Wellness CORE Small Breed Original vs Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
Head-to-head comparison — specs, scores, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you pick the right one for your dog.
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Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
From $33.98(prices may vary)
📦 Buy on Amazon
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
From $38.99(prices may vary)
📦 Buy on AmazonRatings Breakdown
| Category | Wellness CORE Small Breed Original | Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9 | 8.8 |
| Value | 8.5 | 8.2 |
| Quality | 9.2 | 9 |
| Durability | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Ease of Use | 8.7 | 8.5 |
Pros & Cons
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
Pros
- ✓36% protein from deboned turkey and chicken
- ✓Grain-free formula with no fillers
- ✓Small kibble size with satisfying crunch
- ✓Probiotics and omega fatty acids included
- ✓No meat by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
Cons
- ✗Higher protein may not suit all small breeds
- ✗Bag size options are limited
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
Pros
- ✓Trio protein blend of chicken, lamb, and salmon
- ✓Cold-pressed for better nutrient retention
- ✓Non-GMO ingredients with no artificial preservatives
- ✓Small, crunchy kibble pieces
- ✓Includes coconut oil and chia seeds for skin health
Cons
- ✗Contains some grain ingredients like brewers rice
- ✗Less widely available than competing brands
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Wellness CORE Small Breed Original | Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Size | 12 lb | 15 lb |
| Protein Source | Deboned Turkey & Chicken Meal | Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Grain-Free | Yes | No |
| Special Feature | 36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble size | Trio protein blend, cold-pressed, coconut oil and chia seeds |
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 89 Ingredients 89 Palatability 74 Value 87 Owner Satisfaction 85 | Nutrition 73 Ingredients 79 Palatability 70 Value 86 Owner Satisfaction 68 |
| Buyer sentiment | Taste Value for money Ingredients Healthiness Buyers praise taste, value for money, ingredients and healthiness. Mixed feedback on palatability and digestibility. Based on 548 user mentions | — |
| Bag Size | 12 lb | 15 lb |
| Protein Source | Deboned Turkey & Chicken Meal | Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Grain-Free | Yes | No |
| Special Feature | 36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble size | Trio protein blend, cold-pressed, coconut oil and chia seeds |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Our Verdict

Winner
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
9/10 overall
It's extremely close, but Wellness CORE Small Breed Original edges ahead with a slightly higher overall score (9 vs 8.8). Both are excellent choices — you really can't go wrong with either. Pick the one that best fits your dog's specific needs and your budget.
From $33.98 (prices may vary)
📦 Buy Wellness CORE Small Breed Original on Amazon