If you’ve spent any time in a farm supply store or a local tractor shop lately, you’ve probably seen those bright yellow bags. They’re hard to miss. Nunn Better dog food has been a staple in the rural pet food scene for decades, but it doesn't get the same flashy marketing as the "designer" brands you see on Instagram. Honestly, that’s probably why a lot of people overlook it. But when you’re staring at a 50-pound bag that costs half as much as the boutique stuff, you start wondering. Is it actually safe? Is it healthy? Or is it just cheap filler?
The truth is a bit more nuanced than a simple "yes" or "no." Nunn Better is a brand owned by Nunn Milling Company, a family-owned outfit based out of Evansville, Indiana. They’ve been around since the 1940s. That’s a long time to stay in business in the cutthroat world of pet nutrition. They aren't some faceless conglomerate; they’re a multi-generational business that basically built its reputation on providing affordable nutrition for working dogs and farm pets.
The Reality of Nunn Better Dog Food Ingredients
When you flip the bag over, the first thing you’re going to notice is the protein source. In many of their formulas, you’ll see "meat meal" or "chicken meal." Now, some people get really weird about the word "meal," but let’s get real for a second. Meat meal is essentially meat that has been cooked down to remove moisture, leaving a concentrated protein powder. It’s not necessarily "bad." In fact, it often contains more protein by weight than fresh meat, which is mostly water.
However, Nunn Better often uses corn as a primary carbohydrate source. This is where the internet experts usually start screaming. Corn has a bad reputation. People call it a "filler," but it actually provides essential fatty acids and minerals. The real question is whether your specific dog can handle it. If your pup has a grain sensitivity, this brand is a hard pass. But for the vast majority of healthy, active dogs? Corn is a perfectly functional energy source. It’s cheap, sure, but it works.
You’ve gotta look at the specific formula you’re holding. Their "Maintenance" blend is a lot different from their "High Protein" or "Puppy" formulas. The Maintenance line is pretty low in fat and protein—it’s designed for dogs that mostly nap on the porch. If you feed that to a working Border Collie, they’re going to lose weight and look ragged. On the flip side, their "High Pro" formula is a favorite among hunters and people with active outdoor dogs because it packs the caloric punch needed for a full day of activity.
A History of Safety and Recalls
Safety is the big one. Nobody wants to poison their best friend to save twenty bucks. Historically, Nunn Milling has had a very clean record. For decades, they went without any major issues. That changed in early 2021.
In January 2021, Nunn Milling Company issued a voluntary recall of several of their products, including Nunn Better, due to potentially elevated levels of Aflatoxin. This is a toxin produced by mold that can grow on corn and other grains. It’s a serious deal. If a dog eats too much of it, it can cause liver damage or worse.
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Now, here is the thing about recalls: they happen to almost everyone eventually. Even the super-premium brands have had them. What matters is how the company handles it. Nunn Milling was proactive. They pulled the product, worked with the FDA, and updated their testing protocols. Since that 2021 event, they haven't had another major slip-up. They learned their lesson, but as a pet owner, it’s something you should at least be aware of. It’s the risk you sometimes run with grain-heavy, budget-friendly foods.
Why People Still Buy It
Price is the obvious factor. Let’s not pretend otherwise. If you have four large hounds, buying $80 bags of grain-free, bison-flavored kibble isn't always sustainable. Nunn Better fills a specific niche. It’s for the person who needs to keep their dogs fed on a budget without resorting to the absolute bottom-of-the-barrel "mystery meat" brands.
There’s also the "working dog" factor. A lot of folks in the Midwest and South swear by this stuff. They’ve fed it to generations of hunting dogs and farm protectors. These dogs are often in incredible shape. Why? Because they’re active. A dog’s health is 50% diet and 50% lifestyle. If a dog is running five miles a day, it can process the carbohydrates in Nunn Better dog food much more efficiently than a Frenchie living in a high-rise apartment.
It’s about context.
If your dog is a couch potato with itchy skin and a sensitive stomach, Nunn Better might make their life miserable. The high grain content can lead to inflammation or allergies in sensitive pups. But if your dog is a "mutts-of-all-trades" with a stomach of steel? They’ll probably thrive on it.
