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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Our Pick
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original — product shown in side-by-side comparison on PawBench
Wellness COREBudget

Wellness CORE Small Breed Original

4.6(3,139 reviews)
9/10 overall

From $20.98(prices may vary)

📦 Buy on Amazon
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult — product shown in side-by-side comparison on PawBench
NutroBudget

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult

4.6(1,800 reviews)
8.8/10 overall

From $38.99(prices may vary)

📦 Buy on Amazon

Ratings Breakdown

CategoryWellness CORE Small Breed OriginalNutro 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

SpecWellness CORE Small Breed OriginalNutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
Bag Size12 lb15 lb
Protein SourceDeboned Turkey & Chicken MealChicken, Lamb, and Salmon
Life StageAdultAdult
Grain-FreeYesNo
Special Feature36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble sizeTrio protein blend, cold-pressed, coconut oil and chia seeds
Spec
#2💰 Best Budget
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
4.6
AAFCO complete
#3💰 Best Budget
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
4.6
AAFCO complete
Buy
PawBench Scoremethodology →
Nutrition
89
Ingredients
89
Palatability
74
Value
87
Owner Satisfaction
85
Nutrition
77
Ingredients
83
Palatability
74
Value
87
Owner Satisfaction
85
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

Quality Taste Value for money Ingredients
Size

Buyers praise quality, taste, value for money and ingredients. Mixed feedback on digestive effects. Some flag size.

Based on 144 user mentions

Bag Size12 lb15 lb
Protein SourceDeboned Turkey & Chicken MealChicken, Lamb, and Salmon
Life StageAdultAdult
Grain-FreeYesNo
Special Feature36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble sizeTrio protein blend, cold-pressed, coconut oil and chia seeds

* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.

🏆

Our Verdict

Wellness CORE Small Breed Original

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.

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