WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Salmon & Pea Recipe Review

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Review of WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Salmon & Pea 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 Small Breed Salmon & Pea 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 Small Breed Salmon & Pea Recipe, we'll examine all 48 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. 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.

  2. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

  7. Canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. It's preserved with mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E) to maintain freshness.

  8. 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.

  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. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  12. 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.

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

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. The dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora.

  22. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  23. 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.

  24. The dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic that supports digestive health in dogs. It helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promoting overall well-being and immune function.

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  42. 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.

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

  44. 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.

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

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

  47. 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.

  48. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 27.00%: The primary contributors to the high protein content in this pet food are the salmon and salmon meal, which are the first two ingredients listed, indicating they are present in the highest quantities. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein that is also rich in essential fatty acids. Salmon meal, which is rendered from whole salmon, is a concentrated form of protein because the water has been removed. Peas and lentils also contribute to the overall protein content, as they are good plant-based sources of protein.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the salmon, canola oil, and flaxseed. Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats beneficial for a dog's skin and coat. Canola oil is added as a fat source and is preserved with mixed tocopherols, which are a form of vitamin E used as a natural preservative. Flaxseed is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and contributes to the total fat content.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber in this pet food comes from ingredients such as peas, lentils, pea flour, sweet potatoes, and tomato pomace. These ingredients are less digestible than meats and provide the necessary dietary fiber that aids in digestive health. The inclusion of dried chicory root, which is a source of inulin, also contributes to the fiber content and acts as a prebiotic to support healthy gut bacteria.

Calories of 3640.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the combined macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – in the food. The high protein from salmon and salmon meal, the fat from canola oil and flaxseed, and carbohydrates from peas, lentils, and sweet potatoes all contribute to the total caloric value. The calorie density of this food makes it suitable for small breed dogs, which often require more calories per pound of body weight due to their higher metabolic rates.