NutriSource Grain Free Dog Food Heartland Select Recipe Review

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Review of NutriSource Grain Free Dog Food Heartland Select 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 Grain Free Dog Food Heartland Select 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 Grain Free Dog Food Heartland Select Recipe, we'll examine all 53 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. Bison is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It's also a great alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins, as it is less likely to trigger allergies.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  5. Pea flour is a gluten-free source of carbohydrates and protein that offers an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It is also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

  6. Sunflower meal is a byproduct of sunflower oil production that provides a good source of protein and fiber for dogs. It can help support muscle growth, maintain a healthy coat, and support overall health and well-being.

  7. 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.

  8. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

  12. 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.

  13. Turkey flavor adds a taste that many dogs find appealing, making meals more enjoyable for them.

  14. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

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

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

  17. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

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

  19. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

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

  25. 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.

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

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

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

  37. 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.

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

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

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

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

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. 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.

  53. 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 25.00%: The crude protein content is a measure of the protein available in the dog food. In this Heartland Select Recipe, the primary contributors to the protein content are likely to be the animal-based ingredients: bison, chicken, and chicken meal. Menhaden fish meal also contributes significantly to the protein content. These ingredients are typically high in protein, which is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of a dog's body tissues.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: Crude fat is a crucial component providing energy and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In this recipe, the chicken fat, which is preserved with tocopherols and citric acid, is a primary source of fat. Additionally, the sunflower oil and flax seeds contribute to the overall fat content. These ingredients are high in essential fatty acids, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 7.00%: Crude fiber refers to the indigestible portion of the food that helps in the digestive process. The ingredients that most likely contribute to the fiber content are the peas, pea flour, sunflower meal, and dehydrated alfalfa meal. These plant-based ingredients provide the necessary fiber to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.

Calories of 3810.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The high-calorie content in this dog food is likely due to the combination of protein-rich meats and the fat sources such as chicken fat and sunflower oil. Carbohydrates from ingredients like peas, pea starch, and tapioca starch also contribute to the total caloric content, providing energy for active dogs.