Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Broth (Fat Dogs) Review
$31.04 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
$38.21 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 Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Broth (Fat 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 Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Broth (Fat 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 Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Broth (Fat Dogs), we'll examine all 48 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 broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.
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.
Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.
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.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.
Oat fiber is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, as well as promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding in weight management.
Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.
Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.
Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.
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.
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.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
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.
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
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.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
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.
Carrageenan is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed that helps improve the texture and consistency of your dog's food.
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.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
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.
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.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.
Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.
Dried spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall wellness.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Dried cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, which can help support your dog's digestive health and urinary tract health.
Dried blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system, eye health, and overall well-being. This ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and nutritious.
L-lysine monohydrochloride is an essential amino acid that is crucial for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and the production of antibodies. It's a beneficial supplement that supports your dog's overall health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis value for Crude Protein (min) of 6.00% is primarily contributed by the chicken, chicken liver, and salmon present in the ingredients. These are all animal-based proteins that provide essential amino acids for dogs. The chicken broth may also contribute a small amount of protein, but it is mostly there for moisture and flavor.
The Crude Fat (min) of 3.50% is likely to come from the chicken and salmon, as both contain natural fats. Additionally, chicken liver can be a source of fat. The level of fat in this food is relatively low, which is consistent with the product's aim to help dogs maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
The Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00% comes from plant-based ingredients such as oat fiber, pea fiber, dried plain beet pulp, and dried tomato pomace. These ingredients are included to provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to create a sense of fullness, potentially supporting weight management.
The calorie content of 860.00 per kg reflects the energy provided by all the macronutrients in the food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in this food likely come from potatoes, brown rice, and other fiber sources. The overall caloric density is moderate, aligning with the food's purpose for weight management.
Other ingredients like vitamins and minerals are added to ensure a complete and balanced diet, but they do not contribute significantly to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, or fiber. Ingredients such as carrageenan and guar gum are used as thickeners or stabilizers, while L-Carnitine is included for its role in fat metabolism, which could support the food's weight management goals.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Recipe In Broth (Fat Dogs) costs approximately $4.90 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 | $137.18 |
| 10 lbs | $230.71 |
| 15 lbs | $312.71 |
| 20 lbs | $388.01 |
| 30 lbs | $525.91 |
| 40 lbs | $652.56 |
| 50 lbs | $771.44 |
| 60 lbs | $884.48 |
| 70 lbs | $992.88 |
| 80 lbs | $1097.47 |
| 90 lbs | $1198.83 |
| 100 lbs | $1297.40 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have expressed satisfaction with the Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Salmon Recipe, highlighting that their dogs not only love the taste but are also experiencing positive results in weight management. One dog reportedly lost 1 pound in the first week, while another achieved a 4-pound weight loss over 8 months, indicating the food's effectiveness for weight control.
Despite some negative feedback about dogs refusing the food, there are accounts of dogs being enthusiastic about the meals, with one owner mentioning their dog goes "crazy" over it. The affordability of the product compared to other brands is also appreciated, making it a cost-effective option for pet owners.
A few customers have had issues with the can's design, preferring to use their own can openers for a better seal when storing unused food. However, this has not deterred them from continuing to purchase the product, suggesting that the food's benefits outweigh the inconvenience of the packaging. Another dog owner creatively overcame the texture inconsistency by making meatballs for their pet, indicating a willingness to adapt for their dog's enjoyment of the meal.
