Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Recipe For Puppies

According to our data, this Nulo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Recipe For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 47 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 meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Oats are a wholesome grain that provides an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. They can help support healthy digestion and provide long-lasting energy, contributing to your dog's overall well-being.

  4. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  5. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  6. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  7. Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid) is a source of essential fatty acids which can improve skin and coat health, as well as provide a concentrated source of energy.

  8. 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.

  9. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

  10. 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.

  11. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, promoting your dog's heart health and bone health.

  12. Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.

  13. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  14. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  15. 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.

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

  17. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  18. Dried blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system, eye health, and overall well-being. This ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and nutritious.

  19. Dried apple is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and overall well-being. It also provides a natural sweetness that dogs enjoy.

  20. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

  21. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

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

  23. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  24. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

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

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

  27. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

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

  32. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

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

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

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

  36. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

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

  38. 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.

  39. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

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

  41. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

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

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

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

  46. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  47. 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

The guaranteed analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 27.00% is primarily contributed by the animal-based ingredients such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and deboned turkey. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of animal protein because they are rendered and contain less water than fresh meat, thus providing a significant amount of protein. The inclusion of dried egg product also adds to the protein content.

Crude fat at a minimum of 16.00% is largely provided by the chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of animal fat and is rich in essential fatty acids. Chicken fat is preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, which are natural preservatives. Additionally, salmon oil and ground flaxseed contribute to the fat content, with salmon oil being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

The maximum crude fiber content of 4.00% comes from the plant-based ingredients such as oats, barley, brown rice, ground miscanthus grass, and dried chicory root. These ingredients contain varying amounts of fiber which help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Miscanthus grass is a less common ingredient but is known for its fiber content.

The calorie content of 3654.00 per kg is influenced by the overall macronutrient profile (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) of the food. High protein and fat levels, as seen in this food, typically result in higher calorie content. The grains such as oats, barley, and brown rice provide carbohydrates that also contribute to the caloric value of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $2.80 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $10.50
10 lbs $17.65
15 lbs $23.93
20 lbs $29.69
30 lbs $40.24
40 lbs $49.93
50 lbs $59.03
60 lbs $67.67
70 lbs $75.97
80 lbs $83.97
90 lbs $91.73
100 lbs $99.27

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have tried Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Recipe for Puppies have shared a mix of experiences. Many have praised the food for its high-quality ingredients and health benefits. For instance, one Lab puppy owner reported a shiny coat, great energy, and healthy digestion after switching to Nulo, while another mentioned their dog's firm stools and enjoyment of the food. A new puppy parent appreciated that the food is grain-inclusive and felt confident in the protein sources, observing immediate improvements in their pup's digestion and overall health.

However, some puppies, particularly those with sensitive stomachs like a lab/husky mix, experienced digestive issues such as diarrhea, which suggests that while the food has many benefits, it may not be suitable for all dogs. One customer found the food's aroma lacking, indicating that their dog was not overly enthusiastic about the taste. Another noted that despite the food's good ingredients, their dogs developed itching and watery eyes, suggesting a possible allergic reaction.

Several reviews also highlighted the food's palatability, with dogs being eager to eat it and showing positive growth and health outcomes. One owner of a Doodle and her puppies reported excellent results with thick, soft fur and solid poops. Another customer, who had a Bernedoodle, found that the puppy showed a new excitement for mealtime after transitioning to Nulo.

Some reviews mentioned concerns about the food's grain content and potential link to health issues, but one customer, after consulting with veterinarians, decided to choose Nulo for their emotional support animal, noting improved mealtime enthusiasm and playfulness. Lastly, a few customers were disappointed with the food's performance, experiencing adverse reactions during the transition period, but these cases highlight the importance of carefully monitoring a pet's response to new foods and consulting with a veterinarian when necessary.