nutrisource dog food review
NutriSource Dog Food Review
NutriSource Dog Food Review
If NutriSource pet foods have caught your attention and youre considering giving them a try, take a look at our buying guide first. Here, you can read about the history of the company, the ingredients they typically use in their recipes, and our opinion about the quality of their formulations. So, whether youre interested in NutriSource puppy food reviews, adult formulas or grain-free recipes, read on!
NutriSource Dog Food Company Overview
According to their website, NutriSource is a family owned company located in Perham, Minnesota. Made by KNL Family Brands, specifically Tuffys Pet Foods, it was established in 1964. This year marks 55th year of their operation, making them one of the oldest pet food brands on the market. Being located in Minnesota, the company sources their ingredients locally, purchasing from trustworthy suppliers. They underline the importance of supporting family-owned businesses although they already work only with suppliers that produce foods ethically, they give preferential treatment to those still owned and operated by their families.
While being a smaller, family-owned business has its advantages (among other things, consumers seem to prefer these types of pet food brands), the price is usually paid in popularity, or to be more precise, in the lack of popularity. Based on our research, NutriSource really do use locally grown and sourced, quality ingredients in their pet recipes. Still, theyre nowhere near as popular bigger companies such as Purina, Pedigree or Merrick. This is unfortunate, as all recipes we reviewed are nutritious, healthy and highly palatable something many pet parents spend years looking for. Nevertheless, with more than 50 years of experience in making pet foods, NutriSource have made a reputable name for themselves, which is reflected in their loyal buyers. Usually, when dog owners find a food that is just right in all important departments, including nutritional value, taste and price, they stick to it, and NutriSource consumers are no different. If youve never tried this brand of pet food, we highly encourage you to do so its likely both you and your dog will never look back!
Why NutriSource Dog Food?
If youre looking for corn, wheat and soy free dog foods that are high in protein and healthy fats but relatively low in carbohydrates, NutriSource could be the pet food for you. All of their recipes, whether theyre formulated for puppies, large breed adults or seniors, contain wholesome ingredients. This includes quality proteins, whole grains, vegetables and legumes. But most importantly, all of their pet foods are formulated to meet or exceed nutritional standards set by the AAFCO. This means that no matter which recipe you choose, youre guaranteed to purchase food that provides complete and balanced nutrition, meaning enough protein, fat, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals needed for canine health.
Another plus of the NutriSource brand is their wide selection of pet foods. From breed-specific formulas, to different life-stage dog foods, to grain-free recipes, this company has pretty much every pet-related concern covered. From a consumers point of view, this is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because no matter the food youre looking for, youre bound to find it here, but a curse because if you dont know exactly what your dog needs, a big number of options can be confusing. Saying that, its always better to have many choices available because even if you find a food your pet loves the most, rotational feeding is still recommended.
Finally, lets talk about the price. While definitely not the cheapest brand around, NutriSource is reasonably priced. Considering all of their recipes feature quality meat or fish as the first ingredient, legumes, vegetables and seeds (depending on the recipe), all the necessary vitamins and minerals, plus several supplements that the AAFCO doesnt recognize as essential, their prices are sensible. It also helps they dont use any fillers no matter the recipe, youll never find wheat, corn or soy here. Not that there is anything wrong with these ingredients when used in small amounts in well-balanced formulas, but if youre going to pay a decent price for pet food, it better not contain any of these non-essential ingredients. Because they avoid unnecessary ingredients, many of NutriSource grain-free formulas are suitable even for sensitive dogs.
Related Post: Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
NutriSource Dog Food Recalls
Although we looked for NutriSource dog food recalls for a good couple of hours, we werent able to find any. This is rather surprising considering the company has been in the business for decades. So what does this tell us? First and foremost, that theyre very serious about their sourcing practices. As mentioned, the company buys only from local, trustworthy, and preferably still family-owned and operated suppliers. Secondly, they own a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Their website states that theyre rigorous when it comes to raw materials that enter their facility every single raw ingredient is tested for bad pathogens before entering. Even the air that touches the raw materials is segregated from finished products so it doesnt touch them!
NutriSource Dog Food Ingredient Analysis
For now, NutriSource appears to be a great pet food brand that produces a variety of quality dog foods. However, until we take a closer look at the ingredients they use in their recipes, we cant know for sure, can we? Checking what kind of protein, fat and carbohydrate sources they typically use in their formulas can tell us whether or not their prices really match the quality of their products. So, without further ado, lets jump right into NutriSource dog food ingredients!
