NutriSource Choice Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Review

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Review of NutriSource Choice Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe

According to our data, this NutriSource recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

NutriSource Choice Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of NutriSource Choice Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe, we'll examine all 38 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 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.

  2. Whole 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Chicken fat (preserved with tocopherols and citric acid) is a rich source of energy and essential fatty acids, which help maintain your dog's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

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

  12. 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.

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

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

  15. 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.

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

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

  18. Selenium yeast is a natural source of the mineral selenium which supports immune function and provides antioxidant benefits.

  19. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. Dried carrot is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can support your dog's immune system, vision, and overall health. This ingredient is also high in dietary fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.

  31. Dried blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system, eye health, and overall well-being. This ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and nutritious.

  32. Dried cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, which can help support your dog's digestive health and urinary tract health.

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

  34. 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.

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

  36. 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.

  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. 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

The Crude Protein minimum of 24.00% in this pet food is likely contributed most significantly by the chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of protein as it is rendered from chicken. The menhaden fish meal is another high-protein ingredient that would contribute to this value. Both of these animal-based ingredients are rich in essential amino acids necessary for a dog's health.

Crude Fat minimum of 12.00% comes from the chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Chicken fat is preserved with tocopherols and citric acid, which are natural preservatives. The menhaden fish meal and flax seed would also contribute to the fat content, with flax seed providing additional benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber maximum of 6.00% is derived from plant-based ingredients such as whole grain sorghum, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and dried plain beet pulp. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is important for digestive health. Beet pulp, in particular, is commonly used in pet foods as a source of fiber that aids in intestinal health and regulation.

The Caloric Content of 3844.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the entire formulation. This energy comes from the combined macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the ingredients listed. Chicken meal and chicken fat are calorie-dense ingredients, while whole grains like sorghum, brown rice, and barley contribute to the caloric content as well, providing energy through complex carbohydrates.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis reflects the nutritional contributions of the primary ingredients, with animal-based components supplying protein and fat, and grains and other plant-based ingredients providing fiber and additional nutrients.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, NutriSource Choice Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe costs approximately $1.79 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $6.37$9.96
10 lbs $10.72$16.75
15 lbs $14.53$22.70
20 lbs $18.02$28.16
30 lbs $24.43$38.17
40 lbs $30.31$47.37
50 lbs $35.84$55.99
60 lbs $41.09$64.20
70 lbs $46.12$72.07
80 lbs $50.98$79.66
90 lbs $55.69$87.02
100 lbs $60.27$94.17

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.