Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites Mighty Meals Itty Bitty Beef Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites Mighty Meals Itty Bitty Beef Recipe For Small Breed Dogs
According to our data, this Stella and Chewy's recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites Mighty Meals Itty Bitty Beef 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 Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites Mighty Meals Itty Bitty Beef Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 23 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.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a concentrated source of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting your dog's immune system, cognitive function, and overall health.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Beef heart is a highly nutritious organ meat, providing your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall well-being.
Beef tripe is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids for your dog. It also contains beneficial probiotics that can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Beef bone can provide dogs with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.
Organic cranberry is a natural, nutrient-rich fruit that provides dogs with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health and well-being, while also supporting urinary tract health.
Organic spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron, for your dog's overall health and well-being.
Organic broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides dogs with fiber, vitamin C, and a variety of other beneficial nutrients. It can aid digestion and support immune health.
Organic beets are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and they can help to promote a healthy digestive system in your dog.
Organic Carrot is an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, especially vitamin A, promoting eye health and a strong immune system.
Organic squash is a wonderful source of dietary fiber and vitamins such as A, C, and E, which promote healthy digestion and support immune function.
Organic blueberries are a nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can help support your dog's overall health by promoting a strong immune system, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Chia seed is a superfood for dogs, providing omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin, as well as fiber to support digestion and overall health.
Fenugreek seed is a natural herb that offers various health benefits for your dog, including digestive support, anti-inflammatory properties, and blood sugar regulation. This ingredient is also known for its appetizing aroma, making it a great addition to your dog's food.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 37.00% in this pet food is primarily contributed by the first few ingredients listed: beef, beef kidney, beef liver, beef heart, beef tripe, and beef bone. These are all high-protein animal sources, with organs like the liver and kidney being particularly rich in protein. These ingredients not only provide protein but also essential amino acids that are crucial for a dog's muscle development and overall health.
The Crude Fat minimum of 37.00% is likely due to the inclusion of beef, which is a red meat known to have a higher fat content, as well as organ meats like beef liver and beef heart. Additionally, salmon oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, contributes to the total fat content. Fats are an important energy source for dogs and also support healthy skin and coat.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 5.00% is relatively low, reflecting the diet's focus on meat rather than plant-based ingredients. However, fiber is present in ingredients like pumpkin seeds, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, and organic squash. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to aid in digestion and promote intestinal health without excessively increasing the fiber content, which is suitable for a carnivorous diet.
The calorie content of 5030.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This high caloric density is likely due to the high levels of protein and fat, both of which are calorie-dense nutrients. The inclusion of organ meats and salmon oil, along with the muscle meat, contributes to the higher calorie count, which is suitable for small breed dogs that often have higher metabolic rates and energy needs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites Mighty Meals Itty Bitty Beef Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $52.55 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 | $143.24 | $223.82 |
| 10 lbs | $240.91 | $376.42 |
| 15 lbs | $326.53 | $510.20 |
| 20 lbs | $405.16 | $633.06 |
| 30 lbs | $549.15 | $858.04 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with small breed dogs are generally delighted with Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites Mighty Meals, especially for picky eaters. One poodle owner mentions that their dog, who is usually selective, eagerly eats these pieces first when mixed with other food. Another customer with a poodle/chihuahua mix expresses relief at finding a food their pet enjoys.
Several reviews highlight the palatability of the product across various flavors, with pets showing a preference for beef, turkey, and lamb. A 9 lb shih tzu terrier mix, for example, is reported to love these freeze-dried bites, even when served dry. Owners find that the product can be a successful meal or a tasty topper for canned food.
While some customers note that the bites are larger than expected, they report that their dogs still find them delicious, indicating a willingness to break the pieces up for easier consumption. In cases where dogs have dental issues or are senior with missing teeth, owners suggest that the bites may be too large and hard, but this does not detract from the overall positive response to the taste and quality of the food.
One owner of a finicky dog with stomach issues praises the brand for improving their pet's appetite and digestive health, despite a couple of minor upsets. They also appreciate that the food is cost-effective for small breeds, though they acknowledge it might be expensive for larger dogs.
Positive feedback also comes from those using the bites as training treats, noting their high value and the confidence in providing their dogs with well-prepared, whole food. The product is described as flavorful, nutritional, and a hit with dogs who view it as a treat rather than just a meal.
In contrast to these positive experiences, a few customers have had less success, with some dogs rejecting the food or experiencing digestive issues. However, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Another point of contention for some is the price, which is perceived as high for the quantity provided, especially for those with multiple pets or larger breeds.
Overall, the consensus among many pet owners is that Stella and Chewy's Lil' Bites are a worthwhile investment for their small breed dogs, offering a blend of flavor and nutrition that is often eagerly accepted by their furry companions.
