Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Dogs Review

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Review of Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Dogs

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

Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For 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 Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Dogs, we'll examine all 39 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. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  2. Pork is a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintenance, and provides vital nutrients for your dog's overall health.

  3. Goat is a highly digestible and nutritious protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. It also contains essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that promote overall health and well-being.

  4. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  5. Pork meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in dogs. It can provide essential nutrients including amino acids and essential fatty acids.

  6. Red lentils are a nutrient-dense legume providing a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals, promoting healthy digestion and overall wellness in dogs.

  7. Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.

  8. Green lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and providing essential amino acids.

  9. Pork fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. The preservation with mixed tocopherols helps to maintain its freshness.

  10. 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.

  11. Boar is a nutrient-dense and lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It's also a great alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins, as it is less likely to trigger allergies.

  12. Navy beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, folate, and manganese, which can support your dog's overall health and digestion.

  13. Coconut meal is a good source of dietary fiber which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy weight. It also contains medium-chain fatty acids which can support skin and coat health.

  14. 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.

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. Kelp is a nutrient-dense sea vegetable that provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which supports thyroid health.

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

  21. 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.

  22. Chia seed oil is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as overall immune system function.

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

  27. Magnesium Proteinate is a highly absorbable form of magnesium which supports muscle and nerve function in dogs.

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

  29. 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.

  30. Vitamin B5 supplement, also known as pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in your dog's metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

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

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

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

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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

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

  39. Vitamin D Supplement is crucial for your dog's health. It helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone formation and nerve function.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 38.00%: The high crude protein content in this dog food is likely attributed to the multiple animal-based ingredients listed at the beginning of the ingredient list, such as lamb, pork, goat, lamb meal, pork meal, and boar. Meals, in particular, are concentrated forms of animal protein after water has been removed, which significantly contributes to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.50%: The crude fat content is primarily provided by the animal sources like pork fat, which is a high-quality source of animal fat and is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). The inclusion of chia seed oil may also contribute to the fat content, along with the natural fats present in the meat ingredients.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber in this dog food likely comes from the plant-based ingredients such as red lentils, chickpeas, green lentils, navy beans, coconut meal, and pumpkin. These ingredients are known to be good sources of dietary fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system in dogs.

Calories of 3780.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The meats and fat provide a high-energy density, while the legumes and other carbohydrate sources like lentils and chickpeas also contribute to the total caloric value of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Dogs costs approximately $4.64 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $16.82$26.29
10 lbs $28.29$44.21
15 lbs $38.35$59.92
20 lbs $47.58$74.35
30 lbs $64.49$100.77
40 lbs $80.02$125.04
50 lbs $94.60$147.82
60 lbs $108.47$169.48
70 lbs $121.76$190.25
80 lbs $134.59$210.29
90 lbs $147.02$229.71
100 lbs $159.10$248.60

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally appreciate the high-quality ingredients in Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Dogs, with many noting positive health benefits for their pets. German Shepherds and Bernese Mountain Dogs, in particular, seem to thrive on this food, with owners reporting that their dogs with sensitive stomachs handle it well and show enthusiasm at meal times. The high animal protein content is a standout feature that has garnered recommendations, and even picky eaters appear to enjoy the taste.

While there are instances of dogs not favoring the Ranch & Meadow flavor, this seems to be an isolated preference issue, as the same dogs have enjoyed other flavors from Essence. Customers are also pleased with the absence of common allergens and fillers, which supports dogs with specific dietary needs and allergies. The food is also highlighted for contributing to a lean and fit physique in active dogs, such as basset hounds.

In a few cases, dogs experienced digestive upset, which may indicate that the food's richness isn't suitable for all breeds or individual dogs, especially smaller or less active ones. However, these reviews also suggest that the food is of high quality and could be a good addition to a diet in smaller amounts. Despite some dogs not enjoying the taste, the overall consensus is that Essence is a nutritious and beneficial choice for many dogs.