natural balance dog food reviews salmon and sweet potato

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Review

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Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

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

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe 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 Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 42 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. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

2. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

6. Canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. It's preserved with mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E) to maintain freshness.

7. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

8. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

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. 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.

11. Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.

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

14. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

15. 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.

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

17. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

18. 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.

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

20. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

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

22. 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.

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

24. 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.

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

26. 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.

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

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

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

30. 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.

31. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

32. 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.

33. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

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

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

36. 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.

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

38. 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.

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

40. 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.

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

42. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 24.00%: The primary source of protein in this pet food is from the Salmon and Menhaden Fish Meal. These are the first two ingredients listed, indicating they are the most abundant. The Potato Protein also contributes to the protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 10.00%: The fat content is likely to come from the Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, and Menhaden Fish Oil. These ingredients are rich in healthy fats. The Canola Oil also contributes to the fat content.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: The fiber content is primarily from the Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Flaxseed. These ingredients are known for their high fiber content, which is essential for digestive health.

Calories of 3450.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food comes from all the ingredients, with the most calorically dense being the Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, and Canola Oil. These ingredients provide the energy your pet needs for their daily activities.

The vitamins and minerals listed are added to ensure a balanced diet. For example, Vitamin E and Ascorbic Acid are antioxidants, while Niacin, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Vitamin B12 are essential for metabolic processes. The minerals, such as Zinc, Iron, Copper, and Manganese, are important for various bodily functions, including immune function and bone health.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $3.69 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are generally pleased with the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe for dogs with dietary restrictions. Many have noted improvements in their pets' health after switching to this food, citing better digestion and relief from allergies. The absence of chicken and limited ingredients are particularly valued by owners of dogs with sensitivities.

Several reviews highlight the positive impact on dogs' skin and coat health, with reports of shinier coats and reduced itching. The salmon and sweet potato combination is often mentioned as a beneficial formula that dogs enjoy. Furthermore, the food is praised for its high quality and the fact that it doesn't contain common allergens like grains and legumes.

On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions issues with the kibble size, smell, and palatability for some pets. However, these seem to be individual concerns rather than widespread problems. In cases where dogs did not prefer the flavor or had digestive issues, owners have noted the value of the brand's variety, allowing them to switch to other flavors or protein sources within the same high-quality product line.

It's also worth noting that some dogs experienced improved gastrointestinal health, with reports of normalized stools and less frequent digestive upsets. Owners of dogs with chronic health issues have found this food to be a successful part of their pets' dietary management.

In response to concerns about changes in the food's formula or packaging, it appears that while some dogs may have had adverse reactions, many continue to thrive on this diet. The brand's commitment to limited ingredients and catering to dogs with food sensitivities remains a strong selling point for most customers.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food Review (Wet)

Home Reviews Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food Review (Wet)

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food Review (Wet)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 21, 2024

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Which Natural Balance Limited Ingredient RecipesGet Our Best Ratings?

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient canned dog food receives the Advisors mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient product line includes the 8 canned dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken liver, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, agar-agar, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, biotin, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement), calcium carbonate, salt, choline chloride, taurine, yucca schidigera extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Chicken is considered the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken.¹

Chicken is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is chicken broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common component in many canned products.

The third ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The next ingredient includes sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The fifth ingredient is chicken liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.

The sixth ingredient is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

The next ingredient is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a cat than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

The eighth ingredient isnatural flavors. Natural flavors dont give us much information about the particular ingredients included in this cat food for flavoring purposes.

Were pleased that the flavorings used are natural, but more details are required to give any further information about these natural flavoring ingredients. Flavorings are used to make the foods more appealing and tasty for our dogs.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Natural Balance product.

With 3 notable exceptions

First, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Next, taurine an essential amino acid for dogs associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eye sight, and is crucial for maintaining good health in dogs.

We view the presence of Taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.

And lastly, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient canned dog food looks like an above-average wet product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 25%, a fat level of 16% and estimated carbohydrates of about 51%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 26% and a mean fat level of 20%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.

Which means this Natural Balance product line contains

Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical canned dog food.

Excluding the Vegetarian recipe, when you consider the protein-boosting effect of potato protein contained in some recipes, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing just a moderate amount of meat.

Our Rating of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient lists both grain-inclusive and grain-free wet dog foods using a moderate amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3.5 stars.

Recommended (excluding the Vegetarian recipe).

However, due to their higher fat-to-protein ratios, some recipes may not be suitable for every animal.

Natural Balance Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Natural Balance through April.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

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