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

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

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 Whole Body Health Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula 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 Whole Body Health Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula, we'll examine all 51 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. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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

  10. 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.

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

  12. 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.

  13. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  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. 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.

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

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

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

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

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

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

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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 9.50%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients—chicken, chicken liver, salmon, duck, and salmon meal. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for the growth and maintenance of pets. Brewers dried yeast also contributes to the protein content, although to a lesser extent compared to the animal sources.

Crude Fat (min) of 8.50%: The crude fat in the diet is likely coming from the chicken, which naturally contains fat, as well as the added canola oil and menhaden oil, both of which are high in fatty acids and help in achieving the minimum fat content. Fats are crucial for energy, cell structure, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.00%: Ingredients such as oat hulls, pea fiber, and brown rice contribute to the fiber content of the pet food. Fiber is important for digestive health but is not a major component of this food, as indicated by the maximum of 2.00%. The fiber helps to ensure proper bowel function and can aid in weight management.

Calories of 1400.00 per kg: The caloric content is a result of the combined energy provided by proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. Chicken, salmon, and duck provide calories from proteins and fats, while brown rice contributes calories from carbohydrates. The oils (canola and menhaden) are calorie-dense, significantly contributing to the overall energy content of the food.