Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Liver Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Liver Recipe
According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Liver Paté Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Liver Paté Formula, we'll examine all 38 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 broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
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.
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.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
Menhaden Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, support joint health, and contribute to overall brain and eye development in cats.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Carrageenan is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from seaweed, used to improve the texture and consistency of wet cat food. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety, linking it to gastrointestinal issues in pets. Some pet owners may choose to avoid products containing carrageenan.
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 Crude Protein value of 9.00% is most likely contributed by the chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg product. These ingredients are high in protein and are the main sources of this nutrient in the pet food.
The Crude Fat value of 6.00% is likely to come from the chicken, chicken liver, and menhaden fish oil. These ingredients are known for their high-fat content. The menhaden fish oil, in particular, is rich in essential fatty acids which contribute to the overall fat content.
The Crude Fiber value of 1.50% is most likely provided by the brown rice and carrots. These ingredients are known to have a high fiber content. Fiber is essential for the pet's digestion and can help to regulate their bowel movements.
The Calories of 1152.00 per kg is a measure of the total energy provided by the food. This value is derived from the total content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. As such, it is influenced by all the ingredients but primarily by those rich in these macronutrients, such as the chicken, chicken liver, brown rice, and dried egg product.
The vitamins and minerals listed are likely added as supplements to ensure the pet food meets the nutritional requirements of the pet. These include vitamins like Vitamin E, B vitamins, and Vitamin D3, as well as minerals like zinc, iron, and copper. These are essential for various bodily functions, including immune function, metabolism, and bone health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Liver Paté Formula costs approximately $5.76 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $62.73 | $98.01 |
| 10 lbs | $105.49 | $164.83 |
| 15 lbs | $142.98 | $223.41 |
| 20 lbs | $177.41 | $277.21 |
| 30 lbs | $240.47 | $375.73 |
| 40 lbs | $298.37 | $466.21 |
| 50 lbs | $352.73 | $551.14 |
| 60 lbs | $404.42 | $631.90 |
| 70 lbs | $453.98 | $709.35 |
| 80 lbs | $501.80 | $784.07 |
| 90 lbs | $548.15 | $856.48 |
| 100 lbs | $593.22 | $926.91 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have been loyal to the Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Liver Paté Formula for years have expressed disappointment with a recent formula change. The new formula has been described as having a different consistency, color, and less appealing taste to their cats, with several noting that their once-eager pets now refuse to eat the updated product. Despite this, some customers have found success by mixing it with other brands or donating it to shelters.
On a positive note, there are customers whose cats still enjoy the Natural Balance pate, indicating that taste preferences can vary widely among individual pets. Those who have not experienced issues with the formula change continue to feed their cats this brand, highlighting its quality ingredients and the fact that it meets their cats' dietary needs.
A few customers have also pointed out that their cats, which may have specific health issues like hyperthyroidism, have benefited from the food's nutritional profile. These cats have shown improved health and appetite when switched to this particular formula, suggesting that it can be a good option for some feline health conditions.
Despite some negative feedback regarding the recent changes, there are still cats that find the food palatable, and owners who appreciate the brand's quality ingredients and nutritional benefits for their pets. Some customers have also praised the product for its fine texture and compatibility with their cats' preferences.
