Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe For Small Breed Dogs
According to our data, this Nulo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe For Small Breed 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 Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 38 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.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Duck broth adds moisture, flavor, and vital nutrients to your dog's meal, making it more palatable and nutritious, while supporting hydration and digestion.
Turkey liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins, which support overall health in dogs.
Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Ground lentil is a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion. It also contains important minerals like iron and magnesium.
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.
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.
Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and brain function. Mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, help preserve the oil, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value for your dog.
Inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health and overall immune function.
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.
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.
Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Crude Protein content of at least 10.50% in this pet food is primarily contributed by the duck and turkey liver listed as the first ingredients. These animal-based ingredients are typically high in protein, which is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in dogs. Duck is a rich source of complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids that dogs require, and turkey liver is also a nutrient-dense organ meat with high protein content.
The Crude Fat minimum of 8.00% is likely due to the inclusion of duck, which is a fatty meat, and supplemental fats such as salmon oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and promoting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Salmon oil, preserved with mixed tocopherols, not only contributes to the fat content but also provides additional health benefits such as supporting skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber content is a maximum of 1.50%, which is relatively low, indicating that this food is not high in indigestible plant matter. The ingredients contributing to the fiber content include chickpeas, ground lentils, pea fiber, and inulin. These ingredients provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. However, their placement after the primary meat ingredients suggests they are included in smaller quantities, thus keeping the fiber content low.
The caloric content of 1314.00 per kg gives an idea of the energy density of the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the protein and fat sources, particularly the duck and salmon oil. Carbohydrates from chickpeas and lentils also contribute to the overall caloric content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to fats and proteins.
Overall, the ingredient list reflects a diet that is focused on high-quality animal proteins with additional fats for energy, while maintaining a moderate level of fiber for digestive health. The inclusion of vitamins and minerals such as zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, vitamin E supplement, and others ensures that the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced for small breed dogs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $6.95 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 | $72.55 | $113.36 |
| 10 lbs | $122.02 | $190.65 |
| 15 lbs | $165.38 | $258.41 |
| 20 lbs | $205.21 | $320.63 |
| 30 lbs | $278.14 | $434.59 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed satisfaction with Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe, particularly for small breed dogs. One four-year-old Shih Tzu, known to be very picky, loved the food immediately, indicating its appeal to dogs with selective tastes. Another owner reported that their picky eater not only enjoyed her meal but also showed enthusiasm by eating her sibling's portion, demonstrating the food's palatability even to finicky pups.
Many dogs have transitioned smoothly to this Nulo recipe, including a shorkie who had no issues switching from her previous food, suggesting that the product is easy on canine digestive systems. Owners of multiple small dogs have also found success, with one customer's three "littles" happily eating the duck flavor, despite a preference for lamb, highlighting the food's acceptability across different palates.
The food's practicality has been praised as well, with one reviewer noting the ease of dividing the pate into serving-sized wedges without it hardening, a common issue with other brands. Additionally, the high-quality protein content has been appreciated by pet parents who prioritize nutritious options for their pets.
While one review mentioned a concern about the dog's stool consistency, suggesting a need for more hydration, this seems to be an isolated issue that may be specific to that dog's needs rather than a widespread problem with the food itself. Overall, customers are pleased with the quality and palatability of Nulo FreeStyle Duck & Chickpeas Recipe and plan to continue purchasing it for their dogs.
