Your dog depends on you in everything. Similarly to how you raise your child, you make all the decisions concerning your pet, and the results are almost entirely up to you – how you train them, when you walk them, whether you keep them healthy, how much love you give them, and, of course, what you feed them.
A well-balanced diet can undoubtedly prolong your furry friend’s life, and there probably is no dog owner in the entire world who doesn’t want that. On the contrary – people get really close to their dogs and develop an exceptional kind of relationship.
Some owners take it as far as buying pet furniture, crazy outfits, and basically adjusting their whole house to their pets. However, here we are going to focus on only one, but a very important topic – how to feed your dog to keep them happy and healthy. Which types of dog food are the best? Should you research reviews?
One of the leading companies in the pet food industry is Nutro. They are definitely among those that you can trust when it comes to dog food products. Their transparency and strict rules allow them to gain more and more loyal customers, and they have been doing so since 1926. You can see they have a long-lasting tradition of producing both healthy and tasty delicacies for our beloved pets.
They have always been innovative, consistently providing pets and their owners with delicious and nutritious meals. Nowadays, their facilities are still top-notch, and they keep improving their already great products. What’s more, their offer is only expanding, as their experts bear pets of all breeds, sizes, and ages in mind, no matter their individual needs.
Here, we will deliver you Nutro Dog Food Reviews, so that you can find the perfect product for you furry best friend.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HISTORY
It all started in the 1930s with John, Herman, and Albert Saleen, who owned a fox farm where they developed their own food for foxes. It wasn’t long before they started preparing wet dog food, which was distributed through Kal Kan.
In 1952, John Saleen, who took over the company five years before, renewed the Nutro Dog Food Company trademark that had been used in the 1930s by the Herben Serois family.
In the 1970s, the oldest of three Saleen children, Steve, started improving the family company, reforming all aspects of the manufacturing, deliveries, and sales. He developed marketing ideas, designed the layout of stores for maximum efficiency; he was the one who created the modern Nutro logo.
When it became evident that the following generations of the Saleen family have no interest in dog food, Nutro was sold. Under the new management, Dr. Sharon Machlik developed a whole new line of meals, called Max, made with lamb, chicken, and rice. They gave up on the traditional advertisement, and started educating – they created books on the dietary needs of dogs and cats, conducted research, proving why their foods can benefit pets better than other brands. Their retailers could use all this data as a marketing tool.
In 2007, the company was acquired by Mars, Inc., its headquarters moved to Tennessee, and it was the beginning of the company that we know today.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG FOODS
The experts from Nutro know all the mysteries of various dog breeds, so they understand that there’s no one universal type of food suitable for all breeds, sizes, ages, conditions, etc. That’s why Nutro is constantly working on new recipes – so that you can enjoy a wide range of lines and choose the one that suits your dog’s nutrition needs best. It’s no wonder that the brand has received so many praises for its customized foods. Each kind of meal delivers all the necessary nutrients to keep dogs of all ages healthy and energized.
Apart from the wet food/dry food distinction, the most common distinction when it comes to dog food is by the age of a dog; Nutro is no different here. They offer lines of products for puppies, adults, and seniors. Similarly to humans, canines’ metabolism changes throughout their life. Always consult with your vet when you feel like you should switch your Fido’s diet; never make this decision on your own.
However, dogs of similar age still aren’t the same, as they may vary significantly in size. That’s why separate product lines are depending on the size of your dog. There are three main categories of Nutro dog food: small, medium, and large breeds (though many people also distinguish toy and extra-large breeds).
- Puppy dog food is developed for dogs who are one year old or younger. They contain a lot of nutrients necessary for growth, strengthening the immune system and bones.
- Adult dog food is created for canines in their prime that need to stay healthy and energized. These meals support healthy skin and coat, strong teeth and bones, healthy digestion, and energy. Some companies produce a line of Young adult dog food for dogs who aren’t puppies anymore, but are still developing and require more nutrients than adults. These foods tend to be lower in calories and aim for the right weight management.
- Senior dog food is specially designed to help keep canines’ bones strong, boost their immunity, and support brain health so that each elderly dog can stay with their owner for longer.
