Nutro Ultra Dog Food Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
Quick Verdict: 8.1/10 — Nutro’s premium-tier line with a trio of proteins and non-GMO ingredients—excellent whole-food nutrition.
*Estimated reading time: 5 minutes*
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Company Overview
Founded: 1926 (brand); Ultra line: 2000s | Parent Company: Mars Petcare | Price Range: ~$55–$70 per 30 lb bag
Nutro has been making pet food since 1926. Nutro Ultra is their premium tier, featuring a trio of proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon) and non-GMO verified ingredients. Nutro’s core differentiator is non-GMO sourcing—unique in this price range.
Nutro Ultra is positioned above standard Wholesome Essentials, featuring more diverse protein sources and a richer ingredient list. Available at PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, and some grocery chains.
Product Lineup & Pricing
| Product | Size | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Chicken, Lamb & Salmon (30 lb) | 30 lb | ~$62 |
| Large Breed Adult (30 lb) | 30 lb | ~$64 |
| Puppy Chicken, Lamb & Salmon (30 lb) | 30 lb | ~$65 |
| Senior (30 lb) | 30 lb | ~$60 |
| Wet (Loaf variety) | 12.5 oz can | ~$2.50 |
Ingredient & Nutrition Analysis
Primary Ingredients (Adult): Deboned chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, split peas, whole grain sorghum, lamb meal, salmon meal, whole grain oatmeal.
Deboned chicken leads. Chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal provide protein diversity. Brown rice, sorghum, and oatmeal are whole-grain carbohydrates. Split peas add plant protein and fiber. Non-GMO verified across all ingredients.
Key Nutrients (Adult Chicken, Lamb & Salmon):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—|—|
| Crude Protein (min) | 25% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 14% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calories | ~395 kcal/cup |
25% protein from a trio of animal sources provides amino acid diversity. Fat at 14% is moderate. Non-GMO is a genuine differentiator. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros
- Trio of proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon) for amino acid diversity
- Non-GMO verified ingredients—genuine differentiator
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Available at PetSmart and Petco
- Solid mid-premium pricing
Cons
- Lower protein than Merrick or Wellness CORE
- Mars Petcare ownership
- Grain-inclusive (for owners wanting grain-free)
Best For
Nutro Ultra is best for: Owners who prioritize non-GMO sourcing and diverse protein sources without paying Orijen or Instinct-level prices. Good for healthy adult dogs of all sizes who can tolerate multiple proteins without sensitivities.
Alternatives to Consider
- [Nutro vs Wellness](/compare/nutro-vs-wellness)
- [Nutro vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/nutro-vs-purina-pro-plan)
FAQ
Is Nutro Ultra non-GMO?
Yes. Nutro Ultra uses non-GMO verified ingredients across the formula.
What is the trio of proteins in Nutro Ultra?
Chicken, lamb, and salmon. Each provides different essential amino acid profiles and fatty acids.
Has Nutro Ultra been recalled?
Nutro had recalls in 2009 and 2011. No recalls since.
Is Nutro Ultra grain-free?
No. Nutro Ultra is grain-inclusive with brown rice, sorghum, and oatmeal. Nutro does have a grain-free Clean Recipe line.
Which is better, Nutro Ultra or Wellness CORE?
Wellness CORE has higher protein (34%+) in grain-free formulas and a better recall record. Nutro Ultra wins on non-GMO sourcing and protein diversity. See our comparison.
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