Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats Mini Jumpin' Stix - Duck & Potato Formula Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats Mini Jumpin' Stix - Duck & Potato Formula

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 Limited Ingredient Treats Mini Jumpin' Stix - Duck & Potato Formula, we'll examine all 16 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. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

  2. Dried potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides dogs with the energy they need for daily activities. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.

  3. Water is an essential ingredient in wet dog food, providing hydration and helping to maintain the proper texture of the food.

  4. Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.

  5. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

  6. While sugar can be found in small amounts in some dog food recipes, it is not considered an essential ingredient for dogs. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other health problems in dogs. It is essential to provide a balanced diet with limited added sugars.

  7. Cane molasses is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to your dog's food, making it more palatable and enjoyable.

  8. 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.

  9. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a vital supplement that supports joint health and mobility in dogs. It helps maintain the cartilage in joints, reducing inflammation and promoting overall joint comfort.

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

  14. Chondroitin sulfate is a vital component in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. It helps to reduce joint inflammation, support joint mobility, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

  15. Natural smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.

  16. 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 19.00% is primarily derived from the duck, which is the first ingredient and thus the most abundant in the formula. Duck is a high-quality source of animal protein that contributes significantly to the protein content of the treats. Gelatin, another protein source, also contributes to the overall protein content, although to a lesser extent than the primary ingredient, duck.

The Crude Fat content at 14.00% is likely to come from the duck as well, since duck meat can be rich in fats. Additionally, some of the fat content may be contributed by other ingredients, although none are specifically high-fat ingredients listed after the duck. The glycerin used in the treats is a carbohydrate source but can also have fat content if it is derived from animal or vegetable fats.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.00% is relatively low, indicating that these treats are not a significant source of dietary fiber. The dried potatoes are the most probable contributor to the fiber content, as potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. However, since the fiber content is capped at 4%, it suggests that the potatoes are used in a limited amount or that the type of processing they undergo reduces their fiber content.

Other ingredients such as sugars, cane molasses, and guar gum do not significantly contribute to the protein, fat, or fiber content but are included for texture, palatability, and as binders. The preservatives and supplements like glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and mixed tocopherols are included for their functional benefits and to maintain the quality of the product but do not contribute meaningfully to the guaranteed analysis values.