Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The name Nulo is a portmanteau of “nutrition” and “love”, but is this brand really a nutritious, safe choice for the cat you love? Find out in our unbiased Nulo review.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Nulo on What Matters
We’ve analyzed Nulo and graded it according to the Cats.com standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s how it rates in each of those six key areas.
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 give Nulo cat food a 50 out of 60 rating or a B+ grade.
Why Trust Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Over the past 5 years, numerous members of the Cats.com team have tested Nulo’s recipes at home with their own cats. Our reviews are based on a combination of in-depth research, customer feedback, and personal experience with the brand.
We purchased the products mentioned in this review at full retail price and analyzed them independently, with no direct input from the company. In addition to testing the food with our own cats, we thoroughly research the brand’s history, evaluate its manufacturing and ingredient sourcing practices, read hundreds of product reviews, and analyze the formulas.
About Nulo Cat Food
Nulo was founded in 2009 by Michael Landa. Years earlier in 2001, Landa had started his first company (a pet-sitting and dog-walking business called The Pet Staff) while living in Los Angeles, California. In the process, he came to learn a great deal about the pet care industry and, consequently, the pet food industry.
Concerned by the rise of obesity and diabetes among pets, Landa was inspired to develop a low-carbohydrate, high-protein alternative, and thus Nulo, a portmanteau of “nutrition” and “love,” was born. Nulo’s recipes are built around animal proteins and other low-glycemic ingredients, designed to be both functional and flavorful.
Landa started Nulo after moving with his dog, Max, to Austin, Texas. In 2016, Nulo received an investment of $9.5 million from Cavu Venture Partners. Cavu (and Nulo) was bought out by private equity firm Apax Partners LLC in 2021 but Landa remains the CEO and continues to oversee day-to-day operations.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Nulo is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The brand offers some conflicting information about the manufacture of its products, stating in the FAQ that all but a small selection of its wet foods are made in the United States. Elsewhere on the website, however, the brand states that some of its products are “crafted in world-class facilities across Italy, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.”
It’s possible that Nulo products sold in the USA are manufactured domestically, except for the few wet foods that are made in Thailand. Regardless of manufacturing location, Nulo states that its ingredients are globally sourced with most of the proteins coming from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand.
With two full-time animal nutritionists on staff, Nulo’s recipes appear to be formulated in the United States. Except for treats and toppers, Nulo’s products are generally designed to meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient guidelines for cats and dogs.
Has Nulo Cat Food Been Recalled?
No. It doesn’t appear that Nulo has ever been recalled.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Nulo Offer?
Nulo offers a diverse range of wet, dry, and freeze-dried food for cats as well as treats and toppers. There are recipes formulated for specific life stages as well as cats with specific dietary needs, like limited ingredient diets for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
Here’s a quick overview of the product lines currently available:
- FreeStyle – The brand’s flagship line, FreeStyle features a variety of wet, dry, and freeze-dried raw cat food formulas including limited ingredient diets. These recipes are grain-free and made with low-glycemic carbohydrate sources like chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
- MedalSeries – Sold exclusively at Petco and PetSmart, the MedalSeries line of wet, dry, and freeze-dried formulas features animal-sourced protein both with and without added grains.
- Prowess – With options for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats, the Prowess line includes a limited selection of wet and dry cat foods featuring a targeted blend of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Culinary Harvest – This limited line of dry cat foods includes two flavors of minimally processed, oven-baked kibble coated with bone broth.
- Gently Cooked – These homestyle wet cat foods are sold in pouches and made with coarsely ground meat, wholesome grains, bone broth, and diced produce.
Nulo products for cats come in a wide range of flavors and textures. From crunchy kibble to smooth and creamy mousse, there’s plenty to choose from. While wet cat food products in the FreeStyle and Prowess lines are primarily sold in standard cans and pouches, the MedalSeries features additional options like single-serve cups.
In addition to its complete and balanced meals, Nulo offers a variety of treats and meal enhancements such as lickable cat treats, freeze-dried raw toppers, bone broths, and pouches of shredded meat or fish in broth.
