Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef 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 Beef Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef Recipe, 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.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
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.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
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.
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.
Oat bran is a nutritious and easily digestible source of dietary fiber for dogs. It supports healthy digestion and weight management, while also providing essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals.
Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.
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.
Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
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 Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Natural smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.
Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.
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 supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
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.
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.
Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.
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.
Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of the Natural Balance Ultra Premium Dog Food Beef Formula shows the minimum and maximum percentages of key nutrients in the food.
1. Crude Protein (min) of 7.00%: This represents the minimum amount of protein in the food. The primary source of protein in this formula is the Beef and Beef Liver. Proteins are essential for growth, tissue repair, immune function, making essential hormones, and enzymes in pets.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 4.00%: This is the minimum content of fat in the dog food. The main sources of fat in this food are Beef, Beef Liver, Canola Oil, and Menhaden Fish Oil. Fats are the most concentrated form of food energy, providing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. Fats are essential for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 2.00%: This indicates the maximum amount of fiber in the food. The fiber in this food comes from ingredients such as Potatoes, Brown Rice, Carrots, Oat Bran, and Ground Flaxseed. Dietary fibers can help manage weight, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help with bowel movements.
4. Calories of 1020.00 per kg: This indicates the amount of energy that is available to the pet from the food. All the ingredients contribute to the caloric content of the food, with fats being the most calorie-dense, followed by proteins and then carbohydrates.
The other ingredients listed such as Dicalcium Phosphate, Agar-agar, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins, and Minerals are essential for maintaining overall health, bone health, and ensuring proper metabolic function. Natural Smoke Flavor, Parsley, and Yucca Schidigera Extract are used for enhancing the taste and appeal of the food to the pet.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef Recipe 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 | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $65.85 | $102.89 |
| 10 lbs | $110.74 | $173.04 |
| 15 lbs | $150.10 | $234.53 |
| 20 lbs | $186.25 | $291.01 |
| 30 lbs | $252.44 | $394.44 |
| 40 lbs | $313.23 | $489.42 |
| 50 lbs | $370.29 | $578.58 |
| 60 lbs | $424.55 | $663.36 |
| 70 lbs | $476.58 | $744.66 |
| 80 lbs | $526.78 | $823.10 |
| 90 lbs | $575.44 | $899.12 |
| 100 lbs | $622.75 | $973.05 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have chosen Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef Recipe for their dogs often report positive outcomes. For instance, one customer switched their chicken-sensitive dog to this beef recipe, and the dog loves it. Another owner feeds it to their puppy, noting the high-quality ingredients and visible health benefits, such as a shiny coat and good hydration.
Despite some negative feedback about the food's texture and palatability, many dogs appear to enjoy the beef formula, with owners noting their pets' eagerness to eat and improved satisfaction after meals. For dogs with dietary restrictions or allergies, this product has been a successful alternative, leading to the resolution of allergy symptoms in some cases.
Owners of older dogs and those with sensitive stomachs have praised the food for being gentle on the digestive system and appetizing even for picky eaters. The simple ingredient list is appreciated by those looking for a straightforward, nutritious option for their pets.
While there are some comments about the texture being too pasty or the food lacking moisture, these seem to be balanced by the number of dogs that find the food appealing and the relief owners feel when their pets with special dietary needs thrive on this diet. Overall, the Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef Recipe is often well-received by dogs and their owners alike.
