Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food Review
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Review of Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food
According to our data, this Nutro recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food, we'll examine all 51 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.
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.
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.
Whole grain barley is a nutritious and easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can help support digestive health, while the vitamins and minerals contribute to overall well-being.
Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.
Whole grain brown rice is a nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates, providing your dog with sustained energy and essential nutrients for optimal health.
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.
Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.
Whole grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides your dog with a source of digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients for overall health.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
Whole flaxseed is a fantastic source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining your dog's healthy skin, coat, and immune system. Flaxseed is also rich in dietary fiber, which supports proper digestion and overall gut health.
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.
Fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, joint function, and skin and coat health.
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.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Dried coconut is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides your dog with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports a healthy coat and skin, aids in digestion, and helps maintain your dog's overall health.
Whole chia seed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients that can help support your dog's healthy skin, coat, and digestion.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.
Dried kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that provides an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog's diet. It supports immune system function, healthy digestion, and overall wellness.
Dried pumpkin is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog. It is rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and a strong immune system. The dietary fiber in dried pumpkin can help regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements, making it a beneficial ingredient for dogs with digestive issues.
Dried spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall wellness.
Dried blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system, eye health, and overall well-being. This ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and nutritious.
Dried apple is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and overall well-being. It also provides a natural sweetness that dogs enjoy.
Dried carrot is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can support your dog's immune system, vision, and overall health. This ingredient is also high in dietary fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.
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.
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 guaranteed analysis of Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food provides the minimum and maximum values of key nutrients in the food.
1. Crude Protein (min) of 28.00%: The crude protein content is largely derived from the chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal. Protein is also provided by the whole grain barley, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice, potato protein, pea protein, and dried egg product.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content comes primarily from the chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherols. Other sources of fat include the fish oil and possibly the whole flaxseed.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The crude fiber content is provided by the whole grains (barley, oats, brown rice, and sorghum), as well as the dried plain beet pulp, whole flaxseed, and the variety of dried fruits and vegetables such as dried kale, pumpkin, spinach, blueberries, apples, and carrots.
4. Calories of 3720.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a result of the combination of all ingredients, with the primary contributors being the protein and fat sources, which are the most calorie-dense. These include chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, salmon meal, chicken fat, and fish oil. The whole grains and dried fruits and vegetables also contribute to the caloric content, but to a lesser extent.
In summary, the primary contributors to the guaranteed analysis values are the meat meals and chicken fat for protein and fat, and the whole grains and dried fruits and vegetables for fiber. All ingredients contribute to the caloric content, with the most calorie-dense being the protein and fat sources.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food costs approximately $2.82 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $10.40 |
| 10 lbs | $17.49 |
| 15 lbs | $23.71 |
| 20 lbs | $29.42 |
| 30 lbs | $39.87 |
| 40 lbs | $49.47 |
| 50 lbs | $58.48 |
| 60 lbs | $67.05 |
| 70 lbs | $75.27 |
| 80 lbs | $83.20 |
| 90 lbs | $90.89 |
| 100 lbs | $98.36 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have schnauzer puppies and an adult schnauzer have expressed satisfaction with Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food, noting the shiny and healthy coat it gives their pets. Similarly, owners of a Belgian Malamute mix have reported excellent health benefits, including great skin, hair, and bone density, without the itching problems that other dogs from the same litter have experienced.
Many reviewers have praised the brand for the quality ingredients and the positive effects on their puppies' health, such as improved coat condition and digestive health. For instance, a Shih Tzu owner noticed a beautiful coat and no digestive issues after switching to Nutro Ultra, while a Beagle puppy owner was pleased with the kibble size and the ideal growth rate of their pet. A Standard Poodle puppy has thrived on the food with no digestive issues, and a golden retriever puppy showed a preference for this brand over others.
In response to some negative reviews regarding puppies not liking the taste or experiencing digestive issues, it's important to note that individual dogs may have different preferences and sensitivities. While some puppies may not take to the food or may develop gas or soft stools, others like Boxers, Corgis, and mixed breeds have shown improvements in coat quality and digestive health. It's always wise to consult a veterinarian when making dietary changes, especially if a dog shows signs of discomfort or allergies.
Despite some puppies finding the kibble size too large or not enjoying the taste, many others have eagerly accepted Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food. Owners have reported their dogs waiting excitedly for mealtime and experiencing no gas or digestive issues. A long-time Nutro Ultra user has even credited the brand with contributing to their dogs' long and healthy lives. Overall, the positive reviews highlight the benefits of high-quality ingredients and the holistic approach of Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food in promoting puppy health and vitality.
