Natural Balance Original Ultra Lamb Recipe Review
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Review of Natural Balance Original Ultra Lamb 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 Lamb 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 Lamb Recipe, we'll examine all 42 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.
Lamb broth not only enhances the flavor of the food, but also provides hydration and essential nutrients to your dog's diet.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
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.
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.
Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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.
Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
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 Lamb Formula is likely contributed by the primary ingredient, Lamb, as well as Lamb Liver and Lamb Meal. These are all high in protein, which is essential for a dog's muscle development and energy.
The Crude Fat minimum of 5.00% is likely due to the Lamb, Lamb Liver, and Canola Oil. Fat is an important source of energy for dogs and also helps with the absorption of certain vitamins. The Menhaden Fish Oil, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), also contributes to this fat content.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.50% is likely contributed by the Potatoes, Brown Rice, Carrots, and Oat Bran. Fiber is important for a dog's digestive health. Ground Flaxseed also contributes to this fiber content and provides additional health benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for skin and coat health.
The calories per kg of 1200.00 are derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The primary contributors to the caloric content are likely the Lamb, Potatoes, Brown Rice, and Canola Oil due to their high energy content.
The vitamins and minerals listed, such as Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, and various Vitamin supplements, are likely added separately to ensure a balanced and complete diet for the dog. The Dried Kelp, Parsley, and Yucca Schidigera Extract may also contribute some micronutrients.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Natural Balance Original Ultra Lamb Recipe costs approximately $3.92 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 | $44.78 | $69.96 |
| 10 lbs | $75.31 | $117.66 |
| 15 lbs | $102.07 | $159.48 |
| 20 lbs | $126.65 | $197.89 |
| 30 lbs | $171.66 | $268.22 |
| 40 lbs | $213.00 | $332.80 |
| 50 lbs | $251.80 | $393.43 |
| 60 lbs | $288.69 | $451.08 |
| 70 lbs | $324.08 | $506.37 |
| 80 lbs | $358.21 | $559.71 |
| 90 lbs | $391.30 | $611.40 |
| 100 lbs | $423.47 | $661.67 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have dogs with specific dietary needs have found Natural Balance Original Ultra Lamb Recipe to be a successful choice. They report that their pets, including those with allergies or sensitive stomachs, enjoy the food and exhibit improved health and energy levels. The lamb flavor seems to be particularly well-received among dogs, leading to excitement at meal times and less begging for human food.
Some pet owners appreciate the versatility of this wet food, using it as a topper for dry kibble or as a complete meal. They note that despite its pate-like consistency, which may require adding water for some preferences, their dogs find it palatable and easy to eat, including those with dental issues or picky eaters. The food's ingredient profile is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect, with customers mentioning the benefits of lamb and salmon-based products over chicken for their dogs' well-being.
While there are mentions of the food's strong smell and the inconvenience of non-pull-tab cans, the overall sentiment is that the quality of the food outweighs these drawbacks. Pet owners who manage to find a flavor that their dogs love are very satisfied with their dogs' eagerness to eat and the food's ability to support their health. They also appreciate the convenience of auto-reordering, ensuring a consistent supply for their pets.
