Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe (Puppy & Performance Dogs) Review

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Review of Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe (Puppy & Performance Dogs)

According to our data, this Adirondack recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe (Puppy & Performance Dogs) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe (Puppy & Performance Dogs), we'll examine all 48 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  2. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  3. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  4. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  5. Ground grain sorghum is a gluten-free, whole-grain ingredient that provides a source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and sustained energy levels for your dog.

  6. Pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides dogs with a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

  7. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  8. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  9. Whole ground flaxseed is an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein. It promotes a healthy skin and coat, supports digestion, and contributes to overall immune health.

  10. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.

  13. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  14. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  15. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  16. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

  17. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  18. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  19. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  20. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  21. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  22. Dried seaweed meal is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  23. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  24. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  25. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  26. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  27. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  28. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  29. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  30. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  31. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  32. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  33. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  34. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  35. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  36. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  37. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  38. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  39. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  40. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  41. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  42. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  43. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  44. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  45. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

  46. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  47. Dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health.

  48. Dried lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product is a probiotic that helps support your dog's digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut flora. It can also promote a healthy immune system and may help alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or constipation.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of the Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe for Puppy & Performance Dogs indicates a high level of crude protein at 30.00%. This high protein content is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of protein as it is made from dehydrated and ground chicken. The menhaden fish meal and egg product also contribute to the overall protein content, providing essential amino acids necessary for a growing puppy or active dog.

The crude fat minimum of 20.00% reflects a diet rich in energy, which is suitable for puppies and performance dogs with higher energy needs. The chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols, is the primary source of this fat content. Additionally, menhaden fish oil is a notable contributor, providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for the dog's coat and skin health, as well as cognitive development.

The maximum crude fiber content is set at 3.50%. The ingredients contributing to this fiber content include dried plain beet pulp and the various grains such as brown rice, ground grain sorghum, and pearled barley. Fiber is important for digestive health, and these sources provide a moderate amount to help maintain proper bowel function without being excessively high, which could interfere with nutrient absorption.

The caloric content of the food is 3812.00 calories per kilogram. This energy density is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients in the food, with the primary contributors being the protein sources (chicken meal and menhaden fish meal), the fat sources (chicken fat and fish oil), and the carbohydrate sources (brown rice, ground grain sorghum, and pearled barley). This high caloric content supports the energy requirements of growing puppies and highly active dogs.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis and the ingredients list of this pet food product show a formulation that is designed to meet the nutritional needs of puppies and performance dogs through a combination of high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates, along with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics for overall health support.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe (Puppy & Performance Dogs) costs approximately $2.19 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $7.89
10 lbs $13.26
15 lbs $17.98
20 lbs $22.30
30 lbs $30.23
40 lbs $37.51
50 lbs $44.35
60 lbs $50.84
70 lbs $57.08
80 lbs $63.09
90 lbs $68.91
100 lbs $74.58

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have found Adirondack Natural Grain Goodness Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe to be a beneficial choice for their dogs, particularly for those with older dogs or those that are picky eaters. One user mentioned that their dog, who is typically not food-motivated, enjoyed the food and maintained a healthy weight with smaller portions. Another customer appreciated the small kibble size, which made it easier for their senior dog with health issues to eat and digest, leading to weight maintenance and an enthusiastic appetite.

The food has been praised for its positive impact on dogs' physical condition, such as muscle development and coat shine, especially in active dogs like an English Cocker Spaniel undergoing field trial training. Despite some concerns about its suitability for large breed puppies, the food has received high ratings from sources like Dogfoodadvisor, and many users report that their dogs, even those with sensitive stomachs, have thrived on this diet without digestive issues.

Some negative reviews were addressed by providing context, such as the food's high-calorie content possibly being too rich for less active dogs, leading to soft stools or digestive discomfort. However, these issues seem to be the exception rather than the rule, as numerous customers have had success with the food, noting improvements in their dogs' weight, energy levels, and overall health.

The product has also been recommended for active dogs struggling to maintain weight, with one customer noting significant improvements in their bird dog's condition after switching to this food. Additionally, the product's dense nutrient profile has been beneficial for dogs that tend to eat less, ensuring they still receive adequate nutrition.

For puppies and small breeds, the size of the kibble has been a positive feature, with one breeder reporting excellent growth and health in their litters. However, some owners of larger breeds have expressed a desire for larger kibble sizes. Despite isolated incidents of digestive issues, the overall sentiment is that Adirondack's product is a high-quality food that supports the health and well-being of dogs across various life stages and breeds.