Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Sweet Potato & Bison Recipe Review

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Sweet Potato & Bison 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 Sweet Potato & Bison 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 Sweet Potato & Bison Recipe, 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.

  1. 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.

  2. Bison is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It's also a great alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins, as it is less likely to trigger allergies.

  3. 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.

  4. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  5. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  6. 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.

  7. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  11. Dried potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides dogs with the energy they need for daily activities. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  16. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  17. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  18. 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.

  19. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  20. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  21. 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.

  22. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  23. 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.

  24. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  28. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  29. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  35. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  36. 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.

  37. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  41. 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 20.00% is likely derived from the Bison, Potato Protein, and Pea Protein listed in the ingredients. Bison is a high-quality source of animal protein, while Potato Protein and Pea Protein are plant-based proteins that can supplement the animal protein.

The Crude Fat minimum of 10.00% is likely to come from the Bison, Canola Oil, and Menhaden Fish Oil. Bison, being a meat source, naturally contains some fats. Canola Oil and Menhaden Fish Oil are added fats that also contribute to the overall fat content. These fats are essential for providing energy and supporting cell growth.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.00% is primarily derived from the Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Flaxseed in the ingredients. Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. Flaxseed also contributes to the fiber content and provides additional benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids.

The Calories of 3460.00 per kg can be attributed to the combination of all the ingredients. However, the primary calorie contributors are likely the Sweet Potatoes, Bison, and Canola Oil. Sweet Potatoes and Bison provide a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, while Canola Oil is a high-calorie fat source.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Sweet Potato & Bison Recipe costs approximately $4.08 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $25.28
10 lbs $42.51
15 lbs $57.62
20 lbs $71.49
30 lbs $96.90
40 lbs $120.23
50 lbs $142.13
60 lbs $162.96
70 lbs $182.93
80 lbs $202.20
90 lbs $220.88
100 lbs $239.04

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have been very pleased with the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Sweet Potato & Bison Recipe, particularly for dogs with specific dietary needs. Many have reported that their dogs with allergies and food sensitivities have shown significant improvement after switching to this formula. The inclusion of bison as a novel protein source has been beneficial for pets with allergies to more common proteins like chicken and beef.

The size and quality of the kibble have also been points of satisfaction, with owners noting that their dogs find the kibble to be the perfect size and that the ingredients appear to be of good quality. The food has been credited with restoring energy and vitality in older dogs, as well as improving the condition of their skin and coat.

Some negative reviews have mentioned changes in the recipe or dissatisfaction with the food's smell, but these seem to be isolated incidents. A few have observed that their dogs did not take to the new formula or that it caused gastrointestinal issues. However, these experiences are contrasted by numerous positive outcomes where dogs have thrived on the food, suggesting that results may vary depending on the individual pet.

For picky eaters, while some dogs may not have been immediately enthusiastic about the food, others have shown a strong preference for the bison and sweet potato flavor over other options. Owners of dogs with sensitive stomachs have been particularly relieved to find a food that their pets can not only tolerate but also enjoy.

In summary, the majority of reviewers have found Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Sweet Potato & Bison Recipe to be an excellent choice for their dogs, especially for those with specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. The positive impact on dogs' overall well-being has been a recurring theme in customer feedback.