When it comes to cat food, there are many brands to choose from, and definitely some to avoid. Kitties need a well-balanced diet. But choosing the right best cat food can be overwhelming for cat parents.
To help you out, we’ve narrowed the search down to the super-premium cat food brand, Nulo. We’ve got everything you need to know about this brand. Including a Nulo cat food review of 18 of its best cat food options.
Our favorite 18 Nulo cat food recipes:
Nulo dry cat food
- Nulo FreeStyle Indoor Recipe with Duck and Lentils
- Nulo FreeStyle Adult Trim Recipe with Salmon and Lentil
- Nulo FreeStyle Senior Recipe with Alaska Pollock, Duck, and Sweet Potato
- Nulo FreeStyle Turkey and Cod Hairball Management Recipe
Nulo kitten food
- Nulo FreeStyle Kitten Food with Chicken and Cod
- Nulo FreeStyle Grain-Free Turkey and Duck Recipe Kitten Dry Cat Food
Nulo wet cat food
- Nulo FreeStyle Minced Duck and Turkey in Gravy Canned Food
- Nulo FreeStyle Canned Recipe with Minced Turkey and Salmon
- Nulo FreeStyle Canned Recipe with Shredded Chicken and Duck
- Nulo FreeStyle Recipe with Shredded Beef and Rainbow Trout
- Nulo FreeStyle Gravy Recipe with Shredded Halibut and Turkey
- Nulo FreeStyle Beef and Lamb Canned Recipe
- Nulo FreeStyle Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Food
Nulo food topper
- Nulo FreeStyle Topper with Chicken, Yellowfin Tuna and Duck
- Nulo FreeStyle Topper with Yellowfin Tuna and Shrimp
- Nulo FreeStyle Topper with Chicken and Mackerel
Nulo free-dried cat food
- Nulo FreeStyle Chicken and Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Nulo FreeStyle Turkey and Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
About Nulo pet food
Nulo is an independently owned US-based company specializing in nutritious pet food. Founded in 2009 by Michael Landa in Austin TX (our hometown!) it has since built a strong following of pet parents (1).
The company produces most of its cat kibble in factories across the US—South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. Wet cat food puree and pouches are made in a reputable pet food factory in Thailand, with additional factories in New Zealand and Australia.
Their focus is on providing real nutrition to pets. Nulo foods are free from filler carbs and empty calories. Instead, they craft recipes using real animal-based proteins and low-glycemic ingredients. There has never been a Nulo cat food recall.
Benefits of Nulo cat food
There are several reasons why cat parents choose to feed their kitties Nulo cat food:
- Its factories are annually inspected to ensure quality.
- Several organizations, such as the USDA, FDA, and AAFCO, have approved its products.
- It contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or fillers.
- The company works closely with farmers, sourcing only high-quality animal-based protein. These are all raised in sustainable ways.
- Supplemented with patented shelf-stable GanedenBC30 probiotics to support healthy digestion.
- It offers several flavors and combinations suitable for various cats in different life stages.
Choosing the best diet for your kitty
Cats need a specific balance of proteins and nutrients to thrive, but picking the right food isn’t always straightforward. That’s why it’s recommended to consult a vet before starting or changing your cat’s diet.
Things to look for in high-quality cat food
High in protein
Cats need a lot of animal-based protein to thrive. The amino acids found in animal protein are the building blocks of life. They are essential for the proper immune function and development of muscles (>2).
- Adult cats: Need at least 6.5 grams of animal protein per day to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
- Pregnant or nursing kitties: Need 7.5 grams daily (3).
- Kittens: Because they are growing at a rapid rate, kittens need the most protein, at least 7.5 grams daily.
Ideal animal proteins are real chicken, fish, duck, turkey, beef, venison, rabbit, etc. These should come from trustworthy sources.
Low in carbohydrates
Unlike other animals, carbohydrates aren’t a crucial part of a cat’s diet. They are carnivores, not omnivores. In fact, feeding a cat too many carbs will lead to health problems like diabetes, immunodeficiency, and obesity. (4).
Ingredients to avoid include soy, wheat, rice, corn, to name a few. These can trigger inflammation and lead to serious conditions like heart disease and kidney failure (5). Unfortunately, filler carbs make up about 40% of most commercial pet food.
Rich in essential nutrients
Vitamins and minerals are essential for a cat’s health. Certain vitamins have to come from a cat’s diet because a cat’s body can’t make them alone.
Essential nutrients include (6):
- Vitamins, including A, E, D, and the B-vitamin complex.
