Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Chicken Formula Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Chicken 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 Indoor Chicken 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 Indoor Chicken Formula, we'll examine all 37 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 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 broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
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 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.
Oat Bran is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promotes digestive health and supports overall well-being for your cat. It helps maintain regular bowel movements and keeps your cat's gastrointestinal system functioning properly.
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.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
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.
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.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 9.00% is primarily derived from the Chicken, Chicken Liver, and Salmon in the ingredient list. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that will contribute to the overall protein content.
The Crude Fat minimum of 5.00% is likely to come from the Chicken and Salmon. Both of these ingredients are not only good sources of protein, but also contain healthy fats. Additionally, the Chicken Liver can contribute to this value as it contains a significant amount of fat.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 2.00% is likely derived from the Oat Bran and Brown Rice. These ingredients are both good sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help control weight by promoting a feeling of fullness.
The calorie content of 1160.00 per kg is a result of the combined energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. The primary sources of these macronutrients are the Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Oat Bran, and Brown Rice.
The Vitamins and Minerals listed are added to ensure a complete and balanced diet. These may not naturally occur in sufficient quantities in the primary ingredients, so they are supplemented. For instance, Taurine, an essential amino acid for cats, is often added because it's not usually present in adequate amounts in most ingredients.
The remaining ingredients like Guar Gum, Cranberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, and Carrageenan are added for various reasons such as improving the texture of the food, providing additional nutrients or antioxidants, or aiding in digestion.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Chicken Formula costs approximately $5.76 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $97.17 |
| 10 lbs | $163.42 |
| 15 lbs | $221.49 |
| 20 lbs | $274.83 |
| 30 lbs | $372.51 |
| 40 lbs | $462.21 |
| 50 lbs | $546.41 |
| 60 lbs | $626.48 |
| 70 lbs | $703.26 |
| 80 lbs | $777.34 |
| 90 lbs | $849.14 |
| 100 lbs | $918.96 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed a strong affinity for the Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Chicken Formula over the years, highlighting that it was the exclusive choice for their feline friends. Many cats that were previously picky eaters had taken a liking to this particular food, and it was also praised for being a suitable option for cats with specific dietary needs.
Despite some recent concerns about changes in the formula, where customers noticed a difference in smell, texture, and their cats' willingness to eat the food, there are still positive reviews. Some customers have had good experiences with the product, noting that their cats love the taste and that it serves as a reliable dietary staple. The food is appreciated for not containing certain ingredients like chunks of carrot, which can be inconvenient for pet owners to remove.
Moreover, several reviewers have successfully used this food as part of their cats' diet for years, indicating its long-term popularity and effectiveness. The brand has also been commended for being a good substitute during pet food shortages, suggesting that it can be a trusted alternative when other options are not available. Overall, while some customers have faced recent issues, the product has historically been well-received by both cats and their owners.
