Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Recipe For Dogs Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Recipe For Dogs
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 Recipe For Dogs 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 Chicken Recipe For Dogs, we'll examine all 43 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 lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.
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.
Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.
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.
Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
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.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.
Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 8.00% in the Natural Balance Ultra Premium Dog Food Chicken Formula is primarily contributed by the ingredients Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Hearts, and Chicken Meal. These are all excellent sources of protein.
The Crude Fat minimum of 5.00% can be attributed to several ingredients. The main sources are likely the Chicken and Chicken Liver, which naturally contain fats. Other contributors could include the Canola Oil and the Menhaden Fish Oil, which are specifically added as sources of fat.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.50% is likely due to the inclusion of ingredients like Potatoes, Brown Rice, Oat Bran, and Ground Flaxseed. These ingredients are known for their fiber content.
The calorie content of 1210.00 per kg is a result of the combined caloric value of all the ingredients. The main contributors would be the protein and fat sources, as these macronutrients are high in calories. These would include the Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Meal, Canola Oil, and Menhaden Fish Oil. Other contributors could include the carbohydrate sources such as Potatoes and Brown Rice, which also provide calories.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Recipe For Dogs costs approximately $3.90 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 | $44.23 | $69.11 |
| 10 lbs | $74.38 | $116.22 |
| 15 lbs | $100.82 | $157.53 |
| 20 lbs | $125.09 | $195.46 |
| 30 lbs | $169.55 | $264.93 |
| 40 lbs | $210.38 | $328.72 |
| 50 lbs | $248.71 | $388.61 |
| 60 lbs | $285.15 | $445.55 |
| 70 lbs | $320.10 | $500.16 |
| 80 lbs | $353.82 | $552.85 |
| 90 lbs | $386.50 | $603.90 |
| 100 lbs | $418.28 | $653.56 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who feed their dogs Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Recipe have noted that the natural ingredients are a significant draw, and their dogs seem to enjoy the taste. Many have been loyal to the brand for years, seeing positive effects on their pets' health, including firm stools and improved vitality.
Several reviews mention that this food has been particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, with one owner noting that it resolved their dog's vomiting issues, which had not been diagnosed by vets. Senior dogs and those with few teeth also seem to benefit from the soft texture, making it easier for them to eat.
However, there have been concerns about recent changes in the product's consistency, with some customers reporting a soupy or mushy texture that differs from the firmness they were accustomed to. These changes have led to some dogs refusing the food or experiencing digestive upset.
Despite these issues, there are reports of dogs with specific dietary needs, such as gluten allergies, thriving on this food. Owners of picky eaters also express relief at finding a food their dogs not only tolerate but are excited to eat.
While there are critiques about the packaging, such as the lack of pull tabs on cans and the receipt of dented cans, these do not reflect the quality of the food itself, which many dogs seem to find palatable and beneficial to their health.