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Taurine
- Fatty acids
High in moisture
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive. This means they don’t drink a lot of water. Instead, they get most of their hydration from the food they eat. Because dry cat food only contains 10% moisture, feeding kitties an all dry food diet is not recommended.
Cats eating a dry food diet should drink at least 1 cup of water per day (7). Since this is often easier said than done, canned foods are a great way to maintain feline hydration (8). Adding a cat water fountain to your home is also recommended.
Nulo cat food reviews
Check out our comprehensive list of dry, canned, kitten, wet, topper, and freeze-dried Nulo cat food options!
Yummy…
Nulo dry cat food
1.Nulo FreeStyle Indoor Recipe with Duck and Lentils
The FreeStyle duck and lentils dry cat food is a grain-free formula for indoor cats with limited energy requirements. It has deboned duck, cod, chicken, and turkey meal.
In all, it’s made up of 82% animal-based protein.
This indoor cat food formula has a healthy dose of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and a pure probiotic strain, supporting gastrointestinal health.
Pros
- 82% animal-based protein.
- Added omega fatty acids promoting healthy skin and coat.
- Supports gastrointestinal health.
- Fortified with vitamins and healthy acids.
- Low in carbs.
Cons
- Kibble size is small—some kitties may swallow them whole.
- It can lead to weight gain in some cats.
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2. Nulo FreeStyle Adult Trim Recipe with Salmon and Lentils
If your cat is overweight and needs to shed a few pounds, Nulo recommends its FreeStyle salmon and lentils recipe. This is another grain-free formula, made with a combo of poultry and fish proteins.
This option contains more fiber and fewer calories than other cat food recipes. Additionally, it’s supplemented with a pure probiotic strain, plus with vitamins and taurine.
Pros
- Good for overweight kitties.
- 83% animal-based protein.
- It provides an optimal balance of omega fatty acids.
- Promotes healthy digestion.
- Disk-shaped kibbles.
- Low in carbs.
Cons
- Not a taste every kitty loves.
- The kibble is small.
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3. Nulo FreeStyle Senior Recipe with Alaska Pollock, Duck, and Sweet Potato
If you have a senior cat at home that needs a little extra TLC, check this one out.
This formula delivers crude proteins derived from duck and Alaskan pollock and is supplemented with red and green lentils.
The formula works to help sustain energy levels in senior cats so that they can enjoy their golden years. There are also natural fibers and L-Carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.
Pros
- Formulated for senior felines.
- High in proteins from poultry.
- Includes probiotics.
- Enriched with vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals.
Cons
- Some older cats may not like the taste.
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4. Nulo FreeStyle Turkey and Cod Hairball Management Recipe
Hairballs are a nuisance for kitties. Nulo’s anti-hairball recipe is a unique dry cat food rich in crude protein and natural fibers. It contains a special ingredient called miscanthus grass (MG). Miscanthus grass contains high levels of insoluble fiber. This helps promote healthy digestion and move hairballs through a kitty digestive system (9).
Pros
- It contains high fiber miscanthus grass to reduce hairballs.
- Rich in protein.
- Includes several vitamins.
- Supplemented with the patented BC30 probiotic.
Cons
- Kibble size is very small.
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Nulo kitten food
1. Nulo FreeStyle Grain-Free Turkey and Duck Recipe Kitten Dry Cat Food
The FreeStyle turkey and duck recipe is packed with vital nutrients for your kitten’s healthy growth. Ingredients include deboned turkey, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, and deboned cod.
This recipe is free of potatoes and tapioca, eliminating empty calories. Rich in omega fatty acids and the shelf-stable BC30 probiotic strain to aid digestion.
Pros
- Rich in proteins to support healthy growth.
- Free of unnecessary ingredients, like potatoes and grains.
- It provides your kitten with a sustained energy source.
- High in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and fur.
- Supplemented with BC30 probiotic strain.
Cons
- The kibble is small and contains a lot of “food dust.”
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2. Nulo FreeStyle Kitten Food with Chicken and Cod
Another great kitten food formula, this one is a chicken and cod recipe.
It works to maintain lean muscle mass without the added calories and contains 83% animal-based protein, which comes from a combo of both real chicken and fish.
Also included in the formula are antioxidants from vitamins C and vitamin E combined with vitamin A and taurine for vision and heart health.
Pros
- Promotes healthy growth of lean muscles.
- No added calories—grain-free.
- 83% protein from poultry and fish.
- Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.
- Disk-shaped kibble that’s easy to chew.
