Frontrunner High-Protein Beef, Barley & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 31, 2026
This is a high-protein dry food for adult dogs that uses deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb as its main animal protein sources. It combines these with oats, barley, brown rice, and other ancient grains for steady energy, and includes added taurine, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. The formula is designed for generally active adult dogs who do well on a grain-inclusive, meat-rich kibble.
Overall, this is a high-quality, grain-inclusive dry food for adult dogs with a nice balance of animal protein and digestible whole grains. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy, active adults, and the added taurine, probiotics, and omega fatty acids are thoughtful inclusions. It’s a good fit for dogs who tolerate chicken and mixed proteins and don’t need a limited-ingredient or single-protein diet.
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 (deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb) high in the ingredient list provide good-quality, diverse amino acid sources.
- Grain-inclusive formula using oats, barley, and brown rice offers complex carbohydrates and fiber rather than relying on potatoes or peas.
- Very good fat and omega profile (16% fat with added omega-3 and omega-6 sources) can support skin, coat, and overall energy needs in active adult dogs.
- Contains added taurine and a guaranteed level of Bacillus coagulans (a probiotic), which can support heart function and digestive health in many dogs.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, egg, and beef, so it would not be suitable for dogs with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Protein comes from multiple different animals; for dogs that need a true limited-ingredient or single-protein diet for allergy testing or management, this formula would not be appropriate.
- At 433 kcal per cup, it is relatively calorie-dense, so portion control is important to help prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
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
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.
03
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
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.
05
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.
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 Frontrunner High-Protein Beef, Barley & 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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