Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Whitefish Formula In Broth For Cats Review

Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Whitefish Formula In Broth For Cats

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 High Protein Whitefish Formula In Broth For Cats 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 High Protein Whitefish Formula In Broth For Cats, we'll examine all 31 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. Whitefish is a lean and easily digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

2. Fish Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that can help maintain your cat's hydration levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.

3. Sunflower Oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which help maintain your cat's skin and coat health, while also supporting their immune system.

4. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

5. Tapioca Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source used in cat food. It's easily digestible and can provide energy for your cat.

6. Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

7. Sodium tripolyphosphate is often used in cat food as a preservative and texturizer. It helps in maintaining the texture and appearance of the food.

8. Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate is a food additive often used as a preservative and pH regulator. It helps maintain the texture and quality of the cat food, ensuring a consistent product for your pet. However, it is essential to monitor the overall phosphorus levels in your cat's diet, especially for those with kidney issues.

9. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

15. 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.

16. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

17. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

21. 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.

22. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

23. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

24. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

25. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

26. Reduced Iron is a source of bioavailable iron, which is crucial for your cat's red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health.

27. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

28. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

29. Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.

30. 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.

31. Magnesium Sulfate is an essential mineral for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function in cats.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value of crude protein at a minimum of 9.00% is primarily derived from the first ingredient listed, whitefish. Whitefish is a high-quality source of protein that contributes significantly to the protein content of the pet food. Fish, in general, is rich in amino acids necessary for a cat's health, and as the main ingredient, it is the primary contributor to this value.

The crude fat minimum of 2.00% is most likely contributed by both the whitefish and the sunflower oil. Whitefish contains natural fats that are beneficial to a cat's diet, providing essential fatty acids. Sunflower oil is added as an additional fat source, which not only contributes to the overall fat content but also provides a blend of fatty acids that are important for a healthy coat and skin.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.00% indicates that this is a low-fiber diet, which is suitable for cats as they require a diet that is high in protein and low in fiber. The ingredients that contribute to this fiber content are likely to be the carrots and possibly the tapioca starch. Carrots provide dietary fiber, but given their placement on the ingredient list and the low fiber guarantee, they are present in small quantities. Tapioca starch may also contribute a small amount of dietary fiber.

Lastly, the caloric content of 776.00 calories per kg is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet. This energy content is influenced by all the macronutrients in the food, with the whitefish and sunflower oil being the primary contributors due to their protein and fat content, respectively. Carbohydrates from ingredients such as tapioca starch also contribute to the overall caloric content, although to a lesser extent given the lower requirement for carbohydrates in feline diets.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Whitefish Formula In Broth For Cats costs approximately $8.69 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.