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Nulo

FreeStyle Chicken & Mackerel In Broth Recipe Topper

Verified May 4, 2026

Cat · Topper All Breed Sizes

This is a shredded chicken and mackerel topper in broth designed to add extra animal protein and moisture to your cat’s regular diet. With chicken as the primary ingredient and wild-caught mackerel for additional protein and flavor, it works well as a high-moisture supplement over a complete and balanced food. It’s a simple, low-fat option for cats who enjoy wet textures or need encouragement to eat or drink more.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a simple, high-moisture protein topper rather than a stand-alone diet, and it’s well-suited for most healthy cats when used alongside a complete and balanced food. The very short ingredient list (chicken, broth, mackerel) provides straightforward animal protein and added hydration without fillers or additives. It’s a good choice if you’re looking to boost flavor, moisture, and protein in your cat’s usual meals, as long as it’s not used as the only source of nutrition.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Hydration Support
Suitable For
All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very short, simple ingredient list with named animal proteins (chicken and mackerel) as the only ingredients aside from broth.
  • High moisture content can help support overall hydration, which is particularly helpful for cats that don’t drink much water.
  • Low fat and moderate protein for a topper, making it a light add-on for most body condition goals.
  • Grain-free and free of binders and fillers, which can be helpful for owners seeking a very straightforward ingredient profile.

Considerations

  • Labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, so it must be fed alongside a complete and balanced cat food and not as the sole diet.
  • Contains chicken and fish, which are common allergens for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known sensitivities to these proteins.
  • Because it’s low in fat and not fortified with vitamins and minerals, it doesn’t meet full nutrient needs on its own and shouldn’t make up the majority of the diet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Mackerel.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
03
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
1.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
0.10%
Low High
Moisture (max)
85.00%
Low High
626
kcal / Kg
50
kcal / Pouch
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Shredded
Food type Topper

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced No
Nulo FreeStyle Chicken & Mackerel Recipe Cat Food is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Brand

Nulo

Nulo is a premium pet food brand focused on grain-free and high-meat-protein recipes for dogs and cats. It is positioned as a performance and wellness brand, emphasizing quality ingredients, ancestral diet alignment, and the inclusion of probiotics to support digestive health.

Visit Nulo
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Nulo, Inc.
Parent company Apax Partners
Founded 2009
Headquarters Austin, Texas, USA
Website nulo.com
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Midwest and Southern regions
Manufacturing oversight

Nulo partners with trusted manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada that maintain high food safety standards including HACCP and SQF certification. Nulo oversees ingredient sourcing and quality control to ensure nutritional accuracy and consistency across batches.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Nulo FreeStyle Chicken & Mackerel In Broth Recipe Topper has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
FreeStyle Chicken & Mackerel In Broth Recipe Topper
Nulo · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Nulo ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Nulo. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.