VeRUS Canine Dry Food Life Virtue Grain Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula Review

Review of VeRUS Canine Dry Food Life Virtue Grain Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula

According to our data, this VeRUS recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

VeRUS Canine Dry Food Life Virtue Grain Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula 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 VeRUS Canine Dry Food Life Virtue Grain Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula, we'll examine all 43 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. Lentils are a high-quality, plant-based protein source that also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Yam is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help support your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health.

10. Herring meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids derived from herring fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in herring meal can support your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function. As a protein source, herring meal helps build and maintain strong muscles and supports overall growth and development.

11. 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.

12. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

13. Menhaden fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and joint health. It helps maintain overall health and well-being for your furry friend.

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

15. Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

16. Chicory root extract is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria, supporting your dog's immune system and overall well-being.

17. Dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product is a source of beneficial probiotics that can support your dog's digestive health and overall immune system function.

18. 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.

19. Monosodium phosphate is often used in dog foods as a source of phosphorus, a mineral that is essential for bone health and energy production in your dog's body.

20. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

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

22. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

23. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

24. 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.

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

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

27. 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.

28. 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.

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

30. 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.

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

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

33. 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.

34. 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.

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

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

37. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

38. Betaine anhydrous is a natural compound that can help support healthy digestion, liver function, and nutrient absorption in dogs.

39. 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.

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

41. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

42. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

43. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 24.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The primary contributors to this value are the chicken, chicken meal, and herring meal, all of which are high in protein. Chicken meal, in particular, is a concentrated form of chicken where the water has been removed, making it a dense protein source. Lentils, chickpeas, and peas also contribute plant-based protein to the formula.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: Crude fat represents the minimum percentage of fat in the product. Chicken fat, menhaden fish oil, and flaxseed are the key ingredients contributing to this value. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, while menhaden fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's skin, coat, and overall health. Flaxseed also contributes some fat, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The crude fiber content is the maximum amount of fiber present. Ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, peas, sweet potato, yams, and chicory root extract are all sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining good digestive health.

Calories of 3679.00 per kg: This value indicates the energy provided by the food. While the guaranteed analysis does not specify which ingredients contribute to the caloric content, it can be inferred that the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from all the ingredients, especially the chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat, are responsible for the food's energy content. Carbohydrates from lentils, chickpeas, peas, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, and yams also contribute to the overall calorie count.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, VeRUS Canine Dry Food Life Virtue Grain Free Chicken, Lentils & Yams Formula costs approximately $4.34 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.