Wellness Core Mini Meals Chunky Chicken & Chicken Liver Entree In Gravy For Small Breeds Review

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Review of Wellness Core Mini Meals Chunky Chicken & Chicken Liver Entree In Gravy For Small Breeds

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

Wellness Core Mini Meals Chunky Chicken & Chicken Liver Entree In Gravy For Small Breeds 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 Wellness Core Mini Meals Chunky Chicken & Chicken Liver Entree In Gravy For Small Breeds, we'll examine all 32 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. Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.

  4. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

  5. 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.

  6. Egg is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle growth, coat health, and overall wellness.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

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

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

  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. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

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

  15. Thiamine hydrochloride, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient that supports your dog's nervous system, metabolism, and energy production. It's important for maintaining overall health and well-being in dogs.

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

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

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

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

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

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

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

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

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

  32. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value of Crude Protein (min) of 8.00% is primarily contributed by the chicken and chicken liver listed as the first and fifth ingredients. These are high-quality sources of animal protein which are essential for muscle development and maintenance in small breed dogs. The egg included in the ingredients also adds to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 3.00% is likely derived from the chicken, which naturally contains fats, and the added sunflower oil, which is a source of essential fatty acids. These fats are important for providing energy, supporting cell function, and promoting healthy skin and coat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.00% reflects the relatively low fiber content of the food, which is suitable for small breeds that may have more sensitive digestive systems. The modest fiber level is likely due to the inclusion of potato starch and tapioca starch, which provide some fiber but are mainly included as thickeners and sources of carbohydrates.

The calorie content of 1083.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. While the main contributors to the calorie count are the proteins and fats from the chicken, chicken liver, and sunflower oil, the carbohydrates from potato starch and tapioca starch also contribute to the overall energy content.

Additionally, the various vitamins and minerals listed, such as Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, and others, are included to ensure that the food meets the nutritional needs of small breed dogs but do not directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber. The amino acid chelates and other minerals support overall health but are not primary contributors to the macronutrient profile.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Mini Meals Chunky Chicken & Chicken Liver Entree In Gravy For Small Breeds costs approximately $9.29 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $183.73
10 lbs $308.99
15 lbs $418.80
20 lbs $519.65
30 lbs $704.34

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers seem to be very satisfied with Wellness Core Mini Meals, especially for their small breed dogs. Many have noted that their dogs, who are often picky eaters, eagerly consume this food, indicating a strong appeal in taste and texture. The chunky chicken and chicken liver entree in gravy, in particular, is mentioned as a favorite among the various flavors offered.

Several reviewers have praised the product for its high-quality ingredients and the fact that it can serve as a complete diet or as a topper for dry food. This versatility is appreciated by dog owners who are looking to enhance their pets' meals or entice finicky eaters. The presence of gravy in the meals is also a hit with dogs, making the meals more enticing and enjoyable.

A few customers have expressed concerns about the rising cost of the product, indicating that while their dogs love the food, the increasing price may force them to look for alternatives. However, this does not seem to detract from the overall positive reception of the food's quality and the benefits it offers to small breed dogs.

In response to some negative feedback regarding dogs rejecting the food, it's important to note that individual dogs have unique tastes and preferences. What one dog loves, another may not be interested in. However, the majority of reviews suggest that Wellness Core Mini Meals are often successful in satisfying even the most selective of canine palates.