Dogswell Happy Hips Lamb & Sweet Potato Stew Review

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Review of Dogswell Happy Hips Lamb & Sweet Potato Stew

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

Dogswell Happy Hips Lamb & Sweet Potato Stew 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 Dogswell Happy Hips Lamb & Sweet Potato Stew, we'll examine all 44 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. Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.

  2. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  3. Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

  4. 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.

  5. Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.

  6. 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.

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

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

  9. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Red pepper is a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

  16. Shrimp meal is a concentrated source of protein and provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  17. 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.

  18. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  19. Used in small amounts, garlic powder can provide some health benefits for dogs, such as supporting the immune system and acting as a natural flea repellent.

  20. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat in dogs, while also supporting heart health and immune function.

  21. Squash is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It can help support healthy digestion, maintain a strong immune system, and contribute to overall well-being.

  22. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  23. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  24. Zucchini is a nutritious vegetable that provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting your dog's overall health and supporting a healthy digestive system.

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

  26. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  27. Chondroitin sulfate is a vital component in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. It helps to reduce joint inflammation, support joint mobility, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

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

  29. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.

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

  31. Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

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

  33. Cobalt amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that supports the production of vitamin B12 and overall red blood cell health in dogs.

  34. Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.

  35. Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.

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

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

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

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

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

  44. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a vital supplement that supports joint health and mobility in dogs. It helps maintain the cartilage in joints, reducing inflammation and promoting overall joint comfort.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value for Crude Protein of a minimum of 8.00% is likely contributed by the lamb, lamb liver, beef, beef liver, salmon, and dried egg product listed in the ingredients. These are all high-quality protein sources that are common in pet foods and are known for their high protein content. The inclusion of multiple animal-based proteins ensures a rich amino acid profile that supports the muscle health and overall well-being of the dog.

The Crude Fat minimum of 4.00% is most likely derived from the lamb, beef, salmon, canola oil, and flaxseed oil in the ingredients. These components contain natural fats that are beneficial for a dog's energy, skin, and coat health. Salmon is particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.00% suggests that the food is not particularly high in fiber. The ingredients contributing to this fiber content are likely the sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and possibly some other vegetables like spinach, squash, and zucchini. Fiber is essential for digestive health, but since this is a wet food, the fiber content is typically lower than in dry kibble.

The calorie content of 941.00 per kg can be attributed to the combined caloric value of all the ingredients, with the primary contributors being the protein and fat sources. Since proteins and fats are more calorie-dense than carbohydrates, the meats and oils in the product are likely responsible for a significant portion of the caloric value.

Additional ingredients like shrimp meal (a source of glucosamine), chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine hydrochloride are included for joint health, which is in line with the "Happy Hips" claim of the product. These ingredients wouldn't significantly affect the guaranteed analysis values but are important for the overall nutritional purpose of the food. Vitamins and minerals listed are for ensuring a balanced diet and would not have a notable impact on the primary guaranteed analysis values.