Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew

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

Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew 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 Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew, we'll examine all 42 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. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

  2. Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  3. Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.

  4. Organic chicken liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a high-quality source of protein along with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  5. Organic pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is easily digestible and rich in essential amino acids. It can provide a valuable supplement to meat-based proteins in dog food.

  6. Organic peas are a nutritious ingredient in dog food, providing a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. They support your dog's digestion, immune system, and overall health. Organic peas are also an environmentally friendly and sustainable ingredient.

  7. Organic Carrot is an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, especially vitamin A, promoting eye health and a strong immune system.

  8. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  9. Organic tapioca starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog, as well as being easily digestible and supporting gut health.

  10. 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.

  11. Organic flaxseed is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants that can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestion, and overall well-being. The organic nature of the ingredient ensures it is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.

  12. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  13. Dried organic alfalfa meal is a good source of fiber which aids in digestion, and also provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

  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. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

  16. Organic spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron, for your dog's overall health and well-being.

  17. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

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

  19. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  20. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  21. Organic rosemary is an herb that offers natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  22. Organic sage is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to your dog's food but also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting their overall health.

  23. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  24. Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.

  25. Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.

  26. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  27. Potassium iodate is an important source of iodine, which can help maintain your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolic health.

  28. Cobalt glucoheptonate is a highly bioavailable source of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the production of vitamin B12. This ingredient supports your dog's overall health and well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and vitality.

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

  30. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.

  31. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

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

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

  34. 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.

  35. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  36. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

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

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 7.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the duck and organic chicken liver. These are animal-based proteins that provide essential amino acids for pets. Additionally, organic pea protein and the dried egg product also contribute to the overall protein content. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that complements the animal proteins, while egg product is a highly digestible protein source.

Crude Fat (min) of 4.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the duck, which is a natural source of animal fat. Sunflower oil and salmon oil also contribute to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health. Organic flaxseed is another ingredient that may contribute some fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: The fiber in the pet food comes from the organic peas, organic carrots, and organic dried alfalfa meal. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion. The fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for wet pet foods as they contain more moisture than dry foods.

Calories of 1061.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this product, the duck and chicken liver provide calories from protein and fat, while organic tapioca starch and the vegetables like peas and carrots offer calories from carbohydrates. The sunflower oil and salmon oil are also calorie-dense ingredients due to their fat content.