Medalseries Ancient Grains Adult Beef, Barley & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a high-animal-protein dry food for adult dogs, built around beef, turkey meal, chicken meal, and lamb with barley and other ancient grains as the main carbohydrate sources. It offers moderate-to-high protein and fat levels for active dogs, added taurine for heart support, and probiotics plus fiber sources to support digestive health. The inclusion of salmon oil, flaxseed, and chia provides omega fatty acids that can help maintain skin and coat health.
Nulo Medalseries Ancient Grains Adult Beef, Barley & Lamb is a well-formulated adult maintenance kibble with multiple named animal proteins and quality grains, suitable for most healthy, active adult dogs. It avoids pea and potato proteins, includes a nice blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, and provides added taurine and probiotics. It does contain several common protein allergens (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb), so it’s not a good match for dogs with known food allergies, and the calorie density is on the higher side, so portions need to be carefully measured for less active dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (beef, turkey meal, chicken meal, lamb) high on the ingredient list provide good-quality, complete protein for adult dogs.
- Appropriate adult maintenance macronutrient profile with 28% protein, 16% fat, and relatively low fiber for good energy availability, especially for active dogs.
- Uses barley, oats, spelt, and millet as carbohydrate sources rather than relying on peas or potatoes, avoiding the grain-free/pulse-heavy pattern linked with some heart concerns.
- Includes functional extras such as added taurine, probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), omega-3 and omega-6 sources (salmon oil, flaxseed, chia), and fruits/vegetables for additional nutrients.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens (beef, chicken, turkey, lamb), so it would not be appropriate for dogs with sensitivities to these proteins.
- Calorie density is relatively high at about 425 kcal per cup, so inactive or overweight-prone dogs may need smaller measured portions to avoid weight gain.
- Formulated for adult maintenance only, so it is not suitable as the sole diet for growing puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs despite the general feeding note for puppies and mothers.
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
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.
03
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.
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
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.
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 Medalseries Ancient Grains Adult 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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