Nulo Cat Food products
Choosing the right cat food can feel overwhelming. With countless brands promising optimal nutrition, how do you discern what’s truly best for your feline friend? Nulo, a brand built on the principles of “nutrition” and “love,” positions itself as a premium option. But does Nulo cat food live up to the hype? In this comprehensive and unbiased Nulo cat food review, we delve into everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
We’ve rigorously analyzed Nulo, evaluating it against the Cats.com standard across six critical areas: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Our goal is to provide you with a detailed, objective assessment to help you determine if Nulo is the right choice for your beloved cat.
Our Ratings for Nulo Cat Food:
- Species-Appropriateness: 8/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Product Variety: 10/10
- Price: 6/10
- Customer Experience: 5/10
- Recall History: 10/10
Overall Score: 7.8/10
Cats.com Grade: B+ (50 out of 60 points)
In our expert opinion, Nulo cat food earns a solid B+ grade, making it a commendable option within the premium cat food market.
Cats.com’s Trustworthy Review Process: Our Expertise in Nulo Cat Food
At Cats.com, our reviews are built on a foundation of trust and rigorous testing. My personal experience as a cat owner and my commitment to unbiased evaluations drive our process. I’ve personally purchased and tested numerous Nulo recipes with my own cats, observing their reactions and assessing the food’s quality firsthand. Beyond home testing, our review process extends to in-depth research into ingredient sourcing, manufacturing standards, customer feedback, and brand history, including any recalls.
To ensure the highest level of accuracy and objectivity, we go a step further: we send samples of Nulo cat food to an independent food chemistry lab for comprehensive analytical testing. This lab analysis provides precise data on macronutrient and micronutrient content, going beyond the label to verify the nutritional profile. Furthermore, these tests screen for microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals, ensuring that the food is not only nutritious but also safe for your cat to consume. We purchase all products at full retail price, and our entire testing process is funded by Cats.com, guaranteeing freedom from brand influence. This commitment to unbiased, data-driven reviews is what sets Cats.com apart and ensures you receive reliable information you can trust.
Nulo Cat Food: A Brand Story Rooted in Pet Health
The story of Nulo cat food began with a pet owner’s concern. Michael Landa, Nulo’s founder, was running a dog-sitting business when he noticed a disturbing trend: many pets were overweight or diabetic, requiring insulin injections. Driven to understand the link between pet food and these health issues, Michael embarked on extensive research into pet nutrition.
His findings, as reported on the Nulo website, revealed a significant issue: the prevalence of high-glycemic ingredients in many pet foods. Believing that pets deserved better, Michael collaborated with animal nutritionists, veterinarians, and food formulation experts to develop a new kind of pet food. Nulo was officially launched in 2009, with a mission to provide superior nutrition that supports pet health and well-being.
Nulo’s brand identity is strongly associated with fitness and active lifestyles. They market their food to health-conscious pet owners who seek high-quality fuel for their animal companions. This is reflected in their choice of brand ambassadors, which includes Olympic medalists, professional CrossFit athletes, and fitness trainers. Nulo has also partnered with Ironman events, further solidifying their image as a brand focused on performance and vitality. Even their marketing campaigns, like the “Squat Your Dog Challenge” at PetSmart in 2017, reinforce this connection between Nulo and pet fitness.
Nulo’s Ingredient Sourcing and Manufacturing: Quality and Transparency
Nulo is headquartered in Austin, Texas, but operates on a global scale when it comes to sourcing ingredients. They emphasize traceability and quality control, stating that all ingredients undergo rigorous testing before being incorporated into their recipes. The majority of their animal protein sources, including fish, poultry, and meat, are sourced from North America, France, and New Zealand, regions known for their high agricultural standards. Plant-based ingredients and vitamin packs are sourced from North America and other select regions worldwide.
Manufacturing of Nulo cat food is primarily based in the United States. This includes their dry kibble, canned wet food, hearty stews, freeze-dried raw formulas, dog treats, and water enhancers. However, certain product lines, specifically their meaty pouches, Silky Mousse, and Perfect Purees, are produced in a facility in Thailand. Nulo maintains that regardless of the manufacturing location, they uphold strict quality and safety protocols throughout their supply chain and production processes.
Nulo Cat Food Recall History: A Clean Record
For pet owners, product recalls are a significant concern. It’s reassuring to note that, to the best of our knowledge, Nulo cat food has never been recalled. This spotless recall history provides additional confidence in the brand’s commitment to safety and quality control. A lack of recalls suggests robust manufacturing processes and stringent quality assurance measures are in place.
