Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats Mini Jumpin' Stix - Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Review

Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats Mini Jumpin' Stix - Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula

According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats Mini Jumpin' Stix - Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula, we'll examine all 17 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

2. Water is an essential ingredient in wet dog food, providing hydration and helping to maintain the proper texture of the food.

3. Dried sweet potato is a source of dietary fiber which aids in healthy digestion, and also contains vitamins like vitamin A and C.

4. 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.

5. Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.

6. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

7. While sugar can be found in small amounts in some dog food recipes, it is not considered an essential ingredient for dogs. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other health problems in dogs. It is essential to provide a balanced diet with limited added sugars.

8. Cane molasses is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to your dog's food, making it more palatable and enjoyable.

9. 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.

10. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

11. Sorbic acid is a food-grade preservative used to maintain freshness and extend shelf life in dog food. It is generally recognized as safe for consumption in small amounts.

12. 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.

13. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a vital supplement that supports joint health and mobility in dogs. It helps maintain the cartilage in joints, reducing inflammation and promoting overall joint comfort.

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

15. Chondroitin sulfate is a vital component in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. It helps to reduce joint inflammation, support joint mobility, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

16. 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.

17. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 19.00%: The primary contributor to the crude protein content in this pet food is the chicken. As the first ingredient listed, it indicates that chicken is the most significant component by weight before cooking. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein which is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in pets. Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin Sulfate, while included for joint health, also contain protein, but their contribution to the overall protein content is likely minimal compared to the chicken.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: Chicken is again a significant contributor to the fat content, as animal meat naturally contains fats which are a good source of energy for pets. In addition to the chicken, other ingredients such as glycerin and possibly the cane molasses may also contribute small amounts of fat. However, it's primarily the chicken that provides the essential fatty acids necessary for a healthy coat, skin, and overall well-being of the pet.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The dietary fiber in this pet food product is likely coming from the dried sweet potatoes and dried potatoes. Fiber is not digested by the pet's body, so it contributes to the bulk of the stool and helps maintain healthy digestive functions. Sweet potatoes are known for being a good source of dietary fiber, so they are a fitting choice for a limited ingredient diet aimed at promoting good digestive health. The amount of fiber is capped at a maximum of 4.00%, which helps ensure that the diet isn't too high in fiber, which could be counterproductive for some pets.