Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food Review

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Review of Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food

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

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food 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 Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food, we'll examine all 48 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. 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.

  5. Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.

  6. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  7. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Whole flaxseed is a fantastic source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining your dog's healthy skin, coat, and immune system. Flaxseed is also rich in dietary fiber, which supports proper digestion and overall gut health.

  14. 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.

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. Whole chia seed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients that can help support your dog's healthy skin, coat, and digestion.

  20. 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.

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

  22. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

  30. 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.

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

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

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

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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

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

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

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

  41. 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.

  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. 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.

  44. 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.

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

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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 primarily derived from the chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal. These are all high-protein ingredients and are the primary sources of protein in this pet food. The chicken meal, being a concentrated source of chicken protein, is particularly significant.

The Crude Fat (min) of 12.00% comes from the chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols. Chicken fat is a good source of essential fatty acids and energy for dogs. Other ingredients like salmon meal also contribute to the fat content due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00% is largely due to the inclusion of whole grains like barley, brown rice, oats, and sorghum, as well as dried plain beet pulp. These ingredients are good sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

The Calories of 3473.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but mainly from the protein and fat sources. The whole grains also contribute to the calorie content as they provide carbohydrates, another source of energy for dogs.

The vitamins and minerals listed towards the end of the ingredient list, such as Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, and others, contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the food but do not directly affect the guaranteed analysis values. These are added to ensure the food provides a complete and balanced diet for dogs.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food costs approximately $4.62 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $28.52
10 lbs $47.96
15 lbs $65.00
20 lbs $80.65
30 lbs $109.32

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have been using Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management Dry Dog Food for their pets generally appreciate the product's quality and effectiveness in managing their dogs' weight. Many have reported that their dogs enjoy the taste and have done well on the food, with some noting improvements in their pets' energy levels and overall health. The kibble size is also frequently mentioned as being ideal for small breeds, making it easier for pets to eat, especially those with dental issues or missing teeth.

However, there has been notable concern regarding a recent change in the formula which increased the calorie content by approximately 100 calories per serving. This change has led to some dogs gaining weight unexpectedly, causing frustration for pet owners who were relying on the food for its weight management properties. Despite the formula change, some dogs still seem to find the food palatable, but others have become disinterested or experienced digestive issues.

Additionally, there are mixed feelings about the price point of the food, with some customers finding it expensive but worth it for their dogs' health, while others are considering switching brands due to cost concerns. Overall, the positive reviews focus on the food's palatability and suitability for small breeds, while the negative reviews express disappointment with the formula change and its impact on their dogs' weight management goals.