Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Chicken Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a dry, crunchy food formulated for adult large-breed dogs, using chicken meal and chicken as the main animal protein sources. It provides moderate protein and fat with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal to support joint health. The recipe uses grains like brewers rice, sorghum, and barley for energy, along with beet pulp and flaxseed for digestive support and fiber.
Overall, this is a solid, well-balanced option for healthy adult large-breed dogs who do well on chicken-based diets. The protein level is moderate rather than high, which can be appropriate for many large-breed adults, and the inclusion of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids is useful for long-term joint and skin support. It’s a conventional grain-inclusive formula with a straightforward ingredient list from a mainstream, established brand.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken meal and chicken provide clear, named animal protein sources to support muscle maintenance in large-breed adults.
- Moderate protein (20%) and fat (14%) are appropriate for many large-breed adult dogs, helping support a healthy body weight when fed to condition.
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which can help support joint health in big, heavier dogs over time.
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus beet pulp and flaxseed, which can support skin/coat quality and digestive health.
Considerations
- Chicken is a common food allergen for dogs, so this formula would not be suitable for dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- The protein level is on the moderate side compared with some large-breed adult formulas; very active or working large-breed dogs may do better on a higher-protein option.
- Split peas appear in the top ingredients; while this isn’t a grain-free food, owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease may prefer to minimize legume-heavy 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
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.
02
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
03
Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest plant protein, B vitamins, and minerals, often serving as an alternative to corn or wheat. It supplies energy and dietary fiber for dogs and cats but is relatively low in certain essential amino acids (like lysine), and some tannin-containing varieties can reduce palatability and nutrient digestibility—processing and balanced formulation mitigate these issues, and sourcing should guard against mycotoxin contamination.
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
Split Pea
Split peas are a cooked, milled legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based source of digestible carbohydrates, fiber and supplementary protein, supplying soluble fiber, resistant starch and micronutrients like B vitamins, iron and potassium to support digestion and satiety. They are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores (cats) and, when used in high concentrations in some grain‑free diets, legumes including peas have been investigated for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy; therefore split peas should be included only in properly formulated diets that meet AAFCO/NRC nutrient profiles and pet owners with heart‑concern or sensitive animals should consult their veterinarian.
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
Brand
Nutro is a natural-leaning dog and cat food brand from Mars Petcare positioned as a premium, ingredient-focused line. It emphasizes non-GMO ingredients where possible, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and simple ingredient lists. Nutro offers grain-inclusive and grain-free lines and markets itself to pet owners seeking more natural, wholesome recipes at a premium but broadly accessible price point.
Visit NutroManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nutro Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Chicken Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nutro ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nutro. 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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