Natural Balance Belly Bites Duck & Legume Formula Review

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Review of Natural Balance Belly Bites Duck & Legume Formula

According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Belly Bites Duck & Legume Formula, we'll examine all 12 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. Dried pea is a nutritious legume that provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and potassium for your dog's overall health.

  3. Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are a great source of protein and fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

  4. Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.

  5. Cane molasses is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to your dog's food, making it more palatable and enjoyable.

  6. 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.

  7. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

  8. 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.

  9. Dried Cultured Skim Milk is a rich source of probiotics, which promote a healthy gut flora in dogs. It's also high in calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance.

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

  11. 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.

  12. Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help protect your dog's cells from damage and support overall health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of the Natural Balance Belly Bites Duck & Legume Formula indicates a minimum crude protein content of 14.00%. This protein level is likely contributed by the first ingredient, duck, which is a high-quality source of animal protein. Dried peas and garbanzo beans also contribute to the overall protein content, as legumes are known to be a good source of plant-based protein.

The crude fat content is listed at a minimum of 7.00%. The primary contributor to this fat content is the duck, which naturally contains fat, as well as the chicken fat that is added to the product. Chicken fat is a common ingredient in pet foods as a source of energy and essential fatty acids. The mixed tocopherols, which are forms of vitamin E, are used as preservatives but also contribute to the fat content, albeit to a lesser extent.

Regarding the crude fiber, which has a maximum value of 5.00%, the dried peas and garbanzo beans are likely the main contributors. Both of these ingredients are known for their high fiber content, which is beneficial for digestive health. Fiber is an important component in pet foods for maintaining bowel regularity and can also contribute to satiety, helping pets feel full.

The other ingredients listed, such as glycerin, cane molasses, gelatin, natural flavor, dried cultured skim milk, rosemary extract, and green tea extract, are not significant contributors to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber. These ingredients serve various purposes, including as binders, sweeteners, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. The dried cultured skim milk may contribute a small amount of protein, but it is primarily there to help preserve the flavor, while the extracts serve as natural preservatives and potential sources of antioxidants.