Our verdict
Is Nulo Lamb & Chickpeas Recipe a good dog food?
We score it 49/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for adult dogs, with deboned lamb, dehydrated turkey protein and salmon protein as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for adult dogs
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list beef, venison, pork, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists chicken oil and fat
- Your dog avoids turkey: the label lists dehydrated turkey protein
- Your dog avoids lamb: the label lists deboned lamb
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon protein
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 31% · Fat 17%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31% |
| Fat | 17% |
| Fibre | 4.50% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.50% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2.70% |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Phosphorus | 0.90% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Adult Dog Daily Feeding Guidelines (cups/day, 8 oz measuring cup) Up to 15 lbs: ½ - 1 cup 16 - 25 lbs: 1 – 1½ cups 26 - 40 lbs: 1½ - 2¼ cups 41 - 60 lbs: 2¼ - 3 cups 61 - 80 lbs: 3 – 3¾ cups 81 - 100 lbs: 3¾ - 4½ cups Over 100 lbs: 4½ cups + ½ for each additional 20 lbs
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Iron 100 mg/kg; Zinc 140 mg/kg; Vitamin E 300 IU/kg; Taurine 0.10%; Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 65 mg/kg
Ingredients (46)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 54.9%
- veg 16.4%
- meat 11.2%
- additive 5.1%
- carb 2.8%
- oil 2.7%
- fibre 2.6%
- fruit 2.3%
- mineral 2.1%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deboned Lamb | Deboned Lamb | meat · good | - | 2.9 |
| 2 | Turkey Meal | Dehydrated turkey protein | meat · good | - | 2.8 |
| 3 | Salmon Meal | Salmon Protein | meat · good | - | 2.8 |
| 4 | Whole Peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.8 |
| 5 | Sweet Potato | Sweet Potatoes | carb · good | - | 2.8 |
| 6 | Chickpeas | Chickpeas | veg · good | - | 2.7 |
| 7 | Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.7 |
| 8 | Lamb Meal | Lamb | meat · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 9 | Pea Fiber | Pea Fibre | fibre · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 10 | Natural Flavor | Flavor | additive · poor | - | 2.6 |
| 11 | Dried Tomatoes | Tomato | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 12 | Yeast Culture | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.5 |
| 13 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 14 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 15 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 16 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 17 | Dried Chicory Root | Chicory root | veg · good | - | 2.4 |
| 18 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 19 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 20 | Dried Apples | Dried Apples | fruit · good | - | 2.3 |
| 21 | Dried Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 22 | Dried Carrots | Carrots | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 23 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 24 | L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C) | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 25 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 26 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 2.1 |
| 27 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 28 | Iron Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 29 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 30 | Vitamin A Supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 31 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 32 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 33 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | d-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product | Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 38 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | Manganous Oxide | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 41 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide | Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide | supplement · medium | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 44 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | Rosemary Extract | Rosemary | veg · good | - | 1.5 |
- 1. Deboned Lamb2.9% estimated
- 2. Turkey Meal2.8% estimated
- 3. Salmon Meal2.8% estimated
- 4. Whole Peas2.8% estimated
- 5. Sweet Potato2.8% estimated
- 6. Chickpeas2.7% estimated
- 7. Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid)2.7% estimated
- 8. Lamb Meal2.7% estimated
- 9. Pea Fiber2.6% estimated
- 10. Natural Flavor2.6% estimated
- 11. Dried Tomatoes2.6% estimated
- 12. Yeast Culture2.5% estimated
- 13. Salt2.5% estimated
- 14. Potassium Chloride2.5% estimated
- 15. DL-Methionine2.4% estimated
- 16. Choline Chloride2.4% estimated
- 17. Dried Chicory Root2.4% estimated
- 18. Taurine2.3% estimated
- 19. Vitamin E Supplement2.3% estimated
- 20. Dried Apples2.3% estimated
- 21. Dried Blueberries2.3% estimated
- 22. Dried Carrots2.2% estimated
- 23. Zinc Proteinate2.2% estimated
- 24. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C)2.2% estimated
- 25. Zinc Sulfate2.1% estimated
- 26. Iron Proteinate2.1% estimated
- 27. Niacin Supplement2.1% estimated
- 28. Iron Sulfate2.0% estimated
- 29. Copper Proteinate2.0% estimated
- 30. Vitamin A Supplement2.0% estimated
- 31. Copper Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 32. Thiamine Mononitrate1.9% estimated
- 33. Manganese Proteinate1.9% estimated
- 34. d-Calcium Pantothenate1.8% estimated
- 35. Riboflavin Supplement1.8% estimated
- 36. Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product1.8% estimated
- 37. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride1.8% estimated
- 38. Biotin1.7% estimated
- 39. Manganous Oxide1.7% estimated
- 40. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.7% estimated
