Nulo Cat Food Review
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Nulo products are marketed with the tagline, “nutrition meets love in every bite.”
When it comes to their products, Nulo believes in quality and it is their goal to provide pets and pet parents with the high-quality nutrition pets deserve.
The company was founded by a dedicated pet parent who wanted more for his dog and determined that creating his own brand was the best solution.
Nulo’s pet foods are formulated to deliver exactly what animals need – plenty of animal-based protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and plenty of usable energy.
Read on to see what we think about the Nulo brand.
- Made with premium-quality animal proteins and natural ingredients
- Can easily be found in most major pet store chains
- Free from by-products and artificial additives
- Most recipes are low-carb and grain-free
- No product recalls to date
- Fairly expensive compared to average
- Made with premium-quality animal proteins and natural ingredients
- Can easily be found in most major pet store chains
- Free from by-products and artificial additives
- Most recipes are low-carb and grain-free
- No product recalls to date
- Fairly expensive compared to average
How We Review Cat Food Brands
Cats require a balanced diet in the same way that you do, but their nutritional needs are very different. As obligate carnivores, cats have a biological need for a high-protein diet and most of that protein should come from animal-based sources.
The best food for cats is high in protein with moderate fat content and low carbohydrate content.
The more natural, whole-food ingredients, the better, and it should be complete and balanced with the help of vitamin and mineral supplements. We try to avoid recipes that contain low-quality fillers and by-products.
Here are some of the other things we look for in a good cat food brand:
- High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient
- Rich in healthy animal fats (ex: chicken fat or salmon oil)
- Few to no carbohydrate ingredients (especially within the top 5)
- Limited number of main ingredients plus supplements
- No low-quality fillers, grains, or by-products
In addition to these requirements, we also look for cat food brands that offer a variety of different recipes for customers to choose from.
Cats can be picky eaters, so we think it is important for a cat food brand to offer a variety of products – having variety gives you more to choose from.
The brand’s recall history is a good way to gauge quality and safety as a whole while customer reviews provide insight into the brand’s quality and popularity.
Overview of the Nulo Brand
The story of the Nulo company is the store of Michael and his dog Max. In planning for a work trip to Colorado, Michael started looking for someone to take care of his dog Max.
Because he couldn’t find anyone he trusted, he ended up taxing Max with him in a drive halfway across the country.
Along the way, he found himself contemplating the lack of quality pet care options and ultimately ended up starting what became the largest pet care company in California.
In building his business, Michael learned a lot about pet health and became concerned about rising obesity levels.
As a former biomedical engineer, he set out to determine the cause and found out that it was primarily an issue with pet food.
Most major pet foods contain 40% or more carbohydrate ingredients and high levels of plant proteins.
Michael became concerned about his own dog Max and ended up coming together with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and food formulators then moved to Austin, Texas to start the Nulo brand.
Today, Nulo offers dozens of pet food recipes made with real animal proteins and other high-quality ingredients.
Their recipes are low in carbs and low-glycemic, helping the pets who enjoy them maintain healthy body weight and stable energy levels.
Nulo also uses patented probiotics to improve digestion, maximizing your pet’s ability to utilize the nutrients.
Every ingredient is carefully selected to be functional, nutritious, and delicious. Nulo’s standard for quality has always been if Michael wouldn’t feed it to his own dog Max, Nulo doesn’t sell it.
What Kind of Cat Food Products Do They Offer?
Nulo offers a variety of cat food products for kittens, adults, and senior cats.
If you’re not sure which option is best, use the Nulo Food Finder to peruse the options according to your cat’s life stage.
There are two different product lines available for Nulo cat food products, one of which is available exclusively at PetSmart.
The MedalSeries line of products includes dry food and wet food with special features like high meat inclusions and limited ingredients.
The Freestyle line of products is more widely available and includes a variety of grain-free dry food and wet food formulas as well as a limited selection of freeze-dried raw diets for cats.
