Eukanuba Excel Adult Salmon Review

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Review of Eukanuba Excel Adult Salmon

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

Eukanuba Excel Adult Salmon 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 Eukanuba Excel Adult Salmon, we'll examine all 42 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. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  3. Ground whole grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. This ingredient can help support healthy digestion, maintain steady energy levels, and contribute to your dog's overall well-being.

  4. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

  5. Ground whole grain barley is a healthy and nutritious source of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. This whole grain supports your dog's digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes overall health and well-being.

  6. 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.

  7. Fish meal is a highly digestible protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It supports skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  8. 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.

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

  10. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  11. 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.

  12. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

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

  14. 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.

  15. Sodium hexametaphosphate is an ingredient that helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth. It promotes dental health and reduces the risk of periodontal disease, keeping your dog's mouth healthy and clean.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

  26. Cobalt carbonate is a trace mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of vitamin B12, supporting your dog's metabolism, energy production, and overall health.

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

  28. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  35. Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that plays a crucial role in your dog's overall health. It aids in the proper functioning of cell membranes, supports the nervous system, and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Inositol also contributes to fat metabolism, which can help manage your dog's weight and support heart health.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

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

  40. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 23.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The primary contributors to the protein content in this pet food are the salmon, chicken meal, and fish meal. Salmon is a high-quality protein source for dogs and is the first ingredient listed, suggesting it is the most abundant by weight. Chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of chicken with most of the water and fat removed, is also rich in protein. Fish meal, another concentrated protein source, not only contributes to the overall protein content but also provides essential fatty acids.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is at least 14% of the food. The ingredients contributing to the fat content include salmon, chicken fat, and fish meal. Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats. Chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), is a high-energy source and also supplies essential fatty acids. The fish meal would also have a significant fat content, including more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: This value represents the maximum amount of fiber in the product. Fiber comes from the indigestible parts of plant-based ingredients. In this pet food, the primary sources of fiber are likely to be the brewers rice, ground whole grain sorghum, potato, ground whole grain barley, and dried beet pulp. Beet pulp, in particular, is commonly used in dog foods as a fiber source that aids in digestive health. Ground whole grains also contribute to the overall dietary fiber, helping to ensure proper bowel function.

The other ingredients listed, such as dried egg product, natural flavor, brewers dried yeast, and the various vitamins and minerals, contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the food but are not major contributors to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber. Instead, they are included to provide a complete and balanced diet, ensuring the food meets the dog's nutritional needs.