Wellness Core Mini Meals Beef & Chicken Dinner Pate For Small Breeds Review

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Review of Wellness Core Mini Meals Beef & Chicken Dinner Pate For Small Breeds

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

Wellness Core Mini Meals Beef & Chicken Dinner Pate For Small Breeds 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 Wellness Core Mini Meals Beef & Chicken Dinner Pate For Small Breeds, we'll examine all 34 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  4. Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.

  5. Tuna is a high-quality protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function and overall well-being. It also provides essential nutrients such as selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins for a healthy, balanced diet.

  6. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.

  14. Sodium carbonate is used as a pH buffer and preservative in dog food, helping to maintain the proper acidity and freshness of the product.

  15. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.

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

  17. Thiamine hydrochloride, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient that supports your dog's nervous system, metabolism, and energy production. It's important for maintaining overall health and well-being in dogs.

  18. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

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

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

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

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

  27. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

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

  29. Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  34. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of a minimum of 8.00% in the Wellness Core Mini Meals Beef & Chicken Dinner Pate For Small Breeds is primarily contributed by the beef and chicken listed as the first two ingredients. These are high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for muscle development and overall health in dogs. The inclusion of tuna also adds to the protein content, although to a lesser extent given its position in the ingredient list.

The crude fat minimum of 4.00% is also largely derived from the beef and chicken, as these meats contain natural fats. Fat is a critical source of energy for dogs and contributes to the taste and palatability of the food. The level of fat is moderate, reflecting the dietary needs of small breed dogs, which may require less fat compared to larger breeds.

The crude fiber maximum of 1.00% indicates that this is a low-fiber food. The potato starch and tapioca starch might contribute small amounts of fiber, but their main purpose is likely as binders or thickeners to achieve the pate texture. The low fiber content is appropriate for a pate-style food, which is meant to be easily digestible.

The calorie content of 972.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. While specific ingredients contributing to the caloric content are not listed, it is a sum of the metabolizable energy provided by all the macronutrients in the formula.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Mini Meals Beef & Chicken Dinner Pate For Small Breeds costs approximately $10.37 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $228.64
10 lbs $384.53
15 lbs $521.19
20 lbs $646.70
30 lbs $876.53

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers rave about the palatability of Wellness Core Mini Meals, noting that even picky eaters like their dogs are enthusiastic about the beef and chicken pate. Many dogs seem to love the taste, with one dog reportedly finishing their meal in a matter of seconds, indicating a strong preference for this food.

The quality of the food is also praised, with customers appreciating that it is not filled with unnecessary fillers and has a record of not being recalled, suggesting reliability and trust in the brand. This point is especially important to pet owners who are conscious about the nutritional value and safety of their pet's food.

While there was an instance of a Shih Tzu turning away from the food, this seems to be an exception rather than the rule. Other Shih Tzu owners have reported that their pets not only enjoy the Wellness Core Mini Meals but are thriving on them. The single-serve packaging is particularly appreciated for its convenience and ensuring freshness.

The versatility of the pate is also highlighted, with customers using it to cleverly administer medication or as an enticing mix-in for picky eaters. It's noted that the product can be a great snack between meals and can be enhanced with additional chicken chunks to encourage dogs to eat.

It is worth mentioning that while the product is generally well-received, one review advises caution for breeds prone to pancreatic issues due to the higher fat content. This is a useful reminder for pet owners to consider their own dog's health needs when selecting a food product.