Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble) Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble)
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 Original Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble) 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 Original Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble), we'll examine all 52 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 lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Lentils are a high-quality, plant-based protein source that also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
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.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.
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.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.
Dried vegetable broth adds flavor and essential nutrients to your dog's food. It's a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support overall health and well-being.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
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.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
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.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.
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
1. Crude Protein (min) of 27.00%: The high protein content in this pet food primarily comes from the first few ingredients listed, which are chicken and chicken meal. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein, and chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken protein. The egg in the ingredient list also contributes to the protein content.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat in this pet food likely comes from the chicken fat, which is listed as the sixth ingredient. This ingredient is preserved with mixed tocopherols, which are forms of Vitamin E. Menhaden fish oil also contributes to the fat content, and is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber content in this pet food comes from plant-based ingredients such as lentils, dried peas, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, pea starch, and dried tomato pomace. These ingredients all contribute to the dietary fiber content, which is important for digestive health.
4. Calories of 3637.00 per kg: The caloric content of this pet food is derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources (chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat). Carbohydrates from lentils, dried peas, and sweet potatoes also contribute to the caloric content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are added to ensure that the pet food meets the nutritional requirements for pets. They don't contribute significantly to the protein, fat, fiber, or calorie content, but they are essential for overall health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Broth Coated Kibble) costs approximately $2.72 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $16.05 |
| 10 lbs | $26.99 |
| 15 lbs | $36.58 |
| 20 lbs | $45.39 |
| 30 lbs | $61.52 |
| 40 lbs | $76.34 |
| 50 lbs | $90.24 |
| 60 lbs | $103.47 |
| 70 lbs | $116.15 |
| 80 lbs | $128.38 |
| 90 lbs | $140.24 |
| 100 lbs | $151.77 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have found Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe to be beneficial for their dogs, especially those that were overweight. Two pet owners reported that their chihuahuas lost weight and regained health after switching to this food.
Many dogs seem to love the taste of this grain-free formula, and it has become a staple in their diet for years. One owner mentioned that their dog had been eating it for several years without any issues, and when they tried other non-grain-free options, their pet experienced problems.
Some pet owners had to switch to this food when their usual brand was unavailable and discovered it to be a great alternative. They noted that their dogs were happy with the change. Even those who were initially skeptical about commercial dry dog food were pleased with the results, mentioning that it came recommended and their dogs eagerly ate it.
Long-term users of Natural Balance have observed positive health outcomes, such as beautiful coats and the resolution of allergy and stomach issues. One owner specifically mentioned that after trying a different food from the same brand, they returned to this recipe because their dog preferred it.
In response to the customer seeking advice on how to encourage their dog, Beauty, to eat twice a day, it would be helpful to establish a consistent feeding routine or consult with a veterinarian for personalized tips. It's important to note that some dogs naturally prefer eating once a day, but if there are concerns about Beauty's eating habits, professional guidance is recommended.