INGREDIENTS
Nutro knows that all the components that they put in their foods matter equally. Dogs’ stomachs differ significantly from those of humans, so their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly. Usually, meat is the number one ingredient in almost all of Nutro products. Additionally, some recipes include Omega-6 fatty acids that are very important for canines’ health and development. In fact, the formula including these acids in dog food has been patented by Nutro.
It’s yet another proof of the devotion and expertise these people have in the dog nourishing field.
Nutro uses almost 200 different components in all of their recipes. The most common ingredients used are chicken, chicken meal, whole brown or brewers rice, and chicken fat. You will find them in most of our Nutro Dog Food reviews.
However, what’s more important than the present ingredients are the components not included in Nutro products. You won’t find there any corn, poultry by-products, soy, or wheat – no allergens that can upset your dog’s little tummy. None of these are suitable for canines, especially if these components are mixed with real meat.
All ingredients used by Nutro in their dog food are easily traceable, responsibly-sourced, and come only from verified suppliers – all reviews can agree on that.
QUALITY IS THE PRIORITY
Nutro lives by the motto, “quality starts with me.” That’s why they perform around 600 quality checks each day at their factories. Only natural components are used for their products and no artificial preservatives. Each Nutro dog food review highlights that.
Checks are performed at all stages of production, even after products have ben finished. Nothing leaves the factory to be shipped until it meets all the requirements and standards of the company and official regulations. The big advantage of Nutro is that there are no 3rd parties involved in packing their products. They do it all themselves; therefore, they have 100% control over the process. They are entirely transparent – what you see on the label is what you get when you buy it.
THE MOST POPULAR FORMULAS
Now that you different types of dog foods (those for specific sizes and life stages), you probably want to know what’s next – are these the only differences? Well, no. Dogs, just like people, can struggle with various conditions and issues that can be influenced by the right diet. Therefore, years of research, studies, and tests resulted in multiple dog food formulas, and the most common of them we are discussing below.
FORMULA FOR DOGS WITH SENSITIVE STOMACH
Similarly to humans, canines can suffer from various stomach sensitivities, food allergies, and intolerances. If you notice chronic vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or any stool problems in your dog, it may mean that you should switch to a limited ingredient diet. Luckily for you, food companies, including Nutro, took this under consideration while developing various product lines. The recipes for sensitive stomach usually include fish and lamb for protein, and highly digestible carbs. Digestive health is essential for the right development and happy life, and Nutro takes care to offer help with sensitivities for canines of all breeds, ages, and sizes.
LITE & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FORMULA
A canine diet diet needs to be carefully watched when it comes to both its ingredients and portions. Most canines can’t really tell when they are full – that’s because their stomachs have an incredible ability to store much more food than humans’ – so it has to be you who controls their feeding. Fortunately, dog food companies – Nutro as well – offer you significant help.
If your dog has particular problems with weight management or they already are overweight, there are two possible ways for you to deal with it.
The lite formula is recommended for canines that are a little overweight, as it helps to achieve the desired weight, but it shouldn’t be implemented for life.
The weight management recipe will help you keep your pup in shape. The key to this diet is that it’s high in fiber and low in calories, so it supports healthy digestion and absorbing the necessary nutrients. Thanks to that, your dog will feel full and will stop asking for more food. So if your veterinarian expresses any concerns about your four-legged friend’s health and weight, this is the way to go.
Another proof that Nutro cares about our pets is the fact that they don’t try to sell you more and more food. They recommend reducing the overall intake of your dog to make sure that all canines stay healthy, even if it means eating less, which can eventually lead to a dip in sales.
THE HIGH ENDURANCE FORMULA
They say that a dog and their owner always look a little alike, and there is some truth to it. Pets often mimic the behaviors and the lifestyle of their owners. So if you are into sports and you often go jogging, then there are chances you do it with your dog. Right?
It can benefit you both, but if that’s the case, you should consider putting your dog on the proper diet, just like you probably have put yourself on one. The High Endurance Formula is the way to go, as it’s high in protein and will keep your Fido energized.
It may be suitable for all ages, as long as your dog moves a lot and doesn’t have any problems with bones and joints. Thanks to this recipe, your furry best friend will get around 30% protein and 20% fat. This combination will provide them with large amounts of energy throughout the day; it’s also perfect for muscle recovery. All you have to do then is simply enjoy these giant dog leaps when you throw them a Frisbee.
