Skip to content 
Nutro is frequently positioned as a “natural” dog food brand, appealing to pet owners who want simpler ingredient lists without artificial preservatives. This review evaluates Nutro from an ingredient quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and real world use perspective rather than marketing claims.
The goal is to help you decide whether Nutro is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, health status, and dietary sensitivity.
What Is Nutro Dog Food?
Nutro is a US based dog food brand focused on natural ingredient positioning. The brand emphasizes real meat as the first ingredient, non GMO sourcing claims, and avoidance of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Nutro products are formulated to meet the nutritional standards established by AAFCO for dogs at various life stages.
Brand Ownership and Manufacturing
Nutro is owned by Mars Petcare, one of the largest pet food manufacturers globally. Other Mars brands include Royal Canin and Pedigree.
Manufacturing occurs primarily in the United States, with company stated quality controls including ingredient testing and finished product verification. Like most large manufacturers, Nutro sources ingredients both domestically and internationally.
Ingredient Quality Breakdown
Protein Sources
Nutro formulas typically use named animal proteins such as chicken, lamb, or salmon as the first ingredient. This is preferable to unnamed meat meals or by products.
However, many formulas also include plant based proteins such as peas or chickpeas, which can inflate crude protein percentages without adding equivalent biological value.
Carbohydrates
Grain inclusive recipes commonly use brown rice, oatmeal, or barley. Grain free recipes rely on legumes and potatoes.
From a nutritional standpoint, neither approach is inherently superior, but legume heavy diets remain under scrutiny due to potential links to canine dilated cardiomyopathy under investigation by the FDA.
Fats and Oils
Nutro uses chicken fat and fish oil as primary fat sources. These provide essential fatty acids, including omega 6 and omega 3, supporting skin and coat health.
Additives and Supplements
Nutro avoids artificial preservatives such as BHA and BHT. Preservation is achieved through mixed tocopherols, a vitamin E based method widely accepted in premium pet foods.
Nutritional Adequacy and AAFCO Compliance
Nutro recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth, maintenance, or all life stages depending on the product.
Important distinction
Nutro is not a therapeutic or prescription diet brand. Dogs with diagnosed medical conditions such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, or severe food allergies may require veterinary formulated diets.
Nutro Dog Food Product Lines
Nutro Natural Choice
The core line. Focuses on simple, recognizable ingredients with grain inclusive and grain free options.
Nutro Ultra
Uses a blend of animal proteins and added “superfoods.” More complex formulas, not ideal for dogs with ingredient sensitivities.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet
Designed for dogs with food sensitivities. Uses fewer ingredients and a single animal protein source.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Pros
- Named animal proteins as primary ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives
- Widely available in the US and many international markets
- Reasonable price point for a natural positioned brand
Cons
- Heavy reliance on legumes in grain free recipes
- Not suitable for dogs requiring clinical nutrition
- Protein percentages are moderate, not high meat
- Owned by a large corporation, which concerns some buyers
Safety, Recalls, and Quality Control
Nutro has experienced recalls historically, including a notable 2009 recall related to plastic contamination. There have been no major widespread recalls in recent years.
Like all brands, Nutro has been mentioned in discussions surrounding grain free diets and DCM, though no direct causal relationship has been proven.
Who Nutro Is Best For?
Nutro is a reasonable option if you are:
- Seeking a mid range natural dog food
- Feeding a healthy adult dog without medical conditions
- Looking for widely available food with simple labeling
Transitioning away from low quality grocery brands
Who Should Avoid Nutro?
Nutro may not be ideal if your dog:
- Requires veterinary therapeutic diets
- Has severe protein allergies needing novel proteins
- Needs very high meat or low carbohydrate diets
- Has been diagnosed with heart conditions where grain free diets are discouraged
Pricing, Availability, and Local Considerations
Nutro is widely available through pet specialty stores, major retailers, and online platforms. Pricing typically falls in the mid premium range.
Local availability is strong in most US cities and many international regions. Prices can vary by region due to import and distribution costs. Searching “Nutro dog food near me” often returns both local pet stores and big box retailers.
Nutro vs Competitor Comparison
Brand | Ingredient Quality | Protein Focus | Price Tier | Best For |
Nutro | Moderate to good | Mixed animal and plant | Mid | Healthy adult dogs |
Blue Buffalo | Moderate | Higher plant protein | Mid | Variety seekers |
Orijen | Very high | High meat content | Premium | Active dogs |
Hill’s Science Diet | Clinical | Veterinary focused | Mid to premium | Medical needs |
Common Buyer Mistakes
- Choosing grain free without medical necessity
- Assuming “natural” equals high meat content
- Ignoring life stage specific formulas
- Not transitioning gradually, causing digestive upset
Buying Decision Framework
Choose Nutro if:
- Your dog is healthy with no diagnosed conditions
- You want simple, mainstream natural ingredients
- Budget does not allow ultra premium foods
Consider alternatives if:
- Your dog has allergies requiring novel proteins
- You need prescription level nutrition
- Your dog is healthy with no diagnosed conditions
Buying Decision Framework
Choose Nutro if:
- Your dog is healthy with no diagnosed conditions
- You want simple, mainstream natural ingredients
- Budget does not allow ultra premium foods
Consider alternatives if:
- Your dog has allergies requiring novel proteins
- You need prescription level nutrition
- Your dog is healthy with no diagnosed conditions
Conclusion
Nutro dog food occupies a middle ground between grocery store brands and high end boutique foods. It offers reasonable ingredient transparency, broad availability, and acceptable nutritional standards for healthy dogs.
If your dog is medically complex or requires targeted nutrition, consult a veterinarian before choosing Nutro. For healthy dogs, Nutro can be a practical, accessible option when matched correctly to life stage and dietary tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our pet care services.
Nutro is a natural positioned commercial dog food using named animal proteins and no artificial preservatives.
Owners of healthy dogs without medical dietary needs who want mid priced natural food.
Nutro is mid premium, not ultra premium or veterinary grade.
Yes, Nutro formulas are designed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles.
For healthy dogs, Nutro is generally considered safe when fed appropriately.
