FreeStyle Mackerel, Chicken & Mussel In Broth Topper
Verified Aug 22, 2026
This is a high-moisture, shredded topper for dogs featuring mackerel, chicken, and mussel in broth as simple, animal-based ingredients. It’s designed to be served alongside a complete and balanced dog food to add extra protein variety, flavor, and hydration. The very short ingredient list makes it a straightforward option for owners who want to boost palatability without a lot of extras.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a simple, animal-protein–only topper that can work very well for dogs who need more flavor, moisture, or variety added to their regular balanced diet. The short ingredient list centered on named fish, chicken, and mussel is a nice, transparent approach, and the moderate calorie content per pouch makes it easy to add without drastically changing total intake. It does contain both fish and chicken, so it won’t be appropriate for dogs who need to avoid those proteins, and it should never be used as the sole diet since it’s not complete and balanced.
Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very short, straightforward ingredient list with named animal proteins (mackerel, chicken, mussel) and broths only.
- High moisture (87%) helps support hydration and can make meals more appealing for dogs that are picky or don’t drink much water.
- Low fat and modest calorie content per pouch (about 44 kcal) allow it to be added to most dogs’ meals without a large impact on daily calories.
- Grain-, corn-, and soy-free formula may suit dogs whose owners prefer to avoid those ingredients for personal or dietary reasons.
Considerations
- Labeled as a complementary food only and is not complete and balanced, so it must be fed alongside a nutritionally complete main diet, not as the only food.
- Contains both fish (mackerel, mussel) and chicken, which are common protein allergens, so it’s not a good choice for dogs with known allergies to these ingredients.
- Very low fat content may not be ideal if you’re specifically looking to add extra dietary fat for dogs that need higher energy density from toppers.
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
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.
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02
Mackerel Broth
Mackerel broth is used in pet foods and toppers mainly as a palatant and moisture enhancer that adds savory fish flavor and can contribute small amounts of fish protein, minerals, and marine omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), often making it particularly attractive to cats. Nutrient and sodium content can be variable, so owners should watch for fish allergies, elevated salt levels, and potential quality issues (e.g., histamine or spoilage); manufacturers control formulation to limit heavy‑metal or contaminant risks.
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.
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04
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
05
Mussel
Mussel, especially green‑lipped mussel, is used in pet foods and supplements as a high‑quality animal protein and a natural source of omega‑3 fatty acids plus glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health and reduce inflammation. It also supplies minerals and B vitamins and can enhance palatability, but owners should be aware of potential shellfish allergies, variability in nutrient content depending on processing and sourcing, and that it should complement a balanced diet—consult your veterinarian if your pet has food sensitivities or is on medication.
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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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.Why this is not complete and balanced
This product is not labeled complete and balanced. It is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding.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.
Manufacturer
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
No recall is listed for Nulo FreeStyle Mackerel, Chicken & Mussel In Broth Topper.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nulo ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nulo. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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