As a devoted dog owner and professional reviewer, I’ve spent years navigating the labyrinth of pet nutrition. I remember the frustration with my first terrier mix, Bailey. He had the energy of a lightning storm but a stomach as delicate as a flower. One week, he’d be fine; the next, we were dealing with upset digestion and itchy skin. Every trip to the pet store felt like a high-stakes gamble. We tried grain-free, novel proteins, and foods that cost more per pound than my own groceries. The search for a food that was nutritious, palatable, and gentle on his system was exhausting and expensive. This journey is a familiar one for countless pet parents who simply want to see their dogs happy, healthy, and thriving. It’s this very problem—the need for a reliable, high-quality food that supports whole-body health without causing digestive distress—that leads many of us to scrutinize brands like Nutro and their specific formulas, such as the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb.
- Supports Healthy Skin & Coat: This dry dog food is formulated with an optimal ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids to nourish sensitive skin for a soft shiny coat.
- Digestive Health Support: Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Bites Dog Food Recipe is made with natural fiber for healthy digestion
What to Consider Before Buying Dry Dog Food
A bag of dry dog food is more than just an item on your shopping list; it’s a key solution for providing your canine companion with the foundational nutrition they need for a long, healthy life. The right kibble offers a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient, shelf-stable form. It supports everything from energy levels and muscle maintenance to immune health and cognitive function. Furthermore, the abrasive texture of dry kibble plays a crucial role in dental hygiene by helping to scrub away plaque and tartar as your dog chews, a benefit often lost with wet food diets.
The ideal customer for a premium dry food like this is an owner who prioritizes high-quality, recognizable ingredients and is dealing with a dog that may have sensitivities, is a picky eater, or is a small breed that requires smaller, more manageable kibble. They are looking for a formula that avoids common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Conversely, this type of product might not be the best fit for dogs with diagnosed, severe grain allergies (who may require a completely grain-free formula) or those with a specific allergy to a secondary protein, like chicken. Owners on a very strict budget might also explore more value-focused brands, though often at the cost of ingredient quality.
Before investing in a new food for your companion, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Kibble Size & Breed Appropriateness: The physical size and shape of the kibble are paramount, especially for small or toy breeds. Large, dense kibble can be difficult for small jaws to chew, posing a choking hazard and discouraging them from eating. Small-bite formulas are specifically designed to be easy to pick up, chew, and swallow, ensuring your dog gets their full nutrition without a struggle.
- Nutritional Profile & Ingredients: Always read the ingredient list. The first ingredient should be a high-quality, named meat source (e.g., deboned lamb, chicken). Look for a balanced guaranteed analysis of protein, fat, and fiber that is appropriate for your dog’s age and activity level. Wholesome grains like brown rice and oatmeal provide essential carbohydrates and fiber, while a lack of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors is a hallmark of a quality food.
- Ingredient Sourcing & Quality: Beyond the ingredient list, consider the brand’s philosophy on sourcing. Claims like “Non-GMO” indicate a commitment to quality control. Understanding where the primary ingredients come from can provide peace of mind that you are feeding your pet a safe and thoughtfully crafted meal. Avoid foods with vague ingredients like “meat and bone meal” or “animal by-product meal.”
- Digestibility & Palatability: A food is only good if your dog will eat it and can digest it properly. Formulas with natural fiber and high-quality proteins are generally easier on the digestive system. A good indicator of digestibility, as many veterinarians will tell you, is the quality of your dog’s stool—it should be firm and consistent. You can often see its full list of ingredients and user reviews to gauge how other dogs, particularly picky eaters, have responded to the flavor.
Choosing the right food is a foundational decision for your dog’s health. Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help you make an informed choice that you and your pet will be happy with for years to come.
While the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: A Wholesome Aroma and Perfectly Sized Bites
Upon receiving the 12 lb. bag of Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb, the first thing we noticed was the sturdy, clean packaging. The branding is clear, highlighting the key features like “Real Lamb #1 Ingredient” and “Non-GMO Ingredients.” Opening the bag released a surprisingly pleasant, savory aroma—not the artificial or overpowering scent of some lower-quality foods, but a wholesome, roasted smell that our test dogs, a finicky 11-pound dachshund named Oscar and an energetic 25-pound terrier mix named Pip, immediately noticed. The kibble itself is impressively consistent. Each piece is small, disc-shaped, and perfectly sized for small mouths, just as advertised. They weren’t overly greasy or crumbly, which speaks to the oven-drying process mentioned in the product info. The only immediate drawback we found, and a point echoed by other users, is the lack of a resealable zipper on the bag. For a premium food, this is a surprising omission, as it requires owners to use a separate airtight container to maintain freshness. Still, the initial impression of the food itself was overwhelmingly positive and you can check the latest price for this high-quality kibble online.