- 41. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.6% estimated
- 42. Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide1.6% estimated
- 43. Folic Acid1.6% estimated
- 44. Sodium Selenite1.5% estimated
- 45. Calcium Iodate1.5% estimated
- 46. Rosemary Extract1.5% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-08-22
Brand and contact: Nulo
- Website
- https://nulo.com/
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-08-22
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- nulo.com
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall rating of 49 out of 100. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +6.2 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.22 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 0.8% | -0.115 | -0.10 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 3.3% | -0.092 | -0.30 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 11.6% | -0.005 | -0.06 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 5.6% | 0.163 | +0.91 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 61.6% | -0.012 | -0.75 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.6% | -0.065 | -0.43 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.6% | 0.060 | +0.16 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -6.17 | 0.222 | -1.37 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.22 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 0.8% | -0.115 | -0.10 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 3.3% | -0.092 | -0.30 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 11.6% | -0.005 | -0.06 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 5.6% | 0.163 | +0.91 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 61.6% | -0.012 | -0.75 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.6% | -0.065 | -0.43 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.6% | 0.060 | +0.16 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -6.17 | 0.222 | -1.37 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Additives declared on label
- +1 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 48.6
- Final score
- 49/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 31 | 34.3 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 17 | 18.8 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4.5 | 5 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1 | 1.1 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 88.1 |
| Phosphorus | 0.9 | 1 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 99.7 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.1 | 1.1 (band 1 to 2%) | 76.7 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 7 declared nutrients (combined weight 90); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 5 nutritional additives on the label
- Iron 100 mg/kg
- Zinc 140 mg/kg
- Vitamin E 300 IU/kg
- Taurine 0.10%
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 65 mg/kg
Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) - not on file | 0/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
See all current recalls we track.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
0/100 · limited — 1 checkable claim: 0 consistent, 1 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "No Egg or Chicken Proteins" — the declared label says otherwise on chicken.
18 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Limited: at least one claim contradicts the declared label, or a recent upheld ASA ruling applies.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real lamb provides natural zinc and iron that support immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Advanced Probiotics GanedenBC30® probiotic supports your pet's digestive and immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Zinc & Iron from Real Lamb The combination of Zinc and Iron from real lamb helps support your dog's overall immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Lean Muscles & Healthy Heart Animal-based protein sources contain amino acids that work together to support lean muscle mass and a healthy heart (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Brilliant Skin & Coat A balanced amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids nourish your pet's skin and help promote a beautiful shiny coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| On average, 80-87% of the protein in our Freestyle diets for dogs comes from animal sources, which provides your dog with the ideal amino acid profile! (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Grain-Free Without white potatoes or tapioca (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Lower in Carbs Low carbohydrate levels and low glycemic ingredients (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| chickpeas offer fiber-rich, sustained energy without grains, white potatoes, or tapioca (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Freestyle's formulas are grain-free, using ingredients like sweet potatoes and chickpeas as low-glycemic, whole-food carbohydrate sources (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C) (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| No Egg or Chicken Proteins (on page) | Free-from | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (Min) 0.50% (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Bacillus coagulans* (Min) 80,000,000 CFU/lb (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Crude Fat (Min) 17.0% (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains a source of viable naturally occurring microorganisms (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids* (Min) 2.70% (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Crude Protein (Min) 31.0% (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| With 81% animal-based protein from lamb, turkey, and salmon, this grain-free recipe delivers the amino acids active dogs need to build lean muscle and recover after every adventure. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
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