Ultimate Pet Nutrition Reviews

Ultimate Pet Nutrition, headed by Dr. Gary Ritcher, is a company marketing a line of pet food, pet nutritional supplements, and treats intended to improve pet health.

Dr. Ritcher is a leading holistic veterinarian in the pet nutrition movement.  Along with his book, The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, he has developed a powerful canine supplement called Nutra Thrive.

Products and Ingredients

The company’s product line aims to address a wide range of health issues and deficiencies that a modern dog may experience. They claim to do this through the use of:

  • Science backed ingredients
  • Grain free products
  • US based manufacturing
  • Independent 3rd-party product testing

Below we take a look at some of their best selling products to see what they can offer your furry friends.

Nutra Thrive For Dogs

Nutra Thrive is a bacon flavored powder supplement that provides 40 different healthy ingredients to support your dog’s whole body in a number of ways.

This canine supplement features a blend of four different probiotics to help balance the good and bad bacteria of your dog’s gut.

A healthy microbiome can improve and support a wide variety of bodily functions, even dental health and bad breath.  It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive enzymes that promote healthy digestion and are easy to absorb.

Along with digestive support, Nutra Thrive also contains a special immune boosting Superfood Blend that includes a blend of medicinal mushrooms and plants to provide necessary vitamins and minerals.

As well as a Super Canine Blend that provides essential vitamins and minerals that help boost your dog’s mood and energy, improve joint health, and support their heart and kidneys.

This is Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s flagship product and the one you’ve probably seen the most advertisements for.

It also has many positive reviews with customers claiming this supplement helped with issues such as:

  • Weight loss
  • Increasing energy
  • Stimulating appetite
  • Healthier looking coat
  • And even with dental hygiene

The company also makes a Nutra Thrive formula for Cats.  For more info check out our in depth Nutra Thrive For Dogs Review.

Nutra Complete Dog Food

This is a high end dog food that can be used as a primary food or as a topper.  The blend is 100% freeze dried and features a combination of raw beef, fruits, and vegetables.
 
They claim it includes 40 Veterinarian-Approved Ingredients that will maintain optimal digestion, energy levels, and your dog’s immune system.
 
Further, Ultimate Pet Nutrition explains that one of the key benefits to using freeze dried versus traditional kibble is in avoiding the consumption of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).
 
Traditionally prepared dog food undergoes several rounds of extreme high heat cooking; this becomes an issue for two reasons.

First off, it strips the original ingredients of nutritional value forcing the companies to re-add nutrients after the cooking process.

Secondly, and more importantly, high heat cooking of animal proteins in the presence of sugar undergoes a chemical process known as the Maillard Reaction.

The negative outcomes of this, in regards to dog food, are the potential loss of essential amino acids that dogs rely on their diet for, and the creation of these Advanced Glycation End Products.
 
The prolonged ingestion of AGEs can lead to states of inflammation and the potential development of some cancers.

Studies have also linked them to a whole host of other issues in dogs and this research is behind the increased drive towards raw/human grade food diets for dogs.

While this dog food is appealing the one drawback is the high price, leading most customers to use it as a meal topper or feeding a 50/50 blend of Nutra Complete and their current dog food.

For more information check out our detailed review of Nutra Complete.
 
Some of Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s other notable products include:

  • Nutra Bites - A line of freeze dried dog treats, available in several protein types.
  • Juve Flex  - Advanced Canine Joint Supplement
  • Canine Comfort - Calming and Relaxation Support

Cost and Price Plans

As mentioned above, Ultimate Pet Nutrition has positioned itself as a premium pet food brand and that is reflected in their prices. 

Their products do come with some options for discounts if you buy in bulk or join their membership program. 
 
For reference:
 
1 16oz bag of Nutra Complete costs $59.95
1 jar containing 30 scoops of Nutra Thrive costs $69.95

Customer Service

If you have any questions or issues you can reach out to a representative via multiple channels.  You can email the company at [email protected] or call them at (800) 604 – 5827.

You can also send a message through their contact page at UltimatePetNutrition.com/contact/ .

Ultimate Pet Nutrition backs all of their products with a 90 Day Refund Promise.  Their website states that if you do not see a difference in your pets health using their products you can reach out for a refund.

If you are returning a product you will have to ship it back at your own expense.

Where to Buy?

You can get their products directly from their website or through select brick and mortar locations.  

