WholeHearted Grain Free Dry Dog Food Duck & Lentil Recipe Review

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Review of WholeHearted Grain Free Dry Dog Food Duck & Lentil Recipe

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

WholeHearted Grain Free Dry Dog Food Duck & Lentil Recipe 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 WholeHearted Grain Free Dry Dog Food Duck & Lentil Recipe, we'll examine all 42 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 meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients that support healthy muscle growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system in dogs.

  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. Pea flour is a gluten-free source of carbohydrates and protein that offers an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It is also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

  7. Fava beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, which support digestion and contribute to satiety.

  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. 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.

  10. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight 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. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  13. 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.

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

  15. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

  16. 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.

  17. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  18. Dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health.

  19. Dried lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product is a probiotic that helps support your dog's digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut flora. It can also promote a healthy immune system and may help alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or constipation.

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

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  25. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  26. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  31. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

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

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

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

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

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

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

  40. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 26.00% in the WholeHearted Grain Free Dry Dog Food is primarily derived from the duck and duck meal listed as the first two ingredients. Duck is a high-quality source of protein that contributes significantly to this percentage. Duck meal, which is a concentrated form of duck that has been rendered to remove moisture, provides an even more concentrated source of protein.

The crude fat minimum of 14.00% is likely to come from several ingredients including the chicken fat, which is a rich source of energy and essential fatty acids. Chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols, is a common ingredient in pet foods to increase the fat content. Additionally, flaxseed and salmon oil contribute to the fat content, offering omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for a dog's skin and coat health.

The maximum crude fiber content of 5.00% can be attributed to the inclusion of lentils, chickpeas, peas, pea flour, and fava beans, which are all sources of plant-based fiber. Tomato pomace is another ingredient that provides dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining good digestive health in dogs. The dried chicory root is also a source of inulin, a type of soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic to support healthy gut bacteria.

These ingredients, in combination, are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dogs, ensuring a balanced diet for the canine consumer.