Stella and Chewy's Gourmet Stew Duck, Carrot & Spinach Stew Review

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Review of Stella and Chewy's Gourmet Stew Duck, Carrot & Spinach Stew

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

Stella and Chewy's Gourmet Stew Duck, Carrot & Spinach Stew 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 Stella and Chewy's Gourmet Stew Duck, Carrot & Spinach Stew, we'll examine all 36 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. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

  2. Duck broth adds moisture, flavor, and vital nutrients to your dog's meal, making it more palatable and nutritious, while supporting hydration and digestion.

  3. Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  4. 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.

  5. Dried egg is a high-quality protein source that contains all the essential amino acids a dog needs.

  6. Organic Carrot is an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, especially vitamin A, promoting eye health and a strong immune system.

  7. Organic spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron, for your dog's overall health and well-being.

  8. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  9. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

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

  11. 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.

  12. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

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

  14. Reduced iron is an essential mineral that helps support your dog's red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall immune system function.

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

  16. 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.

  17. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  18. 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.

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

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

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

  24. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

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

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

  32. Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and brain function. Mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, help preserve the oil, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value for your dog.

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

  34. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  35. Thyme is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to your dog's food, but also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits can support your dog's immune system, digestive health, and overall well-being.

  36. Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to dog food, but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe your dog's digestive system.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 8.50% is primarily contributed by the cage-free duck, cage-free chicken, and dried egg. Duck and chicken are high-quality sources of animal protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a pet's muscle development and maintenance. The dried egg also adds to the protein content, being a highly digestible protein source.

The crude fat minimum of 4.50% is likely to come from the duck, chicken, sunflower oil, and salmon oil present in the ingredients. Both duck and chicken are natural sources of animal fats, which are important for energy, cell function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Sunflower oil and salmon oil are added fats that contribute to the overall fat content, with salmon oil also providing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude fiber maximum of 2.00% is relatively low, reflecting the meat-centric formulation of this pet food. The organic carrots and organic spinach may contribute to this fiber content. Fiber is essential for digestive health, but because this is a meat-based product, the fiber content is not as high as in some plant-based or grain-inclusive foods.

The calorie content of 1046.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The duck, chicken, and added oils are calorie-dense ingredients, while tapioca serves as a carbohydrate source that also contributes to the caloric value. The overall caloric content is influenced by the balance of these macronutrients.