Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe

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

Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe 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 Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe, 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  4. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  5. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  6. Poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a concentrated source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and immune system health. The preservation with mixed tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, ensures freshness and stability.

  7. 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.

  8. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  9. 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.

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

  11. 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.

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

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

  14. 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.

  15. Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that plays a crucial role in your dog's overall health. It aids in the proper functioning of cell membranes, supports the nervous system, and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Inositol also contributes to fat metabolism, which can help manage your dog's weight and support heart health.

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

  17. 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.

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

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

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

  21. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

  22. 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.

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

  24. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

  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. 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.

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

  28. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  32. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  33. 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.

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

  35. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  36. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

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

  39. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  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

1. Crude Protein (min) of 19.00%: The primary contributors to the protein content in this pet food are the chicken and chicken meal. Chicken is a high-quality source of complete protein, providing all of the essential amino acids that dogs need. Chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of chicken, also contributes to the protein content.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 8.00%: Fat in this pet food is primarily provided by the poultry fat and the flaxseed. Poultry fat is a concentrated source of energy for dogs and also supplies essential fatty acids. Flaxseed is a plant-based source of omega-3 and omega-6 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 ingredients such as barley, oatmeal, and dried tomato pomace. Barley and oatmeal are whole grains that provide dietary fiber, while dried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato processing that is high in fiber.

4. Calories of 3480.00 per kg: The caloric content of this pet food is derived from all of the ingredients, but primarily from the chicken, chicken meal, and poultry fat. These ingredients are energy-dense, meaning they provide a large amount of calories per gram. The grains (brewers rice, barley, oatmeal) also contribute to the calorie content, but to a lesser extent.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $1.95 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $11.70
10 lbs $19.67
15 lbs $26.66
20 lbs $33.08
30 lbs $44.84

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate the small size of the kibble in Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe, which is perfect for small dogs or dogs with dental issues. This product is a favorite among picky eaters, and some customers have noticed improvements in their dogs' health after switching to this food. Some customers wish the product contained probiotics and came in larger bag sizes.

Several customers have reported that their dogs, who were previously picky or had stopped eating other brands, took well to Nature's Recipe. Some dogs with specific health issues, such as yeast problems, have shown signs of improvement after eating this food. A few customers, however, have had negative experiences with changes in the kibble's size and color, causing digestive issues for their dogs.

Customers with small dogs or dogs with dental issues particularly appreciate the small size of the kibble. Many have noticed that their dogs, who are typically picky eaters, enjoy this food. Some customers have even noticed improvements in their dogs' health after switching to this food. However, some customers have had negative experiences due to changes in the kibble's size and color.

Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe is a hit with many dogs, even those who are usually picky eaters. Some customers have noticed health improvements in their dogs after switching to this food. However, a few customers reported that their dogs did not like the taste or had digestive issues after eating it. Some also wished the product came in larger bag sizes.

Nature's Recipe Original Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe is well-liked by many dogs, even those who are typically picky eaters. The small kibble size is appreciated by owners of small dogs or dogs with dental issues. Some customers noted improvements in their dogs' health after switching to this food. However, a few customers reported negative experiences due to changes in the kibble's size and color, which caused digestive issues for their dogs.