formulated for overweight adult dogs to help with healthy weight management, these tasty, dry recipes start with real chicken as the main ingredient.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro Regional Red recipe.

Nutro Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

The Limited Ingredient Diet line, as its name suggests, aims to keep its main ingredients to a minimum. There are only 10 key ingredients in this formula, making it a great choice for a simple diet. True to its name, the Limited Ingredient line also does away with the added blueberries, carrots, and spinach. Your dog may need a limited ingredient diet if they’re older and cannot process food, as well as they used to, or if they’re prone to allergies from the food they normally eat. Nutro’s LID different recipes can help you figure out which ingredient causes allergic reactions in your precious pooch.

1. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Sensitive Support with Real Salmon & Lentils Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the Nutro LID Real Salmon & Lentils recipe.

View on Chewy | View on Amazon

Nutro Wet Canned Dog Food 

Nutro’s wet dog food range includes Hearty Stews, Premium Loaf and Limited Ingredient, all full of nutrients and flavor that dogs of all sizes and life stages go crazy over. Each high-protein meal is balanced with vitamins and minerals and crafted with real chicken as the very first ingredient. Plus, with Nutro, you can feed your pal with confidence knowing that every ingredient is carefully sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers and is 100% free of grains. GMO’s, chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Give your pal the nutrition he deserves and the taste he loves with Nutro.

Below are the Summaries of Nutro Canned Food recipes.

Nutro Premium Loaf 

Watch your dog drool with delight over these Nutro Premium Loaf Savory Grain-Free Recipe Canned Dog Food. This premium, grain-free wet dog food is full of nutrients and flavor that dogs—big and small—go crazy over. Each high-protein meal is balanced with vitamins and minerals and crafted with real lamb as the very first ingredient. Plus, with Nutro, you can feed your pal with confidence knowing that every ingredient is carefully sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers. And is 100% free of chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors, and flavors or preservatives.

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Dog Food

Some grains, such as corn or wheat, can trigger a food allergy or digestive issues in dogs. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Premium Loaf Turkey & Potato Grain-Free Canned Dog Food contains 0% grain. This makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivity. Our natural, wet dog food uses a limited number of ingredients.

Nutro Wet Food Cups, Tubs, and Trays

Every so often, your dog just wants something special to make their food more palatable. Wet food is the perfect solution to this. Nutro has a few different recipes for wet food that are sure to delight your dog’s taste buds. These are best mixed in with your dog’s regular dry kibble. Wet food also ups the nutritional content of your dog’s dinner.

They offer fillets in various flavors like gravy, pate with toppers, hearty stews, premium loaves, and cuts in gravy. Their wet food comes in all life stages, including puppy, adult, and senior.

You can find these products offered through their NUTRO ULTRA™ and NATURAL CHOICE™ lines only. They come in both grain-free and grain options. These are sure to make any dog’s dinner much yummier, as well as provide your pet with more nutrients than they would have gotten with dry food alone.

There are more than 20 recipes in this wet range, packed in 24 × 3.5-oz cups and tubs. The average price is $1.99 per 3.5-oz container.

What is the Nutritional Profile of Nutro Dog Foods?

Nutro Dog Foods has an extensive range, which makes choosing the best food for your dog even more challenging. Below is a list of the estimated nutritional contents of each product group.

Nutro Natural Choice as a group contains near-average protein, below-average fat, and above-average carbs when compared to typical dry dog food. It appears to be a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat, even when considering the protein-boosting effect of the peas and flaxseed.

Nutro ULTRA dog foods contain above-average protein, below-average fat, and near-average carbs when compared to typical dry dog food. Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed and chia seed in this recipe, and the pea or potato protein contained in others, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Kibble contains below-average protein, near-average fat and above-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods. When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the lentils, chickpeas, potato protein and alfalfa meal, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

Nutro Hearty Stews have above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to other canned dog foods. When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas and dried peas, this looks like the profile of a canned product still containing a significant amount of meat.

Above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to other canned dog foods. Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, dried peas, dried potato and flaxseed, this still looks like the profile of canned dog food containing a notable amount of meat.

The range of Nutro Limited Ingredient Canned dog food has near-average protein, above-average fat, and above-average carbs when compared to typical wet dog food. Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the dried potato in this recipe and potato protein contained in the others, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing a moderate amount of meat. However, with 38% of the total calories in our example coming from fat versus just 27% from protein, some recipes may not be suitable for every animal.

Both Nutro Pate in Cups and Cuts in Gravy have above-average proteins, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to a typical wet dog food. Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the dried yams, this still looks like the profile of a moist dog food containing a significant amount of meat.

The Nutro Cups of Puppy food have above-average protein, below-average fat, and near-average carbs when compared to a typical wet dog food. Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, this looks like the profile of a wet dog food containing a significant amount of meat.