Products Included in This Review |
||||
| Name | Type | Protein % | Fat % | Top 5 Ingredients |
| Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food | Dry | 40% | 20% | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, deboned cod, whole peas |
| Nulo Freestyle Shredded Chicken & Duck in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | 10% | 3.5% | Chicken, chicken broth, duck broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites |
| Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food | Freeze-Dried | 46% | 23% | Chicken, salmon, chicken necks, chicken liver, chicken hearts |
Compare Nulo Cat Food
|
Type of Food
Dry |
Type of Food
Dry |
Type of Food
Freeze-dried raw |
|
First 5 Ingredients
Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, deboned cod, whole peas |
First 5 Ingredients
Chicken, chicken broth, duck broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites |
First 5 Ingredients
Chicken, salmon, chicken necks, chicken liver, chicken hearts |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
40% protein, 20% fat, 4% fiber, 10% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
10% protein, 3.5% fat, 1% fiber, 82% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
46% protein, 23% fat, 2% fiber, 5% moisture |
|
Calories per Cup
486 calories/cup |
Calories per Cup
76 calories/3-ounce can |
Calories per Cup
200 calories/cup |
|
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$3.50/pound |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.50/ounce |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$2.63/ounce |
NULO Freestyle Chicken & Cod Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food
Product Info
- Type of Food: Dry
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, deboned cod, whole peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 40% protein, 20% fat, 4% fiber, 10% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 486 calories/cup
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $3.50/pound
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Cod, Whole Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Kelp, Dried Sweet Potato, Dried Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxidine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
The Freestyle line of products is Nulo’s largest product line available on Chewy and contains several recipes formulated to meet the nutritional needs of both adult cats and kittens.
This particular recipe features fresh chicken as the main ingredient with chicken meal, turkey meal, and deboned cod as the next three, all quality forms of animal protein.
This recipe contains a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat with a low-carb formulation that is free from potatoes and tapioca.
This food contains fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients and the kibbles are disc-shaped for maximum texture and taste.
Overall, the protein and fat content is very high at 40% crude protein and 20% fat.
NULO Freestyle Shredded Chicken & Duck in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Food
Product Info
- Type of Food: Dry
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, duck broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% protein, 3.5% fat, 1% fiber, 82% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 76 calories/3-ounce can
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.50/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Duck Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Whites, Duck, Dried Ground Peas, Spinach, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Flaxseed Oil, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Inulin, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Formulated for adult cats and kittens, this recipe features a complimentary duo of proteins – chicken and duck. Packed with real animal protein, this recipe is rich in moisture and flavor which makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
It is made up of tasty chunks of meat in a whisker-licking gravy, sure to satisfy your cat’s cravings.
This recipe contains zero grains, by-products, or artificial additives but is supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals.
It also contains fresh fruits and vegetables which provide natural sources for key nutrients.
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat with plenty of natural fiber for healthy digestion.
NULO Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Product Info
- Type of Food: Freeze-dried raw
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, salmon, chicken necks, chicken liver, chicken hearts
- Guaranteed Analysis: 46% protein, 23% fat, 2% fiber, 5% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 200 calories/cup
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $2.63/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Chicken, Salmon, Chicken Necks, Chicken Liver, Chicken Hearts, Ground Flaxseed, Spinach, Salmon Oil, Cranberries, Coconut Oil, Inulin, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyriodoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (as preservative), Vitamin D3 Supplement.
If you’re looking for a high-quality product to feed your cat but you don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of dry food, freeze-dried raw food could be the perfect solution.
This recipe is protein-rich, made with 98% chicken, salmon, organs, and bones. It is freeze-dried instead of cooked at high temperatures to negate the need for preservatives while keeping more of the original nutrition of the raw ingredients.
This recipe contains a proprietary probiotic to support digestive and immune health plus, because it is made primarily from animal ingredients, it is easy to digest and highly biologically valuable.
You’ll also find that this recipe contains salmon oil as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus cranberries for antioxidants and urinary health.
What Do Customers Think of Nulo Cat Food?
Generally speaking, customers are very pleased with the Nulo brand. Customers love the high-quality ingredients and rich protein content which appeal to even the pickiest of cats. There are, of course, some cats who simply don’t like the product but that is the same for any brand. For the most part, Nulo products receive a 4-star average review on Chewy.
