Can My Dog Survive On A Natural Balance Vegan Diet
Yes. The Natural Balance vegetarian formula is designed to be nutritionally complete which means it has all of the necessary protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients that a dog needs to thrive. Natural balances vegetarian formula meets all AAFCO requirements for adult dogs.
According to Natural Balance, This formula offers dogs the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the primary protein source, but it is made with no animal or dairy products.
An Overview On Dry Dog Food
Dogs are like members of our families, so of course, we want to keep them as healthy and happy as possible. The foundation for that is proper nutrition. A consistent, high-quality diet is the key to keeping your dog looking and feeling great. Feeding your dog the best dog food will keep them functioning at their best and can ward off chronic diseases, leading to a longer life. Dry dog food is very common and convenient, as it does not require refrigeration.
Theres a ton of different types of dry dog food out there, so the choices can be overwhelming. You should look for dog food that is labeled as complete and balanced, which means the food contains the minimum amount of all the nutrients necessary for dogs. This standard is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Keep in mind that buzzwords like premium and immune supporting are not regulated and should not carry much weight in your choice.
Just as with human food, you want to make sure your dog is eating a diet with real, whole foods and one that is free from artificial preservatives and additives. Make sure your dogs food contains a high-quality animal protein source, like lamb, chicken or turkey. Leading brands contain multiple protein sources, including chicken, turkey, flounder and egg.
What Is Natural Balance Dog Food A Review
In this review, I will take a look at a popular product with dog owners and provide you with a honest review. So, what is Natural Balance Dog Food? To answer this question, I will tell you a little about the company itself, examine the pros and cons associated with this product, why it may be beneficial and why or this product would be recommended. Lets get started.
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Which Types Of Dogs Is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Best Suited For
There are 20 different dry food recipes and eight wet food recipes within the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets. Fifteen dry versions and five wet are grain free. The Limited Ingredient Diets are best suited for dogs with allergies and/or food sensitivities because the number of ingredients used is limited.
There are recipes for large and small breeds, as well as puppy formulas.
Natural Balance Recalls 202:
The pet food company website states that the brand uses premium quality ingredients and that all of their products go through rigorous safety testing. In fact, they offer the Buy With Confidence program which allows customers to look up safety testing information for the specific bag of food they have purchased. They also offer a complete satisfaction guarantee to their customers or they will receive a full refund. As much as the company talks about the quality of their ingredients and the safety of their manufacturing processes, the brand has still been affected by numerous recalls in recent years. Here is a list of recalls for the brand:
- In March 2007, the American Veterinary Medical Association issued a report that led to a recall of numerous dry foods, canned foods, and treats due to melamine contamination.
- In July 2007, the FDA issued a recall for certain varieties of Eatables canned food due to potential for botulinum contamination.
- In June 2010, the FDA issued a recall for bags of Sweet Potato & Chicken dry food due to potential salmonella contamination.
- In May 2012, the FDA issued a recall for a variety of dry pet foods due to potential salmonella contamination.
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How Much To Feed
Adult Dogs:
- 10 lb dog: Recipe will make a 21 day supply
- 25 lb dog: Recipe will make a 10-11 day supply
- 50 lb dog: Recipe will make a 6 day supply
- 75 lb dog: Recipe will make a 4-5 day supply
- 100 lb dog: Recipe will make a 4 day supply
Puppies:
- 5 lb dog: Recipe will make a 14-15 day supply
- 10 lb dog: Recipe will make an 8-9 day supply
- 25 lb dog: Recipe will make a 4 day supply
- 50 lb dog: Recipe will make a 2-3 day supply
Transitioning To Homemade Dog Food
Most dogs dont have a problem making the switch to homemade food. If yours is prone to digestive issues, start slowly by mixing a little bit of the homemade food with the commercial food.
Over the course of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the commercial food.
If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, try introducing only a couple of new ingredients at a time until their systems are well adjusted to the fresh diet.
For dogs with health issues, please consult with a veterinarian if you arent sure what kind of supplements are needed. Use your best judgment, the way you would when feeding yourself or your family.