NutriSource typically makes their dog foods using real chicken or lamb as the first ingredient. No matter the recipe, there is an average or above average amount of protein, which is around 25%. Saying that, there are quite a few formulas that actually go above 30% of protein, which is ideal for healthy, adult dogs who are moderately to highly active. Things youll normally see in NutriSource recipes, are chicken and chicken meal, lamb and lamb meal, menhaden fish meal and other meats and fish, including beef, salmon and turkey.
Related Post: High Protein Dog Food
Although most NutriSource recipes contain an average amount of fats, which is around 15%, many formulations contain much more than that. While some pet parents may reflexively think this is unhealthy, its not at least for active dogs and those with skin and coat issues. Importantly, the company uses healthy fat sources, including chicken fat, sunflower oil and fatty fish. But perhaps most importantly, the company manages to provide an almost ideal ratio of omega fatty acids. Specifically, omega-3 fatty acids are present in high amounts - normally, omega-3s are actually hard to find in sufficient amounts in typical, budget-friendly dog foods. For instance, their Small and Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food recipe contains 1% of omega-3 fatty acids and 3.9% of omega-6 fatty acids, which a near-ideal ratio. Bottom line? Their food is a great choice if your pet is moderately to highly active. However, if you own a pet that mostly leads a sedentary lifestyle, we'd suggest to look someplace else.
Related Post: Fish Oils For Dogs
NutriSource state that most of their foods are low glycemic, meaning theyre slow to digest and as such, dont spike blood sugar. This is mostly thanks to the carbohydrate sources they use in their recipes. Typically, youll see a couple of whole grains (unless grain-free, of course), including brown rice and oats, and a few easily-digestible legumes, vegetables and plants. The usual ingredients include flaxseed, dried tomato pomace, white rice, dried beet pulp and a few others. All in all, a nice mixture of nutritious carbs that are high in vitamins and minerals and relatively high in fiber. Another interesting bit is that they stay away from corn, wheat, soy and often potatoes. This is a huge plus for pet parents of dogs predisposed to diabetes.
All NutriSource dog foods meet or exceed the nutritional requirements set by the AAFCO. This means that every recipe contains all essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed for canine health and well-being. Furthermore, the company also includes supplements not deemed as necessary by the nutritional authorities, including probiotics for better digestion and nutrient absorption, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for better joint health and Taurine for heart support.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Animal protein source is always the first ingredient
- Typically average to high levels of protein, plus properly named animal proteins
- Local and ethical sourcing of meats
- Wholesome, low-glycemic ingredients, including legumes, vegetables and grains
- All recipes meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional standards
- Added supplements such as Glucosamine and probiotics are included
- A variety of different formulations
- No corn, wheat or soy
Cons
- Difficult to find in mega pet stores
- One of the pricier dog foods
NutriSource Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
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NutriSource Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Written by: Sophie HerlihyReview Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give NutriSource food a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Its no secret that dog food recalls have been making headlines lately. In light of this, many pet owners are left wondering what the best option for their furry friend is when it comes to food.
NutriSource seems to be a popular choice, but is it really one of the best? With a range of products that cater to different life stages, recipes, and budgets, we decided to take a closer look at this brand and write an in-depth review so you can make an informed decision about whether its the right food for your pup.
Well cover everything from recent recalls to whats actually in the food, as well as the pros and cons, so you can decide if NutriSource is a good fit for your furry friend.
NutriSource has a long-standing history of sticking by its core values and beliefs: people, quality, spirit, tradition, and community. In fact, this company has turned away million-dollar deals with large pet providers to stick by its mission to provide quality nutrition for pets and support communities.
The company now has a wide range of dog and cat products available at pet stores and vets across the United States, Canada, and Europe. A core value of NutriSource is supporting independent stores that focus on pets well-being and nutrition, as they believe this is the best way to get quality products to pets and their owners while supporting innovation and community in the pet care industry.
Such tenacity in a company is rare in this day and age, but do their products measure up? Lets find out.
At a Glance: The Best NutriSource Dog Food Recipes
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Favorite |  | NutriSource Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | |
 | NutriSource Chicken Lamb & Fish Canned Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | ||
 | NutriSource Super Stars Training Rewards Dog Treats | CHECK PRICE |
NutriSource Dog Food Reviewed
Who makes NutriSource and where is it produced?
For over 50 years, NutriSource has been proudly produced in Perham, Minnesota by three generations of the same family.
Their website states that all dry kibble is produced in their state-of-the-art facility in Perham. However, its not mentioned where the other products, such as wet foods, treats, or broths are produced; based on local production discussions we assume this is also in the same facility, but it is not clear.
Which type of dog is NutriSource best suited for?
The majority of recipes are grain-inclusive, with a handful of grain-free options as well. There are recipes for all life stages from puppies to seniors as well as small breeds and large breeds.