With this formula, Nutro ensures that your dog gets enough fat and protein to go actively throughout the day. It’s ideal for dogs that do sports with their owners, but also for those who work, for example, with police.
GRAIN-FREE FORMULA
More and more people discover that they can’t tolerate grains or gluten like they should, which upsets their stomachs and leads to digestive problems. Understandably, they begin to think if their pets can suffer from similar issues, especially that many people seem to believe that dogs should eat just like they would eat in the wild – mainly raw meat and fresh plants.
While it’s not true that canines can’t digest grains at all, your Fido may be more sensitive to them. In this case, you will need to switch to a grain-free diet. Here, Nutro also has lots to offer. The company doesn’t use any cheap substitutes, and they focus mainly on meat, filling it only with nutritious components. Please check below our Nutro Dog Food reviews, we hope you will find it helpful!
NUTRO DOG FOOD REVIEWS
To give you an idea about Nutro’s specifics products, out team of experts have prepared several dog food reviews.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Adult Farm Raised Chicken
Product available from Chewy
This delicious dry food was specially developed to nourish large and extra-large breeds. It contains only high-quality ingredients, carefully chosen to provide complete daily nutrition for your dog’s unique needs. If you have your own furry giant at home, they will be grateful for feeding them these tasty meals that, besides great taste, have all the essential nutrients to support healthy joints, the immune system, and energy supplies.
- for adult dogs of large, extra large and giant breeds
- farm-raised chicken as the number one ingredient provides large canines with protein necessary to stay energized
- naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin support your giant’s healthy joints
- all the essential antioxidants to keep your dog healthy and immune
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids maintain a healthy and shiny coat
- non-GMO components
- no poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives
- crude protein: min. 21%
- crude fat: min. 13%
- crude fiber: max. 3.5%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food
Made with fewer components, this dry food will help you control what you feed your dog and what may be their food sensitivities. These natural meals for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes support healthy digestion, strong muscles, and overall cellular health. This non-GMO, as-natural-as-possible recipe, will keep your Fido happy and active for the years to come.
- grass-fed lamb as the number one ingredient will provide your dog with essential protein to stay energized, and amino acids to build strong muscles
- highly digestible, limited ingredient recipe to support healthy digestion, even in dogs with sensitive stomachs
- necessary antioxidants to support the strong immune system to prolong your Fido’s life and make it endlessly happy
- non-GMO food made with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- natural, high-quality components sourced from trusted, traceable suppliers
- crude protein: min. 22%
- crude fat: min. 14%
- crude fiber: max. 3.5%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food
If your dog is overweight or less active for some reason, this food is the perfect choice to keep them in shape. The ideal blend of quality protein, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils makes the entire recipe both delicious and healthy. Decide on it and rest assured that you provide your four-legged best friend with complete and well-balanced meals.
- three sources of animal protein – farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, and salmon – support lean and strong muscles
- the perfect blend of protein and fat to keep your dog energized
- whole grains to help healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
- superfoods essential for weight management without sacrificing the delicious taste
- antioxidants to maintain a strong immune system and healthy heart
- glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, corn, soy, wheat
- crude protein: min. 23%
- crude fat: min. 10%, max. 13%
- crude fiber: max. 4%
- moisture: 10%
Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Toy Breed available at Chevy.com
This holistic superfood blend is everything your tiny friend may need. It was developed by a team of experts to fulfill all the needs of small, extra small, and toy breeds, delivering the right amounts of protein, antioxidants, fats, and carbs. All of these benefits come in the form of incredibly delicious dog food. It’s the perfect choice if you look for something to keep your mini four-legged friend happy and eager to play.
- for all small, extra small and toy-breed adult dogs
- chicken as the first ingredient for healthy protein as the energy source
- complementary amino acids to keep the muscles strong and lean
- easily digestible components suitable for sensitive stomachs
- special components, such as omega fatty acids, to promote healthy skin and shiny coat
- no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, peas
- crude protein: min. 27%
- crude fat: min. 16%
- crude fiber: max. 4%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Crunchy with Real Mixed Berries Dog Treats
Nutro Dog Treats
If you use treats for training or you simply love to treat your dog, but you’re afraid that treats have too many calories, this is the product you’ve been looking for. With only five calories per treat, you don’t have to worry about ruining your Fido’s diet. What’s more, each treat is packed with healthy protein, and they are all made of high-quality, responsibly-sourced components so that they can be a part of every well-balanced diet.
