If you’re considering getting Nutra Complete Dog Food for your pet, this review is for you. After seeing all the talk about Nutra Complete being freeze-dried raw food made from real meat, I decided to see if it is a hit or miss for Bailey (my 2 years old Golden Retriever)
I placed my order on the brand’s Amazon storefront. I’m an Amazon Prime girlie, and two-day shipping always wins over waiting weeks for international delivery. Plus, I saw verified reviews there, so I felt comfortable enough to order.
I decided to go big and got three different flavors; Beef, Chicken, and Turkey. I figured Bailey could help me judge which one reigns supreme.
About Nutra Complete
Nutra Complete is a freeze-dried raw dog food made by Ultimate Pet Nutrition, founded by veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter. The concept is simple: real meat, real vegetables, real nutrients without the hassle of handling raw meat or the smell of wet food.
The food is made in the USA, and it’s formulated to give dogs a balanced diet full of protein, vitamins, and probiotics. The ingredients are top-notch: beef, chicken, or turkey as the first ingredient, followed by organ meats like liver and heart, plus vegetables like spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and superfoods like blueberries and cranberries.
It’s grain-free, filler-free, and designed to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet. On paper, it sounds perfect. But I wanted to see what it actually did for Bailey.
My Dog’s reaction to Nutra Complete Dog Food
The first one I opened was the Beef Recipe. It had a rich, meaty smell that made Bailey’s tail start wagging immediately. I decided to serve it the recommended way: by mixing it with warm water. Within a few minutes, the chunks softened and looked just like cooked ground beef. Bailey didn’t even wait for me to say “okay” before diving in.
The next day, we tried the Chicken Recipe. This one smelled a little lighter, kind of like roast chicken. I noticed that it rehydrated faster than the beef one. Bailey licked his bowl clean again.
By the weekend, we tested the Turkey Recipe, which is labeled as a “reduced-calorie” option. I didn’t expect Bailey to go crazy for this one because he’s always been a red-meat kind of guy, but surprisingly, he loved it just as much.
Now, here’s where the story gets interesting. After about a week of rotating the flavors, I noticed some changes. His coat, which had been a bit dull from all the shedding, started to look glossier. His breath smelled better. And my favorite part his stools became smaller and less smelly. As a dog mom, that’s a win in my book.
Another thing I appreciated was how easy it was to prepare. There’s no mess, no smell, and no need to refrigerate. I’d just scoop, mix with warm water, and serve. On busy school mornings, when everyone’s rushing around, that convenience made a huge difference.
But let’s be real the bag didn’t last long. Bailey is a large Golden Retriever, and one 16-ounce bag barely lasted two weeks, even when I mixed it with his kibble. I tried giving it to him exclusively for a few days, but that would’ve meant spending over $100 a month just to keep up. That’s when I realized this food might be best used as a topper or an occasional full meal treat.
Still, Bailey’s excitement at mealtime made me happy. He’d start circling me whenever he heard the bag rustle. I also loved how his coat stayed soft and how his digestion improved without any tummy issues.
The only little challenge was getting the rehydration right. Too much water made it mushy; too little made it dry. But once I figured out the sweet spot, it became second nature.
Pros
- Real, recognizable ingredients — you can smell and see the quality
- Bailey’s coat became shinier and his energy improved
- Smaller, less smelly stools (every dog parent understands the joy in that)
- Easy to prepare and no refrigeration needed
- Great variety of flavors that kept my dog interested
I also liked that it didn’t upset his stomach. Some “premium” foods I’ve tried before gave him loose stools, but Nutra Complete was gentle on his digestion right from the start.
Cons
Let’s start with the price. A 16-ounce bag costs around $30–$40, and for big dogs like Bailey, that adds up fast. You’d need multiple bags each month, which is a serious commitment.
The second thing is availability. Some flavors go out of stock on Amazon, especially the beef one, which seems to be everyone’s favorite.
And lastly, the rehydration takes a few minutes, so you can’t just pour and serve like kibble.
Has Nutra Complete Ever Been Recalled?
I did some digging before buying because safety always comes first. Thankfully, Nutra Complete has never been recalled. That gave me peace of mind. The company claims to maintain high safety standards, with quality checks on every batch made in the USA.
Where to Buy
I bought mine on Amazon.com, and as a Prime girlie, it arrived within two days; no stress, no international shipping delays, and no hidden customs charges. That’s another reason I skipped the brand’s website, which can sometimes take longer if you’re outside the U.S.
If you prefer, you can also order from the official Ultimate Pet Nutrition website, where they often have bundle deals and subscription discounts.
Alternatives
If Nutra Complete feels too pricey or you just want to explore similar options, these are some premium alternatives that are also worth a look.
1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
These patties are easy to crumble or rehydrate and come in a wide range of proteins. They’re similar in quality but often more affordable in larger bags.
2. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers
These are great for sprinkling on top of regular kibble. They have probiotics, real meat, and a nice crunch that most dogs love.
3. Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Ethically sourced and transparent about ingredients. They offer unique flavors like surf & turf and lamb.
In Conclusion
I can confidently say that Nutra Complete is one of the best-tasting and cleanest freeze-dried dog foods I’ve ever bought for Bailey. The difference in his coat, digestion, and overall happiness spoke louder than any advertisement.
Yes, it’s pricey. Yes, the bag runs out faster than I’d like. But seeing Bailey run around with that spark in his eyes again made it worth it.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. But I’ll keep it as a topper or a weekend treat meal rather than his everyday food. That way, he still gets the nutrients and the excitement, and I don’t have to spend a small fortune every month.
while you’re here, read my review of this flea collar I bought for my dog