I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Recipe With Beef + Lamb Review

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Review of I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Recipe With Beef + Lamb

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

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Recipe With Beef + Lamb 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 I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Recipe With Beef + Lamb, we'll examine all 47 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. Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Beef meal is a concentrated source of high-quality protein derived from cooked beef. It provides essential amino acids that support muscle development, tissue repair, and overall health. Beef meal is a highly digestible ingredient that can contribute to your dog's balanced and nutritious diet.

  3. 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.

  4. Ground sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides a source of complex carbohydrates for energy and dietary fiber for digestion.

  5. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  6. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, promoting your dog's heart health and bone health.

  7. Natural pork flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for them to eat.

  8. 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.

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

  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. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and nutritious dog food.

  12. 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.

  13. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  14. 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.

  15. Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.

  16. Dried carrot is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can support your dog's immune system, vision, and overall health. This ingredient is also high in dietary fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.

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

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

  20. 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.

  21. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.

  22. Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.

  27. Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.

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

  29. 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.

  30. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

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

  32. 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.

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

  34. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  35. 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.

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

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

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

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

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

  42. 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.

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

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: The high protein content in this pet food is likely contributed by the beef, beef meal, menhaden fish meal, and lamb listed in the ingredients. Beef and lamb are excellent sources of animal protein, while beef meal and menhaden fish meal are concentrated forms of protein that have had most of the moisture removed. The dried egg product also contributes to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content is provided by ingredients such as beef, which has a natural fat content, chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). The menhaden fish meal also contributes not only to the protein content but also to the fat content, as fish are typically high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber in this pet food comes from plant-based ingredients such as ground sorghum, oatmeal, millet, quinoa, dried tomato pomace, flaxseeds, and ground miscanthus grass. These ingredients are less digestible than the animal-based components, contributing to the overall fiber content which aids in digestive health.

Calories of 3480.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of all the ingredients but is primarily influenced by the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the beef, beef meal, and chicken fat are calorie-dense ingredients. Carbohydrates such as ground sorghum, oatmeal, and millet also contribute to the caloric value, providing energy for pets.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Recipe With Beef + Lamb costs approximately $3.39 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $13.35$20.86
10 lbs $22.45$35.08
15 lbs $30.43$47.55
20 lbs $37.76$59.00
30 lbs $51.18$79.97
40 lbs $63.50$99.22
50 lbs $75.07$117.30
60 lbs $86.07$134.48
70 lbs $96.62$150.97
80 lbs $106.80$166.87
90 lbs $116.66$182.28
100 lbs $126.25$197.27

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have shared that their dogs with sensitive stomachs have responded well to the I and Love and You Naked Essentials Ancient Grains Recipe. One pet owner highlighted how their dog, who has a history of IBD, can only tolerate this brand, which is both effective and affordable for their pet's condition. Another owner expressed relief in finding a food that their picky eater with a sensitive stomach enjoys, noting the charming heart shape of the kibble as an added bonus.

While there were instances of dogs reacting poorly to the beef and lamb flavor, leading to vomiting, it's worth noting that these cases may be due to individual sensitivities or allergies rather than the quality of the product itself. In contrast, another dog thrived on the chicken and turkey recipe from the same line, suggesting that the brand overall maintains high-quality ingredients but that certain flavors may not suit every dog.

One review offers a positive outcome after switching to this food, with their dog's stomach issues and vomiting ceasing almost entirely. This suggests that the whole food approach taken by I and Love and You could be beneficial for dogs with digestive issues, providing a healthier alternative at a reasonable price.