Exploring the Range: Nulo Cat Food Product Lines
nulo cat food products and cat
Nulo distinguishes itself with a wide variety of grain-free wet and dry cat food options, catering to diverse feline needs and preferences. Their product lines include:
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Nulo Freestyle: This is their flagship line, encompassing both dry and wet cat food recipes. Freestyle formulas are characterized by their grain-free composition and high meat content. Nulo emphasizes that the first 3-4 ingredients in every Freestyle dry cat food are animal protein sources, and their wet foods boast “industry-leading meat levels.” The Freestyle line also includes freeze-dried raw recipes, offering minimally processed nutrition.
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Nulo Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): Designed for cats with sensitivities or allergies, the LID line offers both wet and dry food options formulated with a limited number of ingredients to minimize potential allergens. These recipes maintain a high protein content, up to 38% crude protein, and uniquely include GanedenBC³⁰ probiotic for digestive support.
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Nulo Medalseries: Exclusively available at PetSmart, the Medalseries line mirrors the Freestyle line in terms of formulation and quality. Despite its distinct, high-contrast dark packaging, Medalseries offers grain-free kibble, canned food, and pouches of shredded and flaked meat, similar to the Freestyle offerings.
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Nulo Perfect Purées and Pouches: Perfect Purées are lickable cat treats in tubes, ideal for rewarding or bonding with your cat. Nulo Pouches contain shredded or flaked meat in gravy, designed as supplemental meals, snacks, or food toppers rather than complete diets. Notably, Nulo Pouches are made without gums, tapioca, or potato starch, focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients.
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Nulo Crunchy Cat Treats: These treats come in various formulas, such as Skin and Coat Salmon, Heart Healthy Beef, and Digestive Health Chicken, each targeting specific health benefits. All are high-protein and support gut health with prebiotics and probiotics. They also contain natural fiber for digestion and are low in calories (only 2 kcal per treat) to help maintain a healthy weight.
A key feature across Nulo’s dry food lines is the inclusion of the patented BC30 probiotic. This probiotic strain is known for its stability due to its spore-forming ability, which protects it from degradation during storage and ensures it reaches the intestines intact to deliver its beneficial effects.
Real Cats, Real Opinions: Our Test Cats’ Verdict on Nulo
Our in-house testing panel of feline companions has given us valuable insights into Nulo cat food. Overall, Nulo has proven to be a well-received brand among our test cats. The high meat content and palatable recipes were generally appealing. We observed good acceptance of both wet and dry food varieties.
From a nutritional standpoint, Nulo stands out as a superior brand. The emphasis on animal protein and relatively low carbohydrate content aligns with a cat’s natural dietary needs. The absence of artificial ingredients and the inclusion of probiotics are further positives. While palatability can be subjective and vary from cat to cat, Nulo’s formulations are generally designed to be appealing to felines.
For optimal feline health, we, like many veterinarians and feline nutritionists, generally recommend prioritizing wet food. Nulo’s wet food options are particularly commendable due to their higher moisture content, crucial for hydration, and even greater concentration of animal-based ingredients compared to their dry counterparts.
Top 3 Nulo Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Review
To give you a closer look, we’ve selected three top Nulo cat food recipes for in-depth review:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price (per lb/oz) | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food | Dry | $4.80 per lb | B |
| Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food | Dry | $4.81 per lb | B |
| Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food | Wet | $0.36 per oz | A |
#1 Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food: Detailed Analysis
Price: $51.99 At Chewy $46.79 At Amazon
Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Cat & Kitten Chicken & Cod Recipe
Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Cat & Kitten Chicken & Cod Recipe
Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Cat & Kitten Chicken & Cod Recipe
Ingredient Breakdown:
This dry cat food recipe highlights chicken as its primary protein source, featuring deboned chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients. Turkey meal and deboned cod further contribute to the animal protein content, making up a significant 80% of the total protein. Like many grain-free kibbles, it incorporates peas and lentils, which serve structural purposes in kibble production and also add to the overall protein content. Chicken fat provides essential fatty acids. Fiber sources include pea fiber and ground flaxseed, with dried chicory root acting as a prebiotic. Smaller quantities of dried kelp, sweet potato, and cranberries are also included. “Natural flavor,” a common palatant derived from hydrolyzed animal tissue, enhances taste appeal for cats. The formula is fortified with probiotics for digestive health.