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
To test Nulo cat food, I purchased an assortment of recipes from the main product lines. All products were purchased at full retail price and tested at home with my two cats, Biscuit and Munchkin.
Since both of my cats are seniors with a history of dental problems, I particularly appreciated that many of Nulo’s dry foods appear to come in very small kibbles. I also liked the variety of flavor and texture choices, though it’s a little confusing that certain products are only available at PetSmart or Petco, and those recipes aren’t sold on Amazon or Chewy.
Both of my cats have long been fans of Nulo cat food. They seem to enjoy all the dry recipes they’ve tried but definitely prefer the wet foods. Some of the fish-based foods from the Prowess line have become a staple in our household and Munchkin particularly liked the mousse-style foods (she’s not a fan of chunky foods).
Nulo Cat Food—Top 5 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Primary Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
| Nulo Freestyle Indoor Duck & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | Duck | 102 | $0.24 per ounce | B- |
| Nulo MedalSeries Grain-Free Cat & Kitten Turkey & Cod Recipe Dry Cat Food | Dry | Turkey | 110 | $0.25 per ounce | B |
| Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food | Wet | Turkey | 35 | $0.32 | A |
| Prowess Mature 12+ Salmon & Tuna Recipe in Broth Wet Cat Food | Wet | Salmon | 40 | $0.72 | B |
| Nulo MedalSeries Signature Stews Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe in Broth | Wet | Chicken | 25 | $0.85 per ounce | A |
#1 Nulo Freestyle Indoor Duck & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Originally sold as Nulo’s Freestyle Indoor Duck & Lentils Recipe, this dry food has been reformulated to feature deboned duck and deboned cod as primary ingredients. Chicken meal and turkey meal provide additional protein while chicken fat remains the main source of added fat.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Though no longer mentioned in the product name, this recipe still contains lentils and whole peas as main ingredients. Combined with things like sweet potato and dried cranberry, these ingredients contribute significantly to the food’s carbohydrate content which is over 20% (measured as dry matter).
This recipe is formulated to support healthy digestion and lean body condition in indoor cats. It’s enriched with prebiotic fiber and probiotics, along with essential amino acids. The food comes in small disc-shaped kibbles and provides about 102 calories of energy per ounce.
Ingredients
Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Whole Peas, Lentils, Deboned Cod, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, DL-Methionine, Dried Cranberries, Sweet Potato, Vitamin E Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Proteinate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Iron Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganous Oxide, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Cod, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Peas, Lentils
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First three ingredients are animal-sourced proteins
- Contains over 44% dry matter protein
- Small, disc-shaped kibbles are easy for cats to eat
- Enriched with probiotics and prebiotic fiber
What We Didn’t Like:
- Includes peas and legumes as primary ingredients
- Dry matter carbohydrate content over 20%
- No dry food provides the hydrating moisture your cat needs
#2 Nulo MedalSeries Grain-Free Cat & Kitten Turkey & Cod Recipe Dry Cat Food
Sold exclusively by PetSmart and Petco, this MedalSeries dry food from Nulo appears to be very similar in formulation to the previous recipe. Instead of deboned duck as the main ingredient, however, it’s deboned turkey. Turkey meal, chicken meal, and deboned cod still provide supplemental protein with chicken fat as the main source of added fat.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Formulated for both adult cats and kittens, this dry food comes in small disc-shaped kibbles. This recipe is a little more calorie-dense than the previous, providing 110 calories per ounce.
Measured as dry matter, this food provides about 45.5% protein and 22.2% fat. With higher protein and fat values than the Freestyle recipe above, this recipe is also lower in carbohydrates. If you’re looking for a kitten-friendly recipe you can continue to feed your cat as an adult, this could be a good fit.
