Natural Balance Dental Chews L.I.T. Sweet Potato & Chicken Meal Formula - Medium To Large Review
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Review of Natural Balance Dental Chews L.I.T. Sweet Potato & Chicken Meal Formula - Medium To Large
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 Dental Chews L.I.T. Sweet Potato & Chicken Meal Formula - Medium To Large, we'll examine all 7 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.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.
Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.
Lecithin is a naturally occurring fatty substance that can help support your dog's overall health. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and provides essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Additionally, lecithin aids in fat digestion and absorption, promoting optimal nutrient utilization.
Sorbic acid is a food-grade preservative used to maintain freshness and extend shelf life in dog food. It is generally recognized as safe for consumption in small amounts.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein content of 15.00% is primarily attributed to the chicken meal present in the ingredients. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered from chicken flesh and skin, with or without accompanying bone, which has been dried and ground up. It contains more protein per weight than fresh chicken because the water content is much lower, making it a potent source of protein in pet foods.
The Crude Fat minimum of 2.00% is relatively low, which is consistent with the absence of high-fat ingredients in the list. Chicken meal would again be the primary contributor to the fat content, as it includes the skin and possibly some residual fats from the chicken. However, since the fat content is on the lower end, it suggests that the chicken meal is likely lean or has been processed to reduce its fat content.
Crude Fiber maximum of 15.00% is quite high and is likely due to the sweet potato, which is the first ingredient listed. Sweet potatoes are known to be high in dietary fiber. This high fiber content is beneficial for dental health as it could help to mechanically clean the teeth as the dog chews on the product, in addition to promoting healthy digestion.
Glycerin, also listed in the ingredients, is a humectant and is not directly related to the protein, fat, or fiber content. It is used to keep the chews moist and palatable. Natural chicken flavor enhances taste but does not significantly contribute to the nutritional analysis. Lecithin may have a negligible amount of fat but is primarily used as an emulsifier. Sorbic Acid is a preservative and does not contribute to the nutritional content. Lastly, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C and does not have a direct impact on the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, or fiber.
