Freestyle High-Protein Limited+ Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 23, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, high-protein dry dog food that uses lamb and lamb meal as its only animal protein sources. Chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potato provide carbohydrates and fiber, while added salmon oil and flaxseed supply omega-3 and omega-6 fats for skin and coat. It’s formulated for puppies and adults (but not growing large-breed puppies), with added taurine and probiotics to support digestion and overall health.
This is a well-formulated limited-ingredient lamb kibble that should suit many adult dogs and smaller-breed puppies who need a simpler ingredient list or an alternative to more common proteins like chicken or beef. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy, active dogs, and the added omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics are nice nutritional touches. It is not appropriate as the sole diet for large-breed puppies, and because it relies heavily on pulses (chickpeas and lentils), it falls into the group of diets where some cardiologists and nutritionists advise a bit more caution.
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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
- Uses named lamb and lamb meal as the only animal protein sources, which can be helpful for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins.
- Limited-ingredient formula without wheat, soy, dairy, egg, or chicken, which simplifies the diet and may aid in ruling out some food triggers.
- Good nutrient profile for a dry food with 28% protein and 16% fat, plus added taurine, DHA, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed.
- Includes a source of probiotics (Bacillus coagulans) and prebiotic inulin to support digestive health, and is AAFCO-complete for all life stages except large-breed growth.
Considerations
- Chickpeas and lentils are prominent ingredients; grain-free diets that rely heavily on pulses have been associated with certain heart issues (DCM) in some dogs, so discuss with your vet if your dog is at higher risk.
- Formulated for all life stages except growth of large-breed puppies, so it should not be used as the main food for puppies expected to reach 70 lbs or more as adults.
- Lamb and fish (from salmon oil) are included, so this food is not suitable for dogs with known allergies to these proteins.
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 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.
02
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
03
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
04
Lentil
Lentils are a plant-based source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients (notably folate and iron) commonly used in pet foods to add bulk, promote satiety and help moderate post-meal blood sugar. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs when properly processed and balanced with animal-derived amino acids, but lentil protein is less digestible and incomplete for obligate carnivores like cats; high legume inclusion can also increase gas or digestive upset and has been discussed in the context of diet-associated heart concerns in dogs, so lentils should be used in nutritionally complete, vetted formulations.
05
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
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 Freestyle High-Protein Limited+ Lamb Recipe 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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