Ingredients
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Deboned Cod, Whole Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Pea Fiber, Natural Turkey Flavor, 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, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Deboned Cod, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Peas, Lentils
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Top four ingredients are all animal-sourced proteins
- Contains over 45% dry matter protein
- Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Small disc-shaped kibbles are easy for cats to eat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Includes peas and legumes as primary ingredients
- No dry food provides the hydrating moisture your cat needs
#3 Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
This Nulo Freestyle canned food is made primarily from animal protein sources, including turkey, chicken, turkey liver, and tuna. In addition to the flavors of these ingredients, the recipe contains an additive called “natural flavor” to increase its palatability. Natural flavor is made from hydrolyzed animal tissues and is a concentrated source of the meaty taste cats love.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The food contains both guar gum and agar-agar, both plant-derived gums that thicken and stabilize the paté. It contains small amounts of pumpkin, cranberries, and dried kelp, all of which Nulo describes as superfoods. Menhaden fish oil is added as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to support healthy skin and coat.
Overall, this is a meat-based food with high protein, high fat, and low carbohydrate content. This food contains approximately 35 calories per ounce, making it an energy-dense option for both kittens and adult cats. It’s sold in 5.5-ounce and 12.5-ounce cans.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, 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.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Top four ingredients are animal-sourced proteins
- Primary source of added fat is animal-based (menhaden fish oil)
- Contains 50% protein measured as dry matter
- Nutritionally complete for both adult cats and kittens
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some customers find the texture to be on the drier side
- May not be appropriate for cats with fish allergies
#4 Prowess Mature 12+ Salmon & Tuna Recipe in Broth Wet Cat Food
Formulated with senior cats in mind, this Prowess recipe wet cat food features salmon and tuna as the primary sources of protein. The food also contains added pea protein along with both plant- and animal-sourced fats including sunflower oil and tuna oil. We prefer to avoid recipes that rely heavily on plant protein concentrates but with two whole animal proteins at the top of the list, it’s hard to tell how much the pea protein contributes to the overall protein content of this formula.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Measured as dry matter, this pate-style food contains 50% protein and 25% fat. It’s very calorie dense with over 40 calories per ounce and its smooth, moisture-rich texture makes it easy for senior cats to eat. The recommended feeding amount is about 1 can per 7 pounds of bodyweight per day.
Not only is this recipe full of animal protein and hydrating moisture, but it’s very low in carbohydrates. The primary sources are rice flour (which is mostly starch) and brown rice (a more nutritious ingredient) along with some pumpkin, cranberries, and blueberries.
Ingredients
Salmon Broth, Salmon, Tuna, Sunflower Oil, Rice Flour, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Brown Rice, Tuna Oil, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Ground Flaxseed, Magnesium Sulfate, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Blueberries, Dried Kelp, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate), Inulin, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate),Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Sodium Selenite, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity).
Ingredients We Liked: Salmon, Tuna, Tuna Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Oil, Rice Flour, Pea Protein, Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains about 50% protein (measured as dry matter)
- Moisture-rich recipe with a smooth texture
- Calorie-dense recipe helps reduce portion sizes
- Chicken-free formula may be appropriate for cats with poultry allergies
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains plant protein concentrate (pea protein)
- Gum thickeners may contribute to loose stools in sensitive cats
#5 Nulo MedalSeries Signature Stews Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe in Broth
Packaged in 2.8-ounce cups only available from PetSmart or Petco, Nulo MedalSeries Signature Stews feature shreds of real meat or fish in a moisture-rich broth. This recipe is made with chicken and chicken liver as the two main ingredients. Coconut oil is the primary source of added fat, but salmon oil (a rich source of omega-3s) appears later on the list.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains nearly 65% protein and about 17.7% fat. It’s a good source of hydrating moisture for cats and appears to be primarily animal-based. Aside from a little pumpkin and gums used as thickener, there’s no significant source of added carbohydrate.
Something to keep in mind with this recipe is that it’s less calorie-dense than some of Nulo’s pate-style foods. With about 25 calories per ounce, you may need to feed your cat more of this food to meet their daily calorie needs. It is, however, nutritionally complete for both kittens and adult cats.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Inulin, Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Salmon Oil, Parsley, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Nicotinic Acid, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein (chicken)
- Contains almost 65% protein, measured as dry matter
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Made with shreds of real chicken in flavorful broth
What We Didn’t Like:
- Gum thickeners may contribute to loose stools in sensitive cats
What Do Customers Think of Nulo Cat Food?
