Earthborn Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin Review

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Review of Earthborn Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin

According to our data, this Earthborn Holistic recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Earthborn Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Earthborn Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin, we'll examine all 41 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 meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients that support healthy muscle growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system in dogs.

  2. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

  3. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  4. Sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality fat source that provides essential fatty acids for your dog's overall health. Mixed tocopherols act as a natural preservative, ensuring the oil remains fresh and maintains its nutritional value. This oil supports healthy skin, coat, and immune function in your dog.

  5. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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

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

  10. 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.

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

  12. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  13. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

  14. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

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

  20. 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.

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

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

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

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

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

  35. 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.

  36. Cobalt carbonate is a trace mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of vitamin B12, supporting your dog's metabolism, energy production, and overall health.

  37. 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.

  38. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  39. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 27.00%: The primary contributor to the crude protein content in this pet food is the duck meal, which is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered and dried. Duck meal contains more protein by weight compared to fresh duck because the water content is significantly reduced. Other ingredients like flaxseed also contribute some protein, but to a much lesser extent compared to the duck meal.

Crude Fat (min) of 13.00%: The main source of fat in this food is the sunflower oil, which is a high-fat ingredient used to provide essential fatty acids and to increase the food's energy density. Flaxseed also contributes to the fat content with its natural oils, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. The duck meal will also have some residual fats that contribute to the overall crude fat content.

Crude Fiber (max) of 6.50%: Pumpkin and flaxseed are the primary contributors to the fiber content. Pumpkin is a fibrous vegetable known for aiding in digestive health, and it contributes to the maximum crude fiber content. Flaxseed, while also contributing to protein and fat, has a significant amount of fiber as well. Tapioca, being a carbohydrate source, may have a small amount of dietary fiber, but it is generally low in fiber compared to other ingredients.

Calories of 3390.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by all the macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – in the food. Duck meal is a dense source of calories due to its high protein and fat content. Sunflower oil is very calorie-dense as fats provide more than twice the energy per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates. Tapioca, a carbohydrate source, also contributes to the total caloric content. Flaxseed provides calories from its protein, fat, and fiber. The overall calorie content is influenced by the proportions of these ingredients in the formula.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Earthborn Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin costs approximately $3.18 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $20.08
10 lbs $33.78
15 lbs $45.78
20 lbs $56.81
30 lbs $77.00
40 lbs $95.54
50 lbs $112.94
60 lbs $129.49
70 lbs $145.36
80 lbs $160.67
90 lbs $175.51
100 lbs $189.95

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed high satisfaction with Earthborn Holistic Venture Duck Meal & Pumpkin dog food, especially for pets with dietary sensitivities and allergies. Dogs with IBS, multiple food allergies, and sensitive stomachs have shown remarkable improvements after switching to this food, with issues like chronic diarrhea, hot spots, and ear infections clearing up. The limited ingredient list and low carbohydrate content are frequently praised.

Many pet owners have noted that their dogs, who are often picky eaters or have specific protein allergies, not only enjoy the taste but also thrive on this diet. The food has also been successfully used as a healthier treat option, indicating its palatability. Customers appreciate the brand's commitment to keeping the formula simple and free from common allergens.

In addressing concerns, some reviews indicate that not all dogs may take to the flavor, and in rare cases, some pets might experience an adverse reaction, suggesting that while the food is beneficial for many, it may not suit every dog's individual needs. The price point is mentioned as a concern for some customers, though they acknowledge the quality of the product. Additionally, the recent concerns about grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have led some customers to reconsider their choices, but Earthborn's introduction of a grain-inclusive line has been well-received as a promising alternative for those affected by these concerns.