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

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & 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 Chicken & 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 Chicken & 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

  9. 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.

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

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

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

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

  18. 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.

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

  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. 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.

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

  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. 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.

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

  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 puppy food are chicken and chicken meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of animal protein because it is rendered from chicken parts, removing water and fat, which leaves a high-protein ingredient. Chicken, being the first ingredient, also indicates it is present in a significant amount, contributing to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: Crude fat is mainly provided by chicken fat and menhaden fish oil in this recipe. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the development of a puppy's brain and vision, as well as for maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber content in the diet is likely derived from brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran. Brown rice and brewers rice are whole grains that provide necessary dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. Rice bran is the fibrous outer layer of the grain and is included in pet foods as a fiber source.

Calories of 3630.00 per kg: This measure of energy density in the food is influenced by the combined caloric content of all ingredients, with the main contributors being the protein and fat sources – chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat. Carbohydrates like brown rice and brewers rice also contribute to the calorie content, although to a lesser extent than fats.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $3.32 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $12.53
10 lbs $21.07
15 lbs $28.56
20 lbs $35.44
30 lbs $48.03
40 lbs $59.60
50 lbs $70.46
60 lbs $80.78
70 lbs $90.68
80 lbs $100.23
90 lbs $109.49
100 lbs $118.50

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have expressed satisfaction with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, particularly for puppies with sensitive stomachs or specific dietary needs. One customer found that the food helped alleviate their puppy's diarrhea and soft stools, suggesting that it can be beneficial for dogs with digestive issues. Another customer praised the food for providing their puppy with consistent and healthy bowel movements, though they did note some inconsistency in kibble shape that occasionally upset their dog's stomach.

Long-time users of Natural Balance products have commended the brand for contributing to the health and longevity of their pets, highlighting the absence of wheat, corn, or soy in the food as a positive aspect for those looking to avoid these ingredients. Customers with family members who have food allergies have also found this product to be a safe choice that their pets enjoy.

While some reviews mention inconsistency in kibble size, which seems to be a minor issue for some dogs, the overall sentiment is positive, with pets showing a preference for this food over others. The quality of the food is generally rated highly, with customers noting that their dogs are eager to eat it, and it doesn't have an overpowering smell.

A few customers have faced challenges with their pets not liking the food, but these instances appear to be rare. Most reviews focus on the food's suitability for puppies with various dietary needs and preferences, with several owners planning to continue using the product and taking advantage of subscription services for convenience. The brand's reputation for quality and effectiveness in maintaining pet health over the years has been a strong point among many positive testimonials.