Nulo Frontrunner Chicken, Oats, & Turkey All Breed Small Kib

The Verdict

If you’re shopping for a small-breed puppy food that actually lists meat first, Nulo Frontrunner Chicken, Oats, & Turkey deserves a look. This isn’t another bag of corn-and-filler kibble. It’s a 32% protein formula built around chicken and turkey as the first two ingredients, with oats providing the carbohydrate backbone. For pet parents tired of deciphering vague “poultry meal” labels, this one’s refreshingly transparent.

What You Actually Get

A 4-pound or 12-pound bag of small kibble (roughly 0.5cm pieces) designed for all breeds but sized specifically for small jaws. The formula includes guaranteed levels of probiotics — specifically Bacillus coagulans — plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed and chicken fat. You also get a decent vitamin and mineral premix covering calcium, phosphorus, and taurine, which matters for growing puppies.

Real-World Performance

The kibble size is the standout feature here. Owners of Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and other toy breeds repeatedly mention their puppies handle these pieces without choking or gulping. As one verified buyer put it: “My 9-week-old mini dachshund gobbles these down without struggling — the size is perfect for her tiny mouth.”

Digestion reports are largely positive. The probiotics seem to do their job; multiple reviewers note firmer stools within a week of switching. Protein at 32% is substantial but not excessive for active puppies — it supports muscle development without the digestive upset some higher-protein formulas cause.

The oats-and-chicken combination creates a surprisingly palatable kibble. Even picky eaters appear to take to it. One reviewer wrote, “I have a notoriously fussy Shih Tzu mix who turns her nose up at everything. She finished her entire bowl the first day.”

What Buyers Consistently Praise

• Ingredient transparency: Real chicken and turkey listed first, not by-product meals
• Small kibble diameter: Ideal for toy breeds, senior dogs with dental issues, and puppies
• Coat improvements: Multiple reviewers report shinier coats within a month
• No artificial colors or preservatives: Clean label that matches the brand’s athletic-dog positioning

Where It Falls Short

The oats are a double-edged sword. While they provide digestible carbs, dogs with confirmed grain allergies or sensitivities may react. If your pup has known grain issues, this isn’t the formula for you.

The bag’s zipper seal is genuinely weak. Several reviewers complain it stops sealing properly after a few weeks, which risks stale kibble. Plan to transfer the food to an airtight container.

At roughly $2.50–$3.00 per pound depending on bag size, this sits at a premium over Purina Pro Plan or Hill’s Science Diet puppy formulas. You’re paying for the higher meat content and probiotics, but budget-conscious shoppers will feel the difference.

Who Should Buy This

• Toy breed owners — the kibble size is genuinely ideal for tiny jaws
• Puppy parents wanting high-protein growth support — 32% protein supports muscle development
• Owners of picky eaters — the chicken/turkey/oats combo has broad palatability

Skip it if your dog has confirmed grain sensitivities, you need an ultra-budget option, or you’re feeding a large breed puppy over 50 lbs — they’ll need a larger kibble and different calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

FAQ

Is this food suitable for adult small dogs, or just puppies? It works for both, but it’s formulated for growth. Adult small breeds on this will likely need portion control — the calorie density runs moderate-to-high.

How does this compare to Nulo’s grain-free line? Frontrunner includes oats (a whole grain), while Nulo’s grain-free line uses legumes and potatoes. If your dog tolerates grains, Frontrunner is typically easier on digestion and cheaper.

Will this help with my puppy’s soft stool? Many reviewers report improved stool firmness thanks to the probiotics, but every dog differs. Transition over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts with their current food.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a clean, protein-forward small-breed kibble that picky eaters actually enjoy, and you’re willing to pay a modest premium for quality ingredients.

Skip it if your dog has grain issues, you need a budget food, or you dislike transferring kibble to separate containers.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A solid, honest small-breed puppy food that delivers on its protein promise. Deduct half a star for the weak bag seal and grain limitations, but the ingredient quality and kibble design earn their keep.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.