Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 92% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe dry dog food good?
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe is a dry dog food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 34% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 19% |
| Est. Carbs | 33% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 31% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17% |
| Est. Carbs | 30% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (34% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (19% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
41 of 41 matched
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1 Deboned Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Turkey Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Menhaden Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
The dehydrated form of menhaden fish, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% protein more than the fresh form. Menhaden fish is a small herring fish that lives in the deep sea, which makes it low in mercury content.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Salmon Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
The dehydrated form of salmon, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% more protein compared to fresh meat. It is one of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Red Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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6 Sweet Potatoes
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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7 Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
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.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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8 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Miscanthus Grass
CarbsDescription
A C4 grass is originally grown for landscape cover, a novel fiber source in pet foods.
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10 Ground Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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11 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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12 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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13 Dried Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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14 Dried Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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15 Dried Tomatoes
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
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16 Dried Carrots
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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17 Salt
OthersDescription
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.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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18 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
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.
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19 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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20 L-carnitine
SupplementDescription
An amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. It is often added to pet foods because the normal cooking process degrades its availability from whole food.
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21 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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22 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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23 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
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.
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24 L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
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25 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
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.
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26 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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27 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
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.
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28 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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29 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
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.
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30 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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31 Manganous Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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32 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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33 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
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34 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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35 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
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).
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36 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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37 Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus coagulans is often taken by humans to treat bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
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38 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
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.
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39 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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40 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
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.
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41 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Red Lentils, Chickpeas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Natural Flavor, Salt, Sodium Selenite.
- Possible digestion triggers: Red Lentils, Chickpeas have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 92%
- Plant 8%
Meat-forward: 92% of the weighted protein in Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (8% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe dry dog food Review
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 34% protein, 19% fat, 33% estimated carbohydrates.
- 92% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your dog’s needs.
Does Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe grain-free?
Yes — Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe?
The main animal proteins in Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe are Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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