Cons
- High in fats and not suitable for overweight cats.
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Nulo wet cat food
1. Nulo FreeStyle Minced Duck and Turkey in Gravy Canned Food
The FreeStyle Minced Turkey and Duck recipe is suitable for kittens and adult cats alike. It is a canned wet cat food made of tender bites topped with whisker-licking gravy.
What we appreciate is that there are only natural flavors and proteins. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It’s also free of grains, wheat, corn, and soy, but packed with omega fatty acids and vitamins.
Pros
- No artificial ingredients.
- Quality proteins.
- Free of grains, soy, wheat, and corn.
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids.
- Portioned cans—ready for mealtime.
Cons
- Could have more gravy.
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2. Nulo FreeStyle Canned Recipe with Minced Turkey and Salmon
This canned wet food recipe boasts a healthy portion of minced salmon and turkey. It serves a punch of healthy protein, served in a broth-based gravy.
Thanks to the high moisture content, it provides your kitty with much-needed hydration. It’s a fantastic option for finicky water drinkers.
Pros
- Broth-based gravy. Great for hydration.
- High counts of protein from fish and poultry.
- Loaded with minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
- High in moisture.
- Free of grains and meat by-products.
Cons
- Not a consistency for every kitty’s taste buds.
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3. Nulo FreeStyle Canned Recipe with Shredded Chicken and Duck
If you’ve got a gravy-kitty, then they’ll probably love this one. It’s a poultry formula, packed with all the best proteins, fueling your feline friend.
The meaty bites sit in a broth-based, thick gravy that should satisfy every gravy lover. It’s a wholesome meal in one can of cat food.
Pros
- High in poultry protein.
- Meaty bites that sit in a broth-based, thick gravy.
- It contains all the essential nutrients.
- Portioned cans making mealtime easier.
Cons
- The pieces are tough.
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4. Nulo FreeStyle Recipe with Shredded Beef and Rainbow Trout
The beef and rainbow trout canned cat food recipe is a fantastic choice for kitties who can’t choose between fish or beef. The flavor combo sits in a thick gravy that’s high in moisture, keeping your furry friend hydrated.
All the proteins are animal-based—even the gravy’s core ingredient is broth. The content helps your frisky feline preserve lean muscle mass, and the additional nutrients keep their body working smoothly.
Pro
- Scrumptious combo of beef and trout.
- All animal-based proteins.
- Thick gravy that’s high in moisture.
- Preserves lean muscle.
- Fortified with all the essential nutrients.
Cons
- The meat is in big chunks, which may not appeal to every cat.
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5. Nulo FreeStyle Gravy Recipe with Shredded Halibut and Turkey
For all the turkey-loving kitties out there, this wet food is for them. It includes tender pieces of turkey and halibut drenched in a broth-based gravy.
The high protein count provides your feline with all their energy needs, packed with essential nutrients. But it’s free of unnecessary ingredients, like grains, carrageenan and meat by-products.
Pros
- High-protein meal.
- Broth-based gravy.
- High in moisture.
- Free of filler ingredients.
- Packed with nutrients.
Cons
- The texture isn’t for every cat.
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6. Nulo FreeStyle Beef and Lamb Canned Recipe
Beef and lamb are two high-protein sources, so why not combine them?
This grain-free formula consists of real beef, liver, lamb, turkey, and whitefish. It’s a high-quality canned cat food paté, sitting in a lip-smacking gravy.
The recipe also contains superfoods, including pumpkin, cranberries, and kelp.
Pros
- Grain-free
- High-protein paté.
- Moisture-rich gravy.
- Superfoods like pumpkin and kelp.
- Fortified with essential nutrients, like taurine and vitamin B.
Cons
- It has a strong fish smell.
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7. Nulo FreeStyle Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Food
The FreeStyle turkey and chicken recipe consists of high-quality ingredients and nutrients, such as omega fatty acids, minerals, taurine, and vitamins.
It comes in a can as a soft, chewable paté soaked in a broth-based gravy. What’s also great is that it’s free of anything artificial—grains, wheat, corn, and soy. Instead, it supports your kitty’s overall wellbeing.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients.
- Tender paté.
- High in proteins and moisture.
- Rich in essential nutrients.
- Free of artificial and filler ingredients.
Cons
- The consistency may vary between a paté and meaty slush.
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Nulo food topper
1. Nulo FreeStyle Topper with Chicken, Yellowfin Tuna and Duck
This surf and turf chicken, yellowfin tuna, and duck food topper is a protein-packed supplement. All ingredients are from high-quality sources, made without artificial colors or flavors.