Most are located in California, where the company is headquartered, and in other pet stores across the west coast.  Use their website to check for a location near you.

Online Customer Reviews & Complaints

For the most the feedback is very positive for the products themselves.  Anecdotally, there are many online stories of pets experiencing incredible reversals in health conditions.

However there are still some reasons to be skeptical, for instance some of the positive feedback comes from websites that receive commissions for promoting Ultimate Pet Nutrition products.  

Also, we have not seen Ultimate Pet Nutrition listed on some of our sources for best dog food brands.

The company is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating.  There they maintain a customer rating of 4.16/5 stars from 961 customer reviews.

There are some complaints that pop up from customers regarding the website and the ordering process.  Some users claimed to have mistakenly ordered more than they originally intended via upsell offers - then had to go through the tedious process of obtaining a refund. 

However the main complaints for Nutra Thrive and Nutra Complete are based on the prohibitive costs of the products, especially if you are shopping for a large breed.  

For instance some customers have stated that if feeding solely Nutra Complete a 50lb+ dog could go through 3 bags in a little over a week.

Competitors and Alternatives

As interest in pet health continues to rise alongside increased consumer spending there’s been a correlating rise in boutique and health focused dog food brands.

Some leading trends have been towards grain/gluten free dog foods, human grade ingredients, and raw food diets for dogs.  However, it’s important to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your pet’s diet. 

Some popular alternatives to big store brands include: Ollie, TruDog, and The Farmer’s Dog.

Is Ultimate Pet Nutrition Legit?

Based on the positive reviews we believe these products may have a place in your pets diet.

For example a dog that has lost interest in their current food may benefit from a high nutrient topper such as Nutra Thrive.  Or you could mix in the higher quality freeze dried food as ¼ or ½ mix with their current food.

But as stated above Ultimate Nutrition Products are expensive and you might be best served to find a lower priced alternative for your pet.

As always carefully check the ingredients of any new foods against any possible allergies your pet may have and consult with a vet before making serious changes.

If you have any experience with Ultimate Pet Nutrition or Nutra Thrive, please leave your reviews below.

See Also:  Choosing the Right Dog Food: A Detailed Guide

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Ultimate Pet Nutrition Customer Reviews

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Quality food
September 5, 2023
My dog was an extremely picky eater. This is the only food she loves!

Picky eater loves this food
August 28, 2023
My shih-tzu had been snubbing his kibbles for quite a while, so I tried this food and he scarfed it up! He even eats it dry, although we do add water to it for his regular meals. I'm glad to find something he seems to love.

Tino's Story
August 25, 2023

I have a hound mix named Tino. I got him as a rescue from Kentucky as a puppy. He always had problems with his stomach and often had diarrhea or very soft stools. I would make him him veal, brown rice, and pureed sweet potatoes every day in order to try to help his digestion. This did help at times, but he still had bouts of diarrhea. Strangely, the vet said that he was overweight (85 pounds.). I was getting pretty worried and frustrated. Tino is only 3 years old and I want him to live a long and happy life. One day I saw your ad on Facebook and saw your video. I purchased the Ranch Raised Beef and Organs and Tino loves it! And I don't have to purchase expensive veal and spend all that time cooking and freezing his food. Tino has been enjoying your food for a little over two months now. He just had his wellness visit at my vet's and he lost 10 pounds! My vet and I were amazed. My vet wanted to know what food I was feeding Tino. I told him all about your products and as I was telling him, he was taking down the information.

Thank you for helping Tino and me.

You and your food are having such a wonderful effect on my Baby Boy Tino.

Sincerely,

Tino and Carol Horan

14 year old Corgi
August 22, 2023
Our 14 year old corgi has a lot more energy and bright eyes again He actually runs a lot and wants to take rides again. Thank you for your product

A complete meal.
August 22, 2023

Our new pup is 4-1/2 years old and the previous owner mainly fed him grain free kibble and some wet food (I presume canned).

The first time I fed him the beef formula, he practically inhaled it. He waits anxiously for each meal, finishes it completely, then returns to his dish to make sure he hasn’t missed any. His coat is shiny, his breath has no odor and his poops healthy and not stinky. So glad to have the convenience of freeze dried for travel too. Thank you!

