Freestyle High-Protein Limited+ Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, high-protein dry dog food that uses salmon and salmon meal as its only animal protein sources. Chickpeas and sweet potato supply the main carbohydrates, while added salmon oil and a high level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help support skin and coat health. It’s formulated for puppies and adult dogs of all sizes except large-breed puppies, and includes a probiotic to support digestive health.
This is a high-quality, limited-ingredient salmon-based kibble that should suit many adult dogs and smaller-breed puppies, especially those avoiding chicken or beef. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for active dogs, and the added omega-3s, taurine, and probiotics are nice nutritional touches. It is not intended as the sole diet for large-breed puppies, so owners of those breeds will need a different growth formula.
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
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Salmon and salmon meal as the first ingredients provide highly digestible animal protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Limited-ingredient formula with a single animal protein may help dogs who need to avoid more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Includes added salmon oil, DHA, and a strong omega-3 and omega-6 profile to support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains Bacillus coagulans probiotic and chicory root, which can support a healthy digestive tract.
Considerations
- Uses chickpeas and chickpea flour as main carbohydrates, which may not suit dogs that don’t do well on legume-heavy diets.
- Not appropriate as a complete diet for large-breed puppies, so owners of those breeds should choose a large-breed puppy formula instead.
- Salmon is a common allergen for some dogs, so this food is not a good fit if your dog reacts to fish-based diets.
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
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.
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
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
Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is a ground pulse used in pet foods as a plant‑based source of protein, digestible carbohydrates and both soluble and insoluble fiber, along with micronutrients such as folate and iron, and is often included in grain‑free or wheat‑free formulations. It can provide beneficial fiber and moderate protein for dogs but is less appropriate as a primary protein for obligate‑carnivore cats; pulses can cause digestive sensitivity in some pets, contain antinutrients that are reduced by processing, and high levels of legume ingredients have been investigated for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy, so choose balanced, veterinarian‑approved diets for pets with special needs.
05
Canola Oil
Canola oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer that supplies energy and essential fatty acids—mainly omega‑6 (linoleic acid) and some omega‑3 (ALA)—and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins. It can support skin and coat condition when balanced with animal fats or supplemental omega‑3s, but is calorie‑dense so must be portioned to avoid weight gain, does not provide species‑specific fats such as arachidonic acid for cats, and must be kept fresh to prevent oxidation.
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+ Salmon 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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