Challenger High-Protein Large Breed Puppy Kibble Alpine Ranch Beef, Lamb & Pork
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a high-protein dry kibble designed specifically for large breed puppies, using beef, lamb, pork, turkey meal, chicken meal, and salmon meal as its main animal protein sources. It includes organic ancient grains like oats, millet, barley, and rye for steady energy, along with added omega fatty acids, taurine, probiotics, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. The formula is balanced to support appropriate growth for large breed puppies, including controlled calcium and phosphorus levels.
Nutritionally, this is a very strong option for large breed puppies and can also be used for other life stages, with multiple high-quality animal protein sources and well-chosen complex carbohydrates. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for growing large breed dogs, and the calcium and phosphorus levels are tailored for controlled bone development. Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, probiotics, and fruits and vegetables provide some extra support for skin, coat, digestion, and overall health, though it relies on formulation rather than feeding trials.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (beef, lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, salmon meal, pork) high on the ingredient list provide high-quality, diverse amino acids for growth.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages including large breed puppy growth, with appropriate calcium (1.2%) and phosphorus (1.0%) levels for controlled skeletal development.
- Includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, plus taurine and vitamin E, which can support skin, coat, and overall health needs in growing puppies.
- Contains probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), chicory root (a prebiotic source), and a variety of fruits and vegetables that may help support a healthy gut and provide natural antioxidants.
Considerations
- Contains several common protein allergens (beef, chicken, lamb, pork, fish), so it would not be a good fit for puppies with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Uses multiple animal protein sources rather than a single novel protein, so it is not suitable as a limited-ingredient or elimination diet if your vet is working up food allergies.
- Energy density is relatively high at 410 kcal per cup, so portions may need careful control to keep a large breed puppy at a lean, healthy growth rate.
Full Ingredient List
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
Deboned Beef
Deboned beef is used primarily as a high-quality animal protein and palatability enhancer in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, bioavailable iron and B vitamins that support muscle maintenance, energy metabolism and overall health. Because it is deboned it reduces the risk associated with feeding whole bones, but pet parents should note beef can be a common allergen and variable fat content increases calorie density, so it should be part of a formulated, balanced diet rather than fed alone.
02
Deboned Lamb
Deboned lamb is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein source for dogs and cats, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron and zinc while lacking the calcium associated with bone-in meats. It can be a palatable option and a potential novel protein for animals with food sensitivities, but owners should note lamb can be higher in fat and calories than lean meats and raw or undercooked lamb may carry pathogens unless properly processed, so check product labels and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary needs.
03
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
04
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.
05
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.
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.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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
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 NuloManufacturer
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
Nulo Challenger High-Protein Large Breed Puppy Kibble Alpine Ranch Beef, Lamb & Pork has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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.
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