She eats nutritional food, and enjoys every bite.
August 16, 2023
My toy Rat Terrier is the love of my life. I found her at the pound in Santa Maria 2 yrs. ago. She was 9 with no record of any kind. I fed her the usual dog food. She did not eat well. Then I browsed the web and found you! She eats all her breakfast & dinner, feels great & has energy. She and I both love Ultimate Pet

5 stars
August 13, 2023
We have two dogs. One is almost 3yrs old and the other is 13 a senior dog. Our 13 yr old dog Spirit, has had more of a pep in her step since being on this food. Both of our dogs, Max and Spirit love the food. I can’t wait for them to try the chews treats

Baylee gets the best nutrition!!
August 8, 2023
My Labrador Retriever loves your food. We also use it as treats. It’s much healthier than regular dog treats. Why add all the extra calories when she not only gets a treat but is very healthy for her!! Thank you so much for bringing us this product.

The most important thing for me is that my puppy is happy and healthy!
August 3, 2023
This product has my Eddie, a longhair dachshund so excited to eat now and just as playful as can be! I love the idea that he wants to eat now! He seems to have become very regular with his bowels! He is like clockwork! I’m very happy I feel like I’m doing something really important for his well-being! Thank you!

Harley likes her new food.
July 28, 2023

She never eats it all at one time, but likes it.

Happy Pups with Nutra Complete and Nutra Thrive
July 24, 2023
I ordered Nutra Complete and Nutra Thrive both of which I included to my two poodle’s daily feedings. They had no hesitation in eating with the new additions and gobbled their food right up. They are more excited at mealtime and seem extremely happy with the Nutra products added to their diet.

Price of the food
July 13, 2023
Our dogs love nutra complete. We are currently using it as a topper for their kibble. We would love to feed solely nutra complete but it is cost prohibitive for us as we have two golden retrievers and it would just cost too much.

My dog eats it
July 9, 2023
I have a very picky eater but she eats this food better than any I’ve tried before, including cooking for her. She’s 12 years old so this has been a struggle for a long time. Previously she would go without eating if she didn’t like something. She likes it both moist and dry and has solid stools so I’m happy. She seems to prefer the chicken so I hope you have it on sale again.

Nutra Complete is Excellent!
July 5, 2023
My dog absolutely loves Nutra Complete! He gets so excited to enjoy his meals.

Dogs love it
July 3, 2023
My fur babies were on another dog food which they liked, but I was concerned that the raw dried food was not the quality I believed it was. My Pomeranian Cooper loves the Ultimate dog food. He has had better poos since I started him in your food. Less volume on both fur babies.

I love it because it has no perservatives.
June 29, 2023
My dogs love the food. They poop less.. They have more energy.

My dog loves Ultimate Pet Nutrition
June 26, 2023
Our dog Rocky has always been a “picky” eater until now! As soon as he sees me go to the kitchen, he comes running to eat his Ultimate Pet Nutrition. Now he eats everything and let’s me know if it’s past his dinner time. Thanks so much!

Ultimate Pet Nutrition is Heaven sent for sensitive digestive systems!
June 20, 2023

We have a 3 yr. old Shih Tzu. He had suffered greatly with significant GI issues for a long time. We tried any and everything from prescription food to preparing a raw food diet. The later was both time consuming and perishable. While doing more online research I came across the Ultimate Pet Nutrition. I found the video to be

incredibly informative and inspiring. As pup parents, we naturally want the very best for our babes. What we feed them maters, profoundly. This food delivers it! Even better, our dog loves the food! He’s a happy boy and we’re thrilled to have found a highly nutritious, safe for a sensitive belly, and convenient food to give him.

Thank you Dr. Richter

The most important thing about this product is that it is a natural raw meat freeze dried food, and knowing I’m doing the best for my dog.
June 14, 2023
I previously had to spoon fed my GS her kibble mixed with a 1/2 can of dog wet food. Since I have started her on Ultimate Pet Nutrition, I just mix warm water and put her bowl down and she licks it clean ! Sometimes to mix it up I don’t add water and there aren’t any complaints from her. She will be 10 years old in 2 days and she has a new spring in her step and wants to play more! I am so glad I found this freeze dried natural food, I won’t feed her anything else from now on. Thank you for this wonderful product.

She eats it and really likes her food now.
June 2, 2023
My pug used to be mu little goat who would eat anything. But these last few months she has gotten very picky and no longer runs to her bowl. After I ordered Ultimate Pet Nutrition beef for her, she gobbled it all up. And then I tried the chicken and she likes it even better. Thanks to you I no longer worry that she isn't getting quality food and this is her food from now on!