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Nutro Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Expert’s Opinion

Written by: Kerry-Ann Kerr

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Kerry-Ann Kerr

Nutro Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Expert’s Opinion

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.

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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 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 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

    A Quick Look at Nutro Dog Food

    Pros
    • Made in the U.S.
    • 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.

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    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 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 an 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

    divider-dog pawWhat 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.

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    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.

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