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Natural Choice Adult Large Breed Salmon & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Nutro

Natural Choice Adult Large Breed Salmon & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 30, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult Large

This is a dry kibble formulated for adult large-breed dogs, with salmon and fish meal as the main animal protein sources and brown rice, barley, and oatmeal providing carbohydrate and fiber. The recipe includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat, plus beet pulp as a prebiotic fiber to support digestive health. It offers complete and balanced maintenance nutrition for adult dogs while avoiding corn, wheat, and soy protein.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

Overall, this is a well-balanced dry food for healthy adult large-breed dogs, offering moderate protein and fat levels that are appropriate for maintenance. The first ingredients are fish-based proteins with a good mix of whole grains and added omega fatty acids, which can be helpful for skin, coat, and overall energy needs. It should suit many large adults with normal activity, as long as they tolerate fish and chicken well.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

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

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
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 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Skin Coat Health Digestive Health Immune Support Bone Health
Suitable For
Adult Large
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Salmon and fish meal appear at the top of the ingredient list, providing good-quality animal protein with essential amino acids and marine omega-3s.
  • Includes multiple whole grains (brown rice, barley, oatmeal, sorghum) and beet pulp, which can support steady energy and digestive health through fermentable fiber.
  • Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus vitamin E and selenium support skin, coat, and antioxidant status.
  • Formulated to be 100% complete and balanced for adult maintenance, with appropriate protein (24% min) and fat (14% min) levels for most adult large-breed dogs.

Considerations

  • Contains both fish and chicken-derived ingredients (chicken fat and chicken meal), so it is not suitable for dogs with chicken or fish allergies.
  • Peas and pea protein are included, though not as main ingredients; if you are specifically avoiding legumes due to personal preference or veterinary guidance, this is worth noting.
  • The calcium and phosphorus levels are on the lower side compared with some large-breed formulas, which is fine for healthy adults but not designed for puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Salmon, Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Brewers Rice, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Whole Grain Sorghum, Pea Protein, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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02
Fish
Fish is commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and an excellent source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin and coat health, joint function, and cognitive development in both dogs and cats. It also supplies B vitamins and minerals but can be a common allergen, may contain environmental contaminants or mercury depending on species and sourcing, and raw fish can contain thiaminase—so choose properly processed, nutritionally balanced, and sustainably sourced fish ingredients.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
View ingredient
05
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.

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)
24.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3677
kcal / Kg
383
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size Large
Texture Kibble
Processing method Baked
Food type Dry

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 Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
100% Complete and Balanced Nutrition for Adult Dogs

Brand

Nutro is a natural-leaning dog and cat food brand from Mars Petcare positioned as a premium, ingredient-focused line. It emphasizes non-GMO ingredients where possible, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and simple ingredient lists. Nutro offers grain-inclusive and grain-free lines and markets itself to pet owners seeking more natural, wholesome recipes at a premium but broadly accessible price point.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Mars Petcare
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1935
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ)
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Tennessee and other Mars Petcare facilities
Manufacturing oversight

Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.

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

No recall is listed for Nutro Natural Choice Adult Large Breed Salmon & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Natural Choice Adult Large Breed Salmon & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Nutro · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Nutro ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Nutro. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.