WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken Dinner Minced In Gravy Review

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Review of WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken Dinner Minced In Gravy

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

WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken Dinner Minced In Gravy 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 WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken Dinner Minced In Gravy, we'll examine all 33 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. 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.

  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. 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.

  6. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  7. Calcium sulfate is a natural source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth in your dog. Calcium is also important for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

  8. 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.

  9. Sodium acid pyrophosphate is a food additive that helps maintain the texture and appearance of dog food, ensuring consistent quality and freshness.

  10. Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.

  11. 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.

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

  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. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

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

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

  17. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  18. Reduced iron is an essential mineral that helps support your dog's red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall immune system function.

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

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  24. 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.

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

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

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

  33. 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 7.00% is primarily derived from the chicken and pea protein found in the ingredients list. Chicken, being the first ingredient, suggests it is the most abundant and thus the primary source of animal protein. Pea protein is a concentrated form of protein from peas and also contributes to the overall protein content.

Crude fat with a minimum of 4.00% is most likely coming from the chicken, as it naturally contains fats, and the added fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken is a source of both saturated and unsaturated fats, while fish oil is a concentrated source of healthy fats that not only contribute to the fat content but also provide nutritional benefits for skin and coat health in dogs.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.00% indicates a low fiber diet, which is suitable for some small breed dogs. The fiber in this pet food likely comes from the carrots and peas, as vegetables are a common source of dietary fiber in both human and pet foods. Tapioca starch, while primarily a carbohydrate source, may also contribute a small amount of dietary fiber. The low fiber content is consistent with the product being a "minced in gravy" style food, which typically contains less fiber than dry kibble or foods with higher vegetable content.