Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe Review

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe

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

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe 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 Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 35 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. Bison is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It's also a great alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins, as it is less likely to trigger allergies.

  2. Vegetable broth provides not only hydration but also essential nutrients and flavor to make the meal more appealing to dogs.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  6. Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.

  7. Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

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

  11. Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.

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

  13. 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.

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

  15. Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.

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

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

  18. 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.

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

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

  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. 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.

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

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

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

  32. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

  33. Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.

  34. 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.

  35. Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 6.00%: This value indicates that the pet food contains a minimum of 6% crude protein. Protein is an essential nutrient in a pet's diet, contributing to muscle growth and maintenance, tissue repair, immune function, and more. The source of this protein can vary, but in this case, it is likely derived from the bison listed in the product's name.

Crude Fat (min) of 4.00%: This figure tells us that the product contains at least 4% crude fat. Fats are a crucial part of a balanced pet diet, providing energy, aiding vitamin absorption, and contributing to skin and coat health. The fat in this pet food could come from the bison or other sources, such as oils or fats added during production.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: The pet food contains a maximum of 1.5% crude fiber. Fiber is an important part of a pet's diet, aiding in digestion and helping to maintain a healthy weight. It can come from various sources, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Given the product's name, it's likely that a significant portion of the fiber comes from sweet potatoes.

Calories of 1020.00 per kg: This value indicates the energy content of the food, with each kilogram providing 1020 calories. This is important for pet owners to know so they can ensure they're feeding their pet the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. The calorie count depends on the balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food, as well as the overall digestibility of the product.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $5.82 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $122.14
10 lbs $205.42
15 lbs $278.42
20 lbs $345.47
30 lbs $468.25
40 lbs $581.01
50 lbs $686.85
60 lbs $787.50
70 lbs $884.01
80 lbs $977.13
90 lbs $1067.37
100 lbs $1155.14

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have found that the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe has been beneficial for their dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. One dog owner expressed gratitude for the product's return to the market, as it helped get their dog's skin allergies under control after a long absence. The limited ingredient formula has been praised for its effectiveness in managing food sensitivities and for containing fresh ingredients without fillers.

While some reviewers experienced issues with the consistency of the food, describing it as too runny or like apple sauce, others were pleased with the quality and the positive effects on their pets' health. A satisfied customer mentioned their old poodle's improved skin and stomach health when using this formula, highlighting its value despite a higher price point.

A few dogs with severe allergies or health issues, such as pancreatitis, have reportedly thrived on this diet, with owners noting the readable and healthy ingredients as a significant advantage. The product's grain-free and limited ingredient approach has made it a go-to for pet parents dealing with various dietary restrictions.

In contrast to some negative feedback regarding the texture or appeal of the food to some pets, there are reports of dogs loving the taste and never tiring of the brand. The food's palatability and quality ingredient list have impressed several customers who continue to choose Natural Balance for their furry companions.

Lastly, one owner highlighted the success of combining this wet food with grain-free, chicken-free dry food and salmon oil to alleviate their dog's sensitive skin issues, indicating a thoughtful approach to managing pet allergies with a mix of products.