Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble) Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble)
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 Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble) 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 Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble), 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.
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.
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.
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 Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
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.
Oat Groats provide essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, that support digestive health, heart health, and overall well-being in cats.
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.
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.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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 vegetable broth is used to enhance the flavor of the food, making it more appealing to cats.
Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.
Oat fiber is a source of dietary fiber that can promote digestive health and help control hairballs in cats.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
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 Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
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.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
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.
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.
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
The Crude Protein (min) of 34.00% is most likely contributed by the ingredients Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Liver, and Salmon Meal. These are all high-protein ingredients that are commonly used in pet food.
The Crude Fat (min) of 16.80% is likely to come from the Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal, and Menhaden Fish Oil. These ingredients are high in fat and are often used to provide essential fatty acids and to increase the palatability of the food.
The Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00% is likely contributed by the Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Fiber, and Oat Fiber. These ingredients are all sources of dietary fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion in pets.
The Calories of 3920.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients combined, but primarily from the protein and fat sources, as these are the most calorie-dense nutrients. Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat, and Menhaden Fish Oil are likely the main contributors to the calorie content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients, including Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Monohydrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, contribute to the overall nutritional value of the food but do not directly contribute to the protein, fat, or fiber percentages.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble) costs approximately $3.44 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $12.04 | $18.82 |
| 10 lbs | $20.25 | $31.64 |
| 15 lbs | $27.45 | $42.89 |
| 20 lbs | $34.06 | $53.22 |
| 30 lbs | $46.17 | $72.13 |
| 40 lbs | $57.28 | $89.50 |
| 50 lbs | $67.72 | $105.81 |
| 60 lbs | $77.64 | $121.31 |
| 70 lbs | $87.16 | $136.18 |
| 80 lbs | $96.34 | $150.53 |
| 90 lbs | $105.24 | $164.43 |
| 100 lbs | $113.89 | $177.95 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have shown a great appreciation for the Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe, with multiple reports of their cats enjoying the food. One customer shared that even their barn cat and front yard cat eagerly consumed the kibble, indicating its broad appeal among different felines. Another customer highlighted the positive impact the food had on their cats' coats, making them super soft, which is often a sign of a nutritious diet.
Despite a few instances where cats did not take to the food, the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive, with pet owners noting significant improvements in their cats' health and even a reduction in litter box odors. Customers have also reported that their cats, ranging from kittens to seniors, show a strong preference for this kibble over wet food options. The brand loyalty is evident, with one user mentioning their long history of feeding their pets Natural Balance products due to the visible health benefits, such as shiny coats and high energy levels.
Many reviewers have also commented on their cats' enthusiasm for the food, with one mentioning that their cats would tear into the bag if it wasn't stored securely. This level of excitement suggests that the flavor and quality of the food are highly appreciated by the feline consumers. Additionally, some pet owners have expressed confidence in the brand, with one stating that their veterinarian was pleased to hear that their cats were being fed Natural Balance, further reinforcing the brand's reputation for quality.