Positive Customer Reviews
“I’ve got a rescue Sphyx cat, Dolores. I also have two male cats, Edgar and Ray. This food is the perfect balance for them. Because of her breed, Dolores requires high protein food. Edgar is super active, so he needs calories. Ray is an older cat and tends to be on the chunky side. Somehow all of them have maintained weight, have shiny coats, and eat the food as soon as they hear the automatic feeders.” – BettyJean, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food
“I finally found a canned food that my picky eaters love, that doesn’t make them sick. Excellent ingredients: carrageenan, tapioca and grain-free. No mystery “meat by-products.” – Sheera, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Shredded Chicken & Duck in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Food
“I have a pair of 2 very picky eaters. I crumbled a few pieces over their food and they immediately started eating it!” – Jkisfn2, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Negative Customer Reviews
“I really wanted to write a positive review. Nulo’s ingredients are quality. The size of the pieces appealed to me since several of my cats have dental issues. But… they turn their noses up at it. One of my guys has had a few extractions, and actually seemed to get the pieces stuck in his mouth when he tried a few.” – KittyMomma, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food
“I have no choice but to donate this food. My cat doesn’t like it very much. I’m starting to think that cats don’t like grain-free or healthier types of food in general. Why would they? The food looks great. It’s not pate. The gravy is thick. It has a normal smell, not stinky at all. But she doesn’t like it.” – MinMin, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Shredded Chicken & Duck in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Food
“Product is quite crumbly and pieces are mostly broken into crumbs in the bag I received elsewhere since the pieces are super airy and soft (except for the very few pieces of what I assume is salmon, they were so hard like a rock that I threw them out. They would not rehydrate.” – Sylvie, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Product Recall History
A pet food recall occurs when there is a problem with a product or its packaging. Recalls can be issued by the FDA in response to consumer complaints or product testing, or they can be voluntarily enacted by the company itself. Because many pet food manufacturers produce pet food in mass quantities, accidents do happen and a recall or two is not necessarily an indication of an untrustworthy company. You’ll be glad to know either way, however, that Nulo has had no product recalls to date.
How Much Does Nulo Cat Food Cost?
The first thing you need to remember about Nulo cat food is that it is made with premium-quality animal proteins, wholesome natural ingredients, and limited carbohydrate content.
That being said, it is a fairly expensive brand of cat food.
The majority of the Freestyle dry food recipes (like the one reviewed above) are priced around $3.50 per pound and the canned foods cost an average of $0.50 per ounce.
The freeze-dried raw food is considerably more expensive, as is to be expected for such a high-quality product, priced over $2.50 per ounce.
To give you a better idea how Nulo stacks up against other cat food brands, here is a quick chart to show you some average prices:
| Brand/Recipe | Type | Quality | Price/Ounce | Price/Pound |
| Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Food | Dry | Low | X | $0.90/pound |
| Friskies Classic Pate Mixed Grill Canned Food | Wet | Low | $0.07/ounce | $1.16/pound |
| Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Chicken & Brown Rice Adult Dry Cat Food | Dry | Moderate | X | $2.53/pound |
| Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Real Chicken Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food | Wet | Moderate | $0.36/ounce | X |
| Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken | Dry | High | X | $3.45/pound |
| Ziwi Peak New Zealand Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food | Wet | High | $1.21/ounce | X |
Where Can You Buy Nulo Cat Food?
Nulo pet food products are fairly easy to find. You can find Nulo cat food in most major pet store chains such as Petco and PetSmart as well as local and regional pet store chains.
You may also be able to find Nulo in specialty pet food stores, depending on the location.
If you prefer to shop for cat food online, you can find plenty of Nulo products available from major online retailers like Chewy and Amazon or shop Petco and PetSmart’s online stores.
If you’re looking for a specific Nulo product, you can use the easy store locator on the website to shop by location.
Our Final Thoughts: Is Nulo a Good Brand?
Nulo is a high-quality pet food brand that uses premium animal proteins and other whole-food ingredients to produce products that nourish your pet’s body with healthy energy and balanced nutrition.
Every recipe starts with a real source of animal protein and many recipes contain several of them. You won’t find by-products and artificial additives in any of Nulo’s recipes and many of them are low-carb and grain-free as well. Overall, we highly recommend this brand.
