Nature's Recipe Grain Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Review

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Review of Nature's Recipe Grain Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

According to our data, this Nature's Recipe recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Nature's Recipe Grain Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin 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 Nature's Recipe Grain Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, we'll examine all 45 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. 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.

2. 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.

3. Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are a great source of protein and fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

4. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

5. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

6. Poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a concentrated source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and immune system health. The preservation with mixed tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, ensures freshness and stability.

7. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

8. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

9. 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.

10. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

11. 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.

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

13. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

14. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

15. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

16. 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.

17. Iron is an essential mineral that supports your dog's overall health by helping to transport oxygen in the blood and promoting proper growth and development. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and energy metabolism.

18. Proteinate is a chelated mineral that allows for better absorption of essential minerals, supporting your dog's overall health and well-being.

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

20. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

21. 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.

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

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

24. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

25. 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.

26. Sodium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog's fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. It's important to provide the right amount of sodium in your dog's diet to support their overall health.

27. Selenite is a form of selenium, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

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

29. 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.

30. Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that plays a crucial role in your dog's overall health. It aids in the proper functioning of cell membranes, supports the nervous system, and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Inositol also contributes to fat metabolism, which can help manage your dog's weight and support heart health.

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

32. 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.

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

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

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

36. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

37. 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.

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

39. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

43. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

44. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

45. 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

The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 25.00% is likely provided primarily by the chicken and chicken meal listed as the first two ingredients. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is a dry product with most of the water removed, which means it contains a higher percentage of protein by weight compared to fresh chicken. The garbanzo beans and peas also contribute to the overall protein content, as legumes are a good plant-based source of protein.

For the crude fat minimum of 14.00%, the primary contributors are the chicken, as it naturally contains fats, and the poultry fat that is added as a separate ingredient. Poultry fat is a high-energy source and also provides essential fatty acids that are important for the health of growing puppies. The fat content is crucial for the puppy's energy, cell integrity, and for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The maximum crude fiber of 4.00% is relatively moderate, ensuring that the food is digestible while providing enough fiber for healthy bowel movements. Ingredients such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and dried tomato pomace are likely the main sources of fiber in this recipe. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are known for their beneficial fiber content, which is important for digestive health.

Lastly, the calories of 3500.00 per kg indicate the energy density of the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The chicken and poultry fat are calorie-dense components, as fats provide more than double the energy per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in the recipe, which come from ingredients like sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and pea starch, also contribute to the total caloric content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nature's Recipe Grain Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe costs approximately $2.50 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.