Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food Review

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Review of Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

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

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food 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 Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food, we'll examine all 48 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. Whole brown rice is a wholesome and easily digestible grain that provides your dog with essential nutrients, fiber, and energy to support a healthy digestive system.

  4. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  5. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

  6. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  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. 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.

  11. Whole grain oatmeal provides a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting healthy digestion and sustained energy levels in your dog.

  12. 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.

  13. Sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality fat source that provides essential fatty acids for your dog's overall health. Mixed tocopherols act as a natural preservative, ensuring the oil remains fresh and maintains its nutritional value. This oil supports healthy skin, coat, and immune function in your dog.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

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

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  25. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

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

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

  36. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.

  37. Selenium yeast is a natural source of the mineral selenium which supports immune function and provides antioxidant benefits.

  38. 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.

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

  40. Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.

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

  42. Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.

  43. 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.

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

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

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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 Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food starts with a minimum crude protein content of 27.00%. This high level of protein is likely contributed by the first few ingredients listed, which include chicken, chicken meal (also a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), lamb meal, and salmon meal. Chicken meal and lamb meal are concentrated forms of animal protein because they are rendered and contain less water than whole meats. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content.

Next, the crude fat minimum of 13.00% is likely due to the inclusion of chicken fat, which is a common source of animal fat in dog foods and is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). Sunflower oil and fish oil (also preserved with mixed tocopherols) are additional sources of fat that contribute to this value. These fats are essential for energy, skin and coat health, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The maximum crude fiber content of 4.00% is relatively moderate and is influenced by ingredients such as whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran, dried plain beet pulp, and various fruits and vegetables like dried pumpkin, dried spinach, and tomato pomace. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help with weight management.

Lastly, the caloric content of 3536.00 calories per kilogram is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is determined by the overall macronutrient composition (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) and is influenced by all the ingredients combined. The protein and fat levels are particularly significant contributors to the caloric content, as they are more calorie-dense than carbohydrates.