Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review

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Review of Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe For Small Breed Dogs

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

Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe For Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dogs and growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, 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. 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.

  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. Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.

  10. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and nutritious dog food.

  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. 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. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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

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

  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

Crude Protein (min) of 27.00%: The high protein content in this dog food is primarily provided by the animal-based ingredients such as deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, and deboned whitefish. These ingredients are rich in protein, which is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in dogs. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered products with moisture removed, which makes them more protein-dense than fresh meat.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat content is mainly derived from ingredients like chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Additionally, flaxseed and salmon oil contribute to the fat content, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: The fiber in the food comes from plant-based ingredients such as oats, barley, brown rice, ground miscanthus grass, and dried chicory root. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, providing bulk to help with stool formation and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Miscanthus grass is not a common ingredient in pet foods but is included as a source of fiber. Chicory root is a prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Calories of 3742.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food, which comes from all macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, deboned turkey, chicken meal, and chicken fat are likely the most calorie-dense ingredients. Carbohydrates from oats, barley, and brown rice also contribute to the overall caloric content, providing energy for daily activities.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $3.00 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $10.99$17.17
10 lbs $18.48$28.88
15 lbs $25.05$39.14
20 lbs $31.08$48.57
30 lbs $42.13$65.83

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed satisfaction with the Nulo FrontRunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Recipe, particularly for small breed dogs. One owner of a Pomeranian/Poodle mix and a Labradoodle noted that their pets enjoyed the food, although they did experience some digestive discomfort initially. On the other hand, the food has been a hit with picky eaters, with one customer reporting that their dog, who would often refuse to eat, now eagerly consumes the Nulo brand.

Several reviews highlight the benefits of the food's ingredients, like the inclusion of ancient grains over legumes, which is appreciated by owners who are conscious about their dogs' diets. The food's compatibility with sensitive stomachs has also been praised, with one owner sharing that their dog, who has a sensitive stomach, has had healthier digestion since switching to Nulo.

While some negative feedback mentioned dogs refusing to eat the food or issues with kibble size, these reviews are countered by positive experiences where dogs have shown a preference for Nulo over other brands. The kibble size, although not perfect for every small breed, has been well-received by many small dogs. Additionally, the brand's attention to quality ingredients and a dog's overall health has turned many dog owners into loyal customers. The velcro seal on the packaging has also been noted as a convenient feature for maintaining the food's freshness.