Nulo MedalSeries vs Nulo FreeStyle
Nulo MedalSeries against Nulo FreeStyle, measured across 25 and 15 kibble recipes: 30.2% vs 30.6% protein and 34% vs 33% starch, as fed.
Main Differences
- Protein, fat and estimated starch are close: Nulo MedalSeries averages 30.2% protein, 15.5% fat and an estimated 34% starch, while Nulo FreeStyle averages 30.6% protein, 15.8% fat and an estimated 33% starch.
- Nulo MedalSeries averages 425 kcal per cup, compared with 406 kcal per cup for Nulo FreeStyle.
- Nulo FreeStyle is 100% grain-free, while Nulo MedalSeries is 84% grain-free.
- Nulo MedalSeries offers 25 kibble recipes across 6 puppy, 18 adult and 1 senior formula, with 4 large breed and 4 small breed options. Nulo FreeStyle offers 15 recipes, with 3 puppy, 6 adult and 1 senior formula, and 1 large breed and 3 small breed options.
- The estimated price per pound is close: Nulo MedalSeries at an estimated $3.37 per pound and Nulo FreeStyle at an estimated $3.57 per pound.
The Two Lines in Figures
Protein and fat:
| Measure | Nulo MedalSeries | Nulo FreeStyle | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 25 | 15 | 1,747 in total |
| Protein, as fed | 30.2%28.0% to 32.0% | 30.6%28.0% to 33.0% | 27.2% |
| Fat, as fed | 15.5%7.0% to 18.0% | 15.8%7.0% to 18.0% | 14.3% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 34%30% to 41% | 33%29% to 41% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 425371 to 449 | 406339 to 434 | 398 |
| Grain-free recipes | 84% | 100% | |
| Life stages | Adult 18, Puppy 6, Senior 1 | Adult 6, Puppy 3, Senior 1 | |
| Breed sizes | All Breeds 17, Large Breed 4, Small Breed 4 | All Breeds 11, Small Breed 3, Large Breed 1 | |
| Price per pound, estimate | $3.37/lbEstimate, median of 24 of 25 recipesRecipes run $3.12 to $4.40Prices checked Sep 28, 2026 to Oct 25, 2026 | $3.57/lbEstimate, median of 15 of 15 recipesRecipes run $3.00 to $5.00Prices checked Sep 28, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026 | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None |
Line figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that line, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Wet food, toppers and prescription diets are left out so the numbers compare like with like. Everything is as fed, the way the bag prints it; the switch above the table shows protein and fat on a dry matter basis instead. Why we use as fed. The price per pound is an estimate: the median of each recipe's lowest price per pound across the bag sizes and US retailers our price checks found, so a single bag can cost more or less. Shelf prices change often.
Top Recipes in Each Line
Nulo MedalSeries
Most protein in the line, 32.0% as fed
Nulo MedalSeries Chicken & Peas Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein 32%
Fat 17%
Starch 30% 431 kcal/cup
Least starch in the line, about 30%
Nulo MedalSeries Small Breed Turkey & Chickpeas Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein 32%
Fat 18%
Starch 30% 441 kcal/cup
Fewest calories in the line, 371 kcal per cup
Nulo MedalSeries Weight Management Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein 30%
Fat 7%
Starch 41% 371 kcal/cup
Nulo FreeStyle
Most protein in the line, 33.0% as fed
Nulo FreeStyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein 33%
Fat 18%
Starch 29% 424 kcal/cup
Least starch in the line, about 31%
Nulo FreeStyle Limited+ Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein 30%
Fat 18%
Starch 31% 413 kcal/cup
Fewest calories in the line, 339 kcal per cup
Nulo FreeStyle Adult Trim Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein 30%
Fat 7%
Starch 41% 339 kcal/cup
Who Each Line Suits
Nulo MedalSeries
- Owners of large breed puppies, since Nulo MedalSeries has two large breed puppy recipes.
- Owners managing a dog's weight: Weight Management Chicken & Sweet Potato, 371 kcal per cup.
- Owners wanting more recipe variety, since Nulo MedalSeries offers 25 kibble recipes.
Nulo FreeStyle
- Owners wanting an entirely grain-free recipe book, since Nulo FreeStyle is 100% grain-free.
- Owners wanting the lowest-calorie recipe: Adult Trim Cod & Lentils, 339 kcal per cup.
- Owners wanting the highest-protein recipe, Turkey & Sweet Potato at 33% protein.
Every Nulo Line
| Line | Kibble recipes | Protein | Fat | Starch | Kcal / cup | Grain-free | Price / lb, est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedalSeries | 25 | 30.2% | 15.5% | 34% | 425 | 84% | $3.37 |
| FreeStyle | 15 | 30.6% | 15.8% | 33% | 406 | 100% | $3.57 |
| Frontrunner | 6 | 27.0% | 16.0% | 37% | 431 | 0% | $2.82 |
| Challenger | 5 | 34.4% | 17.2% | 28% | 425 | 0% | $4.42 |
| Culinary Harvest | 5 | 30.0% | 15.0% | 35% | 423 | 0% | Not available |
| Nulo | 5 | 30.0% | 15.8% | 33% | 407 | 0% | $4.35 |
Averages over each line's kibble we review, as fed. Lines with only a few recipes swing more on one bag. Price per pound is the same estimate as above.
More Nulo Line Comparisons
The Nulo Lines
Nulo Against Other Brands
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brand's own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. The written comparison is drafted from these figures, and every number in it is checked against them. Figures refreshed October 25, 2026.
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