Chicken & Halibut Pate Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a grain-free canned pate for dogs that uses chicken, halibut, and tuna as its main protein sources. The formula is relatively high in animal-based protein for a wet food and includes added taurine, omega-rich salmon oil, and pumpkin and inulin for gentle fiber. It’s designed to be a complete and balanced option for puppies and adults, including large-breed dogs, when fed as directed.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed wet food with multiple named animal proteins and an appropriate protein and fat profile for an all-life-stages formula, including large-breed growth. The grain-free recipe relies mostly on meat and fish, with pea flour appearing further down the list and not as a dominant calorie source. It can work well for dogs who enjoy moist food, need help maintaining hydration, or benefit from the higher palatability of canned diets.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (chicken, halibut, tuna, salmon oil) provide high-quality, complete amino acids and support lean muscle maintenance and growth.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, which have stricter nutritional requirements.
- Added taurine, salmon oil, and flaxseed supply omega fatty acids and heart-supportive nutrients, along with benefits for skin and coat.
- Pumpkin, inulin, and dried kelp contribute gentle fiber and prebiotic support, which can help maintain healthy digestion in many dogs.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and multiple fish sources, which are common food allergens; not a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Although pea flour is not a primary ingredient, this is a grain-free diet that does include a pulse ingredient, which some owners and veterinarians prefer to use with caution in breeds predisposed to heart disease.
- Menadione (a synthetic vitamin K source) is included; it is allowed and commonly used but is somewhat controversial among some nutritionists and owners.
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
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.
03
Halibut
Halibut is used in pet foods as a high‑quality, lean fish protein and flavor ingredient that supplies digestible amino acids, omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), and minerals such as vitamin B12 and selenium to support skin, coat, immune and joint health in dogs and cats. It is generally palatable and nutritious but can be a food allergen for some animals and may carry environmental contaminants (e.g., mercury) or parasites if not properly sourced and processed, so sourcing, portioning, and proper cooking/handling should be considered.
04
Tuna
Tuna is commonly used in pet foods as a highly palatable animal protein and flavor enhancer, providing readily digestible protein and omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) along with B vitamins for both dogs and cats. While nutritionally beneficial, tuna can be high in mercury or sodium (especially canned), and feeding it exclusively or frequently may cause nutrient imbalances (including risks for thiamine or taurine issues in cats), so it should be offered in moderation as part of a complete, balanced diet.
05
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
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 Chicken & Halibut Pate Wet 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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