VeRUS Canine Dry Food Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula Review

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Review of VeRUS Canine Dry Food Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams 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 Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams 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 Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula, we'll examine all 46 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. 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. 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.

  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. 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.

  9. Yam is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help support your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health.

  10. 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.

  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. 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.

  13. 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.

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

  15. 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.

  16. Dehydrated chicken cartilage is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health and mobility in dogs.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

  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. 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.

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

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

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

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

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

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

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

  42. 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.

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

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

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

  46. 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 23.00%: The main contributors to the crude protein content in this dog food are the chicken, chicken meal, and herring meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken in which the water has been removed, making it a high-protein ingredient. Herring meal is another high-protein ingredient derived from fish. Lentils, chickpeas, and peas also contribute to the overall protein content, as they are plant sources of protein.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come primarily from the chicken fat, menhaden fish oil, and to a lesser extent the flaxseed. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy, while menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's skin and coat health. Flaxseed also contains oils that contribute to the fat content and provide additional omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The ingredients contributing to fiber content include lentils, chickpeas, peas, sweet potato, yams, and chicory root extract. These are all plant-based ingredients that contain varying amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and helps to ensure regular bowel movements.

Calories of 3515.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a result of the combined energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. Chicken, chicken meal, and herring meal provide calories from protein, while chicken fat and menhaden fish oil are calorie-dense fat sources. Carbohydrates like lentils, chickpeas, peas, tapioca starch, sweet potato, and yams also contribute to the overall calorie count by providing energy.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, VeRUS Canine Dry Food Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula costs approximately $4.16 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.