There is also a selection of limited ingredient diets (LID) for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. And, finally, there are recipes for dogs with specific needs, such as for overweight or underweight dogs.
The range of products is vast, and most pet parents will find something that suits them. The only exceptions would be those pooches on medical diets prescribed by a veterinarian or those with very severe food allergies that limit their diet to just a few ingredients.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
The first ingredient in all of their dry food recipes is meat. This is always followed by grain, with the exception of their grain-free recipes where the second ingredient is usually pea proteins, pea flour, lentils, or other legumes such as garbanzo beans.
Meat as the first ingredient is a good sign, and it appears that these protein sources are of high quality.
As for the wet food recipes, the first ingredients are typically water or broth, followed by meat or fish. The inclusion of water or broth is not unusual in canned foods.
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Grain-Free Recipes
NutriSource has a large range of grain-free recipes alongside those that are grain-inclusive. They have grain-free options for their regular kibbles as well as limited ingredient diets.
Grain-free dog food is a bit of a social movement at the moment, with many people believing it to be a healthier option for their pets. And while there are some pros to grain-free diets, such as being lower in carbohydrates, there is also some controversy surrounding them.
The jury is still out on whether or not grain-free diets are actually better for dogs. Some veterinarians believe that they may be linked to heart disease1, while others say that there is not enough evidence to support this claim.
On the flip side, a grain-free diet may be beneficial for dogs2 with food allergies or sensitivities. However, the most common food sensitivities are usually protein sources such as chicken or beef.
The decision of whether or not to feed your dog a grain-free diet is one that you will need to make with your veterinarian.
Limited Ingredient Diets
In addition to grain-free choices, NutriSource has a range of Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs). These are recipes that contain a single protein source and limited carbohydrates.
LID diets are often recommended for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities3 as they are easier to digest and less likely to cause an adverse reaction.
NutriSource has grain-inclusive and grain-free options for LIDs, which is great as many LIDs tend to be just grain-free, which may not be ideal for all dogs. They also have both dry and wet options.
Protein Selection
Due to NutriSources large product range, there is also a large range of proteins used in their recipes. For the dry food recipes, common protein sources include chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish.
For their wet food recipes, they use a mix of muscle meat, organs, and seafood.
There are also a few recipes that contain venison and bison as the primary protein source.
While the majority of their recipes use meat as the primary protein source, they do have a few that use plant-based proteins such as pea and lentils. These are typically found in their grain-free recipes.
Breaking Down the Marketing Terms: Patents and Proprietary Blends
Just like the majority of dog food brands, NutriSource uses a lot of marketing terms in the descriptions of the nutrition of their products. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it helps to simplify complicated nutritional terms, but it pays to read closely what they are really advertising.
Lets break down NutriSources Good 4 Life System which you will see advertised on many of their products. This includes a bunch of patented terms and proprietary blends that are unique to NutriSource.
- Sel-Plex: Claiming to support brain function, this supplement is an FDA-reviewed selenium additive4. It has been around for over 20 years and supposedly increases the digestibility of selenium versus in its organic form.
- Bioplex: This patented name is used for a blend of trace minerals5, including zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. The blend aims to make these minerals more bioavailable for maximum absorption.
- Bio-Mos: A formulated prebiotic that supports the digestive tract6. Works to remove harmful pathogens such as salmonella and increase nutrient absorption. NutriSource claims 700 research papers support this.
- Lacto-Sacc: The term used for two live probiotics7 and three probiotic extracts that coat NutriSources kibble.
- NVGEN: a combo of bio-active compounds pulled from yeast cells that support a healthy microbial population. This is a proprietary blend.
Great Range
Overall, the range of products and ingredients in NutriSources lines leaves options for dogs of any size, age, and need. Grain-free, grain inclusive, LIDs, novel proteins, multiple proteins, single proteinsthe list goes on!
There is a lot of space to pick the perfect diet for your dog.
NutriSource Gives Back
What we really liked about NutriSource (in addition to the nutritional value of their products) was their commitment to giving back.
Their SuperStars Giving Program operates across the United States and supports programs such as:
- Therapy dogs in childrens hospitals
- Pinky Swear Foundation (financial support for families of children battling cancer)
- Soldiers 6 (supporting the training of dogs for dishonorable discharge veterans, police, and firefighters)
- Dogtopia (Dogs for veterans, youth literacy programs, employment opportunities for adults with autism)
- Finleys Barkery (a dog treat brand that donates 50% of its profits)
These are the types of companies we like to support!
Finding a Retailer
NutriSource emphasizes its commitment to supporting small and independent stores over big box stores. They believe this support is what helps local businesses thrive and passionate pet professionals to innovate.
