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

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & 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 Salmon & 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 Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, 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. 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. 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. 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.

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

  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. Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and brain function. Mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, help preserve the oil, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value for your dog.

  13. 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.

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

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

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

  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. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

  40. 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.

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

  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 24.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are salmon and menhaden fish meal. These are both high-quality sources of protein that are easily digestible for puppies. The brewers dried yeast may also contribute to the overall protein content, although to a lesser extent compared to the fish ingredients.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The crude fat in this recipe is likely to come from the salmon, menhaden fish meal, canola oil, and salmon oil. These ingredients are rich in essential fatty acids, which are important for a puppy's development, particularly for healthy skin and coat. The canola oil and salmon oil, preserved with mixed tocopherols, are also good sources of fat that help to meet the energy needs of growing puppies.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: The ingredients contributing to the fiber content are likely to be the brown rice, rice bran, and oat groats. These are all sources of complex carbohydrates and provide dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion. The maximum crude fiber content ensures that the food contains enough fiber to support gastrointestinal health without being too high, which could interfere with nutrient absorption.

Calories of 3740.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients in the food, with the primary contributors being the protein sources (salmon and menhaden fish meal) and the fat sources (canola oil and salmon oil). Carbohydrates from brown rice, brewers rice, and oat groats also contribute to the overall energy content. The caloric density of this food supports the high energy requirements of growing puppies.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $3.17 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $11.62
10 lbs $19.54
15 lbs $26.48
20 lbs $32.86
30 lbs $44.54
40 lbs $55.27
50 lbs $65.33
60 lbs $74.91
70 lbs $84.09
80 lbs $92.94
90 lbs $101.53
100 lbs $109.88

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have found Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe to be an excellent choice for puppies with food sensitivities or allergies, particularly to chicken. The salmon and brown rice formula has been praised for improving skin and coat health, as well as for being a high-quality and nutritious option for their pets.

Several reviews mention the positive effects the food has had on their dog's digestive issues and sensitive stomachs. The strong salmon smell is noted by some, but it seems to be appreciated by the dogs, and owners are happy with the visible health benefits such as shiny coats and reduced itching.

A number of pet parents with picky eaters or dogs with specific dietary needs have successfully transitioned their puppies to this food, noting improvements in overall health and vitality. The limited ingredients are appreciated for their simplicity and effectiveness in managing food sensitivities.

While there are some reports of puppies not being as enthusiastic about the taste or having digestive troubles, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Some owners suggest trying a small bag first to ensure it suits the puppy's tastes and dietary needs.

The brand loyalty is strong among some customers, with reports of dogs thriving on Natural Balance for many years, suggesting long-term satisfaction with the brand's recipes. The food is also credited with helping puppies feel satiated between meals and contributing to a healthy weight.

In cases where puppies did not take to the food, some owners found creative solutions such as adding meal toppers or wet food to encourage their pets to eat. Overall, the feedback indicates that Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies is a reliable and healthful choice for many dogs, particularly those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.