Nulo generally receives positive customer reviews. On Chewy, many of Nulo’s top recipes receive average ratings ranging from 4.0 to 4.3 out of 5 stars. Happy customers praise the food’s quality and palatability, while unhappy customers tend to say their cats refused to eat it.
Let’s see what a few real customers have to say about Nulo cat food.
Positive Reviews
Satisfied customers frequently comment on how much their cats like the food and many are pleased with the quality of the ingredients. Reviews often mention that Nulo products seem to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, appealing to picky eaters, and easy to eat (especially with the small size of the kibbles).
“My first cat would throw up every time she ate no matter what we fed her until we found Nulo. The smaller kibble size made it easy for her to eat and keep down. We’ve gotten more cats since her and they all love it and it has good ingredients to keep them healthy.” –MRatliff reviewing Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod dry cat food on Chewy, June 15, 2026
“We have a couple of senior cats. One of them can now only eat pate and is very, very picky about what she eats; at one point we thought we might lose her because she decided she didn’t want to eat any more… She ate this. Because she ate this, she gained a little weight and got back some strength and is now happy to eat other foods as well.” –Adria reviewing Nulo Prowess Mature 12+ Salmon & Tuna wet cat food on Chewy, December 18, 2025
Negative Reviews
Dissatisfied customers most frequently give Nulo products a negative review because their cats simply wouldn’t eat it. Some long-standing customers have complained about recent reformulations and others wonder whether the products are worth the premium price tag.
“I have 3 cats and take care of 3 strays and none of them will touch this food. Even though it’s expensive, I bought it because it sounded like it would be good for them. Not one of them likes it. I even tried to mix it with some other food and they eat around it.” –Samantha reviewing Nulo Freestyle Indoor Duck & Lentils dry cat food on Chewy, February 25, 2026
“I’ve feed my cats Nulo for almost a year now, I loved the quality ingredients and price point, and my cats loved it too. However, my past couple shipments have been of a poorer quality. I have received a lot of dented cans, which isn’t really a bother to me but recently the pate looks much drier and there is far less “gravy” in the can. My cats have stopped eating it almost entirely.” –Caitlin reviewing Nulo Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken wet cat food on Chewy, February 21, 2026
How Much Does Nulo Cat Food Cost?
Because Nulo offers such a diverse range of products, cost varies significantly depending on what you feed your cat. Nulo dry cat food averages $3.50 to $5.00 per pound ($0.22 to $0.31 per ounce) and freeze-dried recipes cost about $2.50 per ounce. The brand’s wet foods start around $0.30 per ounce and go as high as $0.80 per ounce.
As with most brands, buying Nulo in bulk is the best way to cut costs. Some of the Freestyle wet cat foods come in large 12.5-ounce cans and you can easily try multiple flavors with a wet food variety pack. Nulo dry foods come in bags with up to 14 pounds of food.
The estimated daily feeding cost for a healthy 10-pound cat depends on the product. For Nulo dry food, you can expect to pay about $0.50 per day while a wet food diet could cost anywhere from $1.50 to $4.50 per day.
Where is Nulo Cat Food Sold?
Nulo products are sold throughout the United States and internationally. In stores, you can often find Nulo Freestyle and Prowess in local and independent pet stores. Nulo’s MedalSeries line is sold exclusively in PetSmart and Petco stores or online.
If you prefer to shop online, you’ll find a wide range of Nulo products sold on major retail and pet-specific platforms like Chewy and Amazon. To find products online or shop in-store, you can use the store locator on Nulo’s website.
Overall, Is Nulo Cat Food a Good Choice?
Nulo generally seems to be one of the better cat food brands on the market. It’s not the cheapest option but the quality and species-appropriateness of the recipes appears to justify the cost, in many cases. Plus, with so many flavors and textures to choose from, Nulo is a popular pick among caretakers of picky cats.
We recommend opting for Nulo’s wet cat food varieties, especially those that don’t contain plant protein concentrates or high levels of added carbohydrate. It’s worth noting that many of Nulo’s recipes are marketed as grain-free, so be mindful of recipes that rely heavily on peas and legumes as well.