- each crunchy and tasty treat of only five calories can be used as a treat of a part of the training
- with a dose of flavor and protein, it’s a great addition to a healthy and well-balanced diet
- safe for canines with sensitive stomachs
- non-GMO
- no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial components
- comes in an easy-to-use, resealable pack
- crude protein: min. 12%
- crude fat: min. 6.5%
- crude fiber: max. 2%
- moisture: max. 11%
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Bites Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nutro Small Bites Adult
This specially-developed for small dogs recipe is suitable even for the tiniest of our furry friends; even the kibble is much smaller than usual to make it easier for canines with tiny teeth. With pasture-fed lamb as the first ingredient, it will provide your Fido with all the nutrients they require to stay healthy, strong, and happy. This food serves up only the best ingredients that your dog will fall in love with.
- wholesome dry food for adult dogs of small, extra small and toy breeds
- pasture-fed lamb – the number one ingredient – is the rich source of protein and amino acids to build muscles, support healthy metabolism and keep your dog energized
- zinc and omega-6 fatty acid help to maintain healthy skin and coat
- carefully-developed recipe for boosting the immune system
- suitable for canines with sensitive stomachs
- non-GMO food with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors
- crude protein: min. 22%
- crude fat: min. 14%
- crude fiber: max. 3.5%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nutro Large Breed Adult Lamb Dry Dog Food
This clean, wholesome food was created to fulfill the big requirements of all large-breed dogs. It has everything a good recipe should have – real, deboned lamb as the first ingredient, great flavors, and all the necessary nutrients. With natural fiber, only premium components, no GMO or artificial components, this is the perfect choice even for the most sensitive stomachs.
- real meat from pasture-fed, deboned lamb enriched with essential minerals and vitamins will provide every large adult dog with complete and holistic meals daily
- thanks to glucosamine and chondroitin, your dog’s hips and joints will remain healthy and strong, despite their size
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and smooth, shiny coat
- no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- non-GMO, clean recipe
- crude protein: min. 21%
- crude fat: min. 13%
- crude fiber: max. 3.5%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
If you worry that you don’t provide your furry giant with enough nutrients, you can put your mind at ease. This Nutro Ultra recipe was developed by the team of veterinary specialists so that you don’t have to worry anymore if your dog gets enough protein or vitamins and minerals to thrive. It contains only high-quality ingredients, no artificial or GMO components, and a holistic blend of superfoods to make sure that your Fido stays vibrant and healthy.
- for adult dogs of large breeds
- a nutritious trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon – with real chicken as the number one ingredient – to keep your lovely giant satisfied and eager to move
- complementary amino acids to make sure that your dog’s muscles stay lean and strong
- healthy joints, sharp mind, strong immune system – all of that thanks to the mix of glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants
- beneficial vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, shiny coat, better eyesight and hearing
- no artificial components, wheat, soy, corn, or peas
- crude protein: min. 23%
- crude fat: min. 12%
- crude fiber: max. 4%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult Farm Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult
This wholesome recipe, made with non-GMO, high-quality ingredients, was specially formulated to fulfill the unique needs of all small, extra small, and toy breeds. Tiny size doesn’t mean fewer needs, but it certainly means different requirements. This crunchy kibble delivers all the necessary protein, fiber, fat, vitamins, and minerals for your tiny furry friend to thrive, stay healthy, and run around happily.
- the most nutritious food for all adult smaller-breed dogs
- suitable for canines with sensitive stomachs – the recipe enriched with natural fiber for easier digestion
- omega fatty acids for a glossy coat and healthy skin
- complete and holistic food made with no GMO-components, contains no poultry by-products, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial preservatives, flavors or colors
- crude protein: min. 24%
- crude fat: min. 15%
- crude fiber: max. 5%
- moisture: max. 10%
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
This Nutro Ultra unique formula was created by a dedicated team of experts to keep our tiniest friends healthy and content. Combined protein sources and amino acids take care of your dog’s energy levels, immune system, and overall health condition. Your Fido will not only look but also feel much better. Thanks to the highly digestible mix of natural ingredients, this product is also suitable for canines struggling with sensitive stomachs.
