Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies

According to our data, this Nutro recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 43 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. Whole grain barley is a nutritious and easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can help support digestive health, while the vitamins and minerals contribute to overall well-being.

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

  5. Whole grain brown rice is a nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates, providing your dog with sustained energy and essential nutrients for optimal health.

  6. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  7. 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.

  8. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, joint function, and skin and coat health.

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

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

  15. 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.

  16. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  17. Chia seed is a superfood for dogs, providing omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin, as well as fiber to support digestion and overall health.

  18. Dried coconut is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides your dog with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports a healthy coat and skin, aids in digestion, and helps maintain your dog's overall health.

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

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

  21. 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.

  22. Dried kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that provides an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog's diet. It supports immune system function, healthy digestion, and overall wellness.

  23. Dried spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall wellness.

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

  25. 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.

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

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

  28. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

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

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

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

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

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

  41. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

  42. 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.

  43. 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 (min) of 28.00% is mainly contributed by the first three ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, and Whole Grain Barley. The chicken and chicken meal are animal-based proteins which are essential for the growth and development of puppies. Whole Grain Barley also contributes plant-based protein.

The Crude Fat (min) of 16.00% is primarily from the Chicken Fat and Fish Oil in the ingredients list. Fat is essential for the absorption of vitamins and also provides essential fatty acids. Chicken fat is a quality source of essential fatty acids. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for skin, coat, and cognitive function.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00% is mainly derived from the Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, and Dried Plain Beet Pulp. Fiber is important for the digestive health of puppies. Whole grains like barley and brown rice are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Beet pulp is a good source of fiber that helps to regulate the digestive system.

The Calories of 3727.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat. These ingredients are energy-dense and contribute to the caloric content of the food. The grains and vegetables also contribute to the overall calorie content.

The vitamins and minerals listed towards the end of the ingredients list, such as Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Biotin, etc., are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional needs of puppies. These are not naturally occurring in the main ingredients, but are necessary for overall health and development.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $3.69 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $13.59
10 lbs $22.86
15 lbs $30.98
20 lbs $38.44
30 lbs $52.10
40 lbs $64.64
50 lbs $76.42
60 lbs $87.62
70 lbs $98.36
80 lbs $108.72
90 lbs $118.76
100 lbs $128.52

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally express satisfaction with the Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, citing their puppies' eagerness to eat the food and the perceived health benefits, such as a shiny coat and smooth digestion. Many reviewers recommend the product based on their positive experiences, noting that their dogs have thrived on the formula, sometimes even after switching from other brands.

Some reviewers have observed their puppies' preferences for Nutro over other foods, highlighting the palatability and the quality ingredients that contribute to their pets' overall health and energy levels. The food is also praised for not containing excessive preservatives or dyes, which is a plus for owners concerned about additives.

On the other hand, a few customers have reported that their puppies did not favor the flavor or had difficulty with the kibble size. However, these appear to be isolated cases, potentially related to individual tastes or specific dietary sensitivities. It's important to note that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another.

In response to negative feedback regarding changes in the formula or packaging, it seems that while some dogs may have had adverse reactions, many continue to enjoy the food without issue. For those concerned about ingredient changes, a gradual transition to the new formula is recommended to minimize digestive disruptions.

Some puppies experienced loose stools or digestive issues with Nutro, but these instances are relatively rare. In a few cases, customers switched to Nutro after their puppies had digestive problems with other brands, and they reported improvements in their pets' health.

In summary, Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies appears to be a well-regarded choice among dog owners, with many reporting that their puppies are happy and healthy on this diet. While there are some reports of dogs not taking to the food, these are not indicative of the general sentiment, which leans heavily towards positive experiences.