This five-ingredient meal enhancer comes with tuna and chicken broth for additional hydration. It’s also 100% free of grains and soy.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients.
- Two types of broth for hydration.
- Works as a topper or snack.
- Free of artificial ingredients, grains, and soy.
Cons
- Hard to get the food out of the bottom of the pouch. TIP: Add a teaspoon of water to the pouch and swish it around to get the rest of the goodies out, then pour over your food for extra hydration.
- Not a full meal.
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2. Nulo FreeStyle Topper with Yellowfin Tuna and Shrimp
For the seafood-lovers, this cat food topper is worthy. It contains all the best of the sea, including yellowfin tuna and shrimp. The ingredients are wild-caught and sit in a broth-based gravy, which increases the moisture count. It also provides slow-burning energy from the low-fat content, suggesting it’s suitable for heavier kitties.
Pros
- Four high-quality ingredients.
- Low-fat meal.
- No artificial ingredients.
- Wild-caught fish
- Supports lean muscles and healthy digestion.
- Meaty texture
Cons
- The pouch can be difficult to empty due to the pockets at the bottom. TIP: Add a teaspoon of water to the pouch and swish it around to get the rest of the goodies out, then pour over your food for extra hydration.
- Not a full meal.
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3. Nulo FreeStyle Topper with Chicken and Mackerel
The FreeStyle chicken and mackerel food topper is a protein-packed supplement. It offers 80-85% animal protein, consisting of chicken, mackerel, and chicken broth.
The recipe provides a boost of long-lasting, slow-burning energy, without artificial ingredients. It’s also low in fat, offering hydration and lean muscle support.
Pros
- Only three all-natural ingredients.
- Long-lasting energy.
- No artificial ingredients or fillers.
- Low in fat.
- High in moisture. Great for hydration.
Cons
- Not enough broth.
- Not a full meal, meant as a snack.
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Nulo freeze-dried raw cat food
1. Nulo FreeStyle Chicken and Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Raw cat food diets are excellent since they mimic a cat’s natural eating habits. The meat in this recipe is freeze-dried to preserve the nutrients and keep the meats safe to consume.
This raw food contains a whopping 98%! real meat from chicken, salmon, organs, and bone. The recipe also includes superfoods, like cranberries and spinach.
Pros
- 98% real animal protein.
- Superfoods, like spinach and cranberries.
- Free of grains and soy products.
Cons
- Pieces crumble.
- Not hydrating, only 5% water.
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2. Nulo FreeStyle Turkey and Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Last but not least, is a scrumptious raw turkey and duck recipe. This bag contains 98% real meat from turkey, duck, organs, and bone.
The raw pieces are freeze-dried to prevent any nutrients from escaping. This process ensures it stays fresh and safe to eat.
Serve it alone, or as a topper.
Pros
- A great blend of turkey and duck.
- Rich in proteins.
- Contains superfoods.
- Safe freeze-dried processing.
Cons
- Pieces crumble.
- Not hydrating, only 5% water.
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How much does feeding my cat Nulo cost?
Because the Nulo cat food line up is made with premium ingredients it does carry an above-average price tag. For an average-sized 10lb house cat you’re looking at spending between $2.50 to $3.50 a day on wet food or $0.50 cents a day for dry food. Since most cat parents feed a combo of both wet and dry foods, the average cost will likely be closer to $2 to $3 dollars a day, with an average monthly cost of $60 to $90.
The verdict
Nulo performs well in terms of nutrition, quality, and variety. There’s no doubt that this independently owned brand produces high-quality cat food.
All of Nulo’s cat foods are worth trying, but Lelu and Bobo’s favorite is the Nulo FreeStyle Canned Recipe with Shredded Chicken and Duck because it has a balance of nutrition and hydration. Plus it gravy-full, and around here we like to lick our paws.
Sources:
- https://nulo.com/pages/our-story
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/430271/
- https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2019/12/how-much-protein-should-my-pet-get/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753635/
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/questions-answers-fda-center-veterinary-medicines-investigation-possible-connection-between-diet-and
- https://www.nap.edu/resource/10668/cat_nutrition_final.pdf
- https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/jcoates/2013/april/how-much-do-cats-need-to-drink-30049
- https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/feeding-your-adult-cat-what-you-need-to-know#1
- http://www.petbusiness.com/The-Breakthrough-Fiber-Thats-Revolutionizing-Pet-Nutrition/
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