Challenger High-Protein Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon & Redfish Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a high-protein dry food designed specifically for small-breed dogs, including puppies and adults, with a focus on fish-based nutrition. Haddock, salmon, and redfish, along with poultry meals, provide concentrated animal protein, while organic oats, millet, and barley offer low-glycemic carbohydrates for steady energy. Added omega-3s, taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics support heart health, metabolism, and digestive function in active small dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed, protein-rich small-breed formula that should suit active dogs and growing small-breed puppies who do well on fish and chicken. The high protein and moderate fat, along with added omega-3s, taurine, and L-carnitine, make it a strong option for maintaining lean body condition and supporting heart and skin health. It is not appropriate as the sole diet for large-breed puppies, and it will not suit dogs with fish or poultry allergies.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Haddock, salmon, and poultry meals provide multiple high-quality animal protein sources for small-breed dogs.
- 35% protein and 18% fat are appropriate for active small dogs and many small-breed puppies.
- Rich omega-3 and omega-6 levels, plus fish oils, help support skin, coat, and overall inflammation balance.
- Includes taurine, L-carnitine, probiotics, and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies for added health support.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and turkey, so it is not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies.
- Fish proteins can be an allergen for some dogs, so sensitive dogs may need a different protein source.
- Designed for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, so it should not be the only diet for large-breed puppies.
- Higher protein and fat may be more than some very low-activity or overweight small dogs need without portion control.
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
Haddock
Haddock is a lean white fish used in pet foods as a high-quality, highly digestible animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium and modest amounts of omega‑3 fatty acids. It is palatable for dogs and cats and useful in low‑fat or limited‑ingredient diets, but products should be properly cooked and deboned to avoid parasites and bones, and owners should be mindful of fish allergies, potential contaminants (source-dependent), and not rely on haddock as the sole protein to prevent nutrient imbalances.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
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 Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon & Redfish Dry Dog Food 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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