Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & 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 Lamb & 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 Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 36 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.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
Lamb broth not only enhances the flavor of the food, but also provides hydration and essential nutrients to your dog's diet.
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.
Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
Natural smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
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 Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
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.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
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.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
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.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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 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.
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.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.
Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 8.00% is most likely contributed by the Lamb, Lamb Liver, and Lamb Broth. These are all high-protein ingredients, with lamb meat being a particularly rich source of complete protein, providing all essential amino acids needed by dogs.
The Crude Fat minimum of 8.00% is likely contributed by the Lamb, Lamb Liver, and Canola Oil. Lamb and lamb liver are both naturally high in fat, and canola oil is an added fat source. Fat is an essential part of a dog's diet, providing energy, aiding in vitamin absorption, and contributing to skin and coat health.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.50% is likely coming from the Brown Rice, Ground Flaxseed, and Dried Kelp. Brown Rice and Flaxseeds are both good sources of dietary fiber which aids in digestion and helps to maintain a healthy weight. Dried Kelp also provides some fiber, along with a variety of other nutrients.
The 1530.00 calories per kg is the cumulative energy provided by all the ingredients, but the main calorie contributors would be the Lamb, Brown Rice, and Canola Oil. Lamb is a high-calorie meat due to its protein and fat content. Brown rice is a carbohydrate, which provides a good source of energy. Canola oil is high in calories due to its fat content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are likely added as supplements to ensure a balanced diet. These include Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin C Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, and Folic Acid. These are essential for various bodily functions such as immune function, bone health, and energy metabolism.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $4.90 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 | $68.59 |
| 10 lbs | $115.36 |
| 15 lbs | $156.36 |
| 20 lbs | $194.01 |
| 30 lbs | $262.96 |
| 40 lbs | $326.28 |
| 50 lbs | $385.72 |
| 60 lbs | $442.24 |
| 70 lbs | $496.44 |
| 80 lbs | $548.73 |
| 90 lbs | $599.41 |
| 100 lbs | $648.70 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe for its ability to cater to dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. One dog owner mentioned that their Westie's coat improved after switching to this food, while another highlighted the food's positive impact on their dog's stomach issues. The recipe's limited ingredients seem to be well-received by pets with specific dietary needs.
Some reviewers have observed that the food has a dry texture, but this concern is often mitigated by adding broth or water to make it more palatable for their dogs. A few customers have also praised the removal of carrageenan from the recipe, despite the change in texture, valuing the health benefits over the consistency of the food.
Several dog owners have expressed satisfaction with the product's quality, noting that their dogs enjoy the taste and have not experienced any adverse reactions. The food is also commended for its use of healthy, limited ingredients without common allergens, making it a good choice for dogs with allergies.
While there are mentions of inconsistency in texture and quality across different batches, some customers have found ways to adapt, such as mixing the wet food with kibble or warming it up to enhance its texture. The overall sentiment from positive reviews is that Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe is a reliable option for dogs with special dietary requirements.
