WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken & Whitefish Dinner Minced In Gravy Review

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Review of WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken & Whitefish Dinner Minced In Gravy

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

WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken & Whitefish Dinner Minced In Gravy 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 WholeHearted Grain Free Small Breed Chicken & Whitefish Dinner Minced In Gravy, we'll examine all 32 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 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.

  3. Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.

  4. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  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. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Calcium sulfate is a natural source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth in your dog. Calcium is also important for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

  9. 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.

  10. Sodium acid pyrophosphate is a food additive that helps maintain the texture and appearance of dog food, ensuring consistent quality and freshness.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

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

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

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

  16. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

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

  18. Reduced iron is an essential mineral that helps support your dog's red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall immune system function.

  19. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  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. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

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

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

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

  29. 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.

  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. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

  32. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 7.00% is primarily derived from the chicken and whitefish listed as the first two ingredients, which are substantial sources of animal protein. Additionally, pea protein further contributes to the overall protein content. Animal-based ingredients are typically high in protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in dogs.

The crude fat minimum of 4.00% likely comes from the natural fats present in the chicken and whitefish, as well as any added fish oil. Fats are a crucial source of energy for dogs and contribute to the taste and palatability of the food. The inclusion of fish oil also provides essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health.

The maximum of 1.00% crude fiber is relatively low, reflecting the grain-free nature of the product. Fiber is often provided by carbohydrates such as grains or legumes, but in this case, the carrots and peas are likely the primary contributors to the fiber content. Tapioca starch may also contribute a small amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, but in grain-free formulas, it's often present in lower amounts compared to diets containing grains.