Nulo
Freestyle
Rating
Is Nulo Freestyle dry cat food good?
Nulo Freestyle is a dry cat 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 44%
- Fat 22%
- Est. Carbs 21%
- Fiber 4%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 40%
- Fat 20%
- Est. Carbs 19%
- Fiber 4%
- 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 (44% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Super High (22% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense; cats with pancreatitis, digestive disease, or weight concerns need case-specific veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
44 of 44 matched
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1 Deboned Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 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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4 Whole Peas
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 22% 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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5 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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6 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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7 Deboned Cod
Animal ProteinDescription
A popular white fish that is high in protein, omega 3s and low in mercury.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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8 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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9 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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10 Pea Fiber
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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11 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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12 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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13 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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14 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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15 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
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.
Why 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.
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16 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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17 Yucca Schidigera Extract
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
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18 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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19 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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20 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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21 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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22 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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23 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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24 Dried Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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25 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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26 Iron Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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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 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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29 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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30 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
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.
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31 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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32 D-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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33 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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34 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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35 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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36 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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37 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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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 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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40 Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide
SupplementDescription
An industrial waste with trace iodine. It is mainly used to supplement iodine in pet foods.
Why Notice?
A controversial supplement that could be linked to certain health issues.
Allergen Concern
Studies show that it may cause allergic reactions in humans, but the research on pets is still limited.
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41 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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42 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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43 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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44 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 Chicken, Chicken Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Whole Peas, Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide.
- Possible allergy triggers: Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Peas, Lentils, Pea Fiber 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'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 90%
- Plant 10%
Meat-forward: 90% of the weighted protein in Nulo Freestyle comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (10% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Nulo Freestyle dry cat food Review
Nulo Freestyle 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: 44% protein, 22% fat, 21% estimated carbohydrates.
- 90% 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 good for cats?
Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Nulo Freestyle contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Nulo Freestyle contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Nulo Freestyle contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Nulo Freestyle contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Nulo Freestyle doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Nulo Freestyle grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Nulo Freestyle?
The top animal proteins are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
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