Nutritional Profile:
Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe presents a nutritional profile characterized by high protein, moderate fat, and moderate carbohydrates. It contains 486 calories per cup.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Fat (Excellent sources of animal protein and healthy fats)
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Peas, Lentils, Pea Fiber (While not inherently harmful, cats have limited need for high levels of plant-based ingredients).
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 40%
- Crude Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 44.44%
- Fat: 22.22%
- Fiber: 4.44%
- Carbs: 28.89%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 34.91%
- Fat: 42.39%
- Carbs: 22.69%
Pros:
- High in animal-based protein.
- Uses named meat sources, avoiding vague by-products.
- Relatively low in carbohydrates for a dry food.
- Includes probiotics for digestive support.
Cons:
- Contains a noticeable amount of plant-based content, which is not optimal for obligate carnivores.
#2 Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food: In-Depth Review
Price: $12.99 At Chewy $12.99 At Amazon
Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food
Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food
Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food
Ingredient Analysis:
This indoor formula features duck and chicken meal as primary protein sources, followed by turkey meal and deboned cod, totaling 82% of protein from animal origins. Peas and lentils again contribute plant-based protein and kibble structure. Chicken fat serves as the main fat source. Reflecting its “indoor” designation, this recipe includes several fiber sources like pea fiber and dried chicory root to aid digestion and hairball control. Dried kelp, sweet potato, and cranberries are added in smaller amounts. Like other Nulo dry foods, it’s enhanced with BC30 Probiotic and “natural flavor” for palatability.
Nutritional Assessment:
Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Indoor recipe is a meat-based food with moderate protein and fat, but leans towards a higher carbohydrate content compared to the Chicken & Cod recipe. It provides 468 calories per cup.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Duck, Chicken Fat (Excellent animal-based ingredients)
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Peas, Lentils, Pea Fiber, Dried Sweet Potato (Higher inclusion of plant-based ingredients and carbohydrates).
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 40%
- Crude Fat: 17%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 44.44%
- Fat: 18.89%
- Fiber: 5.56%
- Carbs: 31.11%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 36.6%
- Fat: 37.78%
- Carbs: 25.62%
Pros:
- Primarily animal protein sources.
- Named meat ingredients, no vague by-products.
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Supplemented with probiotics.
Cons:
- Higher carbohydrate content than ideal for cats.
#3 Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food: A Wet Food Favorite
Price: $54.96 At Chewy $44.28 At Amazon
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat and Kitten Food
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat and Kitten Food
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat and Kitten Food
Ingredient Composition:
This wet cat food recipe is heavily reliant on animal protein, featuring turkey, chicken, turkey liver, and tuna as primary ingredients. “Natural flavor” enhances palatability. Guar gum and agar-agar, plant-based gums, act as thickeners and stabilizers in the pate. Small amounts of pumpkin, cranberries, and dried kelp, marketed as “superfoods” by Nulo, are included. Menhaden fish oil provides species-appropriate omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Nutritional Evaluation:
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Canned Food exhibits a nutritional profile with high protein, high fat, and low carbohydrate content, typical of high-quality wet cat food. It contains 193 calories per 5.5-ounce can (approximately 35 calories per ounce).
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Menhaden Fish Oil (Excellent sources of animal protein, vital nutrients, and omega-3s).
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cranberries, Pumpkin (While not harmful, these plant inclusions are not essential for cats).
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 6.5%
- Crude Fiber: 0.75%
- Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 29.55%
- Fiber: 3.41%
- Carbs: 17.05%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 36.02%
- Fat: 51.7%
- Carbs: 12.28%
Pros:
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Meat-centric recipe.
- Low in carbohydrates, ideal for feline physiology.
- Primarily composed of animal protein.
Cons:
- Some reviewers note it can be slightly dry for a pate, though this is subjective.
Customer Sentiment: What Are Cat Owners Saying in Nulo Cat Food Reviews?
To provide a balanced perspective, we’ve analyzed customer reviews of Nulo cat food from platforms like Chewy and Amazon. Overall, customer feedback is largely positive, with many praising the brand’s quality and their cats’ enjoyment of the food.
Positive Feedback Highlights:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Customers frequently mention appreciating the ingredient lists, noting the emphasis on meat and the absence of fillers.
- Palatability: Many reviewers report that their cats love the taste of Nulo food, even picky eaters.
- Improved Health: Some cat owners have observed improvements in their cats’ coat health, digestion, and overall vitality after switching to Nulo.
- Suitable for Kittens and Adults: The “Cat & Kitten” formulas are appreciated for being suitable for multiple life stages.
