Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie - Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula Review

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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie - Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula

According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie - Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie - Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula, we'll examine all 50 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 broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.

  2. 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.

  3. Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.

  4. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.

  5. Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.

  6. Brown Rice is a whole grain ingredient that provides a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients to support your cat's energy levels and digestive health.

  7. 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.

  8. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  9. Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.

  10. Oat Hull is a natural source of dietary fiber that helps support your cat's healthy digestion. It also provides essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, for overall well-being.

  11. Menhaden Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, support joint health, and contribute to overall brain and eye development in cats.

  12. Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats and essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin, coat, and overall well-being. This ingredient also provides energy and helps maintain a balanced weight for your feline friend.

  13. Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.

  14. 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.

  15. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  20. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  21. 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.

  22. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  23. 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.

  24. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  25. Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.

  26. 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.

  27. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  28. 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.

  29. Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.

  30. 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.

  31. Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.

  32. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  33. Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  38. 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.

  39. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  40. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  41. Magnesium Chloride is an essential mineral that supports various functions in your cat's body, such as muscle health, nerve function, and energy production. This highly absorbable form of magnesium ensures your cat receives the full benefits of this vital nutrient.

  42. Carrageenan is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from seaweed, used to improve the texture and consistency of wet cat food. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety, linking it to gastrointestinal issues in pets. Some pet owners may choose to avoid products containing carrageenan.

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.

  46. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.

  47. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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 8.50%: The crude protein content is primarily derived from the animal-based ingredients such as chicken, chicken liver, salmon, and duck. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for a pet's muscle development and overall health. Chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of chicken protein, also contributes significantly to the protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 7.00%: The crude fat in the pet food is likely to come from the chicken, salmon, and duck, which naturally contain fats. Additionally, menhaden oil and canola oil are included in the ingredients, both of which are high-fat content oils that would contribute to the overall fat percentage. These fats are important for energy as well as for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.00%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for animal-based wet foods. The fiber comes from ingredients like pea fiber and oat hulls, which are included to aid in digestion and to help maintain bowel health. The fiber content also contributes to the feeling of satiety, which is important for a reduced calorie diet.

Calories of 1180.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The calories in this pet food come from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. Chicken, salmon, and duck provide both protein and fat calories, while brown rice and other carbohydrate sources provide energy as well. The reduced calorie claim suggests that the food has fewer calories than the brand's standard formula, which is often achieved by adjusting the proportions of ingredients to lower the fat content and increase the fiber content, helping pets to feel full without consuming too many calories.