Highly Recommended
DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Our Verdict
Nulo challenger Dry product range consists of five recipes, each receiving the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 5 stars.
This Nulo subrange contains the highest amount of protein from animal-derived sources, which provide amino acids to support lean muscle mass and a healthy heart. Each recipe contains certified organic ancient grains.
Pros
- Minimum of 83% animal protein
- Made with low-glycemic ingredients
- Probiotics to support digestive health and immune health
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Nulo challenger Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon and Redfish was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Nulo challenger Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon and Redfish
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Haddock, deboned salmon, salmon meal, turkey meal, chicken meal, organic oats, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols & citric acid), organic millet, organic barley, acadian redfish, ground miscanthus grass, natural flavor, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, dried pumpkin, dried blueberries, dried spinach, dried chicory root, salt, dl-methionine, choline chloride, taurine, vitamin E supplement, l-carnitine, zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), iron proteinate, niacin supplement, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, manganese proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, manganous oxide, biotin, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 35% | 18% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 39% | 20% | 33% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 32% | 40% | 28% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is haddock. Haddock is a saltwater fish found in the North Atlantic. As a cousin of cod, it is a lean fish, lower in oils and fats than oily fish such as mackerel and salmon.
Haddock is high in protein, supplying approximately 16.5g per 100g fresh. It is a source of polyunsaturated and particularly omega-3 fatty acids, but at much lower levels than in oily fish. Minerals such as selenium and phosphorus are present in haddock. Overall, we view haddock as a quality ingredient.
The second ingredient is salmon. Salmon is an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega-3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every dog to sustain life.
The next three ingredients are salmon, turkey and chicken meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.
The sixth ingredient is organic whole oats. Oats are rich in B-vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
The seventh ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The eighth ingredient is organic millet, a gluten-free grain harvested from certain seed grasses. Millet is hypoallergenic and naturally rich in B-vitamins and fiber as well as other essential minerals.
The ninth ingredient is organic barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
This recipe has seven notable exceptions.
First, taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
The next ingredient is redfish. Redfish is a name used to group several kinds of fish that are not closely related, including Ocean Perch, Snapper, Salmon and Red Drum.
Since different species of fish vary in terms of the nutrition they provide, it’s impossible for us to judge the quality of this item. In any case, fish meat is naturally rich in the eleven essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life and a rich source of omega-3 DHA, which carries numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
We also find miscanthus grass, also known as elephant grass. Miscanthus is a non-GMO source of crude fiber.
Next, chicory root. Chicory is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.
Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, it’s also a used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dog’s digestive tract.
This food also contains chelated minerals, which have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Since this recipe contains a number of organic ingredients, we feel compelled to grant this line a more favorable status.
That’s because organic ingredients must comply with notably more stringent government standards – standards which significantly restrict the use of any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, hormones or antibiotics.
Lastly, we note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Nulo challenger Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon and Redfish looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 39.3%, a fat level of 20.8% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 24.7%.
As a group, the brand features a protein content of 38.9% and a mean fat level of 19.8%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 26.3% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 51%.
This means this Nulo product range contains above-average protein, below-average carbohydrate and above-average fat, when compared to typical dry dog food.
Nulo Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Nulo through January 2026.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Nulo challenger Dry Dog Food
This product range definitely deserves the 5 stars it has received in our review. Nulo provides an exceptional amount of high-quality food packed with high-quality protein and nutrients.
About
Nulo Pet Food was founded in 2010 by Michael Landa, who was concerned about what he was feeding his black lab, Max. He started what ultimately became the largest pet-care company in California.
The headquarters is located in Austin, Texas, USA. Facilities: Nulo’s manufacturing partners are situated in Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Georgia, USA.
Compare Nulo challenger Dog Food
How does Nulo challenger compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