Key Benefits
- Real, deboned lamb is the #1 ingredient, providing a high-quality protein source.
- Small-bite kibble is perfectly sized for small and toy breed dogs.
- Formulated with natural fiber and antioxidants for healthy digestion and immunity.
- Free from corn, wheat, soy protein, and artificial flavors or colors.
Potential Drawbacks
- Contains chicken meal as the second ingredient, which is problematic for dogs with chicken allergies.
- The bag is not resealable, making it difficult to keep the food fresh without a separate container.
A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of Nutro’s Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
A dog food’s true value isn’t on the label, but in how it performs day after day in your dog’s bowl and in their body. We transitioned our two test dogs to the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb over a seven-day period and continued to feed it exclusively for a full month to thoroughly assess its impact on everything from palatability and digestion to coat health and energy levels. Our findings were largely positive, though with one significant caveat that potential buyers must be aware of.
Ingredient Quality and Nutritional Philosophy: A Closer Look at the Label
Nutro’s “Natural Choice” philosophy hinges on using high-quality, recognizable ingredients, and for the most part, this formula delivers. The star of the show is deboned lamb, listed as the number one ingredient. This is a crucial hallmark of a premium dog food. Real meat provides highly digestible protein that is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass. This commitment to quality protein is a feature that really sets it apart from many grocery store brands that lead with corn or meat by-products. We were also pleased to see a blend of wholesome whole grains like brown rice, whole grain barley, and brewers rice. These complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and natural fiber, which is vital for proper digestion.
However, our deep dive into the ingredient panel revealed a critical detail that every potential buyer must know: the second ingredient is chicken meal. This was a major point of confusion and frustration for several users, one of whom noted, “Buyer beware…the second ingredient on this is chicken. For those pet owners that have dogs with allergies this can be a costly deception.” We have to agree. While chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein, labeling the food as “Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe” can be misleading for owners specifically trying to avoid chicken, a very common allergen. One user, whose terrier mix developed a skin rash, was initially recommended this food for a suspected chicken allergy, only to find the formula had changed to include it. While our test dogs have no chicken allergies, this is a non-negotiable deal-breaker for a significant portion of the dog population. That said, for dogs without this specific sensitivity, the overall ingredient profile, which is free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, remains impressive and well-balanced.
Palatability and Digestibility in Action: The “Empty Bowl” and “Poop” Tests
The most nutritious food in the world is useless if your dog won’t eat it. This is where the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb truly shined in our tests. Oscar, our dachshund, is notoriously picky, often sniffing at his bowl and walking away. With this food, there was no hesitation. The savory scent was clearly enticing, and the small kibble size was perfect for him. He cleaned his bowl at every meal, a rare and welcome sight. This experience was mirrored by numerous user reviews, including one owner of a picky Husky and a vet tech with three small dogs, one of whom is picky but “likes this nutro.”
Just as important as palatability is digestibility. As one wise user was told by their vet, a key way to judge a food’s quality is by observing your dog’s digestion. Over our month-long trial, we observed consistently firm, well-formed, and regular stools from both dogs. There were no signs of gas, bloating, or stomach upset during or after the transition. This confirms the effectiveness of the natural fiber from ingredients like brown rice and dried plain beet pulp in supporting a healthy gut. One reviewer with a Cane Corso/Bulldog mix who had “always had a sensitive stomach” noted a “significant improvement in his digestion and overall health” after switching. Our findings strongly support these claims, making this an excellent choice for dogs with generally sensitive systems (provided they are not allergic to chicken).
The 25-Day Shiny Coat Guarantee: Evaluating Skin and Coat Health
Nutro makes a bold claim: a “soft, shiny coat in 25 days, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.” We put this to the test with Pip, our terrier mix, whose coat can sometimes be a bit dull. This promise is based on the food’s formulation, which includes an optimal ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, primarily derived from sources like chicken fat and fish oil. These essential fatty acids are scientifically proven to nourish the skin and promote a healthy, glossy coat. By the third week of our trial, we began to notice a visible difference. Pip’s coat was softer to the touch and had a discernible sheen that wasn’t there before. By day 30, the improvement was undeniable.
