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

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

According to our data, this Nature's Recipe recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, we'll examine all 36 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. 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.

  4. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

  5. Canola meal is a high-quality protein source made from the byproduct of canola oil extraction. It provides essential amino acids and is also a good source of dietary fiber. Canola meal can support your dog's muscle growth, immune system, and overall health, while the fiber content can help with digestion and weight management.

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

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

  8. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

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

  16. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

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

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

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

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

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

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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

1. Crude Protein (min) of 24.00%: The protein content in this pet food is mainly derived from the chicken and chicken meal listed as the first two ingredients. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that helps to build and maintain your pet's muscles. Chicken meal, while it may sound less appealing, is a concentrated source of protein because it has had the moisture removed.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The fat content in this pet food most likely comes from the chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols. Fats are essential in the diet of dogs for a variety of functions, including supporting cell growth and providing energy.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber in this pet food is likely to come from the sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. These ingredients are all good sources of dietary fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion in dogs.

4. Calories of 3540.00 per kg: The caloric content of this pet food comes from all the ingredients combined, but the main contributors are likely to be the protein and fat sources (chicken and chicken meal, chicken fat), as well as the carbohydrate sources (sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, garbanzo beans). Chicken and chicken fat provide a high amount of calories due to their protein and fat content, while sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, and garbanzo beans provide calories in the form of carbohydrates.

Overall, the ingredients listed in Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe align well with the guaranteed analysis, providing a balanced diet for small breed dogs.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe costs approximately $2.53 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $15.34
10 lbs $25.79
15 lbs $34.96
20 lbs $43.37
30 lbs $58.79

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have praised Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe for being a favorite among their dogs. Some have even noted that their pets, who are usually picky eaters, have taken a liking to this food. They appreciate the small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for their small dogs to chew. The ingredients in the food, such as chicken, sweet potato, and pumpkin, are also appreciated for their health benefits.

Several customers have mentioned that their dogs have been on this food for years and have experienced no health issues. Some have even noted improvements in their dogs' health, such as relief from allergies and better digestion. They also appreciate the affordability of the product, particularly those who have multiple pets to feed.

However, some customers have expressed concerns about recent changes to the product. They have noticed a change in the color and smell of the food, suggesting that the recipe may have been altered. Some dogs who previously loved the food are now refusing to eat it, and others have experienced digestive upset.

Despite these concerns, many customers remain loyal to the brand and continue to feed their dogs Nature's Recipe. They believe in the quality of the ingredients and the benefits they provide for their pets' health. Some have even recommended the food to others, citing its affordability and appeal to their dogs as key selling points.

One customer shared a particularly positive experience, noting that their rescue Dalmatian's allergies went away after being fed this food for 2-3 months. They have continued to feed it to all their dogs and highly recommend it. Another customer mentioned that their dogs always clean their bowls when fed this food, indicating that it is a favorite.

Finally, some customers have praised the grain-free aspect of this food, noting that it has helped with their dogs' allergies. They have also commented on the fair price of the product, given the quality of the ingredients. Despite some dogs not taking to the taste, many customers still recommend this food due to its health benefits.