Nulo FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe For Puppies (Canned) Review

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Review of Nulo FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe For Puppies (Canned)

According to our data, this Nulo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Nulo FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe For Puppies (Canned) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Nulo FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe For Puppies (Canned), we'll examine all 40 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  3. Salmon broth enhances the taste of the food making it more appealing to dogs, while also providing additional nutrients and hydration.

  4. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  5. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  6. Lentils are a high-quality, plant-based protein source that also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

  7. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  8. Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.

  9. Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and brain function. Mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, help preserve the oil, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value for your dog.

  10. Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  13. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  14. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  15. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

  16. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  17. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  18. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  19. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  20. Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.

  21. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  22. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  23. Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.

  24. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  25. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  26. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  27. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  28. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  29. Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.

  30. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  31. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  32. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  33. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  34. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  35. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  36. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

  37. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  38. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  39. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  40. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 9.50%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the chicken, chicken liver, and salmon. These ingredients are rich in animal proteins, which are essential for the growth and maintenance of a puppy's muscles and tissues. Chicken and salmon are high-quality sources of complete proteins, containing all the essential amino acids required by dogs. Chicken liver, in addition to being a protein source, is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The crude fat content is most likely derived from the chicken, salmon, and salmon oil. Fats are a crucial source of energy for puppies and contribute to the development of healthy skin and coat. Salmon oil is particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cognitive development and joint health. The inclusion of ground flaxseed may also contribute to the fat content, as flaxseed is a good plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.00%: The crude fiber in the food is relatively low, which is typical for canned pet food. The fiber comes from plant-based ingredients such as lentils, peas, chickpeas, and the added pumpkin. Fiber is important for digestive health, but because this is a canned product with higher moisture content, the fiber percentage is kept lower than what might be found in dry kibble.

Calories of 1093.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The calories in this pet food come from a combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken and salmon provide calories from proteins and fats, while ingredients like lentils, peas, chickpeas, and ground flaxseed contribute calories from carbohydrates and dietary fibers. The overall caloric density is important for ensuring that puppies receive enough energy for their rapid growth and high activity levels.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nulo FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe For Puppies (Canned) costs approximately $4.42 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $55.43
10 lbs $93.22
15 lbs $126.35
20 lbs $156.78
30 lbs $212.49
40 lbs $263.66
50 lbs $311.70
60 lbs $357.37
70 lbs $401.17
80 lbs $443.43
90 lbs $484.38
100 lbs $524.21

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have reported remarkable improvements in the health and vitality of their rescued puppies after switching to Nulo FreeStyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe. One customer specifically noted that their puppies, despite battling illnesses, gained weight and began to thrive on this diet, demonstrating a clear preference for the food.

Puppy owners have shared their enthusiasm for the palatability of the food, stating that their pets eagerly anticipate mealtime, especially when the food is served as a frozen treat mixed with kibble. This indicates that Nulo is not only nutritious but also enjoyable for puppies.

Although one puppy experienced digestive issues with the food at a young age, the owner intends to reintroduce it later, suggesting that the issue may be age-related rather than a problem with the food itself. Another dog showed a preference for a previous flavor, which highlights the importance of individual taste even among pets.

The brand has won over both puppies and adult dogs alike, with one customer's border collie showing a particular fondness for the food. Even in the case where a dog's preference changed after the owner had purchased a case, the customer's willingness to donate the food instead of returning it suggests a level of satisfaction with the brand's quality overall.