What's actually in Nulo Puppy?
We analyzed Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe, the grain-free puppy formula in Nulo's Freestyle line. The first five ingredients are deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, and chicken fat.
Three concentrated animal proteins in the top three. Deboned turkey (#1) provides the wet-weight protein anchor. Turkey meal (#2) is concentrated poultry meal — roughly 3× the protein density of deboned turkey — so the actual ingredient weight after extrusion leans heavily poultry. Salmon meal (#3) adds a distinct protein source with marine-origin EPA and DHA omega-3s. Having both turkey meal and salmon meal in the top three is unusual and strengthens the amino acid profile meaningfully.
Chickpeas in position four is a deliberate carbohydrate choice. Chickpeas have a lower glycemic index than rice or corn, deliver fiber, and provide plant protein as a supporting nutrient. Sweet potato (position six) adds beta-carotene, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Yellow peas add more plant protein. This is a classic grain-free, low-GI carbohydrate stack. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
The protein trio is exceptional for a puppy formula. Between deboned turkey + turkey meal + salmon meal, the formula covers poultry and marine amino acid profiles in the top three slots. Deboned trout appears further down the list as a fourth animal protein. Puppies whose amino acid demands are roughly 2× adult maintenance need this protein density — skimping here is where mainstream puppy formulas fall short.
Dedicated BC30 (Bacillus coagulans) probiotic. BC30 is one of the most studied commercial probiotic strains, with published data on gut barrier function, stool quality, and immune support. Nulo includes BC30 as a dedicated ingredient rather than as part of a generic probiotic blend — a quality signal. For puppies in the first six months (during active microbiome establishment), dedicated probiotic inclusion is a genuine functional benefit.
Clean fat sourcing. Chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid — no BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Salmon meal delivers fish-source omega-3s (EPA and DHA) as a natural component. For puppies needing DHA for brain and retinal development, the dual source (salmon meal + natural fish content) is a stronger profile than single-source supplementation.
Functional vegetables and fruits. Dried tomatoes, dried carrots, dried blueberries, and dried apples add polyphenols and antioxidants. These are micronutrient-range additions (not major calorie sources), but they signal quality formulation intent and contribute to overall nutrient density.
The not-so-good stuff
Legume load. Chickpeas + yellow peas in the top 10 is substantial. The FDA's DCM investigation is ongoing, and DCM-susceptible breeds (goldens, cockers, Dobermans, Great Danes) should have this diet discussed with their vet. Nulo does not add supplemental taurine in the primary ingredient panel, relying on natural taurine from the meat and fish content. This is a real consideration for grain-free diet feeding in susceptible breeds.
No dedicated glucosamine or chondroitin inclusion. Large-breed puppies (50+ lb projected adult) and giant-breed puppies (100+ lb) benefit from added joint support during rapid orthopedic growth. Nulo Puppy relies on natural connective-tissue content from the animal proteins rather than supplementation. For working or giant-breed lines, discuss joint supplementation with your vet.
Selenium from yeast (selenium yeast) is a premium source — but the rest of the mineral package uses some older forms (manganous oxide for manganese, calcium iodate for iodine). These are functional and legal, but the A-tier formulations typically use chelated proteinate forms throughout. Small caveat; doesn't materially affect grade.
How it compares
Nulo Puppy's A/90 grade ties Nulo adult (A/90), Orijen Puppy (A/90), Acana Puppy (A/90), and Stella & Chewy's (A/90).
Against mainstream puppy competitors, Nulo Puppy sits clearly ahead. TOTW High Prairie Puppy (B/78) trails by 12 points — strong formula but single-species heavy. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy (B/78) uses more grain. Iams Smart Puppy (B/75) relies on chicken by-product meal and corn meal. Hill's Science Diet Puppy (C/58) relies on wheat and corn — 32 points lower.
For the head-to-head vs the adult formula, see our Nulo Puppy vs Nulo comparison.
Who should choose Nulo Puppy
Nulo Puppy is the right choice for puppies whose owners want a low-glycemic-index, grain-free formula with dedicated probiotic support. It's especially suited to puppies with sensitive stomachs, puppies showing early signs of grain sensitivity (itching, ear issues, loose stools), and medium-breed puppies (20–50 lb projected adult). Large-breed (50–100 lb) and giant-breed (100+ lb) puppy owners should verify calcium levels with their vet. DCM-susceptible breed owners (goldens, cockers, Dobermans, Great Danes) should discuss the legume-heavy formula with their vet before long-term use.
The bottom line
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey & Sweet Potato earns an A grade (90/100) from KibbleIQ. Three animal proteins lead the list, chickpeas and sweet potato anchor low-glycemic carbohydrates, BC30 probiotic supports gut development, and clean fat sourcing avoids questionable preservatives. The legume load and the absence of supplemental taurine are real caveats for DCM-susceptible breeds. For most puppies in the 20–50 lb range, Nulo Puppy is a strong A-tier choice. Shop on Amazon →