Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Indoor Cats Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Indoor 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 Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Indoor 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 Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Indoor Cats, we'll examine all 58 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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Tapioca Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source used in cat food. It's easily digestible and can provide energy for your cat.
Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.
Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.
Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Dried Plain Beet Pulp is a beneficial source of fiber that helps to promote healthy digestion and support your cat's gut health by maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin K, which support bone health.
Sweet Potato is a healthy, nutrient-rich carbohydrate source for your cat, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support digestive health.
Potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Dried vegetable broth is used to enhance the flavor of the food, making it more appealing to cats.
Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your cat's skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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.
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.
Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, is an antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system, combat oxidative stress, and promote overall health. Although cats can produce their own vitamin C, supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations or for specific health needs.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.
Dried Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance. It also offers important vitamins and minerals.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.
Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.
Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.
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.
Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.
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.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.
Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's mood regulation, sleep cycle, and overall well-being. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in your cat.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing a tangy flavor that can stimulate your cat's appetite.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Yucca Schidigera Extract is a natural ingredient that helps reduce the odor of your cat's waste. It contains compounds that bind to ammonia, reducing its release and making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.
L-lysine monohydrochloride is a source of the essential amino acid lysine, which is important for the production of certain proteins, antibodies, and enzymes. It also plays a key role in calcium absorption and collagen formation.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis value of Crude Protein (min) of 33.00% is primarily contributed by the chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal listed in the ingredients. Chicken and chicken meal are high-quality sources of protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health. Salmon meal is also a dense source of protein and provides additional omega-3 fatty acids.
The Crude Fat (min) of 15.00% is likely due to the chicken fat, salmon meal, and menhaden fish oil in the ingredients list. Chicken fat is a high-energy source of fat and also contains omega-6 fatty acids. Menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a cat's skin, coat, and overall health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 6.50% is probably derived from ingredients such as pea fiber, dried plain beet pulp, and dehydrated alfalfa meal. These ingredients are known to be good sources of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and can aid in preventing hairballs, a common issue for indoor cats.
The Calories of 3480.00 per kg are a measure of the energy provided by the food, which comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal provide calories from proteins; chicken fat and menhaden fish oil provide calories from fats; and carbohydrates come from sources like tapioca starch, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. These ingredients together contribute to the total caloric content of the pet food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula For Indoor Cats costs approximately $3.33 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $20.51 |
| 10 lbs | $34.49 |
| 15 lbs | $46.75 |
| 20 lbs | $58.01 |
| 30 lbs | $78.63 |
| 40 lbs | $97.56 |
| 50 lbs | $115.33 |
| 60 lbs | $132.23 |
| 70 lbs | $148.44 |
| 80 lbs | $164.08 |
| 90 lbs | $179.23 |
| 100 lbs | $193.97 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with older cats have expressed satisfaction with the Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Meal Formula, noting that their senior pets enjoy the taste and have experienced no adverse reactions, even when allergies are a concern. This indicates that the food is well-suited for cats with dietary sensitivities and can be a good choice for owners looking for hypoallergenic options.
Many pet owners have observed positive changes in their cats' health and behavior after switching to this food. Cats seem to find the flavor appealing, transitioning easily from other brands without issue. Reports of increased energy levels and improved digestion, including resolution of constipation and maintenance of a healthy weight, suggest that the food's nutritional profile is beneficial for indoor cats.
Despite some isolated negative feedback regarding a change in ingredients and potential allergic reactions, the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Cats, including picky eaters, appear to enjoy the taste, and owners appreciate the quality ingredients and the value for money. The food's ability to improve coat softness and shine is also frequently mentioned, indicating that it has a positive impact on the cat's overall well-being.
In cases where cats experienced allergic reactions, it's important to recognize that individual sensitivities can vary, and what works well for one cat might not be suitable for another. The brand's commitment to providing a balanced diet is evident, but as with any pet food, it's crucial for owners to monitor their pets and consult with a veterinarian if any health issues arise.