The Nutro Ultra Grain Free Dog Food in tubs have above-average protein, near-average fat, and near-average carbs when compared to typical wet dog food. Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed and chia seed, this looks like the profile of wet dog food containing a notable amount of meat.

Dog Food Care’s Choice of Best Nutro Dog Foods?

With a dog food brand as versatile as Nutro, it is almost impossible to choose a few best choices. Instead, Dog Food Care will list recommendations from the different Nutro sub-brands.

Best for Senior Dogs:

Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken, or Lamb is made with tasty chicken as the very first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein. It’s made with the special dietary needs of senior dogs in mind, including essential antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. Plus, calcium helps support strong bones and joints, and natural fiber supports healthy digestion.

Best for Puppies:

Nutro Natural Choice includes recipes formulated for larger breed puppies. Unlike small breed puppies who mature within their first six to eight months, large breed puppies remain young and playful until they are about 18 months to two years old. Those are the puppies that will benefit from the Nutro Natural Choice dry food that provides essential antioxidants for healthy immunity and natural fiber for healthy digestion. It’s formulated with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to help give your dog healthy skin and a soft, beautifully shiny coat, and it supports strong bones and joints as they develop.

Best for Weight Management:

Can you resist your precious pup’s begging eyes? Many dogs become obese because their owners love them to death. Instead, help your favorite canine companion get fit with nutritious and delicious Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food. Specially formulated for overweight adult dogs to help with healthy weight management, these tasty, dry recipes start with real chicken as the main ingredient.

Best for Dogs with Food-Related Allergies:

Nutro Limited Ingredient dog food is ideal for pet parents who are unsure which ingredient in dog foods causes allergic reactions. Nutro Limited Ingredient diets have no more than 10 ingredients, making it easier to identify the problem ingredient and change to something else. What makes this product more attractive is the range of limited ingredient dog food in cans for those dogs who prefer wet food. You can also use it as toppers to make the LID kibble more palatable.

Best for Budget:

Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice, and Chicken and Brown Rice, are both best for dog owners looking for good quality dog food at an affordable price. This is a good option at a price below $2.00 per pound because the recipe was designed to ensure optimal nutrition that boosts the dog’s immune system, strong bones, and lean muscles.

Is there a difference between Nutro and Ultra?

Nutro Ultra is for those seeking grain-inclusive dry food with more meat and better ingredients. It is a worthy upgrade over the Nutro Natural Choice product range.

What are the Feeding Guidelines of Nutro Dog Food?

Nutro Dry Dog Food can be served dry or lightly moistened, and you can also add any of the Nutro Toppers or Canned Stews. To help maintain freshness, Nutro recommends sealing the bag tightly and storing it in a cool, dry location. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to feeding your dog. Each dog has unique needs based on its life stage, overall health, metabolism, weight, and activity level. Therefore, you might need the following guidelines when deciding on your dog’s daily amount of kibble.

Growing puppies require more food than adult dogs.

• From age 1½ to 3 months old, feed puppies twice the adult amount.
• From 3 to 6 months, feed puppies 1½ times the adult amount.
• Between 6 and 12 months, feed puppies 1¼ times the adult amount.
• Dogs 12 months and older should get the adult amount of kibble.
• Females in gestation should have 25% to 50% more food than adults.
• Mama dogs can be allowed free feeding during the lactation period.

Transition to Nutro:

When switching diets, it’s important to transition your dog or puppy, as it takes time for the digestive system to adapt to the different nutrient levels in Nutro. Over a 5 to 7-day period, gradually mix in Nutro, increasing the amount each day so that by day seven, you are feeding 100% Nutro. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance if you are unsure about how much food to feed your canine companion.

What is the Nutritional Value of Carbohydrates in Nutro Dog Food?

The carbohydrates in Nutro dog foods serve as a primary fuel source and are a dog’s main source of glucose (energy). Carbs are not essential to a dog’s diet; however, they are associated with important vitamins, minerals, and plant-based nutrients.

Meat contains virtually no carbohydrates, but Nutro diets are also loaded with high-quality fruit and vegetables. Fruit has natural sugars that add to your dog’s daily carb count, and it also has vitamins and minerals your dog needs, making it one of the healthiest sources of carbs you can feed your dog.

What is the Nutritional Value of Proteins in Nutro Dog Food?

Protein produces energy and supplies your dog’s body with what it needs to create a solid structure (skin, muscles, and bones). The pup’s body cannot store protein, requiring a constant supply. Proteins are made up of amino acids; your dog requires 22 amino acids to produce the proteins necessary to survive. A dog’s body can naturally make about half of those amino acids, but the rest comes from your dog’s daily food.

As the name hints, essential amino acids are essential to your dog’s health but are sourced from food. Both the amount and the ratio of essential amino acids are critical. Nutro Dog Food ensures your dog’s body is fueled with enough protein each day. 

