Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe

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

Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice 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 Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 62 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. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  2. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  3. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, promoting your dog's heart health and bone health.

  4. 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.

  5. Ground grain sorghum is a gluten-free, whole-grain ingredient that provides a source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and sustained energy levels for your dog.

  6. Oat groats provide a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion and 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. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.

  12. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  13. Monosodium phosphate is often used in dog foods as a source of phosphorus, a mineral that is essential for bone health and energy production in your dog's body.

  14. Lecithin is a naturally occurring fatty substance that can help support your dog's overall health. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and provides essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Additionally, lecithin aids in fat digestion and absorption, promoting optimal nutrient utilization.

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

  16. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

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

  18. 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.

  19. Dried apple pomace is a natural source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for dogs. It supports digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being.

  20. Pumpkin meal is a rich source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and promotes regular bowel movements in your dog. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, potassium, and iron, for overall health.

  21. Dried seaweed meal is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  22. Dried cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, which can help support your dog's digestive health and urinary tract health.

  23. Dried blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system, eye health, and overall well-being. This ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and nutritious.

  24. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in your dog. They may help support your dog's digestive and immune health.

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

  26. 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.

  27. Ground rosemary is an antioxidant-rich herb that can help support your dog's overall health. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit dogs with joint issues and can also aid in digestion, making it a valuable addition to your dog's diet.

  28. Ground thyme contains natural antioxidants and adds a subtle flavor to your dog's food, while also promoting overall health.

  29. While ground cumin is mainly used for flavor, it also provides some antioxidant benefits, although it is typically used in small amounts.

  30. Ground yellow mustard is a flavorful and nutritious ingredient that contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your dog's immune system and overall well-being.

  31. Crushed red chili pepper is a spice that adds a unique flavor to dog food. In small amounts, it can be beneficial to your dog's digestion and metabolism. However, it is essential to use caution with this ingredient, as excessive amounts can cause irritation and discomfort.

  32. 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.

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

  34. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  35. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

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

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

  41. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  42. 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.

  43. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  44. 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.

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

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

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

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

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

  53. 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.

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

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

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

  57. 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.

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

  59. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

  60. 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.

  61. 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.

  62. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 24.50% is largely contributed by the Lamb Meal and Salmon Meal listed in the ingredients. Both lamb and salmon are high in protein, and being listed as the first and fourth ingredients indicates that they make up a significant portion of the food.

The Crude Fat minimum of 14.00% is likely contributed by the Canola Oil and Chicken Fat listed in the ingredients. Both of these ingredients are high in fat. The Salmon Meal also contributes to this value as fish is known for its good fat content.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.50% is most likely due to the Brown Rice, Millet, and Ground Grain Sorghum, as well as the Dried Plain Beet Pulp. These ingredients are known for their fiber content. The dried fruits such as Dried Cranberries and Dried Blueberries may also contribute to this value.

The Calories of 3492.00 per kg are a result of the combined ingredients, but the primary contributors are likely to be the protein and fat sources (Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Canola Oil, and Chicken Fat) due to their high energy content. The carbohydrates from the grains (Brown Rice, Millet, and Ground Grain Sorghum) also contribute to the calorie count.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $2.61 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $10.23$15.98
10 lbs $17.21$26.88
15 lbs $23.32$36.44
20 lbs $28.94$45.21
30 lbs $39.22$61.28
40 lbs $48.66$76.04
50 lbs $57.53$89.89
60 lbs $65.96$103.06
70 lbs $74.04$115.69
80 lbs $81.84$127.88
90 lbs $89.40$139.69
100 lbs $96.75$151.17

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have reported that Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe has been beneficial for their pets, particularly those with sensitive stomachs. One customer noted that this was the only food their lab could tolerate, while another mentioned how it was the only food their Morkie craved and ate without resulting in any digestive issues.

The product's resealable bag was also mentioned as a plus. Some customers reported noticeable improvements in their dogs' fur after using this product, with one mentioning that their pet's fur started to thicken and fill in after just one week of use.

This product seems to be well-loved by picky eaters. Customers have reported that their dogs, who normally refuse other brands, love this food. The food has been particularly beneficial for a dog that had struggled with stomach issues for the first couple of years of its life, with the owner reporting zero stomach problems since they started using this product.

Despite some negative reviews about the product's pricing and some dogs not liking the taste, the overall consensus is that this product is beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. One customer even mentioned that they decided to try this product after noticing how good their sister's lab looked after being fed this food. They are currently transitioning their own dog to this food and have reported positive results so far.