NutriSource Element Series Open Waters Recipe Review

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Review of NutriSource Element Series Open Waters 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 Element Series Open Waters 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 Element Series Open Waters Recipe, we'll examine all 62 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. Haddock is a high-quality, easily digestible source of protein that supports your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Trout is a high-quality protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.

  3. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

  4. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  5. Cod is a lean fish that's high in protein, low in fat and filled with vitamins and minerals essential for your dog's health.

  6. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  7. Pollock meal is a high-protein ingredient made from dehydrated, ground pollock fish. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote skin and coat health in dogs.

  8. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, promoting your dog's heart health and bone health.

  9. Buckwheat middlings are a gluten-free grain alternative that provides essential amino acids, fiber, and minerals to support your dog's digestion and overall health.

  10. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  14. Spelt is an ancient grain that serves as a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber in dog food. It is easily digestible and provides essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals that support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  15. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and nutritious dog food.

  16. Catfish meal is a concentrated protein source that provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It supports muscle growth, organ function, and immune system health, making it a valuable addition to your dog's diet.

  17. Yeast extract is a natural source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and minerals that can support your dog's muscle development, energy levels, and overall health. It can also help enhance the flavor of dog food, making it more palatable for your pet.

  18. Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

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

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. 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.

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

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. Dried pumpkin is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog. It is rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and a strong immune system. The dietary fiber in dried pumpkin can help regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements, making it a beneficial ingredient for dogs with digestive issues.

  29. 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.

  30. Hydrolyzed yeast is used as a flavor enhancer in dog food. It can also support a healthy immune system and aid digestion due to the presence of beta-glucans.

  31. 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.

  32. Dried apricot is a nutritious and tasty ingredient that provides your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support their immune system and overall health.

  33. Dried apple is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and overall well-being. It also provides a natural sweetness that dogs enjoy.

  34. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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

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

  39. 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.

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

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

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

  46. Dried squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that supplies your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support a healthy digestive system.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

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

  50. Tocopherols are a natural source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, supporting your dog's immune system and protecting their cells from oxidative damage.

  51. 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.

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

  53. 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.

  54. 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.

  55. Yeast culture is a beneficial ingredient included in dog food to support overall digestive health. It is a natural source of prebiotics, which help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve nutrient absorption, and aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

  56. Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract is a source of enzymes that can aid in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients.

  57. The dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic that supports digestive health in dogs. It helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promoting overall well-being and immune function.

  58. Dried bacillus licheniformis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora, promoting better digestion and immune system health in dogs.

  59. Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and the breakdown of nutrients in your dog's food. This helps ensure that your dog can properly absorb and utilize the nutrients they need for optimal health.

  60. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  61. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  62. The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 34.00%: The high protein content is primarily derived from the animal-based ingredients listed at the beginning of the ingredient list, such as haddock, trout, duck, salmon, cod, salmon meal, pollock meal, catfish meal, yeast extract, and whitefish meal. These ingredients are rich in proteins and contribute significantly to the total protein content of the pet food. Meals, in particular, are concentrated forms of animal protein after water and fat have been removed, which boosts the protein percentage.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from both the animal sources (haddock, trout, duck, salmon, cod, etc.) and the added sunflower oil. Fats from these animal sources also include essential fatty acids that are beneficial for pets' skin and coat health. Sunflower oil is a high-quality source of additional fat that helps to achieve the desired fat content in the food.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber is found in ingredients such as dried plain beet pulp, millet, buckwheat middlings, spelt, and quinoa. Beet pulp, in particular, is a common fiber source in pet foods and is included to help with digestive health and stool quality. The fiber content helps to ensure the food supports a healthy digestive system, but it is kept at a maximum of 5% to prevent interfering with the absorption of other nutrients.

Calories of 3944.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food and is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The higher the fat content, the higher the calorie count, generally speaking. In this case, the calories are derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the listed ingredients. Animal-based ingredients and sunflower oil are calorie-dense, contributing to the overall energy content of the pet food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, NutriSource Element Series Open Waters Recipe costs approximately $4.39 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $15.25$23.82
10 lbs $25.64$40.07
15 lbs $34.76$54.31
20 lbs $43.13$67.39
30 lbs $58.45$91.33
40 lbs $72.53$113.33
50 lbs $85.74$133.97
60 lbs $98.31$153.60
70 lbs $110.36$172.43
80 lbs $121.98$190.59
90 lbs $133.25$208.20
100 lbs $144.20$225.32

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.