The type of protein, fish, meat, or poultry, is up to your dog’s taste preferences and any other specific dietary benefits the protein source may provide. And rest assured, combinations of real meat, fish, and poultry are always the primary building blocks of Nutro Dog Foods.

What is the Nutritional Value of Fat in Nutro Dog Food?

Fats protect your dog’s internal organs, regulate body temperature, and promote a healthy nervous system. However, not all fats are good for your dog, but Nutro carefully considers the fat’s source, quality, and quantity when formulating Nutro Dog Food.

Dogs require specific fatty acids that their bodies cannot produce naturally. These fats are called essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Omega-6 fatty acids are required for reproduction, growth, immune function, and skin and coat health. Dogs also require the Omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid in their diet, thus making it an essential fatty acid for dogs.

Since Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat, they serve as a source of calories for your dog. Growing puppies require a dietary source of the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA to help support the proper development and function of the brain, the central nervous tissue, and vision.

What is the quality of ingredients in Nutro Dog Food?

Nutro dog food is made from only the finest ingredients, and every step of formulating each diet is monitored and controlled from start to finish. Ingredients are selected to be rich in nutrients, full of flavor, and made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers. Nutro Dog Food Ingredients are fresh, passed fit for human consumption, and are preservative-free.

Nutro prides itself on its special dog food formulas. They only use natural, non-GMO ingredients and don’t use artificial colors or flavors. Nutro also avoids using wheat and soy products to reduce the gluten included in the formulations. 

• Chicken is first on most Nutro dog foods ingredient lists. Deboned chicken is highly valued for protein and fat. Nutro isn’t known to include animal by-products in their formulation, meaning no organs such as livers or spleens are included, which is not necessarily a good thing. Meat contains almost no carbs, but organ meats such as tripe, liver, and kidneys add about 5% carbs. 
• Raw chicken is known for its high moisture level, which may water down the nutritional benefits of a certain formulation. To remedy this, some chicken in Nutro dog foods is ground up. This way, the protein is concentrated and retains less moisture. 
• Lamb meat is higher in protein than chicken, and lower in moisture. It heightens the protein and calorie density of the foods where it’s present.
• Salmon is an oily meat, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which also comes with a delicious taste that entices even the pickiest of dogs. Salmon is also considered a low-mercury fish, so dogs can eat away happily without their owners worrying about mercury content.
• Beef is occasionally included in the ingredients for Nutro dog food products. It’s one of the most protein-dense meats and helps build strong muscles.
• Chicken fat, derived from chicken meats, is a highly soluble fat and is rich in Omega-6 fatty acids. Fats are necessary for a balanced diet for dogs. It helps develop healthy cells and a shiny coat. Dogs also really like the taste of fat, so this gives Nutro dog foods some well-received palatability.
• Flaxseed is a nutrient-rich ingredient, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to healthy skin and coat. Whole flaxseeds aid digestion as a great source of fiber. Flaxseed also contains compounds that aid in cardiovascular health and prevent cancer. The cardiovascular health properties of flaxseed include lowered blood pressure and improved kidney function.
• Sweet potatoes offer lots of dietary fiber and vitamins, including vitamin B2. Since they are rich in complex carbohydrates, they provide an excellent source of energy. They are also a substitute for grains; many dogs cannot tolerate grains in their diet, so sweet potatoes come to the rescue to give them the carbohydrates they need to stay healthy
• Chickpeas are among the safe beans for dogs, a rich source of protein, potassium, and magnesium. They’re packed with fiber, and filled with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are good fats essential for good nutrition.

Concern: The absence of probiotics in the Nutro dog food ingredients lists is concerning. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that are included in recipes to help dogs with healthy digestion and digestive tract. The exclusion of probiotics on the ingredient list is a negative, especially considering the brand claims to be holistic dog food.

What are the Customer Reviews for Nutro Dog Food Brand?

Customer reviews are essential as a tool when considering a change in your dog’s diet. Even though Nutro Petfood is a highly recommended dog food brand, it helps to see what other dog owners think. Amazon customer reviews of Nutro’s range of dog food show the results in the table below.

How does Dog Food Care Grade Nutro Dog Food?

After looking at all aspects of Nutro dog food, Dog Food Care recommends most of the range to dog owners. One negative is that Nutro’s kibble products cater to dogs older than one year. Although they include a few lines for small breed dogs, none of their products are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small breed puppies that do all their growth within their first six months after birth.

Furthermore, kibble formulated for puppies typically also meets the requirements of pregnant and lactating Mama Dogs, and although Nutro has an extensive range of dog foods, none of them are formulated for Mamas and their pups.

Owners of work dogs and very active canines companions typically look for dog foods containing large amounts of protein and calories. Nutro’s entire range focuses on low-calorie dog foods, leaving those dog owners without a Nutro option, and the same applies to dogs with chicken allergies.

