Natural Balance Targeted Nutrition Zen Life Dry Dog Food Review

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Review of Natural Balance Targeted Nutrition Zen Life Dry Dog Food

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

Natural Balance Targeted Nutrition Zen Life Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Targeted Nutrition Zen Life Dry Dog Food, 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. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

  2. 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.

  3. Pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides dogs with a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

  4. Cassava flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate source derived from the cassava root. It provides energy for your dog's daily activities and is an excellent alternative for dogs with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

  5. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  6. Grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides your dog with a source of digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients for overall health.

  7. Oats are a wholesome grain that provides an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. They can help support healthy digestion and provide long-lasting energy, contributing to your dog's overall well-being.

  8. 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.

  9. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  10. 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.

  11. Fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, joint function, and skin and coat health.

  12. Marine microalgae is a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and cognitive function in dogs.

  13. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

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

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

  16. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

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

  18. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  19. 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.

  20. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  21. 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.

  22. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

  26. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.

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

  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. 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.

  35. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  36. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  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. Dried chamomile is a natural herb known for its calming properties, which can help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, while also providing digestive support and promoting overall health.

  39. Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help protect your dog's cells from damage and support overall health.

  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 19.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this dog food are the turkey and turkey meal. Both are high-quality sources of animal protein that are essential for muscle development and maintenance in dogs. The inclusion of grain sorghum and oats may also contribute to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the animal ingredients.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The crude fat content is most likely derived from the chicken fat and fish oil listed in the ingredients. Chicken fat is a common addition to pet foods as a source of energy and essential fatty acids, while fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for skin and coat health. The turkey and turkey meal would also contribute some fat content to the product.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: Fiber in this dog food is likely provided by the brown rice, pearled barley, cassava flour, oats, and dried plain beet pulp. Beet pulp is a common fiber source in dog foods and is known for supporting digestive health. The grains, while also contributing to the protein and carbohydrate content, would provide the necessary dietary fiber to aid in digestion.

Calories of 3540.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is influenced by the combined macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Proteins and carbohydrates generally provide about 4 calories per gram, while fats offer approximately 9 calories per gram. Therefore, the chicken fat and fish oil are high contributors to the calorie count due to their fat content. The turkey and turkey meal, as well as the carbohydrate sources like brown rice, grain sorghum, and oats, also contribute to the overall caloric value of the food.