Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food (13 lb)

Nutro · 13 lb · Dog

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 13 lb
$2.92/lb·$37.97total

Verified today on Amazon.

View on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate, petfoodprice.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Overview

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food delivers foundational nutrition tailored specifically for the critical developmental window of puppyhood. Designed around real chicken as the primary protein component alongside wholesome whole brown rice, this dry kibble offers a reliable combination of easily digestible animal proteins and complex carbohydrates. Young dogs burn significant amounts of energy exploring their surroundings, making dense, clean nutrition paramount for developing muscles, immune resilience, and bone architecture. This 13 lb bag offers a sensible intermediate volume—large enough to feed a developing small-to-medium pup for weeks without taking up excessive pantry space or risking spoilage before the bag finishes. Nutro has long built its reputation around straightforward, purpose-driven recipes that omit artificial preservatives, colors, corn, wheat, and chicken by-product meals. For puppy parents wanting a trusted grain-inclusive recipe that provides balanced fuel without unnecessary fillers, this formulation provides a dependable dietary foundation for a pup's formative months.

Key features

  • Formulated specifically to support the rigorous developmental demands of growing puppies
  • Real chicken acts as the primary protein source for building lean muscle tissue
  • Wholesome brown rice provides digestible carbohydrates and sustained daily energy
  • Free from chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, and artificial preservatives
  • Balanced mineral profile crafted to support healthy bone and joint development
  • Convenient 13 lb bag size ideal for testing puppy tolerance or managing small-space storage

Pros

  • Priced below the category median, offering solid value for a premium-tier puppy recipe
  • Real chicken leads the recipe without utilizing chicken by-product meal
  • Brown rice supplies gentle, gut-friendly fiber for sensitive developing digestive tracts
  • Nutro’s strict recipe standards exclude artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

Cons

  • Chicken-based recipes are unsuitable for puppies with diagnosed poultry sensitivities
  • A 13 lb bag gets consumed very quickly by medium-to-large breed puppies, requiring frequent reordering
  • Sits higher in price than mass-market economy supermarket brands

Best for

Puppy owners seeking a recognizable, non-GMO-focused brand that pairs classic chicken and wholesome grains without entering the ultra-expensive boutique tier.

Feeding guide

Growing puppies require significantly more calories and vital nutrients per pound of body weight than mature adults. Daily intake varies greatly by age, current weight, and projected adult size. As a general starting baseline, puppies often require approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup per 5 to 10 pounds of body weight daily, split into three to four small meals during early puppyhood (under 6 months) and two to three meals as they approach maturity. Monitor your pup's body condition score routinely and consult the printed feeding chart on the 13 lb bag for exact measuring cup guidelines. Always provide abundant, clean drinking water.

Ingredients & nutrition note

Nutro Natural Choice emphasizes real animal protein as the lead ingredient alongside wholesome grains. In this recipe, chicken serves as the foundational animal protein source, supplying amino acids necessary for lean muscle and tissue building. Whole brown rice functions as an easily digestible carbohydrate source that delivers dietary fiber and sustained energy for active puppies. Typical puppy recipes in this profile often incorporate added omega fatty acids like DHA to support cognitive and visual development, along with balanced calcium and phosphorus ratios for steady bone growth. Nutro formulations avoid chicken byproduct meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

Price comparison

At roughly $2.92 per pound ($37.97 for the 13 lb bag), Nutro Natural Choice Puppy sits comfortably below both the median price of $3.47/lb and the broader average of $6.25/lb across the medium-bag dry dog food category. While entry-level economy kibbles can dip under a dollar per pound, mainstream premium brands often push well into the $3.50 to $5.00/lb territory. This positioning makes Nutro Natural Choice an attractive mid-tier value, delivering clean-label ingredients and targeted developmental nutrition without commanding the elevated pricing seen in freeze-dried or boutique specialty formulas.

Frequently asked questions

Can I feed this recipe to an adult dog?

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy is formulated with targeted nutrient densities appropriate for growing dogs, whereas adult formulas feature adjusted caloric and mineral balances meant for maintenance.

How long should my dog stay on puppy food?

Most veterinarians suggest keeping puppies on dedicated growth diets until they reach full skeletal maturity—typically around 10 to 12 months for small-to-medium dogs, and up to 18 to 24 months for large breeds. Consult your vet before switching to adult food.

How long does a 13 lb bag usually last?

The 13 lb size provides an ideal trial quantity for new puppies or a manageable supply for small-to-medium breeds, usually lasting several weeks depending on the puppy's daily intake requirements.

Is the kibble size suitable for small breed puppies?

Puppy formulas typically produce smaller kibble disks designed for developing jaws and puppy teeth, making them easier to chew and swallow safely.

How should this dry dog food be stored?

Store the kibble in its original resealable packaging inside an airtight, pest-proof container in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness.

What is the best way to switch my puppy to this food?

Transition gradually across 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing portions of Nutro Natural Choice with decreasing amounts of the prior food to avoid digestive upset.

Ready to buy?

View on Amazon ↗

Compare similar dog foods