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Product Review

Nutro Pet Food Review (Brand) - Complete Buyer’s Guide

Petful
PetfulPublished May 30, 2024
nutro pet food image

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Pros

  • Diverse product lines for different needs
  • Non-GMO ingredients in some recipes
  • High-quality protein sources
  • Focus on safety and quality control

Cons

  • High carbohydrate content in some formulas
  • Some recipes contain controversial ingredients like peas and beet pulp

Product Comparison

Product LineProduct Name AAFCO
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice G
Nutro Natural Choice Senior Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice M
Nutro Natural Choice Senior Lamb and Brown Rice M
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Large Breed Healthy Weight Chicken and Rice M
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Nutro Pet Food Key Information

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This comprehensive Nutro pet food review is brought to you by Petful, the leading source for pet food recalls for over a decade. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you make an informed purchase. 

Rating: Is Nutro Pet Food Good?

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Highest rating as of April 4, 2024, follow the links to see updated ratings.

Pros and Cons

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Nutro Pet Food Recalls

  • There have been Nutro Pet Food recalls. Check the updated Nutro recall history here. Check our updated Pet Food Recall Center here.

Recall disclaimer: Recalls don’t necessarily reflect a brand’s overall quality. They are often precautionary, aimed at ensuring pet safety. Consider the specifics of each recall when choosing products.

Complaints, Issues, and Controversies

  • Customer Affairs: https://www.nutro.com/contact-us ConsumerAffairs: Nutro Pet Food 1-star reviews
  • ConsumerAffairs: FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses Amazon: Nutro Adult Dry Dog Food 1-star reviews

Products and Ingredients

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Controversial Ingredients and Additives

  • Fish Meal: Quality varies greatly, and it may contain harmful levels of heavy metals.Check out dogster's: "What Is Fish Meal in Dog Food? Vet Approved Safety Facts & FAQ"
  • Pea Protein: Used as a cheap protein booster, but lacks some amino acids essential for pets.
  • Pork Blood Plasma: It's a by-product and its nutritional value can be inconsistent.Check out DogFoodAdvisor's: "The Truth About Animal By-Products in Dog Food"
  • Potato Protein: Another plant-based protein that lacks the full amino acid profile pets need.Check out Petful's: "Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Everything You Need To Know"
  • Powdered Cellulose: Often seen as a cheap filler with no nutritional benefit.Check out dogster's: "What Is Powdered Cellulose in Dog Food?"
  • Brewers Rice: A by-product of rice milling, often considered a lower-quality grain.
  • Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal: More suited to herbivores, not considered ideal for carnivorous pets.

The presence of certain ingredients doesn't alone determine a dog food's quality. It depends on the overall recipe, ingredient quality, and the dog's unique needs. Opinions on these ingredients vary among experts, and research is ongoing.

Nutro Pet Food Overview

Nutro dog food positions itself as a blend of tradition and innovation, tracing its roots back to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Saleen brothers, who transitioned from fox food to canine nutrition in 1933, and Herben Serois, an early pioneer in pet food production. The brand's history is a tapestry woven from the ambitions of these two parties, with the Saleen brothers eventually taking the helm and infusing the Nutro line with their insights and aspirations. Aimed at leveraging both the Nutro name and their local credibility.

Nutro Pet Food claims to build on its rich heritage while adapting to modern nutritional standards and consumer expectations. This complex lineage, coupled with strategic business decisions and a focus on marketing and efficiency improvements under Stephen Saleen's guidance, aims to ensure Nutro's position in the competitive pet food market.

Petful's Nutro Pet Food Review

Nutro Dog Food blends tradition with innovation, rooted in the collaborative efforts of the Saleen brothers and Herben Serois since 1933, evolving under Mars Petcare since 2007. Its popular sub-brands like Natural Choice, Ultra, and Limited Ingredient Diet cater to various dietary needs, from grain-inclusive options to specialized formulas for food sensitivities. Pros include high-quality protein sources and non-GMO ingredients, catering to a range of dietary preferences and needs.

However, the brand faces criticism for high carbohydrate content in some recipes and past recalls that raise concerns about consistency and safety. In conclusion, Nutro offers a diverse range of options with commendable qualities like non-GMO ingredients and tailored diets, though vigilance regarding recalls and ingredient scrutiny is advised for discerning pet owners.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutro offers a diverse selection of dog food, including three dry dog food lines and two wet dog food lines. Their product range is designed to cater to various dietary needs and preferences, with the Wet Ultra line standing out as a preferred choice among their offerings. Each line is formulated with attention to nutritional value and safety, ensuring a balanced diet for different dog breeds and sizes.

The Nutro Company, Inc. is not owned by Purina but is a subsidiary of Mars Incorporated. Nutro develops and manufactures various brands of dog and cat food, including Max, Wholesome Essentials, Ultra, Wild Frontier, and Crave, as well as Greenies dental treats.

Explore More Options for Dog Food

  • Acana Dog Food Taste Of The Wild Dog Food Purina One Dog Food

A Final Word (Disclaimer)

At Petful, our review integrity is paramount; we never exchange special treatment in our reviews for monetary or material rewards.

Nonetheless, when our readers click through to online merchants (including Chewy or Amazon), we receive a referral commission. This supports the running of our free blog, and we appreciate your backing.

For additional information, kindly refer to our Disclaimer and Discourse Section.

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Verdicts

Nutro Dog Food: (4/5)
Natural Choice: (4.7/5)

Petful Verdict

Recommended

Petful Review

Conclusion

Based on the focus on quality ingredients and manufacturing practices, Nutro Dog Food is recommended for its health benefits, catering to diverse dietary needs with a commitment to safety and nutritional integrity.

Sources

  1. Dog Food Advisor
  2. Amazon
  3. Chewy

Reviewed By

Vet-Approved Content - Reviewed By The <a href="/team/" title="Petful team">Petful Team</a>

Petful is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on this page.

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Jump to Section

  • Nutro Pet Food Key Information
  • Rating: Is Nutro Pet Food Good?
  • Pros and Cons
  • Nutro Pet Food Recalls
  • Complaints, Issues, and Controversies
  • Products and Ingredients
  • Controversial Ingredients and Additives
  • Nutro Pet Food Overview
  • Petful's Nutro Pet Food Review
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • Explore More Options for Dog Food
  • A Final Word (Disclaimer)

Key Information

Brand
Nutro Pet Food
Company
Mars Incorporated
Country
USA
Age Range
Since 1931
Price
<a href="https://www.nutro.com/shop-dogs" rel="sponsored">Check for updated pricing here</a>
Recalls
There have been recalls, according to our research.

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