Nulo, a brand whose name is derived from “nutrition” and “love,” aims to provide premium pet food. But Is Nulo Cat Food Good enough to earn your trust and nourish your feline companion? This comprehensive review dives into Nulo, analyzing its ingredients, product range, customer feedback, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Evaluating Nulo Cat Food: Our Standard
We assessed Nulo based on the Cats.com standard, focusing on these crucial aspects:
- Species-Appropriateness: Does the food align with a cat’s natural dietary needs?
- Ingredient Quality: What is the quality and sourcing of the ingredients used?
- Product Variety: Does the brand offer a wide range of options to suit different cats?
- Price: How does the cost compare to other brands in the market?
- Customer Experience: What are the experiences of customers who have purchased Nulo?
- Recall History: Has the brand had any recalls, indicating potential safety concerns?
Our Ratings:
- 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
We award Nulo cat food a final grade of B+, reflecting its strengths and areas for improvement.
Why Trust Our Nulo Cat Food Review?
Our review process is rigorous and unbiased. Our expert has personally purchased and tested a variety of Nulo’s recipes with her cats. This hands-on experience is coupled with in-depth research on the brand’s ingredients, quality control, customer experiences, and recall history.
Furthermore, samples of Nulo cat food were sent to an independent food chemistry lab. This analytical testing provides precise macronutrient and micronutrient information, as well as an assessment of microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals.
The Story Behind Nulo: A Focus on Nutrition
Michael Landa, Nulo’s founder, observed a concerning trend of overweight and diabetic pets requiring insulin injections while running a dog-sitting business. His investigation led him to believe that high-glycemic ingredients in pet food were a major contributor.
In 2009, Landa launched Nulo with the aim of providing pets with superior nutrition. Nulo’s brand emphasizes high-quality fuel for animal companions, partnering with athletes and fitness icons.
Where Does Nulo Get Its Ingredients and Where is it Made?
Nulo is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with ingredients sourced globally. Most of the fish, poultry, and meat come from North America, France, and New Zealand. Plant ingredients and vitamin packs are primarily from North America. Nulo claims that all ingredients undergo rigorous testing for quality and safety.
Most Nulo products, including dry food, canned food, freeze-dried raw food, and treats, are manufactured in the United States. However, certain recipes like meaty pouches, Silky Mousse, and Perfect Purees are produced in Thailand.
Nulo Cat Food Recall History: A Clean Record
Nulo boasts a clean recall history. There have been no recalls recorded for Nulo cat food.
Exploring Nulo’s Cat Food Product Line
Nulo offers a diverse range of grain-free wet and dry cat food options:
- Nulo Freestyle: This line includes grain-free dry and wet cat food with high meat content. The first 3-4 ingredients in dry recipes are animal protein sources. Freeze-dried raw options are also available.
- Nulo Limited Ingredient Diet: Designed for cats with food sensitivities, these recipes contain up to 38% crude protein and include the GanedenBC³⁰ probiotic.
- Nulo Medalseries: Exclusively available at PetSmart, this line mirrors the Freestyle line with grain-free kibble, canned food, and pouches of shredded and flaked meat.
- Nulo Perfect Purées: Lickable treats in tubes, perfect as snacks or toppers.
- Nulo Pouches: Shredded or flaked recipes without gums, tapioca, or potato starch, designed as side dishes or snacks, not complete meals.
- Nulo Crunchy Cat Treats: High-protein treats with prebiotics and probiotics, available in formulas like Skin and Coat Salmon, Heart Healthy Beef, and Digestive Health Chicken.
All Nulo dry foods are supplemented with BC30 probiotic, ensuring stability and effectiveness in the intestines.
Nulo Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | 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
This dry cat food features chicken as the primary protein source.
What We Like:
- Primarily animal-based protein sources.
- Includes named meats instead of by-products.
- Relatively low carbohydrate content.
- Supplemented with probiotics.
What We Dislike:
- Contains more plant content than cats need.
2. Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food
This recipe uses duck and chicken meal as the primary protein sources, formulated for indoor cats.
What We Like:
- Made from meat protein sources
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Supplemented with probiotics
What We Dislike:
- High carbohydrate content
3. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
This wet cat food features turkey as the main protein source.
What We Like:
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Meat-based and low in carbohydrates
- Primarily made with animal protein
What We Dislike:
- May be on the dry side
What Are Customers Saying About Nulo Cat Food?
Nulo generally receives positive customer reviews. On Chewy, Nulo’s top recipes average 4 to 5 stars. Satisfied customers praise the food’s quality, palatability, and positive impact on their cats’ health. Dissatisfied customers often mention that their cats refused to eat it.
Positive Reviews:
Customers frequently mention the high-quality ingredients and the improvement in their cat’s coat health after switching to Nulo.
Negative Reviews:
Some customers report that their cats dislike the taste or texture of Nulo cat food. Others have raised concerns about the small size of the kibble in dry food options.
Nulo Cat Food: Price and Value
Nulo is positioned as a higher-priced cat food brand. A 14-pound bag of dry food can range from $44 to $52, depending on the retailer. Wet cat food costs approximately $0.30 per ounce, while dry food costs around $0.90 per cup.
Daily feeding costs for an average 10-lb cat range from $0.68 for dry food to $2.98-$5.97 for wet food, according to the company’s guidelines.
Final Verdict: Is Nulo a Good Cat Food Choice?
Is Nulo cat food good? Yes, Nulo stands out as a reputable cat food brand due to its emphasis on high-quality meat protein, limited carbohydrate content, and absence of artificial additives. The inclusion of probiotics in many recipes is another positive aspect.
While the dry food options may contain more plant-based ingredients than ideal, the wet food varieties offer a more species-appropriate balance of animal protein and hydration.
Where to Buy Nulo Cat Food
Nulo cat food is available at independent pet stores, PetSmart, Chewy, Amazon, and PetSmart.com. Use the store locator on Nulo’s website to find a retailer near you.
