Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef & Chickpea Recipe Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef & Chickpea Recipe

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

Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef & Chickpea 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 Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef & Chickpea Recipe, we'll examine all 41 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. Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  3. Organic pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is easily digestible and rich in essential amino acids. It can provide a valuable supplement to meat-based proteins in dog food.

  4. Organic chickpea is a protein-rich legume that offers a variety of health benefits for dogs. Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic chickpeas provide essential amino acids, dietary fiber, and important nutrients, such as iron and B vitamins. They also have a low glycemic index, making them a suitable choice for dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

  5. Organic peas are a nutritious ingredient in dog food, providing a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. They support your dog's digestion, immune system, and overall health. Organic peas are also an environmentally friendly and sustainable ingredient.

  6. Organic lentils are a good source of fiber, protein, and various essential nutrients. They can contribute to a balanced diet and aid in digestion.

  7. Organic tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog. It is also low in fat and protein, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

  8. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  9. Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

  10. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  11. Organic coconut oil is a healthy fat source that contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can promote brain health, improve digestion, and support your dog's immune system.

  12. 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.

  13. Organic Sunflower Seed Meal is a good source of protein and fiber, as well as essential fatty acids that can help support skin and coat health.

  14. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  15. 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.

  16. Organic flaxseed is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants that can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestion, and overall well-being. The organic nature of the ingredient ensures it is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.

  17. Organic alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog. It's an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help support immune system function, and fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  18. Organic apple is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Apples can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly and contribute to overall health.

  19. Organic blueberries are a nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can help support your dog's overall health by promoting a strong immune system, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat.

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

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

  32. 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.

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

  34. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  35. Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.

  36. 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.

  37. Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.

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

  39. 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.

  40. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  41. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 34.00%: The high protein content is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, beef, which is a rich source of animal protein. Other protein-rich ingredients include lamb meal, organic pea protein, chicken meal, whitefish meal, and turkey meal. These meals are concentrated forms of protein as they are rendered and dried sources of meat. The organic pea protein, along with organic chickpeas, peas, and lentils, also contribute to the overall protein content, providing plant-based proteins to the diet.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The fat content is likely coming from the beef, which naturally contains fat, as well as added fats and oils like organic coconut oil and chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols). Chicken fat is a common ingredient in pet foods as a source of energy and fatty acids. The fat content is essential for energy, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and for maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: Fiber is found in the carbohydrate sources of the food, such as organic chickpeas, peas, lentils, and tapioca. Organic flaxseed and organic alfalfa meal also contribute to the fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support the gut microbiome. The maximum of 3.5% indicates a controlled level to ensure proper digestion and stool quality.

Calories of 3693.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high protein and fat levels, particularly from the animal and plant-based proteins and the added fats, are calorie-dense and contribute significantly to the total caloric content of the food. This energy density ensures that pets receive sufficient energy for their daily activities from smaller amounts of food.