Our verdict
Is Nulo Paté Chicken & Shrimp Recipe a good dog food?
We score it 55/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete wet paté food for dogs of all life stages, with chicken, cooking broth and shrimp 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 all lifestages
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, venison, pork, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists chicken
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists shrimp
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
- You are limiting fat: 31.8% on a dry-matter basis is in the high band
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 10% · Fat 7%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10% |
| Fat | 7% |
| Fibre | 1% |
| Moisture | 78% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
Feed at room temperature and refrigerate unused portion.
Feeding guide
Puppy: Up to 11 weeks of age, feed as much as your puppy will eat in 3 or 4 feedings per day. 11 to 26 weeks of age: feed 2 ½ - 3 cans per 5 lbs. of body weight per day. 26 to 52 weeks of age: feed 1 ¾ - 2 ½ cans per 5 lbs. of body weight per day. Adult: Feed 2 ½ cans per 7 lbs. of body weight per day. Gestation & Lactation: Feed up to 3 times the normal adult amount.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Taurine 0.05%; Carnitine 50 mg/kg
Ingredients (40)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 49.9%
- veg 20.1%
- meat 13.0%
- additive 5.8%
- carb 3.1%
- oil 2.9%
- fibre 2.7%
- mineral 2.5%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 3.3 |
| 2 | Chicken Broth | Chicken Broth | meat · medium | - | 3.3 |
| 3 | Shrimp | Shrimp | meat · good | - | 3.2 |
| 4 | Chicken Liver | Chicken Liver | meat · good | - | 3.2 |
| 5 | Sweet Potato | Sweet Potatoes | carb · good | - | 3.1 |
| 6 | Carrots | Carrots | veg · good | - | 3.1 |
| 7 | Pumpkin | Pumpkin | veg · good | - | 3.1 |
| 8 | Guar Gum | Guar gum | additive · medium | - | 3.0 |
| 9 | Apples | Apples | veg · good | - | 3.0 |
| 10 | Spinach | Spinach | veg · good | - | 2.9 |
| 11 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.9 |
| 12 | Salmon Oil | Salmon Oil | oil · good | - | 2.9 |
| 13 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.8 |
| 14 | Flaxseed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.8 |
| 15 | Dried Kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.7 |
| 16 | Inulin | Inulin | fibre · good | - | 2.7 |
| 17 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.6 |
| 18 | Magnesium Sulfate | Magnesium sulfate | supplement · good | - | 2.6 |
| 19 | Parsley | Parsley | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 20 | Iron Amino Acid Chelate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 2.5 |
| 21 | Zinc Amino Acid Chelate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.5 |
| 22 | L-Carnitine | L-Carnitine | supplement · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 23 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 24 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 25 | L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C) | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 26 | Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1) | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 27 | Vitamin A Supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 28 | Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3) | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 29 | Copper Amino Acid Chelate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 30 | Manganese Amino Acid Chelate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 31 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 32 | Calcium d-Pantothenate (source of Vitamin B5) | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 33 | Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2) | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 34 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.9 |
| 35 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 36 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6) | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 37 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 38 | Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3) | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 39 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity) | Menadione sodium bisulfite complex | supplement · poor | - | 1.7 |
- 1. Chicken3.3% estimated
- 2. Chicken Broth3.3% estimated
- 3. Shrimp3.2% estimated
- 4. Chicken Liver3.2% estimated
- 5. Sweet Potato3.1% estimated
- 6. Carrots3.1% estimated
- 7. Pumpkin3.1% estimated
- 8. Guar Gum3.0% estimated
- 9. Apples3.0% estimated
- 10. Spinach2.9% estimated
- 11. Potassium Chloride2.9% estimated
- 12. Salmon Oil2.9% estimated
- 13. Salt2.8% estimated
- 14. Flaxseed2.8% estimated
- 15. Dried Kelp2.7% estimated
- 16. Inulin2.7% estimated
- 17. Choline Chloride2.6% estimated
- 18. Magnesium Sulfate2.6% estimated
- 19. Parsley2.6% estimated
- 20. Iron Amino Acid Chelate2.5% estimated
- 21. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate2.5% estimated
- 22. L-Carnitine2.4% estimated
- 23. Taurine2.4% estimated
- 24. Vitamin E Supplement2.4% estimated
- 25. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C)2.3% estimated
- 26. Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1)2.3% estimated
- 27. Vitamin A Supplement2.2% estimated
- 28. Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3)2.2% estimated
- 29. Copper Amino Acid Chelate2.1% estimated
- 30. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate2.1% estimated
- 31. Calcium Iodate2.1% estimated
- 32. Calcium d-Pantothenate (source of Vitamin B5)2.0% estimated
- 33. Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2)2.0% estimated
- 34. Sodium Selenite1.9% estimated
- 35. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.9% estimated
- 36. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6)1.9% estimated
- 37. Folic Acid1.8% estimated
- 38. Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3)1.8% estimated
- 39. Biotin1.7% estimated
- 40. Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity)1.7% 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?
The food scored 55 out of 100. Ingredients without printed percentages pulled the score down by -10.6, while the overall quality of the ingredient list lifted it by +6.3. Being labelled nutritionally complete added a further +2.3 points, and the additive load took off -1.6.
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 | +6.31 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 1.1% | -0.115 | -0.13 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 4.1% | -0.092 | -0.37 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 10.2% | -0.005 | -0.05 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.5% | 0.163 | +1.23 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 65.9% | -0.012 | -0.80 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.4% | -0.065 | -0.42 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.8% | 0.060 | +0.17 |
| 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 | -7.05 | 0.222 | -1.56 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 33.786 | +33.79 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | yes | -0.672 | -0.67 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.31 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 1.1% | -0.115 | -0.13 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 4.1% | -0.092 | -0.37 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 10.2% | -0.005 | -0.05 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.5% | 0.163 | +1.23 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 65.9% | -0.012 | -0.80 |
| 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 | 6.4% | -0.065 | -0.42 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.8% | 0.060 | +0.17 |
| 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 | -7.05 | 0.222 | -1.56 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 33.786 | +33.79 |
| 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 | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | yes | -0.672 | -0.67 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- -0.08
- Additives declared on label
- +1 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 55.2
- Final score
- 55/100
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 | 10 | 45.5 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 7 | 31.8 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 1 | 4.5 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
Scored over 3 declared nutrients (combined weight 50); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 78% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 2 nutritional additives on the label
- Taurine 0.05%
- Carnitine 50 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.
100/100 · strong — 3 checkable claims: 3 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "Complete & Balanced Nutrition" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "deliver perfectly portioned complete & balanced meals" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "no added grains" — supported by the declared grain-free data.
10 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Strong: at least three checkable claims, all consistent with the declared label, and no compliance cap.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean Muscles & Heart Health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High-quality proteins provide amino acids that support lean muscle mass and a healthy heart. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-Carnitine (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports the metabolism of fat for a healthy body condition. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Provides complete & balanced nutrition and essential nutrients for your pet. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| provides the perfect fuel for all of their everyday adventures (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made of premium quality, high-animal based protein with no added grains (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Specially tailored for small breed dogs (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Complete & Balanced Nutrition (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Lower in Carbs (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| deliver perfectly portioned complete & balanced meals (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| no added grains (on page) | Free-from | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low carbohydrate levels and low glycemic ingredients. (on page) | High/low level | 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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