Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs

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 Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs 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 Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

  5. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

  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. 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.

  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. 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.

  12. 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.

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

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

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  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. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  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

The Crude Protein minimum of 24.00% in the analysis is likely primarily derived from the first two ingredients: Chicken and Chicken Meal. Both of these ingredients are high in protein and are the main source of this nutrient in the food.

The Crude Fat minimum of 10.00% is most likely contributed by the Chicken Fat and Menhaden Fish Oil ingredients. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of animal fat that is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. Menhaden Fish Oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.50% is likely coming from the Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, and Flaxseed. Sweet potatoes and potatoes are good sources of dietary fiber, as is flaxseed. Tapioca starch is a grain-free source of carbohydrates and can also contribute to the fiber content.

The calorie content of 3576.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients in the food, but primarily from the protein and fat sources (Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, and Menhaden Fish Oil), as well as the carbohydrate sources (Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, and Potatoes). Protein, fat, and carbohydrates all contribute to the overall caloric content of the food.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis and ingredients list show that this food is high in quality animal proteins and fats, with a moderate amount of fiber and carbohydrates. It also includes a range of vitamins and minerals for overall health, likely contributed by both the main ingredients and the added supplements.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $3.77 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $22.61
10 lbs $38.03
15 lbs $51.54
20 lbs $63.95
30 lbs $86.68

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally seem pleased with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe for Small Breed Dogs, noting that their dogs enjoy the flavor, especially when sweet potatoes are included. The small kibble size is appreciated by owners of small breeds, with many commenting on how their dogs, even the picky eaters or those with bad gums, eagerly consume the food.

Several reviews highlight the benefits for dogs with sensitivities and allergies. Owners have observed improvements in their pets' skin and gastrointestinal health after switching to this formula. It's also been noted that the food is well-tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs and is even used as a treat by some.

While a few customers mentioned issues with their dogs not liking the food or experiencing allergies, these seem to be isolated cases. The overall sentiment is that the food is of high quality and suits the dietary needs of many small breed dogs. The positive impact on dogs' health, alongside the enjoyment they get from eating the kibble, is a recurring theme in the positive reviews.