Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (Flaked) Review
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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (Flaked)
According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (Flaked) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (Flaked), we'll examine all 32 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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.
Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats and essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin, coat, and overall well-being. This ingredient also provides energy and helps maintain a balanced weight for your feline friend.
Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.
Tricalcium Phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps maintain strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function in cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.
Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports various body functions, such as the production of red blood cells, nerve function, and immune health.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Carrageenan is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from seaweed, used to improve the texture and consistency of wet cat food. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety, linking it to gastrointestinal issues in pets. Some pet owners may choose to avoid products containing carrageenan.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 11.00% is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, chicken. Chicken is a high-quality source of complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids that pets need. The chicken broth may also contribute to this protein value.
The Crude Fat minimum of 2.00% is likely contributed by the chicken and the canola oil. Chicken contains a certain amount of fat naturally, and the canola oil is an added source of fat. Fats are essential for skin and coat health, and they also provide a concentrated source of energy.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.00% is likely contributed by the pumpkin. Pumpkin is a source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help to provide a feeling of fullness. The guar gum may also contribute to this fiber content.
The calorie content of 857.00 per kg is determined by the overall composition of the food, including all the ingredients. However, it's worth noting that fats (like the canola oil included here) are a dense source of calories. Proteins and carbohydrates (provided by ingredients like chicken and pumpkin) also contribute to the calorie content, but to a lesser extent.
The minerals and vitamins listed (like Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, etc.) are added to ensure the pet food meets the nutritional requirements of pets. They don't directly contribute to the crude protein, fat, or fiber values, but they are essential for overall health. Similarly, ingredients like salt and choline chloride are added for taste and to meet specific nutritional needs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (Flaked) costs approximately $12.57 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $314.29 |
| 10 lbs | $528.57 |
| 15 lbs | $716.43 |
| 20 lbs | $888.95 |
| 30 lbs | $1204.88 |
| 40 lbs | $1495.03 |
| 50 lbs | $1767.39 |
| 60 lbs | $2026.36 |
| 70 lbs | $2274.72 |
| 80 lbs | $2514.32 |
| 90 lbs | $2746.54 |
| 100 lbs | $2972.38 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally seem to appreciate the quality and simplicity of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Pumpkin Formula, particularly for cats with sensitive stomachs or specific dietary needs. One customer has found that the food, when served on a lick mat, has helped control their former feral kitten's regurgitation issues, and they appreciate that the food doesn't emit a strong odor.
Several reviews mention the food's palatability and effectiveness for cats with digestive problems. One cat, who had previously only tolerated chicken and green pea flavors, showed a preference for the flaky texture of this food. Another customer noted that their cat, who has digestive issues, eagerly consumes the food when it's blended, indicating a strong preference for the taste.
Despite some concerns about portion size and packaging, the food has received praise for its ingredients and the visible chunks of chicken and pumpkin. One cat's diabetic condition improved with this vet-recommended diet, suggesting that the food is not only appetizing but also beneficial for health. Customers also appreciate the convenience of the packaging and the fact that their cats enjoy even the pumpkin pieces included in the formula.
