Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Free
Origin
United States
Recipes
6
Is Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food Good?
Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 2.5 stars rating — accounts for 8% of all the pet food we review.
They seem to have a certain level of carbs, and contain some ingredients we concern. We do not recommend this pet food.
What We like
- Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
- No Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
- No Chemicals or Suspicious Ingredients
What We Concern
- Relatively Low Level of Protein
- More than 37% Carbs
- Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
- Numberous Controversial Ingredients
- Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
- Include Ingredients that might be Related to Poor Digestion
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Nutro Grain Free Adult Duck & Lentils
1️⃣Duck 🍚Carbs：47% 2.5
Nutro Grain Free Adult Salmon & Lentils
1️⃣Salmon 🍚Carbs：47% 2.5
Nutro Grain Free Adult Venison Meal & Sweet Potato
1️⃣Venison Meal 🍚Carbs：47% 2.5
Nutro Grain Free Adult Lamb & Sweet Potato
1️⃣Deboned Lamb 🍚Carbs：49% 2
Nutro Grain Free Adult Small Bites Lamb & Sweet Potato
1️⃣Deboned Lamb 🍚Carbs：49% 2
Nutro Grain Free Large Breed Adult Lamb & Sweet Potato
1️⃣Deboned Lamb 🍚Carbs：51% 2
Tips
Recipes have similar ratings. This means they are quite similar.
Recipe to review
To rate Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Nutro Grain Free Adult Lamb & Sweet Potato.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Nutro Grain Free Adult Lamb & Sweet Potato
Protein
20%
Fat
14%
Fiber
3.5%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
| Nutrition | Our Ideal | Dry Value | Like? |
| Protein | 30% or more | 22% | |
| Fat | 15% or more | 16% | |
| Carbs | Less than 28% | 49% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 3.9% |
Ingredients Overview
35 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
0 units
🌋 Indigest
4 units
⁉ Uncertain
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Deboned Lamb
Animal Protein A type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Lamb Meal
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of lamb, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chickpeas
Carbs, Plant Protein 🌋
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Potatoes
Carbs Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
Concerned An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Sweet Potato
Carbs An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Lentils
Carbs, Plant Protein 🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potato Starch
Carbs Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
Concerned An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Canola Oil
Fat 🌋
Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.
Concerned A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sunflower Oil
Fat The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.
Neutral An acceptable source of fat from plants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Natural Flavor
Food Additive Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Concerned Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potato Protein
Plant Protein Concentrate 🌋
A protein concentrate extracted from potatoes, contains about 75% protein, often added to boost up the protein content of pet foods with less meat.
Notice High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest It offers much less biological value (less digested and absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Plain Beet Pulp
Carbs The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Concerned Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potassium Chloride
Supplement An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salt
Others Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Concerned A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dl-methionine
Supplement Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Concerned A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid
Food Additive The best natural antioxidant preservative, made of a mixture of vitamin E, mostly extracted from vegetable oils.
Neutral A harmless food additive.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Taurine
Supplement An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Prefer A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Zinc Sulfate
Supplement An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Niacin Supplement
Supplement Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Biotin
Supplement A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin E Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Selenium Yeast
Plant Protein Concentrate Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Concerned A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
D-calcium Pantothenate
Supplement An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Riboflavin Supplement
Supplement A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Manganous Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Folic Acid
Supplement A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tips
We find 8 Concerned and 1 Notice ingredients from Nutro Grain Free Adult Lamb & Sweet Potato. Check from the above list to view the details.Concerned
- Dried Potatoes
- Potato Starch
- Canola Oil
- Natural Flavor
- Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Salt
- Dl-methionine
- Selenium Yeast
Notice
- Potato Protein
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
2 / 7 (29%)
in top 7 ingredients Protein Level
22%
in dry matterBy looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Low to medium !
It looks like it contains some amount of meat. Your furbabies would prefer something with more meat!
Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 6 recipes, the group has an average of 23% protein, 15% fat and 49% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is -7 (%) less than ideal
- Fat is 0 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is 21 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food has an carbs level higher than our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
- Nutrition ratio, mainly the level of carbs raises our attention
- Ingredients might be worth to take a second look
- Low to medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 2.5 star rating.
Do we recommend Nutro Limited Ingredients Grain Free Dry Dog Food ?
There are several things make us concerned, so we do not recommend it. If there is a very strong reason for you to choose it, try to mix with other pet food with higher meat to enrich the diet.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Has an unusual obsession with the taste and ingredients of food, over 5+ years experience in professional eating. As the Chief of Food, he will tell you the truth about food.
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and Stay Hungry again!"
