Natural Balance Original Ultra Low Calorie Recipe (Fat Cats) Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Low Calorie Recipe (Fat 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 Low Calorie Recipe (Fat 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 Low Calorie Recipe (Fat Cats), we'll examine all 56 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 meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat 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 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.
Garbanzo Bean, also known as chickpeas, is a high-fiber ingredient that supports digestive health and helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels.
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.
Oat Groats provide essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, that support digestive health, heart health, and overall well-being in cats.
Dried beet pulp is a fiber source that aids in digestion, helping your cat maintain a healthy weight and control hairballs.
Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin K, which support bone health.
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.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Dried Tomato Pomace is a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and helps maintain your cat's overall health.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
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.
Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function.
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.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Parsley is a natural ingredient that contains essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to your cat's overall health and well-being, as well as freshening their breath.
Dried Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, which support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
Inositol is a type of sugar alcohol that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including nerve function and fat metabolism.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
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.
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.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Green Tea Extract is a natural source of antioxidants, which help protect your cat's cells from damage and support overall health.
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 Crude Protein minimum of 35.00% is largely contributed by the Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, and Pea Protein. These ingredients are high in protein content, making them the primary contributors to this value.
The Crude Fat minimum of 9.50% is primarily derived from the Chicken Fat and Salmon Oil. Both these ingredients are high in fat content, hence contributing significantly to the fat value in the pet food.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 9.00% is mostly contributed by the Peas, Oat Groats, Dried Beet Pulp, Pea Fiber, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, and Oat Hulls. These ingredients are all high in dietary fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and can aid in weight management.
The Calories value of 3200.00 per kg is a cumulative result of all the ingredients, with the primary contributors being the protein and fat sources (Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat, and Salmon Oil), as these are the most calorie-dense ingredients.
The vitamins and minerals listed (such as Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, etc.) don't directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values but do provide essential nutrients that support overall pet health. For example, Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, supporting their cardiovascular health, while L-Carnitine can help with fat metabolism.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Low Calorie Recipe (Fat Cats) costs approximately $4.20 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 | $28.13 |
| 10 lbs | $47.31 |
| 15 lbs | $64.12 |
| 20 lbs | $79.56 |
| 30 lbs | $107.84 |
| 40 lbs | $133.81 |
| 50 lbs | $158.19 |
| 60 lbs | $181.37 |
| 70 lbs | $203.60 |
| 80 lbs | $225.04 |
| 90 lbs | $245.83 |
| 100 lbs | $266.04 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with overweight cats have found Natural Balance Original Ultra Low Calorie Recipe to be a beneficial option for weight management. One cat owner noticed visible weight loss in their cat after just two months of feeding, with continued progress over five months. Their cat's activity level also increased as a result of the weight loss and improved nutrition. Another customer expressed satisfaction with the product as their cat, Fred, enjoyed the food despite being slightly overweight.
Several reviews emphasize cats' acceptance and enjoyment of the food, even when it's a diet formula. One customer was thrilled that both of their cats, including the one that needed to lose weight, readily ate the kibble. Another found that their cats preferred Natural Balance over their regular food, awaiting further observation of weight loss. A Maine Coon mix, known for its large size, took a liking to the reduced-calorie formula, which was the first one the cat genuinely enjoyed.
In response to some concerns about palatability, there are testimonials where cats transitioned well to the new food. One cat, initially resistant, adjusted easily from their favorite high-calorie food to Natural Balance, although the owner noted a preference for the kibble to be moistened. The brand's ability to create a diet kibble that appeals to cats' taste buds has been noted, with one owner expressing relief that both of their cats consumed it as if it were regular kibble.
Despite some negative feedback regarding palatability and digestive issues, the positive reviews highlight the success of the product in weight management and its appeal to cats. One cat owner reported a significant weight loss from 25 to 16 pounds using the product, while another mentioned their cat's weight stabilized without further gain. The positive reception of the flavor by cats, including a picky eater, and the successful weight loss in some cases, suggest that Natural Balance Fat Cats food can be an effective and enjoyable diet option for feline weight management.
