Natural Balance Ultra Premium Tuna & Shrimp Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Tuna & Shrimp 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 Ultra Premium Cat Food Tuna & Shrimp 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 Ultra Premium Cat Food Tuna & Shrimp Formula, we'll examine all 40 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.
Tuna is a flavorful and nutrient-rich fish that provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Water Sufficient for Processing ensures that your cat's food has the right consistency and texture, making it easier for them to chew and digest. Adequate water content in cat food is essential for maintaining proper hydration and overall health.
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.
Whitefish is a lean and easily digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
Shrimp is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair. It also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids which support heart and brain health.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
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.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
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.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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 10.00%: This value is primarily contributed by the tuna, chicken liver, whitefish, chicken, and shrimp listed in the ingredients. Protein is an essential nutrient for cats, providing the amino acids they need for growth and maintenance. The dried egg product also contributes to the protein content.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: This value is likely contributed by the tuna, chicken liver, whitefish, chicken, shrimp, and menhaden oil. Fats are also an essential part of a cat's diet, providing essential fatty acids and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: The fiber content in this cat food is likely contributed by the brown rice and carrots. While cats, being obligate carnivores, do not require a lot of fiber in their diet, a small amount can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.
4. Calories of 1110.00 per kg: The caloric content in this cat food comes from all the ingredients combined, but primarily from the proteins and fats, which are the main energy sources in a cat's diet. The carbohydrates from the brown rice also contribute to the caloric content, although to a lesser extent since cats are not as efficient at metabolizing carbohydrates as they are proteins and fats.
5. The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients (like Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, etc.) do not directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values but are essential for a balanced diet and overall health of the cat. They support various bodily functions such as immune response, vision, and metabolic processes.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Ultra Premium Cat Food Tuna & Shrimp Formula costs approximately $5.80 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 | $74.36 | $116.19 |
| 10 lbs | $125.06 | $195.40 |
| 15 lbs | $169.50 | $264.85 |
| 20 lbs | $210.32 | $328.62 |
| 30 lbs | $285.07 | $445.42 |
| 40 lbs | $353.71 | $552.68 |
| 50 lbs | $418.15 | $653.36 |
| 60 lbs | $479.43 | $749.10 |
| 70 lbs | $538.18 | $840.91 |
| 80 lbs | $594.87 | $929.49 |
| 90 lbs | $649.81 | $1015.34 |
| 100 lbs | $703.25 | $1098.82 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have tried the Natural Balance Ultra Premium Cat Food Tuna & Shrimp Formula have had mixed experiences, but there are certainly positive highlights. One customer expressed satisfaction, noting that their cats immediately took to the new tuna and shrimp flavor, indicating that it's a hit with some feline palates and will become a regular part of their cats' diet.
Another reviewer praised the product for its compatibility with prescription foods, appreciating that it can be mixed well and remains fresh in the refrigerator. This suggests that the food is versatile and can be useful for cats with specific dietary needs.
A suggestion was made for the brand to offer a variety pack, which implies that while the customer is interested in the product, they would appreciate more variety in flavors to keep their cats engaged and to make storage more convenient.
Despite some negative feedback, one customer pointed out that while a couple of their cats did not tolerate the food well, they still recommend it, acknowledging that such issues can be specific to individual cats and not necessarily a reflection of the product's overall quality.
Lastly, another positive review highlighted that this particular flavor, alongside the ocean fish variety, ranks as a favorite for their cats, suggesting that the brand does have flavors that can be very appealing to some cats.