If you’re looking for a moderately priced brand that offers decent caloric density (especially in comparison to a brand like Tiki Cat), Nulo could be a good choice.
Similar Brands
Looking for other cat food brands similar to Nulo? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
Hi Mallory,
Is there a reason why all the Nulo wet food I can find has some ocean fish content? For example the Turkey and Chicken has tuna, and Beef and Lamb has cod, let alone all the others with fish in the recipe name. If I want to feed my cat this food every day I don’t want all of them to contain fish, it could make them too addicted to the fish taste I am afraid.
Tuna/fish is stinky, has a strong taste, and cats love it. So even with chicken or beef some fish is usually added.
Some information about Nulo Pate Wet Food. I would highly suggest you “sift” the wet food as a part of your review process and capture “bone” fragment content. Our cat “Marco” loves the food but the bone fragment content on a per can basis is not commensurate with what Nulo customer service is suggesting. A single can produces a significant amount of fragments both large and small that could be a problem for cats with sensitive stomachs. Thank you.
I would think that cats throughout the ages have eaten small amounts and/or pieces of bone(s) when killing and eating their natural prey. Since rodents and other small mammals make up the majority of that prey, it seems to me that there would be an appreciable amount of bone fragments in those carcasses. I’m not all that concerned about the amounts or sizes of the fragments I have seen to date in Nulo’s wet food.
Hello can you explain the differences between the Dry Matter Basis results in your report vs. what is stated in your video?
Specifically for Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-
Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food Review. Sorry.
Hello there. Our automated system is not complex enough to recognize anything but the guaranteed analysis when calculating nutrient content. It simply pulls the guaranteed analysis from retail sites and uses that information to both infer unlisted nutrients, like carbohydrates, and generate dry matter and percentage-of-calories values. Because the guaranteed analysis is simply a set of minimum and maximum values, these inferences will often differ from typical nutrient values. On the other hand, the video review was based on my own calculations and information from the manufacturer.
There is some thing inconsistent with the cases of Nulo Freestyle Turkey and Chicken Recipe that I receive. I always get the exact same kind, yet there are certain batches that my cats refuse to even touch. Chewy has been great working with me, and they will send me a new batch when my 4 cats all refuse one- but after this happening three times in the last six months, I am going to completely switch away from this brand. There must be something that they are doing differently with these batches of food.
Thank you for sharing that!
Agreed my cats has the same reaction all of a sudden
I compared ingredients of an old can (they ate) to newer cans and seemed identical
TY, Consuelo. I experience this with various types of food with my four cats also. With four cats, you know it’s not a pickiness issue.
I’m having the same problem as you with my cat
refusing some of the Nulo Turkey and Chicken and accepting other cans. I’ve also noticed differences in colour and moisture content after opening different cans.
Zoey used to gobble her Nulo, but lately she sniffs and walks away.
Now I will also try a different brand to hopefully overcome this issue.
Hi Helen! Apologies for the late reply. Hope you’re able to sort things out.
Just read reviews on the wet food from Chewy recently. I was super stoked to purchase this for my kitties, but seems like the contents of the can have changed. I definitely think this food review for the wet food should be updated. Thank you so much for the great food advice!
Like Consuelo and LK shared, I received 5 cases of Nulo from Amazon ~$275 that my cat refuses to eat. Looking at a can from a previous batch side by side, the one he won’t eat is much darker/reddish than the ones he’s been eating for a couple years with no problem. Amazon has refunded part of the order but waiting to see if I can get a refund for the remainder. I even tried mixing the old and new but he still won’t touch it. Any recommendations on a similar cat food – I’m sad that I will have to move away from this brand and wondering what Nulo was thinking when they changed the formula
Thanks for sharing.
Been giving my cat Nulo freeze dried raw food in place of treats as she seemed to becoming addicted but have seen same addictive behavior with these freeze dried morsels. And she has a weigh problem.
Hi Sara!
