Nulo cat treats are a popular brand of cat treats made by Nulo Pet Food, a company based in Austin, Texas. Nulo cat treats are known for being grain-free, high-protein, and made with quality ingredients. But where exactly are Nulo cat treats made? Let’s take a closer look at the manufacturing and sourcing of Nulo cat treats.
Nulo Pet Food Company Overview
Nulo Pet Food is a pet food company that was founded in 2009 by Michael Landa. Landa had a background working in the human food industry and wanted to bring quality ingredients and standards to the pet food world. The company is based in Austin, Texas and all Nulo pet foods are made in the United States.
Nulo offers a range of dog and cat food products including dry food, wet food, treats, and supplements. Their products are sold online, in pet specialty retail stores, and in some grocery stores across the United States. Their cat treat line includes products like FreeStyle Cat Treats, Carnivore Grain-Free Treats, Petite Treats, Dental Treats, and Lickable Cat Treats.
Where Nulo Sources Ingredients
Nulo states that all of their ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers in the United States. Some of the high-quality ingredients found in Nulo cat treats include:
- Animal-based proteins like chicken, salmon, turkey, trout, lamb, duck, bison
- Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes
- Montmorillonite clay
- Dried chicory root
- Dried Enterococcus faecium
- Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Antioxidants from ingredients like spinach, blueberries, raspberries
By sourcing high-quality ingredients from U.S. suppliers, Nulo can ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of all the ingredients used in their cat treats. Many pet food companies source ingredients like proteins, grains, and produce from other countries which can increase the risk of contamination or quality control issues.
Where Nulo Cat Treats Are Manufactured
All Nulo pet food products, including their cat treats, are manufactured in the United States. Nulo has its own manufacturing facilities located in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas.
The exact location of the facilities are:
- Columbus, Nebraska
- North Sioux City, South Dakota
- Hereford, Texas
By keeping their manufacturing in the United States, Nulo states they can better control the safety and quality of their pet food production. Their facilities follow the strictest standards for ingredient sourcing, cleanliness, food safety procedures, and quality control.
Key Facts About Nulo’s Manufacturing
Here are some key facts about Nulo’s U.S.-based pet food manufacturing facilities and processes:
- Facilities are FDA-registered
- Follow HACCP plans and procedures
- Have on-site quality assurance professionals
- Test ingredients for nutrient composition, mycotoxins, antibiotics, pesticides
- Use U.S. sourced packaging materials
- Conduct safety tests on finished products
- Follow strict protocols for cleaning and sanitation
- Have food safety and quality certifications like SQF Level 3
Quality Control and Testing
Nulo states that they have rigorous quality control standards to ensure the safety and quality of their cat treats and other pet food products. Here are some of the testing protocols they follow:
- Test raw ingredients, in-process foods, and finished products
- Check for nutrient levels, bacteria, mycotoxins, pesticides
- Conduct palatability and consumption testing
- Hold finished products for quality checks before releasing
- Follow testing plans customized for each facility
- Use third-party labs for outside objective testing
Additionally, Nulo’s manufacturing facilities are inspected by the FDA and must follow strict protocols. Any issues with products are reported to the FDA per the Reportable Food Registry program.
Certifications Held by Nulo Facilities
Nulo’s pet food production facilities hold several certifications that verify the safety and quality of their manufacturing processes. Some of the key certifications include:
- FDA Registration – Facilities registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- SQF Certification – Level 3 certification from the Safe Quality Food Program
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points principles followed
- AIB International Consolidated Standards – Maintains superior manufacturing standards audited by AIB International
Trusted Pet Specialty Retailers
Nulo is selective about where they allow their products to be sold. Nulo cat treats and foods are sold at pet specialty national retailers like:
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Hollywood Feed
- Pet Supplies Plus
They avoid big box stores and mass market channels. The pet specialty stores allow Nulo to ensure their products are sold by knowledgeable staff who can educate pet parents about quality nutrition.
Comparison to Other Popular Cat Treat Brands
How does Nulo compare to some other popular cat treat brands in terms of where they are manufactured? Here is a quick comparison:
| Brand | Manufacturing Location |
|---|---|
| Nulo | USA |
| Greenies | USA |
| Temptations | Thailand and Canada |
| Fancy Feast | USA |
| Blue Buffalo | USA |
As you can see, Nulo is one of several major cat treat brands that manufacture their products in the United States. They follow strict protocols at their own facilities to control for quality and safety.
Conclusion
In summary, Nulo cat treats are made exclusively in Nulo’s own manufacturing facilities located in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas. By keeping production in the U.S. at their own plants, Nulo can closely monitor the quality and safety of ingredients and manufacturing processes. Their facilities follow stringent standards and quality certifications to ensure the best nutrition possible is delivered in their cat treats and foods.