Breaking Down the Nutrition Label
If you’re looking at the Nunn Better Golden Nuggets or their Hunter’s Select, you’ll see a protein percentage usually hovering around 21% to 27%. That’s a decent range. For comparison, most standard grocery store brands are in the 18% to 22% range.
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- Animal Fat: They usually use beef fat or poultry fat preserved with BHA or mixed tocopherols. Mixed tocopherols are just Vitamin E—that’s the good stuff. BHA is a synthetic preservative that’s a bit more controversial, but it’s still FDA-approved and keeps the fat from going rancid in a big bag.
- Vitamins and Minerals: They do include a standard vitamin and mineral premix. This ensures the food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for a "complete and balanced" diet.
- No Artificial Colors: One thing I actually like about Nunn Better is that they don't usually pump their food full of red dye #40 or yellow #5 just to make it look "meaty" to humans. Dogs don't care what color their food is, and those dyes are just unnecessary allergens.
Common Misconceptions About Budget Kibble
People think "cheap" always means "waste." That’s not quite right. A lot of the cost in premium dog food goes into marketing, fancy packaging, and "exotic" ingredients like blueberries or kale. Do dogs need kale? Not really. It’s there to make you feel better about buying it.
Nunn Better skips the marketing fluff. They use paper bags. They don't have national TV commercials. They sell in bulk. That’s where the savings come from. It’s a utilitarian product.
However, you have to watch the calorie density. Because there is more grain and fiber, the "poop volume" might be higher. Sorry, it’s a gross topic, but it’s true. Less digestible filler means more coming out the other end. If you notice your dog is going three or four times a day, they might not be absorbing as much as they would on a higher-quality, low-residue diet.
Is Nunn Better Right For Your Dog?
This isn't a "one size fits all" situation. Honestly, it depends on your dog’s specific needs and your own financial reality.
Consider Nunn Better if:
- You have multiple large, high-energy dogs.
- Your dog has no history of grain allergies or skin issues.
- You need a reliable, AAFCO-compliant food that won't break the bank.
- You can supplement with fresh leftovers (plain chicken, eggs, or veggies) now and then.
Avoid Nunn Better if:
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- Your dog is prone to ear infections or hot spots (often a sign of grain sensitivity).
- Your dog is a senior with low activity levels (the carbs might lead to obesity).
- You prefer a diet where a specific whole meat (like "Deboned Chicken") is the first ingredient.
Ultimately, Nunn Better dog food is a "middle-of-the-road" option. It’s better than the generic store brand you find at a pharmacy, but it’s a step below the specialized veterinary or boutique diets. It’s honest food for honest dogs.
How To Transition Your Dog Safely
If you decide to give it a try, don't just dump a bowl of it in front of your dog tonight. That’s a recipe for a "digestive disaster" on your carpet. Sudden changes in protein and grain sources mess with a dog's gut flora.
Start by mixing about 25% Nunn Better with 75% of their old food. Do that for three days. If their stools stay firm, go to a 50/50 split for another three days. By the end of ten days, you can be on 100% Nunn Better. If at any point they get diarrhea or start gassing you out of the living room, slow it down.
Also, pay attention to their coat. A dog’s fur is the best indicator of their internal health. If after a month on Nunn Better their coat looks dull or feels greasy, they probably aren't getting enough high-quality fats. You can fix this by adding a little fish oil to their bowl, or you might just need to switch to a formula with a higher fat content.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Label: Look for the AAFCO statement on the back of the bag. It should say the food is "complete and balanced" for either "All Life Stages" or "Adult Maintenance." Avoid "Intermittent or Supplemental Use Only" bags for daily feeding.
- Monitor Weight: Since Nunn Better is carb-heavy, keep a close eye on your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel them easily but not see them. If they start putting on "padding," reduce the portion size immediately.
- Buy Fresh: Because Nunn Better uses large bags and some synthetic preservatives, try to buy from a store with high turnover. You want a bag that hasn't been sitting on a pallet for six months. Check the "Best By" date on the gusset of the bag.
- Stay Informed: Periodically check the FDA’s pet food recall database. While Nunn Better has been stable for years, it’s good practice for any pet owner, regardless of what brand you feed.
Ultimately, your dog's health is a result of their total environment. A budget-friendly food like Nunn Better can be a perfectly fine part of that, provided you're paying attention to the signals your dog is sending you every day.