This result is one of the most consistently praised benefits among long-term users. One owner who has used the brand for years stated their dogs’ “coat is always healthy,” while another who fed Nutro for 16 years praised it as “great food.” However, it’s crucial to circle back to the allergy issue. One user with a Boston Terrier experienced the exact opposite—seborrhea, flaky skin, and red, runny eyes—which resolved after switching away from this food. This unfortunate experience almost certainly points to an allergy to an ingredient, most likely the chicken, and underscores the absolute importance of knowing your dog’s individual sensitivities. For dogs without such allergies, our experience confirms that Nutro’s formula can absolutely deliver on its shiny coat promise.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across hundreds of reviews, a clear picture of the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb emerges. The overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, with many users reporting life-changing results for their pets. One owner shared a remarkable story about their 10-year-old dog who suffered from constant shaking; after switching to Nutro on a store clerk’s recommendation, the shakes stopped within a week, and the dog lived to be nearly 20 years old. Another long-time user credits the food for their previous dog’s long, healthy life of 14 years. A vet tech praised it as a “well balanced and affordable” option she trusts for her own three small dogs.
However, the negative feedback, though less frequent, highlights two very important and consistent issues. The most critical complaint, echoed by multiple disappointed owners, is the presence of chicken meal in a product prominently marketed as “Lamb & Brown Rice.” One user felt it was a “costly deception” that led to a $125 vet bill for their allergic dog. The second common complaint is practical: the bag isn’t resealable. As one person put it, “Can’t reseal the bag, like always… The food is not going to stay fresh.” These critiques provide a balanced view, highlighting a great product for the right dog but with a significant formulation concern and a minor packaging flaw.
How Does Nutro Stack Up Against the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you a complete picture, we’ve compared the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb against three popular alternatives, each catering to a different need and budget. While we found Nutro to be an excellent all-around choice, you can explore its full feature set and user reviews to see if it’s the perfect match for your pup.
1. WAG Wholesome Grains Salmon & Brown Rice Dog Food 30 lb
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Sustainably raised American salmon is the #1 ingredient
- LESS FILLER: Contains no by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
WAG’s Salmon & Brown Rice formula is a strong contender, particularly for budget-conscious shoppers and those dealing with poultry allergies. Its primary protein is salmon, a fantastic source of Omega fatty acids that is less likely to trigger allergies than chicken. Like Nutro, it uses wholesome grains and avoids common fillers. The main trade-off is often in brand recognition and specific formulation details. If your dog has a known chicken sensitivity and you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative that still provides quality nutrition, WAG is an excellent choice that directly addresses the main drawback of the Nutro Lamb recipe.
2. BADLANDS RANCH Superfood Beef Dog Food
- Superfood complete Ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutritional value.
- Contains 87% Beef, Beef Heart, Beef liver, and Salmon, 13% seed, vegetables, fruit, minerals and vitamins. NO fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct.
Positioned at the ultra-premium end of the market, Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete is for the owner seeking the absolute best, with a price tag to match. This food is air-dried, not extruded kibble, a process that helps preserve nutrients. It’s a high-protein, grain-free formula with beef as the primary protein, supplemented with organ meats and superfoods. This is an ideal choice for owners who follow a grain-free or ancestral diet philosophy for their dogs and prioritize nutrient density above all else. It’s a significant step up in both price and nutritional philosophy from the more traditional kibble offered by Nutro.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Chicken
- Made with easy to digest ingredients that help support energy levels, and keep a healthy immune system
- Balanced minerals for heart & kidney health
Hill’s Science Diet represents the veterinary-backed, science-first approach to pet nutrition. This specific formula is tailored for senior dogs (ages 7+), focusing on ingredients that support aging joints, kidney health, and energy levels. While its primary protein is chicken, it’s a direct competitor for owners who prioritize decades of scientific research and specific life-stage nutrition over the “natural” marketing angle of brands like Nutro. If you have a senior dog and place your trust in a brand frequently recommended and sold in vet clinics, Hill’s Science Diet is a time-tested and reliable alternative.
Final Verdict: Is Nutro Natural Choice the Right Choice for Your Dog?
After a month of rigorous testing and in-depth analysis, we can confidently recommend the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Small Bites Dog Food 12 lb, but with one critical condition. For small breed adult dogs without a chicken allergy, this food is a fantastic choice that delivers on its promises of improved digestion, enhanced coat health, and high palatability. The use of real lamb as the first ingredient and the exclusion of corn, wheat, and soy place it firmly in the premium category, offering excellent nutritional value for its price point.
The major weakness, however, cannot be ignored: the inclusion of chicken meal in a “Lamb” formula is a significant issue for the large number of dogs with poultry sensitivities. If your dog falls into that category, you must look elsewhere. But if chicken isn’t a concern for your furry friend, you’ll be getting a high-quality, thoughtfully formulated food that dogs genuinely love to eat. It’s a reliable product that supports whole-body health, making it a worthy investment in your dog’s well-being. If you believe this is the right fit for your companion, you can order a bag today and see the difference for yourself.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API