Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies

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

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies 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 Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 41 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. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

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

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

  5. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

  6. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  7. Canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. It's preserved with mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E) to maintain freshness.

  8. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.

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

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

  15. 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.

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

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

  18. 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.

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

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

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

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

  35. 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.

  36. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

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

  41. 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

The Crude Protein (min) of 24.00% is likely contributed by the first three ingredients, Lamb, Brown Rice, and Lamb Meal. Lamb and Lamb Meal are rich in protein, which is essential for the growth and development of puppies. Brown Rice also contains protein, although in smaller amounts.

The Crude Fat (min) of 12.50% is likely contributed by the Lamb, Lamb Meal, Canola Oil, and Menhaden Fish Oil. Lamb and Lamb Meal have a high fat content, which provides energy and essential fatty acids. Canola Oil and Menhaden Fish Oil are added as sources of fats, which also contribute to the overall caloric content of the food.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50% is primarily contributed by the Brown Rice, Rice Bran, and Flaxseed. These ingredients are high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

The Calories of 3545.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients but particularly from those high in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The main contributors here would be the Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Canola Oil, and Potato Protein. These ingredients provide the energy necessary for the puppy's growth, development, and daily activities.

The vitamins and minerals listed are added to ensure the puppy receives a balanced diet. These are usually not naturally found in sufficient quantities in the main ingredients, so they are supplemented. For example, the Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, and others are added to support various bodily functions such as immune response, metabolism, and skin health. The minerals such as Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, and others are essential for bone development, blood formation, and enzymatic reactions.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $3.33 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $12.88
10 lbs $21.66
15 lbs $29.36
20 lbs $36.42
30 lbs $49.37
40 lbs $61.26
50 lbs $72.42
60 lbs $83.03
70 lbs $93.21
80 lbs $103.02
90 lbs $112.54
100 lbs $121.79

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have had overwhelmingly positive outcomes with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe, especially for puppies with sensitive stomachs and allergies. Many have noted that their puppies, who previously suffered from gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions to other foods, have shown significant improvements after switching to this formula. The absence of chicken and inclusion of grains are particularly appreciated by pet owners whose dogs have specific dietary needs.

While some puppies experienced gas initially, this was not a universal issue, and many reviewers reported that their dogs enjoyed the food and had better digestion and firmer stools as a result. The limited ingredients list is frequently mentioned as a beneficial factor, and several customers have become repeat buyers due to the positive health impacts on their puppies, such as improved energy levels and coat condition.

In response to concerns about kibble size changes and formula adjustments, it's important to note that some puppies may be sensitive to even minor changes in their diet. However, the majority of feedback indicates that Natural Balance's formula has been well-received by puppies, with many showing no adverse reactions and thriving on the new diet. The brand's commitment to creating a chicken-free product with grains has been a successful solution for many dogs with food sensitivities.