However, if you like to buy your dog food in person, this does mean that it can be harder than other brands to source. But in this modern world, finding an e-commerce stockist to purchase online and get home delivered is as simple as pie!
A Quick Look at NutriSource Dog Food
Pros
- Extensive range
- Socially responsible company
- Charitable donations in each purchase
- High-quality ingredients for maximized nutrition
- Limited Ingredient Diet options
- Grain-free options
Cons
- Sometimes difficult to find an in-person stockist
- More expensive than some dog food brands
Recall History
In October 2021, Tuffys Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall of 1,600 cases of Pure Vita Salmon Entree Dog Food in Tetrapak packaging due to concerns over potentially high levels of vitamin D from the product developer.
This recall was determined to be a result of a processing error and only affected a defined batch of foods. No toxicities or illnesses were reported following the recall, and no other recalls have since been issued.
Reviews of the 3 Best NutriSource Dog Food Recipes
1. NutriSource Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Food
NutriSource Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Food is a high-quality, sustainably sourced food that is perfect for all breeds and life stages. The lamb is ethically raised in New Zealand and contains no fillers or artificial ingredients.
In addition, the food is fortified with pre and probiotics to support digestive health. The only downside is the cost; it is one of the more expensive dog foods on the market.
However, given the quality of the ingredients, it is worth the price. If you are looking for nutritious and delicious food for your dog, NutriSource Lamb & Rice Adult Dog Food is an excellent option.
Pros
- Sustainably sourced and ethically raised lamb from New Zealand
- Added pre and probiotics to support digestive health
2. NutriSource Chicken Lamb & Fish Canned Dog Food
NutriSource Chicken Lamb & Fish Canned Dog Food is a great choice for many dogs, thanks to its multiple high-quality protein sources.
This food is also a complete diet for dogs at all life stages, so you can confidently feed it to your puppy, adult dog, or senior dog. Additionally, many dogs with sensitive stomachs have found this food to work well for them.
While there are some great things about this food, its important to note that the portion sizes must be adjusted when feeding through all life stages.
Additionally, this food is not suitable for pups with protein allergies due to the multiple protein sources. Despite these few cons, NutriSource Chicken Lamb & Fish Canned Dog Food is still a great option for many dogs and their families.
Pros
- Multiple high-quality protein sources
- Many dogs with sensitive stomachs have found this food to work well
- Total nutrition for all life stages (puppy, adult, and senior)
Cons
- Portions sizes must be adjusted when feeding through all life stages
- Not suitable for pups with protein allergies due to multiple protein sources
3. NutriSource Super Stars Training Rewards Dog Treats
These NutriSource Super Stars Training Rewards Dog Treats are a great way to show your pup some extra love while also giving back to a good cause. 100% of the profits from these treats are donated to the SuperStar Giving Program, which helps to support dogs in need.
The real pork flavor is sure to be a hit with your furry friend, and the high protein content will give them the energy they need for a successful training session.
However, its worth noting that salt has been added to the ingredient list, so if your dog is on a low-sodium diet, these may not be the best treats for them. Overall, these treats are a delicious and nutritious option for any pup, and you can feel good knowing that your purchase is helping to support a worthy cause.
Pros
- 100% of the profits are donated to the SuperStar Giving Program
- Real pork is the first ingredient
- High-protein treat
Cons
- Salt added in the ingredient list
What Other Users Are Saying
- Facebook: My dogs have done best on NutriSource out of the dozen or so dog food brands Ive tried. Im very glad that they do so well on it because I genuinely love NutriSource as a company! I love how transparent they are about everything from sourcing to manufacturing to their nutrient panels. They also support rescues, shelters, and non-profits, which is super awesome. There are so many good qualities about this brand that are very difficult to find with other brands.
- Nutrisource Pet Foods: My dog lived to be 14 1/2 years old before she became ill, and it was time to say goodbye. For the last 12 years, all I fed her was the NutriSource Brand, and she loved the food. Im from Minnesota, and I wanted to support a company that makes it here. Ive always been an advocate to fellow dog owners telling them what a wonderful and true quality product the NutriSource Brand is and suggested that they change their brand and try it.
- Amazon: Before we buy anything, we double-check with Amazon buyer reviews. You may read these by going here.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to love about NutriSource Dog Foods, from the high-quality ingredients to the commitment to supporting dogs in need. While there are a few things to be aware of (adjusting portion sizes for different life stages, the addition of salt in some products), overall, this is a great choice for many dogs and their families.
We hope this review has helped you to better understand the pros and cons of NutriSource Dog Foods so that you can make the best decision for your furry friend.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Nutrisource
