Natural Balance Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Ocean Fish 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 Ocean Fish 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 Ocean Fish Formula, we'll examine all 35 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.
Ocean Fish is a high-quality protein source that is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports your cat's healthy muscles, skin, coat, and overall well-being.
Fish Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that can help maintain your cat's hydration levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.
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.
Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats and essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin, coat, and overall well-being. This ingredient also provides energy and helps maintain a balanced weight for your feline friend.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Salmon Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting a healthy immune system. Salmon oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit cats with joint issues or allergies.
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.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract 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.
Fructooligosaccharides are a type of prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's digestive system, supporting overall gut health and immunity.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone 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.
Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports various body functions, such as the production of red blood cells, nerve function, and immune health.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
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.
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.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
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.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
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.
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
1. Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: The protein content in this pet food is primarily derived from the ocean fish, turkey, chicken liver, and tuna. These ingredients are rich in proteins, which are essential for the growth, development, and overall health of pets.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The fat content in this pet food is likely to come from the ocean fish, turkey, chicken liver, tuna, and menhaden fish oil. Fats are a concentrated source of energy for pets and also support healthy skin and coat.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 1.00%: The fiber content in this pet food is likely to come from the carrots and ground brown rice. Dietary fiber can help to support digestive health in pets.
4. Calories of 1170.00 per kg: The caloric content of the pet food is derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the proteins (ocean fish, turkey, chicken liver, and tuna), fats (from the meats and the menhaden fish oil), and carbohydrates (from the ground brown rice). This calorie content provides the energy that pets need for their daily activities.
The vitamins and minerals listed are added to ensure a balanced diet for pets, and the guar gum, calcium carbonate, carrageenan, and salt are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, which they cannot produce on their own, and must therefore be included in their diet.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Ocean Fish 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 | $75.22 | $117.53 |
| 10 lbs | $126.50 | $197.66 |
| 15 lbs | $171.46 | $267.90 |
| 20 lbs | $212.75 | $332.42 |
| 30 lbs | $288.36 | $450.56 |
| 40 lbs | $357.80 | $559.05 |
| 50 lbs | $422.98 | $660.90 |
| 60 lbs | $484.96 | $757.74 |
| 70 lbs | $544.39 | $850.61 |
| 80 lbs | $601.74 | $940.21 |
| 90 lbs | $657.31 | $1027.05 |
| 100 lbs | $711.36 | $1111.50 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed that their cats previously enjoyed the Natural Balance Original Ultra Ocean Fish Formula, but recent changes to the formula, including the addition of canola oil, have led to a decline in palatability for some pets. Despite this, there are cats that still find the updated recipe appealing and continue to enjoy it without any digestive issues.
Some reviewers have noted that the consistency and smell of the product have changed, which has resulted in their cats rejecting the food. However, it's important to recognize that cats can be particular about their food, and what some may dislike, others may find irresistible. A number of customers have successfully transitioned their cats to this food, even those with picky eaters or dietary sensitivities, and have reported that their cats love the taste and experience no adverse reactions.
While there are concerns about the manufacturing shift to Thailand, it's worth mentioning that the country is known for its fish products, which could ensure freshness and quality in the ingredients. Despite the mixed feedback, there are still many positive reports from pet owners whose cats have thrived on this food for years, indicating that it remains a healthy and tasty option for some feline companions.
In response to the negative reviews, it's important to consider that all pets are unique, and what might not work for one may be perfect for another. Some cats have shown a preference for the texture and flavor of the Ocean Fish Formula, and their owners have praised the product for its quality ingredients and the benefits it has provided, such as reducing hairballs.
