Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal Formula For Kittens Review

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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal Formula For Kittens

According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens, pregnant/nursing mothers, and adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal Formula For Kittens is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens, pregnant/nursing mothers, and adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal Formula For Kittens, we'll examine all 53 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 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.

  4. 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.

  5. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.

  6. 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.

  7. Duck Meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein that supports lean muscle development and overall well-being in cats.

  8. Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.

  9. 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.

  10. Dried Egg is a highly digestible source of protein and essential amino acids that support your cat's muscle development and maintenance, as well as overall health and wellness.

  11. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  12. Brown Rice is a whole grain ingredient that provides a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients to support your cat's energy levels and digestive health.

  13. 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.

  14. Oat Hull is a natural source of dietary fiber that helps support your cat's healthy digestion. It also provides essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, for overall well-being.

  15. Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.

  16. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  17. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  18. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  22. 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.

  23. Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.

  24. 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.

  25. Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.

  26. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  27. Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.

  33. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  34. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  38. 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.

  39. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  40. 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.

  41. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  45. Dried cranberry can help maintain urinary tract health by reducing the pH of the cat's urine and preventing bacterial growth.

  46. Dried blueberries are a source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. While not necessary in a cat's diet, they can provide additional nutrients and a bit of variety.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

  51. 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.

  52. Green Tea Extract is a natural source of antioxidants, which help protect your cat's cells from damage and support overall health.

  53. Spearmint Extract is a natural flavoring agent with potential antioxidant and digestive benefits. It can help to freshen your cat's breath and support overall oral health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 38.00% is a significant amount, indicative of a high-protein diet for kittens, which is essential for their growth and development. The primary contributors to this protein content are the animal-based ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, salmon meal, and dried eggs. Chicken meal and salmon meal are particularly concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered forms of the meat, with most of the water and fat removed, leaving a high-protein powder.

The crude fat minimum of 20.00% provides the necessary energy and supports a healthy coat and skin. The chicken fat, menhaden fish oil, and the fats naturally present in the chicken, duck meal, and salmon meal are the primary sources of this macronutrient. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, and menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cognitive development and overall health.

Crude fiber maximum of 3.00% indicates that the food is not extremely high in fiber, which is appropriate for a carnivorous animal like a cat. The ingredients contributing to the fiber content are likely to be the peas, oat hulls, pea fiber, and possibly some from the brown rice. These plant-based ingredients provide the necessary fiber to aid in digestive health without being excessive, which could interfere with nutrient absorption.

The caloric content of 3900.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The high protein and fat levels, as indicated by the guaranteed analysis, suggest that this food is calorie-dense, supporting the active lifestyle and rapid growth of kittens. Ingredients like chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat are calorie-dense, contributing significantly to the overall energy content of the food.