Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe

According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, 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. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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

  5. Oat groats provide a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion and overall well-being in your dog.

  6. 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.

  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. 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.

  9. 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.

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

  13. 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.

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

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

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

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

  19. 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.

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

  21. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

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

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

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

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

  38. 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.

  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 content of at least 24.00% in the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is primarily derived from the salmon and menhaden fish meal listed as the first two ingredients. Both salmon and menhaden fish meal are high-quality sources of animal protein that contribute significantly to the protein content of the pet food.

The crude fat minimum of 12.00% is likely provided by the salmon, which is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and the canola oil, which is added as a fat source. The menhaden fish meal may also contribute to the fat content. Fats are essential for energy, cell function, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Crude fiber is listed with a maximum of 4.50%, indicating the dietary fiber content that helps with digestion. Ingredients such as brown rice, brewers rice, oat groats, and rice bran are the primary contributors to the fiber content. These are carbohydrate sources that also contain natural fibers.

Calories are measured at 3300.00 per kilogram, which is the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The salmon and menhaden fish meal provide calories from protein, the canola oil and natural fats in the fish contribute calories from fats, and the various rice and grain ingredients add calories from carbohydrates.

Additional ingredients like flaxseed and brewers dried yeast may offer minor contributions to protein, fat, and fiber, as well as provide other nutrients like omega fatty acids and B vitamins, respectively. The remaining ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids like DL-Methionine and taurine, are added to ensure the food meets the complete nutritional needs of pets but do not significantly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.91 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $25.38
10 lbs $42.68
15 lbs $57.85
20 lbs $71.78
30 lbs $97.29
40 lbs $120.72
50 lbs $142.71
60 lbs $163.62
70 lbs $183.67
80 lbs $203.02
90 lbs $221.77
100 lbs $240.00

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally express satisfaction with the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, highlighting its positive impact on dogs with various dietary sensitivities and allergies. Many reviewers note that the inclusion of salmon has improved their dogs' coat condition, and the limited ingredient list is appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness in managing food allergies.

Several dog owners are pleased with the food's palatability, even for picky eaters, and report that their dogs eagerly consume the kibble. The food's ability to alleviate itching and digestive issues is frequently mentioned, with many customers seeing a noticeable difference in their dogs' health and comfort levels.

While there are mentions of the food's strong fish smell, most find that their dogs love it, and it doesn't seem to cause any adverse breath issues. Additionally, the kibble's size and texture are well-received, catering to dogs of various sizes and breeds.

In response to concerns about changes in formula or packaging, it's important to note that many dogs continue to thrive on the food despite these adjustments. The brand's commitment to using high-quality, limited ingredients remains a strong selling point for customers seeking a reliable diet for their sensitive or allergic dogs.