- the wholesome recipe that will meet all the needs of adult small, extra small and toy-breed canines
- real chicken as the first ingredient enriched by other sources of animal protein – lamb and salmon – to promote lean, strong muscles and high energy levels
- easily digestible mix for healthier, more comfortable digestion
- antioxidants, minerals and vitamins for a better-looking coat, healthier skin, eyesight and hearing, and stronger immune system
- made with no GMO, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy
- crude protein: min. 26%
- crude fat: min. 15%
- crude fiber: max. 4%
- moisture: max. 10%
CONCLUSION
With every dog food review, Nutro confirms to be one of the leaders of the dog food market. It can be confusing considering the number of different types of products; the wide choice is an advantage, but it may be hard to find your place in the abundance of offers. However, as you can see, taking care of your dog’s nutrition is not so hard when you trust professionals, such as devoted experts from Nutro; each dog food review will tell you so. Remember to always consult with a veterinary specialist to be sure that you know all of your dog’s needs and requirements. Go for top quality, proven products, and enjoy a happy (and long) life with your dog by your side.
FAQ
Here, our experts answer some of the most frequently asked questions by dog owners researching dog foods, reading each dog food review and seeking the best possible option.
Is Nutro dog food of good quality?
Nutro specialists pride themselves on being the creators of healthy, wholesome, and holistic meals. It’s natural not to believe everything you hear or read, especially when it comes to advertising. However, almost one hundred years of history should speak for the company. According to surveys, there are thousands of people who claim to have been buying Nutro for their pets for more than ten years. You can also find thousands of reviews online that will confirm it. The benefits of Nutro products are scientifically proven – all of their recipes were created based on studies of pets and their unique needs. They offer a variety of feeds for you to choose from, depending on your dog’s size, age, breed, and overall health condition, even preferences. It’s not a coincidence that Nutro has been present on the pet food market for so long now, and they continue to gain more and more loyal customers.
Is Nutro dog food healthy for puppies?
Wholesome nutrition is crucial for every living organism, but it’s especially important when one is growing and adapting to the world, like a little puppy. Puppies up to one year old (on average) need to have all of their nutrition needs met in order to develop properly and lead a long and healthy life.
They have higher requirements for many nutrients, and Nutro is one of the companies that understand it. Their experts care about all dogs’ proper development. They know that a large-breed puppy needs different nutrition than a toy-breed puppy, and they supply well-balanced, holistic feeds for all of them.
But still, you should keep a close eye on your furry best friends. Some canines are born with food allergies and intolerances, and the soon you are able to recognize them, the better for your pup, as you will know that you need to switch their diet. Their little tummies will be grateful.
One of the most common mistakes is switching to adult food too soon when a pup is still growing and developing. That’s why it’s essential to remember to keep a dog on a puppy diet as long as a veterinarian recommends it.
Is Nutro trustworthy?
Nutro is well-known for sourcing all their ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers who care about the quality of their products; they aren’t all from the US, but these never are shady farms that use questionable farming methods. Also, you won’t find any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors in meals prepared by Nutro experts, as well as meat by-products, oatmeals, and other potentially harmful components. They always promise clean ingredients, which means that they are real and GMO-free – and every Nutro dog food review confirms it’s true.
However, Nutro has been recalled several times for different reasons (with the most recent recall from almost five years ago). For example, the most recent affair involved a potential mold problem. There were also accusations about incorrect levels of zinc and potassium, plastic pieces found in food, and melamine contamination.
It’s important to remember, though, that it’s impossible to find a brand that would be 100% free of any accusations. And in comparison to other pet food companies, Nutro still remains one of the most worthy of their customers’ trust, as you can be absolutely sure that you won’t find any GMO of artificial ingredients in their products. Thousands of positive, enthusiastic reviews can’t be wrong.
Where can I buy Nutro dog food?
The most popular place that offers the widest choice of dog foods, including Nutro foods, is Amazon. They offer reasonable prices and deals and cheap (or free) home delivery. Apart from that, you can find Nutro products at Chewy.com, Pet360.com, Petco.com, Petflow.com, Petsmart.com, Petsupermarket.com, and Wag.com, as well as in brick-and-mortar pet food stores in the USA.
