Iams Proactive Health Puppy Small Breed With Chicken Review

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Review of Iams Proactive Health Puppy Small Breed With Chicken

According to our data, this Iams recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Iams Proactive Health Puppy Small Breed With Chicken is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Iams Proactive Health Puppy Small Breed With Chicken, 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken by-product meal is a concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your dog's growth, maintenance, and immune system support. It's made from the clean parts of the chicken, such as the neck, feet, and viscera, which are rich in nutrients.

  3. Ground whole grain corn is a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and also provides dietary fiber, which can help support your dog's digestive system.

  4. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  5. Ground whole grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. This ingredient can help support healthy digestion, maintain steady energy levels, and contribute to your dog's overall well-being.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.

  9. Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.

  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. Fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, joint function, and skin and coat health.

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

  13. 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.

  14. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  15. Caramel color is a natural coloring agent used to enhance the visual appeal of the dog food without impacting its nutritional value.

  16. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in your dog. They may help support your dog's digestive and immune health.

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

  22. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

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

  36. 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.

  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. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

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

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

  41. 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.

  42. 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%: This value indicates that the food contains a minimum of 30% protein. Protein is a crucial component of any dog's diet as it helps in muscle development and tissue repair. For a puppy, especially of a small breed, this percentage is quite high, which is beneficial as puppies are in their growth phase and require a high protein diet for proper development.

Crude Fat (min) of 18.00%: The fat content in this pet food is at least 18%. Fats are an essential part of a puppy's diet as they provide energy, help in the absorption of certain vitamins, and contribute to a healthy coat and skin. A higher fat content is suitable for puppies as they are typically more active and burn more calories than adult dogs.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The maximum crude fiber content is 4%. Fiber is necessary for a healthy digestive system in dogs. It helps regulate bowel movements and can aid in weight management. A lower fiber content is generally better for puppies as it allows more room for protein and fat in the diet, which are more essential for growth and development.

Calories of 3798.00 per kg: This value represents the caloric content of the food, which is 3798 calories per kilogram. This information is crucial for determining how much of this food to feed a puppy based on its weight, age, and activity level. This high caloric content is suitable for puppies, who require more energy for growth and play.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Iams Proactive Health Puppy Small Breed With Chicken costs approximately $2.57 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $9.28
10 lbs $15.60
15 lbs $21.15
20 lbs $26.24
30 lbs $35.57

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally express satisfaction with the Iams Proactive Health Puppy Small Breed With Chicken, noting that their puppies love the taste. Many have found it to be a successful choice for their small breed puppies, highlighting that it is well-received by their pets and comes in a size that is appropriate for small mouths and baby teeth.

Despite some negative experiences, including reports of gastrointestinal upset in some puppies, there are numerous accounts of the food being easy on sensitive stomachs and helping with common breed issues like anal gland problems. The smaller kibble size is appreciated for tiny breeds and is also noted to be suitable for older dogs with dental issues when softened.

Long-time Iams users have shared stories of their dogs living long and healthy lives on the diet, with one customer's Chihuahua reaching 19 years old. New puppy owners have been pleased with the transition to Iams based on breeder or veterinarian recommendations, and even picky eaters seem to enjoy the flavor.

There are some reports of puppies not taking to the food or preferring other brands, but these are balanced by positive experiences where the food is well-tolerated and enjoyed. Overall, the feedback suggests that Iams Puppy Food is a reliable choice for many small breed puppies, offering balanced nutrition and palatability.