Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Puppies Review
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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Puppies
According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Puppies, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
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.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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
1. Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: The main source of protein in this pet food product is the first ingredient, Duck, and the second ingredient, Duck Meal. Duck is a high-quality source of protein that can help build muscles and maintain body tissues. Duck Meal is a concentrated form of duck protein because it has already been cooked and the water has been removed. The Potato Protein also contributes to the protein content.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The primary sources of fat in this product are the Canola Oil and Menhaden Fish Oil. Fats are essential in the diet of dogs for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and they also provide energy. The Duck and Duck Meal will also contribute to the fat content.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber in this product mainly comes from the Sweet Potatoes and Flaxseed. Fiber is important in a dog's diet to support digestive health and provide a sense of fullness.
4. Calories of 3649.00 per kg: The total caloric content is a result of the combination of all the ingredients, but the primary contributors would be the Duck, Duck Meal, Potatoes, and Sweet Potatoes as they are the first four ingredients listed. The Canola Oil and Menhaden Fish Oil also contribute significantly to the calorie content due to their high fat content.
The remaining ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and other supplements, contribute to the overall nutritional balance of the food but do not significantly impact the guaranteed analysis values.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $4.78 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $17.98 |
| 10 lbs | $30.23 |
| 15 lbs | $40.98 |
| 20 lbs | $50.84 |
| 30 lbs | $68.91 |
| 40 lbs | $85.51 |
| 50 lbs | $101.09 |
| 60 lbs | $115.90 |
| 70 lbs | $130.10 |
| 80 lbs | $143.81 |
| 90 lbs | $157.09 |
| 100 lbs | $170.01 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with puppies suffering from food allergies and sensitive stomachs have reported excellent results after switching to Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe. Many puppies that experienced loose stools or digestive issues with other brands have shown significant improvement, with firmer stools and more energy. The food's limited ingredients have also been praised for reducing allergic reactions and promoting a shiny coat.
Several pet owners have noted that their puppies, who are picky eaters or have specific protein sensitivities, eagerly eat this duck and potato formula. The transition from other foods to Natural Balance has been smooth for many, with puppies showing immediate positive changes in their digestion and bowel movements. The smaller kibble size is also appreciated, particularly for larger breeds that prefer it.
Despite some isolated negative experiences, where a puppy may not have taken well to the food or a pet developed a rash, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Owners are relieved to find a food that resolves gastrointestinal issues and are happy to see their puppies enjoying their meals. The brand loyalty to Natural Balance is evident, with many customers sticking with the brand and recommending it to others facing similar dietary challenges with their pets.