We had a similar issue when our Siberian girl gained 4lbs after 1-2 months of adding freeze-dried raw to her diet. Here’s what we learned:
Raw food contains more than twice as much fat as standard wet or dry cat food. For reference, here’s a comparison of Nulo’s fatcontent as listed on the labels:
– Wet/Pate (Chicken & Turkey) = 8%
– Dry/kibbles (Chicken & Cod) = 20%
– Freeze-dried raw (Turkey & Duck) = 37%
The crude fat content of freeze-dried raw food is closest to what cats would eat in nature — it’s best suited for cats who are outside and burn equivalent calories.
The typical house cat doesn’t have to contend with extended hunting sessions & extreme temperature fluctuations, making them less active day-to-day, so a freeze-dried raw diet is likely to contribute to excessive weight gain (not to mention all that fat makes it extra yummy!).
After extensive research and talking it over with our vet, we transitioned Harper to a low-fat wet food for a few months (Tiki Chicken Consume Shreds is one good option) and increased interactive playtime to help her burn off the extra calories.
I personally decided to stop feeding raw food entirely, but you can also continue to feed it in small portions (e.g. add a couple bits to the wet food or use it as a treat).
It might also be a good idea to wean your cat off this tasty addiction first (by decreasing the amount added to low-fat wet food each day until you run out), to help make your kitty less likely to be mad about the transition 😉
Best of luck, fellow cat mama!
Julia & Harper =^•.•^=
Julia W., the as-fed fat percentages on labels of different forms of food aren’t directly comparable. Because there’s a huge difference in moisture content, you need to convert to dry matter basis (DMB) first. Personally I’d be more concerned with the DMB percentage of carbs than fat.
Mallory, I’m curious what your criteria for categorizing DMB percentages of protein, fat, and carbs as low, moderate, or high.. I notice that you call the 28.89% carbs in the kitten dry food “relatively low,” while you call the 31.11% carbs in the dry cat food high. Those percentages don’t seem terribly different to me.
Also, fyi, the first review in your positive reviews category is actually negative.
Hi Thomas, apologies for the late reply! This is a good question, and I believe a mistake was made in the article. You’re right that the carbohydrate content is pretty much the same in both of these recipes. For a little more context, I based my assessments on the typical carbohydrate content, which may differ from the typical nutrient values referenced for the charts on the page. The Cat & Kitten recipe is typically about 21.6% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, and the indoor cat recipe sits around 23.2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. Since they’re under 25%, these can both be considered relatively low-carb compared to other dry foods. I’m editing the article now to correct this, along with the customer review mix-up. Thanks!
My cat loves the nulo wet food. However, I am a little concerned about the bone fragments I found in the pate (especially the Chicken and Turkey pate). I believe the wet cat food is cooked, thus the bone fragments can cause harm, right? Do I need to pick all of them out? I found the bone fragments in the duck pate is soft, can easily be cut with spoon. Is that fine to serve to the cat?
Hi Sophy, there shouldn’t be any bone fragments in the food! If you’re finding these, I would recommend contacting both the company and the FDA to make a complaint.
Hi! I’ve been binge watching your food reviews as I look for wet foods to incorporate into my cats’ diet and although I’ve heard mixed reviews on the newer Nulo recipe I’m still interested in giving it a try to help with my budget. I couldn’t quite interpret the lab results but wanted to ask – is the calcium/phosphorus/ash content in the wet food you recommended an acceptable level for cats or would you consider it to be a bit on the high side? One of my cats has struggled with urinary crystals and since I’m transitioning him off of carb heavy prescription food I want to be sure I’m paying attention to any factors that could affect that. If it’s a bit high but not too bad I may just include it in the rotation but limit the feeding and include foods with lower levels. Thank you for all your information! I’ve watched and rewatched many of your videos and they’ve been such a huge help in making informed decisions!!
Hi Jen, thanks for the comment! The ash is at the slightly higher side of the normal range. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the calcium : phosphorus ratio as we don’t test for calcium content, but the phosphorus content here is a bit above AAFCO minimums. Overall, I wouldn’t say that it’s a particularly great option for cats who need that kind of mineral restriction, but it would probably be okay to keep in the rotation (not vet advice). Hope this helps! – Mallory
Most of your scores are taken out of 10 points to get your total but for some reason Nulo is scored out of 5 leading it to have a much higher score than it would if it was out of 10
Hi Pj, we’re currently updating our rating system in order to be able to provide more specific information to our readers about how individual scores are determined. We’re working on getting everything updated across the site, so check back soon!
