As a dog owner, I feel like I’m on a perpetual quest for the “perfect” dog food. My pup has a sensitive stomach and can be a bit of a picky eater, so finding something that’s both nutritionally sound and exciting for him is a real challenge. We’ve navigated the worlds of grain-free, limited ingredient, and everything in between. That’s why I was so intrigued when I came across the NutriSource Element Series Outback Trails formula. With a protein lineup of lamb, kangaroo, and wild boar, it’s anything but ordinary and promised to tackle some of the common issues pet parents face.
Finding a food that doesn’t rely on chicken or beef as its primary protein can be a game-changer for dogs with allergies. This unique blend from NutriSource offers a novel approach to canine nutrition, aiming to provide high-quality protein while supporting gut health and overall vitality. After trying it out, I wanted to share my detailed thoughts.
Key Features of NutriSource Outback Trails
✅ Exotic & High-Quality Animal Proteins: The first ingredients are deboned lamb, kangaroo, and deboned wild boar. This is fantastic for dogs who have sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. It’s a high-protein formula designed to support lean muscle mass.
✅ Legume & Potato-Free Grains: This isn’t a grain-free food, but it cleverly avoids common fillers and potential allergens like corn, wheat, soy, legumes, and potatoes. Instead, it uses ancient grains like millet, spelt, and quinoa, which are easier on many dogs’ digestive systems.
✅ Advanced Gut Health Support: NutriSource includes their proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics. This is a huge plus for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as it helps foster a healthy gut microbiome, leading to better digestion and firmer stools.
✅ Heart Health Formula: The food is supplemented with L-Carnitine, taurine, and balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These are crucial nutrients for supporting cardiovascular health, which gives me peace of mind as a dog owner.
✅ Suitable for All Life Stages: This formula meets AAFCO guidelines for all life stages, meaning you can feed it to your puppy, adult, or senior dog without having to switch foods as they age.
How to Transition Your Dog to a New Food
Switching your dog’s food abruptly can lead to an upset stomach. To ensure a smooth transition to NutriSource Outback Trails, follow these simple steps:
- Start Slow: For the first 2-3 days, mix 25% of the new NutriSource food with 75% of your dog’s old food.
- Gradually Increase: Over the next 3-4 days, adjust the ratio to a 50/50 mix of old and new food.
- Almost There: For the following 2-3 days, feed a mix of 75% NutriSource and 25% old food.
- Full Transition: After about 7-10 days, you can switch to feeding 100% NutriSource.
Tip: Always monitor your dog’s stool and energy levels during the transition. If you notice any persistent digestive issues, slow down the process.
What Customers Are Saying
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 116 reviews, the feedback is largely positive. Here’s a summary of what fellow pet owners are experiencing:
- Jessica (5/5 stars): “My German Shepherd has struggled with skin allergies for years. We tried everything! A friend recommended this kangaroo-based formula, and the difference is night and day. His coat is shiny, he’s barely scratching, and he absolutely loves the taste. Worth every penny.”
- Mark T. (4/5 stars): “The ingredient list is top-notch, and I love that it’s potato-free. My dog, a picky Boston Terrier, eats it without hesitation. My only complaint is the price—it’s definitely a premium food, so it’s a bit of a budget stretch. But for the quality, I’ll likely keep buying it.”
- Chloe (5/5 stars): “Finally, a food my dog can eat! He has a severe chicken allergy, and it’s so hard to find foods that don’t have hidden chicken fat or broth. This one has been perfect for his sensitive stomach. No more issues!”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Unique novel proteins (lamb, kangaroo, boar) | ❌ Premium price point may not fit all budgets |
| ✅ Excellent for dogs with common food allergies | ❌ Contains chicken/turkey flavor & fat |
| ✅ Includes prebiotics and probiotics for gut health | ❌ Strong, gamey smell some owners may dislike |
| ✅ Free of legumes, potatoes, corn, and soy | ❌ Only available in select stores or online |
If you think this unique formula could be the right fit for your furry friend, you can check it out here: Buy on Amazon NutriSource Element Series Outback Trails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food completely grain-free? A: No, NutriSource Outback Trails is a grain-inclusive formula. However, it avoids common grain fillers and instead uses nutrient-dense ancient grains like millet, spelt, and buckwheat, which are often better tolerated by dogs. It is free from legumes and potatoes.
Q: My dog has a severe chicken allergy. Is this food safe? A: While the primary proteins are lamb, kangaroo, and wild boar, the ingredient list does mention “Natural Turkey and Chicken Flavors” and “Chicken and Turkey Fat.” For most dogs with mild sensitivities, this won’t be an issue. However, if your dog has a severe, life-threatening allergy to poultry, you should consult your veterinarian before trying this food.
Q: What are the benefits of kangaroo meat for dogs? A: Kangaroo is an excellent novel protein, meaning it’s a protein your dog has likely never been exposed to. This makes it a fantastic choice for dogs with allergies to common meats. It is also incredibly lean, high in protein, and a rich source of iron and B vitamins.
Final Verdict
NutriSource Element Series Outback Trails is a standout product for a specific type of dog owner. If you’re struggling to find a food for a dog with sensitivities to chicken, beef, or common grains, this formula is a must-try. The focus on novel proteins combined with powerful support for gut and heart health makes it a nutritionally dense and thoughtfully formulated option. It’s also fantastic for owners who practice rotational feeding to keep their dogs engaged and their guts healthy.
However, it’s a premium product with a price to match, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. But for owners willing to invest in their dog’s health to solve persistent allergy and digestive issues, the cost is well worth the incredible benefits.