Darford vs Nulo
Darford is made by Darford International Inc., and Nulo by Nulo, Inc. (owned by Apax Partners). On KibbleLab, Nulo averages 8.3 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Darford. Darford makes food for dogs, while Nulo covers cats and dogs.
Darford and Nulo compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Darford International Inc. | Nulo, Inc. |
| Parent company | Independent | Apax Partners |
| Founded | 1987 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Vernon, British Columbia, Canada | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Products listed | 18 | 291 |
| Serves | Dogs | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works . |
7.7 (avg of 18) | 8.3 (avg of 291) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
Affiliate links · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Darford vs Nulo: how they compare
Scores
Nulo scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.3 out of 10 across 291 scored foods, compared with 7.7 across 18 for Darford. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes them
Darford is made by Darford International Inc., an independent maker, based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1987. Nulo is made by Nulo, Inc., owned by Apax Partners, based in Austin, Texas, USA, founded in 2009.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 18 Darford foods and 291 Nulo foods.
Not sure which is right for your pet?
Sign in free to see Darford and Nulo scored for your pet's breed, age, and health focus, save favorites, and compare foods side by side.
Example foods
Darford
Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Darford or Nulo?
Nulo scores higher: it averages 8.3 out of 10 across 291 scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Darford. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Darford and Nulo?
Darford is made by Darford International Inc. Nulo is made by Nulo, Inc., which is owned by Apax Partners.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Nulo has 291 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 18 for Darford.
Where is each brand based?
Darford is based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Nulo is based in Austin, Texas, USA.
Have Darford or Nulo been recalled?
Neither Darford nor Nulo has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
More comparisons
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.