Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review
$18.19 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
$22.38 w/ code PawDiet20
Use Code: PawDiet20
$18.19 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
$42.38 w/ code PawDiet20
Use Code: PawDiet20
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs
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 & Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs 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 & Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 41 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.
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.
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.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
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.
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.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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 minimum of 24.00% is most likely contributed primarily by the first two ingredients: Duck and Duck Meal. Duck is a high-quality source of animal protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair in dogs. Duck Meal, which is essentially duck meat that has been cooked down to a concentrated protein source, also contributes significantly to the protein content.
The Crude Fat minimum of 10.00% is likely contributed by the Duck, Duck Meal, and Canola Oil. Canola Oil is a source of fat that also provides essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are important for skin and coat health, as well as overall energy levels. Menhaden Fish Oil also contributes to the fat content and provides additional omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.00% is likely due to the Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Flaxseed in the ingredient list. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Flaxseed also contributes fiber, as well as additional protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
The calorie content of 3431.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients combined, but primarily from the protein and fat sources. The Duck, Duck Meal, and Canola Oil are high in calories, providing the energy that small breed dogs need. The carbohydrates from the Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes also contribute to the overall calorie count.
The remaining ingredients, including Tapioca Starch, Brewers Dried Yeast, and the various vitamins and minerals, contribute to the overall nutritional balance of the food, but do not significantly impact the guaranteed analysis values. These ingredients are important for providing a complete and balanced diet for dogs, supporting various health aspects like immune function, bone health, and metabolic processes.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $5.22 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 | $32.60 |
| 10 lbs | $54.83 |
| 15 lbs | $74.32 |
| 20 lbs | $92.22 |
| 30 lbs | $124.99 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with small breed dogs appreciate the size of the kibble, finding it perfect for their pets' smaller mouths. Many have noted that their dogs with allergies and sensitivities have responded well to the limited ingredient formula, highlighting the duck and potato recipe as particularly beneficial. The small bites are not only favored by tiny breeds but also by larger dogs who prefer smaller pieces.
Several reviewers have reported that their picky eaters or dogs with digestive issues have taken to this food with enthusiasm. The limited ingredient list is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, with owners feeling more confident about feeding their pets a simpler diet. This has been especially true for dogs with specific protein allergies, where duck serves as a suitable alternative.
Some customers have reported quality control issues with the product, such as the presence of moths or changes in kibble color that coincided with digestive upset in their pets. However, these seem to be isolated incidents, with the majority of feedback focusing on the positive impact of the food on their dogs' health and enjoyment. In contrast, those who have seen improvements in their dogs' conditions, such as reduced gas, healthy weight, and alleviation of allergy symptoms, often credit this food as a key factor.