I can’t thank you enough for your reviews! I find myself on your website all the time. Is it possible for you to review some of the other Nulo wet foods aside from the one listed? Would really love to see you review some of their shredded and minced food offerings. Thank you.
Hi Ana,
We will add it to our list
I looked at your reviews between Tiki brand and Nulo, why is it that Nulo gets a price rating of 3/5 (even though it is one of the most budget brand with good ingredients) and a total of 4.1/5 when Tiki don’t even have a price rating in the summary chart and an overall rating of 4.2/5.
That doesn’t seem like a fair overall review when comparing across brands when reading the full brand review.
Thanks for bringing that to our attention, Jane! We’re currently in the process of updating our ratings, so some reviews haven’t been completely transitioned yet. In our updated rating system, we’re ranking Price as 1, 3, or 5 to indicate whether a product is priced around market average (like Nulo, a 3) or well below average (a 5, like Meow Mix), or above average (a 1). We’ll also be publishing details about how our ratings are determined, so this info will be available soon!
Why are nearly all nulo products labeled as “cat & kitten food?” I purchased Nulo kitten pate and regular medal series pate for my older cat. The kittens will not touch the “For Kittens” food. Is it true that the products labeled for both will meet the nutritional requirements for kittens? I like that the pate is offered in 12.5 oz cans to lessen waste, especially if one owns multiple cats. I also like the idea of feeding the kittens and adult cat the same food.
Good question, Lisa. Nulo products that are labeled “cat & kitten food” are formulated according to AAFCO nutrient levels for all life stages. So yes, they are appropriate for both adult cats and kittens. When in doubt, you can check the product packaging for a statement that reads something like: “XXX recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO cat nutrient profiles for all life stages.” If a product is formulated for adults only, it will say “for maintenance” instead of “all life stages.”
Lisa, you don’t have to buy “kitten food.” Just look for a food that says it’s for “all life stages.”
This review is only looking at the Nulo Freestyle series, but all I can find in my local Pet Stores is the Nulo Medalseries, which is what I’m currently feeding my cats. What is the difference between the Freestyle and Medalseries lines and are you able to also do a review on the Medalseries? Maybe include their minced or shredded wet foods which is what my cats seem to prefer over the pate. Thank you!
Thanks for pointing that out, Millie! It does appear that Nulo is moving away from the Freestyle series a little to focus on the Medalseries—or at least those are the options most readily available in stores rather than on Chewy. I took a quick look at the Freestyle Chicken & Duck vs the MedalSeries Turkey & Duck, and they appear very similar in nutrient breakdown and ingredients. The MedalSeries may just be a different branding used in retail stores like Petco.
Either way, I’ll suggest to our editorial team that we update this review or do a separate one for Nulo’s MedalSeries. Thanks!
I buy Nulo MedalSeries 12.5oz cans through PetSmart’s autoship offering. I alternate between the Turkey & Chicken recipe and the Salmon & Mackerel recipe every other day and my two cats love both. I’ve been feeding this for almost two years now and appreciate the good balance of cost and quality. Buying the bigger cans only costs $1.50 to feed each cat per day a 100% wet food diet with noticable positive effects on their coats in softness and minimal shedding. Observations worth noting: there is an inconsistency in texture between cans/batches of the seafood flavor, with some being very wet and others holding together better – the poultry flavor is a more consistently firmer pate; in some orders nearly every can will have a dent or two in it, even those in the innermost parts of the case; based on the feeding recommendations on the can and how much each cat eats (with no supplemental feeding), my cats should be 6-8 pounds, but they are consistently 9.6#, with a little bit of a tummy on each of them.
While not perfect, this food is a good choice for us balancing cost vs quality.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jonathon! I’ve been curious about the MedalSeries since noticing at the PetSmart I frequent, so I’m glad to hear you and your cats like it.
