Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice 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 Duck & Brown Rice 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 Duck & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 39 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.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Duck meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients that support healthy muscle growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system in dogs.
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.
Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.
Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
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.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
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.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
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.
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.
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.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
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.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
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.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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
The crude protein content of at least 21.00% is primarily derived from the duck and duck meal listed at the beginning of the ingredient list. Duck is a high-quality source of protein, and duck meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered and contains less water than whole duck. These ingredients contribute significantly to the protein content, supporting muscle development and maintenance in pets.
The crude fat minimum of 14.00% is likely to come from the duck, which naturally contains fat, and the canola oil included in the ingredients. Canola oil is a source of essential fatty acids and contributes to the overall dietary fat content, which is crucial for energy, cell function, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 4.50%, which is a moderate amount for pet food. The fiber is probably coming from the brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran. These ingredients are less digestible plant materials that provide bulk and aid in healthy digestion. Fiber is essential for gastrointestinal health and can help to regulate bowel movements.
The calorie content of 3285.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy the food provides. The caloric content is influenced by the combined macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The duck and canola oil are calorie-dense ingredients contributing to the overall energy content, while the carbohydrates from the rice sources also add to the caloric total.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $4.28 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $27.90 |
| 10 lbs | $46.93 |
| 15 lbs | $63.60 |
| 20 lbs | $78.92 |
| 30 lbs | $106.97 |
| 40 lbs | $132.73 |
| 50 lbs | $156.91 |
| 60 lbs | $179.90 |
| 70 lbs | $201.95 |
| 80 lbs | $223.22 |
| 90 lbs | $243.84 |
| 100 lbs | $263.89 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies have found Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe to be a successful option. One Labrador owner switched from a high-protein puppy food to this formula to settle digestive issues, and another found it to be the only food that helped with their dog's IBD. The limited ingredients list is appreciated by those seeking simplicity and quality in their dog's diet.
Despite some negative feedback regarding scent and palatability, many dogs seem to enjoy the flavor of the duck and brown rice recipe. One dog owner mentioned that their spaniel/shepherd mix prefers this flavor over others and that the medium-sized kibble is perfect for their pet. Another customer reported that their picky spaniel transitioned well from a different brand to Natural Balance and now enjoys regular meals with improved digestion.
Several customers have praised the food for its positive impact on their dogs' health issues, such as skin allergies and gastrointestinal problems. One dog's staph infections and itching were alleviated after switching to this food. Another owner noted a significant improvement in their dog's coat and gas issues after transitioning to this duck formula.
Some customers have also mentioned the cost-effectiveness of the food, as it provides a more affordable alternative to prescription diets without compromising on their pets' health. A shepherd/malamute mix owner reported successful weight management and overall comfort for their dog since starting on this food.
Lastly, the food has been well-received in multi-dog households and by dogs of various breeds and sizes. Whether for rescue dogs or picky eaters, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe seems to be a hit with many canine companions, leading to shiny coats, increased energy, and overall satisfaction among pet parents.
