Our verdict
Is Nulo Senior Trout & Sweet Potato 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 senior dogs, with trout, 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 senior dogs
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list beef, lamb, 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 fish: the label lists trout
- 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 30% · Fat 12%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30% |
| Fat | 12% |
| Fibre | 5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.35% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 1.30% |
| 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: 4 ½ cups + ½ for each additional 20 lbs
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A Supplement; Thiamine Mononitrate; d-Calcium Pantothenate; Riboflavin Supplement; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Biotin; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Folic Acid; Vitamin D3 Supplement; Vitamin E 300 IU/kg; Taurine 0.10%; L-Carnitine 400 mg/kg; Glucosamine 350 mg/kg; Chondroitin Sulfate 350 mg/kg; Ascorbic Acid 65 mg/kg
Ingredients (51)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 57.0%
- veg 19.3%
- meat 10.1%
- additive 4.6%
- carb 2.4%
- oil 2.3%
- fibre 2.3%
- mineral 1.8%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deboned Trout | Trout | meat · good | - | 2.6 |
| 2 | Turkey Meal | Dehydrated turkey protein | meat · good | - | 2.6 |
| 3 | Salmon Meal | Salmon Protein | meat · good | - | 2.5 |
| 4 | Lentils | Lentils | veg · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 5 | Chickpeas | Chickpeas | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 6 | Whole Peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 7 | Sweet Potato | Sweet Potatoes | carb · good | - | 2.4 |
| 8 | Ground Flaxseed | Ground Flaxseed (2%) | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 9 | Deboned Turkey | Turkey | meat · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 10 | Natural Flavor | Flavor | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 11 | Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.3 |
| 12 | Pea Fiber | Pea Fibre | fibre · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 13 | Dried Tomatoes | Tomato | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 14 | Yeast Culture | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 15 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.2 |
| 16 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.2 |
| 17 | Dried Chicory Root | Chicory root | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 18 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 19 | L-Carnitine | L-Carnitine | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 20 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 21 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 22 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 23 | Dried Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 24 | Dried Apple | Apples | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 25 | Dried Carrots | Carrots | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 26 | Chondroitin Sulfate | Chondroitin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 27 | Glucosamine Hydrochloride | Glucosamine | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 28 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 29 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 30 | L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C) | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 31 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 1.8 |
| 32 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 33 | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 34 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 36 | Vitamin A Supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 37 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 38 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | d-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 40 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product | Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Manganous Oxide | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 44 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide | Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
| 47 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 48 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.4 |
| 49 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 50 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.3 |
| 51 | Rosemary Extract | Rosemary | veg · good | - | 1.3 |
- 1. Deboned Trout2.6% estimated
- 2. Turkey Meal2.6% estimated
- 3. Salmon Meal2.5% estimated
- 4. Lentils2.5% estimated
- 5. Chickpeas2.5% estimated
- 6. Whole Peas2.5% estimated
- 7. Sweet Potato2.4% estimated
- 8. Ground Flaxseed2.4% estimated
- 9. Deboned Turkey2.4% estimated
- 10. Natural Flavor2.4% estimated
- 11. Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid)2.3% estimated
- 12. Pea Fiber2.3% estimated
- 13. Dried Tomatoes2.3% estimated
- 14. Yeast Culture2.3% estimated
- 15. Potassium Chloride2.2% estimated
- 16. Salt2.2% estimated
- 17. Dried Chicory Root2.2% estimated
- 18. Choline Chloride2.2% estimated
- 19. L-Carnitine2.1% estimated
- 20. Taurine2.1% estimated
- 21. Vitamin E Supplement2.1% estimated
- 22. DL-Methionine2.1% estimated
- 23. Dried Blueberries2.0% estimated
- 24. Dried Apple2.0% estimated
- 25. Dried Carrots2.0% estimated
- 26. Chondroitin Sulfate2.0% estimated
- 27. Glucosamine Hydrochloride1.9% estimated
- 28. Zinc Proteinate1.9% estimated
- 29. Zinc Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 30. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C)1.9% estimated
- 31. Iron Proteinate1.8% estimated
- 32. Niacin Supplement1.8% estimated
- 33. Ferrous Sulfate1.8% estimated
- 34. Copper Proteinate1.8% estimated
- 35. Copper Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 36. Vitamin A Supplement1.7% estimated
- 37. Manganese Proteinate1.7% estimated
- 38. Thiamine Mononitrate1.7% estimated
- 39. d-Calcium Pantothenate1.6% estimated
- 40. Riboflavin Supplement1.6% estimated
- 41. Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product1.6% estimated
- 42. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride1.6% estimated
- 43. Manganous Oxide1.5% estimated
- 44. Biotin1.5% estimated
- 45. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.5% estimated
- 46. Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide1.5% estimated
- 47. Folic Acid1.4% estimated
- 48. Sodium Selenite1.4% estimated
- 49. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.4% estimated
- 50. Calcium Iodate1.3% estimated
- 51. Rosemary Extract1.3% 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 +6.4 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 | +6.41 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 0.8% | -0.115 | -0.09 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.9% | -0.092 | -0.27 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 13.4% | -0.005 | -0.07 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 5.1% | 0.163 | +0.84 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 65.4% | -0.012 | -0.80 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.0% | -0.065 | -0.39 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 0.060 | +0.14 |
| 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 | -5.54 | 0.222 | -1.23 |
| 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 | +6.41 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 0.8% | -0.115 | -0.09 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.9% | -0.092 | -0.27 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 13.4% | -0.005 | -0.07 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 5.1% | 0.163 | +0.84 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 65.4% | -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 | 6.0% | -0.065 | -0.39 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 0.060 | +0.14 |
| 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 | -5.54 | 0.222 | -1.23 |
| 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
- 48.8
- 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 | 30 | 33.1 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 12 | 13.3 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 5 | 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: 15 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- d-Calcium Pantothenate
- Riboflavin Supplement
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Biotin
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin E 300 IU/kg
- Taurine 0.10%
- L-Carnitine 400 mg/kg
- Glucosamine 350 mg/kg
- Chondroitin Sulfate 350 mg/kg
- Ascorbic Acid 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.
67/100 · limited — 3 checkable claims: 2 consistent, 1 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "No Egg or Chicken Proteins" — the declared label says otherwise on chicken.
Consistent with the label
- "This grain-free senior recipe delivers high animal-based protein from trout to maintain lean muscle" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "Grain-Free" — supported by the declared grain-free data.
13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not all dogs like chicken and eggs, which are commonly reported allergens. That's why we've developed recipes using alternative protein sources (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| plus glucosamine and chondroitin to help support hip and joint health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-Carnitine supports fat metabolism for dogs with slower metabolisms (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| sweet potato provides gentle, sustained energy (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| All recipes contain wholesome vegetables and fruits and Vitamins C and E that work together to support immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports the metabolism of fat for a healthy body condition (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| GanedenBC30® probiotic supports your pet's digestive and immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supplemented with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for hip and joint health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| This grain-free senior recipe delivers high animal-based protein from trout to maintain lean muscle (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Grain-Free (on page) | Free-from | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| No Egg or Chicken Proteins (on page) | Free-from | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| Without white potatoes or tapioca (on page) | Free-from | 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 |
| Nulo FreeStyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains a source of viable naturally occurring microorganisms (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| On average, 80-87% of the protein in our Freestyle diets for dogs comes from animal sources (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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