My Siamese/Tabby mix will only eat NULO minced or shredded wet cat food – he will never eat pates…and he will not eat other brands – so I’m happy to see that NULO is still considered a “better” brand. My complaint with NULO is an inconsistency in different batches regarding ratio or meat to gravy. Normally the canned wet food is jam-packed with meat with just a little liquid – but on occasion, I have opened have received an entire case of food where the meat is almost invisible and it’s all gravy. I have brought this to the attention to Nulo on two occasions – and they have been receptive and have also sent me new cases of food to compensate. I wish they could work on their quality control more.
My only complaint is that the fur ball Nulo dries out and forms even smaller kibbles overnight.
i have bought nulo several times and i really like the ingredients but i really wished the kibble size is a bit bigger. the kibble is tiny and one of my cat was eating and not chewing it much. it really needs to be a bigger kibble. i switched to a different food because of this. when they sell the food with bigger kibble size i would buy it again.
my elderly cat will not eat large chunks or large kibble. im so happy that the small size is easy to swallow
My, female, neutered, siamese who doesn’t drink water is so picky and suffers from constipation. I thought Nulo Silky Mousse would be good for her and it’s helped in that she loves it. I’m wondering if anyone has any comments/thoughts/recommendation related to the silky mousse.
I am a big fan of the silky mousse. my girls love the silky mousse and one of my girls is extremely picky. I give it to them twice a day; for their evening meal, I put it on top of their dehydrated rabbit (Vital Essentials brand freeze-dried raw rabbit). I give them a variety so they don’t get bored or stuck on one flavor. Their fur looks and feels great, they do not have the stinky cat box small that comes with other brands. Each cat is different – so it is important to find one you feel is right AND they enjoy eating.
Freeze dried raw in both kinds, my cat really likes as a food topper, but from when I started to buy it was a pretty full bag, now it’s a 1/3 full, did you think the customer wouldn’t notice, what a rip off, why do this to your customer base?
My honest opinion is that you truly can’t trust cats.com because they aren’t unbiased reviews. You essentially tell people that you make a commission through the links you have posted 😆. Think about it the more expensive the item the higher the commission they may earn.
Hi Chris,
Our goal is to educate not to sell products. on every list that is a range of prices for the products.
Who said anything about the price lists? I said the click bait links which you provided and have even admitted to it. Evidently you forgot that you posted this Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we may earn a commission. If you are providing links to sites where you may or may not make a commission you are not unbiased.
This may be unbiased, but it is decidedly uninformed. Nulo is notorious for obscene levels of mineral content. Phosphorus and magnesium levels are WAY TO HIGH, and can kill your cats kidneys in a matter of months. I just spent $2000 to keep my otherwise healthy Siberian alive after he developed urinary crystals and early stage kidney disease after just three months on Nulo Beef and Sardine Mousse. Vet ruled out all other causes, and Nulo is the easy culprit. Don’t feed this to your cat. Shame on Cats.com for its pay-for-play analysis of this product, and its shallow analysis of ingredients and associated risks.
So glad to have found this site. Thanks for your information. It’s in depth, helpful & easy to understand. Bless you. Had no idea Fancy Feast, Friskies, etc. were made with such scary ingredients. My research has been “crazy making” I dread sitting down to continue, and feel like pulling my hair out. However your info has made it so much easier. Thank you!
I’ve come back a few times to see if the Nulo Cat Food review has been updated to reflect their Medalseries or their “new” Prowess version, and you are still only showing their Freestyle series which is not sold in any of the local pet stores. I’m especially confused because underneath the review it shows it was last updated Jan 6, 2026 but is still talking about the same Freestyle foods that have been on here since 2024. Can you please do a “true update” to the Nulo Cat Food Review and talk about their current offerings that are actually sold in many of our local pet stores. Thank you!
Hi Ana yes we are working on it
I just opened the bag of Nulo Prowess for senior cats. I couldn’t open the bag fast enough! I was surprised to see how small the nuggets were, but that didn’t seem to bother her. I think this will be her new food. I will check out different flavors for her.