Examples of Positive Reviews:
“I like the ingredient list, the price point is decent and most of all, my cats love it. My old man has some skin sensitivities and I’ve noticed marked improvement with his coat.” – Amanda, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food on Chewy.
“This was one of two brands that was suggested by a friend to try in migrating my kitties over to a better quality kibble and they love it! What I especially love is that the kibble size is small which makes it an easy one for my kitten to enjoy along with my older cat.” – Chelby, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food on Chewy.
Negative Feedback Points:
- Palatability Issues (for some cats): A recurring negative point is that some cats simply refuse to eat Nulo, even if they are not typically picky eaters. This highlights that taste preferences vary among cats.
- Kibble Size: Some reviewers found the small, disc-shaped kibble to be too small, especially for adult cats, potentially leading to faster eating or less satisfying meals for some.
- Price: Nulo is positioned as a premium brand, and some customers find it to be expensive compared to other cat food options.
Examples of Negative Reviews:
“My kitten was eating Nulo wet and dry food at the breeder so that’s what I got him. It seems like pretty good quality cat kibble but my kitten won’t eat it now that I’ve got him home.” – Kerstin, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food on Chewy.
“I spent a lot of time researching high quality dry cat food and this product tops a few lists. Unfortunately, my cats won’t touch it. I even put some outside for the strays in my neighborhood and they aren’t eating it.” – James, reviewing Nulo Freestyle Duck and Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food on Chewy.
Overall, while the majority of Nulo Cat Food Reviews are positive, it’s important to acknowledge that palatability is not guaranteed for every cat. Trial and error may be necessary to find the perfect food for your individual feline.
Nulo Cat Food: Price and Value Considerations
Nulo cat food occupies the higher end of the price spectrum in the cat food market, reflecting its premium ingredients and formulation.
Cost Breakdown:
- Dry Food: A 14-pound bag of Nulo dry cat food typically ranges from $45 to $55, translating to approximately $4.80 per pound. Based on feeding guidelines for a 10-lb cat, daily dry food costs average around $0.68.
- Wet Food: Nulo wet cat food is sold in cases. 2.8-ounce cans are around $24 per case of 12, and 12.5-ounce cans are approximately $44 per case of 12. This breaks down to roughly $0.30 per ounce for wet food. Daily wet food costs for a 10-lb cat, according to Nulo’s guidelines, range from $2.98 to $5.97.
Value Assessment:
While Nulo is more expensive than many mainstream brands, its price aligns with other premium, grain-free cat food options. The value proposition depends on your priorities. If you prioritize high-quality, meat-rich, grain-free food with added probiotics and are willing to pay a premium for these features, Nulo can be considered a worthwhile investment in your cat’s health. However, if budget is a primary concern, or if your cat is less discerning and thrives on more affordable options, Nulo may be less justifiable.
Final Verdict: Is Nulo Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Based on our comprehensive Nulo cat food review, we conclude that Nulo is indeed a good, high-quality cat food brand. It stands out for its commitment to:
- High Animal Protein: Recipes prioritize meat-based ingredients, aligning with a cat’s biological needs as obligate carnivores.
- Grain-Free Formulations: All recipes are grain-free, reducing potential allergens and focusing on species-appropriate ingredients.
- Quality Ingredients: Nulo uses named meat sources, avoids artificial additives, and incorporates beneficial ingredients like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Wide Product Variety: Nulo offers diverse lines and formats to cater to different needs and preferences.
Our Recommendation:
We particularly recommend Nulo’s wet food varieties as they offer superior hydration and an even higher concentration of animal-based ingredients. However, their dry food options are also a solid choice compared to many other kibbles on the market, especially for owners who prefer dry food for convenience or dental health benefits.
Considerations:
- Price: Nulo is a premium brand, and its higher cost should be factored into your decision.
- Palatability: While generally well-received, some cats may not like Nulo. Consider purchasing smaller bags or cans initially to test acceptance.
Overall, if you are seeking a high-quality, nutritionally sound cat food and are willing to invest in a premium brand, Nulo is an excellent option to consider for your feline companion.
Where to Purchase Nulo Cat Food
Nulo cat food is widely accessible through various retail channels:
- Pet Specialty Stores: You can find Nulo at independent pet stores and major retailers like PetSmart.
- Online Retailers: Convenient online options include Chewy, Amazon, and PetSmart.com.
- Nulo Website: Use the store locator tool on Nulo’s official website to find local retailers near you.
By providing both online and offline purchasing options, Nulo ensures that their premium cat food is readily available to pet owners seeking quality nutrition for their feline companions.
