VeRUS Grain Free Canned Chicken & Salmon Review

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Review of VeRUS Grain Free Canned Chicken & Salmon

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

VeRUS Grain Free Canned Chicken & Salmon 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 Grain Free Canned Chicken & Salmon, we'll examine all 39 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 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.

  3. 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.

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

  5. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  6. Brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and protein, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  7. 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.

  8. Flaxseed meal is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their immune and cognitive function.

  9. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  10. Cassia is an herb that has been used for centuries for its various health benefits. In dog food, it acts as a natural source of fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and maintain regular bowel movements. Cassia also has antioxidant properties, which may contribute to your dog's overall well-being and immune function.

  11. Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.

  12. Tomato paste is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

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

  14. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat in dogs, while also supporting heart health and immune function.

  15. New Zealand green mussel is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility in dogs.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

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

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

  29. Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.

  30. Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.

  31. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  32. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  33. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.

  34. Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

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

  36. Kelp is a nutrient-dense sea vegetable that provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which supports thyroid health.

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

  38. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  39. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 8.50% is primarily contributed by the chicken and salmon listed as the first ingredients. These are high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for a pet's muscle development and overall health. The presence of chicken as the first ingredient suggests it is the most abundant in the formula, making it the primary contributor to the protein content.

Crude fat at a minimum of 6.50% is likely derived from the chicken and salmon, as well as the sunflower oil and flaxseed oil included in the ingredients list. These oils are added not only to provide essential fatty acids but also to enhance the food's taste and improve coat health.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.50% is relatively low, reflecting the grain-free nature of the food. The fiber is likely coming from the peas, carrots, and possibly some from the flaxseed meal. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to aid in digestion without an excessive amount that could be found in grain-inclusive diets.

The caloric content of 1020.00 calories per kilogram is a measure of the energy the food provides. This energy comes from the combined macronutrients in the food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken and salmon contribute to the calorie count with their protein and fat content, while peas and carrots also add some caloric value through their carbohydrate content.

The rest of the ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and supplements like New Zealand Green Mussel and kelp, contribute to the overall nutritional balance of the pet food but do not significantly affect the guaranteed analysis values. Instead, they ensure that the food meets the nutritional requirements for a pet's health, supporting aspects like immune function, bone health, and metabolic processes.