Natural Choice Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified Jul 17, 2026
This is a dry lamb-based puppy food designed for growing dogs of all breeds. It uses deboned lamb and lamb meal as primary proteins, with brown rice, barley, and oatmeal providing digestible carbohydrates, and includes added DHA and omega fatty acids to support developing brains, eyes, skin, and coat. The formula also supplies prebiotic fiber and a full vitamin and mineral package to support healthy digestion and immune function during growth.
This is a well-balanced, lamb-based dry food that should suit most healthy puppies who don’t need a specialized diet. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for growth, and the use of lamb and lamb meal up front gives a solid animal protein base, supported by whole grains and added omega-3s and DHA. It’s a nice option if you prefer a grain-inclusive, non-chicken-primary formula, though it does still contain egg and pea/potato proteins that some sensitive pups may not tolerate.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned lamb and lamb meal as the first ingredients provide high-quality, animal-based protein appropriate for growing puppies.
- Includes DHA, EPA, and overall omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain, eye, skin, and coat health in young dogs.
- Grain-inclusive with brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, which can offer steady energy and are generally well tolerated by most puppies.
- Added prebiotic fiber (dried beet pulp) and a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium to support digestion and immune function.
Considerations
- Contains pea protein and potato protein, which contribute to the total protein; while fine for most dogs, they are plant proteins and not as ideal as animal sources for amino acid balance.
- Includes dried egg product, which is a high-quality protein but can be an allergen for some dogs with egg sensitivities.
- Uses multiple protein sources (lamb, egg, fish oil), so it’s not a true limited-ingredient option for puppies with complex food allergies.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
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 Natural Choice Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice 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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