Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Cats Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Cats
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 Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Cats, we'll examine all 56 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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Lentil is a legume that offers a rich source of protein and fiber in your cat's diet. The high-quality plant-based protein helps support muscle growth, while the fiber aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.
Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.
Pea Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy for your cat. It is easily digestible and contains essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, for overall well-being.
Sweet Potato is a healthy, nutrient-rich carbohydrate source for your cat, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support digestive health.
Potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your cat's skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Dried Tomato Pomace is a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and helps maintain your cat's overall health.
Dried Egg is a highly digestible source of protein and essential amino acids that support your cat's muscle development and maintenance, as well as overall health and wellness.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, is an antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system, combat oxidative stress, and promote overall health. Although cats can produce their own vitamin C, supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations or for specific health needs.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.
Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.
Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.
Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's mood regulation, sleep cycle, and overall well-being. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in your cat.
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.
Kelp is a nutrient-dense seaweed that provides your cat with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports healthy thyroid function, digestion, and immune system health.
Yucca Schidigera Extract is a natural ingredient that helps reduce the odor of your cat's waste. It contains compounds that bind to ammonia, reducing its release and making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing a tangy flavor that can stimulate your cat's appetite.
L-lysine monohydrochloride is a source of the essential amino acid lysine, which is important for the production of certain proteins, antibodies, and enzymes. It also plays a key role in calcium absorption and collagen formation.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 35.00%: The high protein content in this cat food is likely provided by the chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal listed as the first few ingredients. Chicken meal and salmon meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered and dried, which means most of the water content is removed, leaving a high-protein powder. Lentils also contribute some plant-based protein to the mix, but the majority comes from the animal sources.
Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content is primarily from the chicken fat and menhaden fish oil. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and is used to enhance the taste of the food. Menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. The inclusion of flaxseed may also contribute to the fat content, particularly in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: Fiber in this cat food is derived from plant-based ingredients such as peas, pea starch, sweet potato, potatoes, and pumpkin. These ingredients provide the dietary fiber necessary for healthy digestion. The fiber content is kept relatively low, as cats do not require a high-fiber diet and too much fiber can lead to digestive issues.
Calories of 3764.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by all the ingredients combined. Protein and fat are calorie-dense nutrients, so the chicken, chicken meal, salmon meal, and chicken fat are likely the main contributors to the calorie count. Carbohydrates from lentils, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes also add to the total caloric value of the food.