However, Dog Food Care can confidently recommend Nutro for all the rest of the dog owners, with a 4-star rating. Nutro is a good option for those who want to feed their precious pooches more natural dog foods, free of GMOs and packed with natural, wholesome nutrition.

Is Nutro Dog Food good for a dog’s skin?

Yes, Nutro dog foods all have added Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which your furry friend needs to keep his skin healthy and his hair shiny.

Is Nutro Dog Food good for dogs with itchy skin problems?

Yes, if your dog’s itchy skin is food-related, all the Nutro Grain-Free recipes will be good choices to get your precious pup’s skin back to normal and keep it healthy. Except if the dog is sensitive to chicken and not grains.

Is Nutro Dog food good for puppies?

Yes, if you have a large breed puppy because Nutro’s dry kibble is suitable for dogs older than one year. 

Is Nutro Dog food good for older dogs?

Yes, Nutro formulated a kibble recipe specifically for the changed nutritional needs of your older dogs as they experience their golden years. Nutro Senior is designed with limited fat and fewer calories to prevent weight gain and maintenance of healthy weight. Nutro Senior also meets the AAFCO nutrient requirements for adult maintenance.

Is Nutro Dog Food healthy for dog growth?

Yes, all Nutro formulas for adult and large puppies have added docosahexaenoic acid. It is more commonly referred to as DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is obtained from salmon oil, and it assists with brain and vision development.

Is Nutro Dog Food expensive?

Nutro is not the most expensive dog food on the market, but many of the products are pricey. However, Nutro has several kibble products at affordable prices. Remember that you should always go for the highest quality dog food you can afford, even if it’s a little pricey. Dog food without quality ingredients could lead to health conditions and upset your dog’s stomach or cause even more severe health problems. A high-quality dog food could help you save big on your veterinarian bills eventually and ensure your dog has excellent overall health.

Is Nutro Dog Food AAFCO approved?

Yes, all the Nutro dog food formulas are approved as meeting the nutritional guidelines set out by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials).

Is Nutro Dog Food grain-free?

Nutro’s primary range is grain-free, with carbs from non-grain sources like beans, lentils, fruit, and vegetables.

What are the Fermentation Products in Nutro Dog Foods?

Nutro does not contain fermentation products that support healthy immune function by increasing the B-vitamins, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and lactic acid that fight off harmful bacteria. It’s also the ultimate source of probiotics. Various natural fermentation products feature reasonably low-down on the ingredient lists of Nutro dog foods. They include dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, and dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product.

Do Nutro Dog Foods contain Chelated Minerals?

The minerals listed for Nutro dog foods do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher-quality dog foods. Chelated minerals are chemically bonded to a protein or amino acid. 

Typically, this chemical bond enhances the absorption of the mineral, making it readily available when your dog needs it. Chelated minerals such as iron, chromium, and selenium absorb faster than non-chelated forms of the same minerals. All Nutro dog food recipes contain chelated minerals. These minerals are easier to absorb as they have been chemically attached to protein.

Is Nutro Dog Food a high-energy dog food?

Nutro formulas that contain ample amounts of protein include average to below-average levels of calories and fat, making them more suitable for low-activity dogs and seniors. Moreover, none of the Nutro kibble products are specifically formulated for high-energy canines.

Is Nutro Dog food produced in the USA?

Yes, Mars Inc., Nutro’s parent company, has two dry pet foods manufacturing facilities for NUTRO™ products located in Henderson, North Carolina, and Victorville, California. Their cans and trays also have wet food manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Sioux City, South Dakota.

Where to buy Nutro Dog Food products in the USA?

Nutro consistently monitors and tests the raw materials, production environment, processes, and finished products. Their manufacturing processes adhere to stringent and scientifically advanced food safety protocols to ensure the best nutrition for pets and great value to dog owners. 

Online retailers like Chewy and Amazon offer dog owners subscription services by which dog owners can place repeat orders for scheduled monthly or weekly deliveries.

Below is a list of suppliers of Nutro dog food.

• Amazon 
• Chewy
• Target
• Petsmart
• Petco
• Walmart

How is the Nutro Dog Food shipment speed?

The speed of Nutro shipments for orders placed online depends on the locations of both the buyer and the retailer. Each supplier has its delivery schedules, methods, and other logistic arrangements. The average waiting time from Chewy and Amazon is typically between one and three days.

Does Nutro dog food cause heart issues in dogs?

In July 2019, Nutro was one of 16 dog food brands named by the Food and Drug Administration as potential sources of the heightened risk of heart failure in dogs. However, since then, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that there is no scientific evidence that a grain-free diet causes canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Evidence shows that risk factors for DCM relate to a dog’s unique health situation and are not related to a grain-free diet.