VeRUS Canine Dry Food Cold Water Fish - Grain Free Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal & Herring Formula Review

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Review of VeRUS Canine Dry Food Cold Water Fish - Grain Free Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal & Herring Formula

According to our data, this VeRUS recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

VeRUS Canine Dry Food Cold Water Fish - Grain Free Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal & Herring Formula 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 VeRUS Canine Dry Food Cold Water Fish - Grain Free Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal & Herring Formula, 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Lentils are a high-quality, plant-based protein source that also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

  4. Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.

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

  6. 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.

  7. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  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. Herring meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids derived from herring fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in herring meal can support your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function. As a protein source, herring meal helps build and maintain strong muscles and supports overall growth and development.

  10. Herring is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids support a healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal brain function and overall health in dogs.

  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. Menhaden fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and joint health. It helps maintain overall health and well-being for your furry friend.

  13. 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.

  14. Dried cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, which can help support your dog's digestive health and urinary tract health.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

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

  19. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  20. 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.

  21. Chicory root extract is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria, supporting your dog's immune system and overall well-being.

  22. Dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product is a source of beneficial probiotics that can support your dog's digestive health and overall immune system function.

  23. 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.

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

  25. Monosodium phosphate is often used in dog foods as a source of phosphorus, a mineral that is essential for bone health and energy production in your dog's body.

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

  32. 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.

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

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

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

  38. 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.

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

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

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

  43. Betaine anhydrous is a natural compound that can help support healthy digestion, liver function, and nutrient absorption in dogs.

  44. 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.

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

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

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

  48. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 26.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the salmon, menhaden fish meal, and herring meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a dog's health. The inclusion of lentils, chickpeas, and peas also contributes to the overall protein content, although to a lesser extent compared to the animal ingredients.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The crude fat content is largely derived from the chicken fat, menhaden fish oil, and the natural fats present in the fish ingredients (salmon, menhaden fish meal, and herring). Chicken fat is a high-energy, quality source of fat that also provides essential fatty acids. Menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The fiber in this pet food formula comes from the plant-based ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, peas, sweet potato, and various fruits and vegetables (e.g., cranberry, blueberry, pumpkin, apple, tomato pomace, kelp, carrots). Fiber is essential for digestive health, and these ingredients provide a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Calories of 3688.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates – from all the ingredients. The high-quality proteins and fats, especially from the fish and chicken fat, contribute significantly to the calorie content, while carbohydrates from lentils, chickpeas, peas, sweet potato, and tapioca starch also add to the overall energy value of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, VeRUS Canine Dry Food Cold Water Fish - Grain Free Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal & Herring Formula costs approximately $4.96 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $18.44$28.81
10 lbs $31.01$48.45
15 lbs $42.03$65.67
20 lbs $52.15$81.48
30 lbs $70.68$110.44
40 lbs $87.70$137.03
50 lbs $103.68$161.99
60 lbs $118.87$185.73
70 lbs $133.44$208.49
80 lbs $147.49$230.46
90 lbs $161.11$251.74
100 lbs $174.36$272.44

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.