Natural Balance Ultra Premium Dog Food Liver Formula Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Dog Food Liver Formula

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 Dog Food Liver Formula 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 Ultra Premium Dog Food Liver Formula, 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Dehydrated potatoes are a gluten-free carbohydrate source in dog foods. They're easily digestible and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting your dog's digestive health.

  9. Canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. It's preserved with mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E) to maintain freshness.

  10. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  11. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  12. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  13. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  14. 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.

  15. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  16. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  17. 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.

  18. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  22. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  23. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  24. 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.

  25. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  26. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  27. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  28. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  29. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  30. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  31. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  32. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a food additive used in dog food to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life. It also acts as a binding agent, helping the dog food maintain its shape and texture.

  33. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  34. 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.

  35. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. Menhaden oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining your dog's skin and coat health, as well as supporting cognitive function and joint health.

  39. Carrageenan is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed that helps improve the texture and consistency of your dog's food.

  40. Parsley flakes are a natural herb that can help freshen your dog's breath and provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health and well-being.

  41. 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.

  42. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this dog food are the beef liver, beef, and beef broth. Beef liver is a particularly rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in dogs. The inclusion of beef as both liver and muscle meat ensures a high-quality protein source.

Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the beef ingredients, canola oil, and menhaden oil. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Canola oil and menhaden oil are included as healthy fat sources, with menhaden oil also contributing omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: The fiber content in this dog food is relatively low, which is typical for canned foods. The fiber comes from ingredients such as brown rice, oat bran, carrots, and potatoes. Fiber is important for digestive health, but excessive amounts can decrease the food's energy density and palatability.

Calories of 1050.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food, which comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. In this case, the beef components, brown rice, potatoes, and the added fats (canola and menhaden oils) all contribute to the total caloric value. Brown rice and potatoes are carbohydrate sources that provide energy as well as some additional fiber and nutrients.