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Natural Balance Original Ultra Dry Dog Food
Original Ultra is a grain-free dry dog food that helps support brain health, immune function, and strong bones. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. What it doesnt contain is corn, soy, wheat, or artificial colors or flavors.
The primary protein ingredients in order are chicken, peas, chicken meal, and lentils the amount of protein is 27%. Fat shows up as chicken fat and fish oil, with a total of 15%, and the fiber amount is 5%. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables in this recipe. The downside is that it contains tomato pomace, which is a debatable ingredient, especially if used as a filler. It also contains dried egg.
The Limited Ingredients Diet is formulated as an alternative to limit the number of ingredients within a recipe. This is nice for dogs who suffer from allergies because there is one meat source, it is grain free, and there is no dried egg. This particular formula has chicken, chicken meal, and sweet potato as the main ingredients. The peas and garbanzo beans are full of fiber to promote a healthy digestive system.
- Contains tomato pomace and canola oil
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food Reviews
So while all grain-free recipes are also Limited Ingredient Recipes, the opposite does not apply. That is, in this hypoallergenic Natural Balance formula, youll find carbs such as brown rice and rice bran.
- This adult dog food will give your pooch 21% protein
- There are no fake preserving agents or dyes to color the food
- At 355 k/Cal per cup, its perfect for all different doggy sizes and breeds
- Contains Omega-rich canola oil to promote shiny, luxurious fur and
- Features only limited carbohydrates.
Cons
- No veggies or fruits, but this can be a particularly good thing if your dogs on a limited diet.
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Raw Beef & Chicken Neck Dog Food Recipe: All Life Stages
Many home-prepared raw diets can be missing key nutrients for puppies, especially manganese and vitamin D. This delicious combination of beef and chicken necks is formulated to meet AAFCO minimum requirements for adult dogs and puppies. No grains, no synthetic vitamins, and minerals.
NOTE: This food meets AAFCO minimum requirements for adult dogs and puppies.
You may need to adjust the daily amount based on your dogs breed and activity level.
Our Rating Of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets lists both grain-inclusive and grain-free dry dog foods. Most recipes use at least a moerate amount of named meat meals as their dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.
Highly recommended.
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Natural Balance Animal Testing
At this time, we have no information on whether Natural Balance participates in invasive or laboratory testing of animals.
Many pet food brands prefer not to disclose detailed information on their testing and trial methods. This is as they fear customer backlash which is common.
We strongly believe that laboratory or invasive testing of animals is a cruel and outdated practice. We hope that in the future, it will be eliminated.
Very Pleased With This Food
My mom’s two medium sized mutt dogs have numerous digestive issues. After many trips to the vet he switched them onto a prescription Duck and Potato formula from Science Diet. It was very expensive and she had to buy it from the vet, but the dogs improved considerably. I decided to see if I could find a non-prescription dog food that would work just as well . By comparing ingredients we settled on Natural Balance Potato and Duck Formula.This food falls into their Limited Ingredient Diet range, which is aimed at dogs with food allergies and sensitive tummies. The first ingredient is potatoes, but the next two are duck meal and duck. There are no grains in this food. It might not be top range quality, but it is far better than the prescription food they were on before.But the proof is in how well it works. Both dogs seem to love the taste and are happy to eat this food. Their digestive issues have not returned and they seem to be very healthy on this food. It costs about half as much as the prescription food and is better quality. It is also more convenient because it is available at most pet stores, feed stores and online.
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Natural Balance Lid Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
- Help bring out your best bud’s best with the select simple premium ingredients and delicious taste of Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Brown Rice Formula Dry Dog Food.
- The first ingredient is real duck which provides amino acids to help build the strong muscles your dog needs to make the most of your adventures together.
- Whole-grain brown rice contains fiber to help support healthy digestion and with essential vitamins and minerals this delicious duck and brown rice formula dog food is complete and balanced for adult dogs of all sizes.
Primary Ingredients In Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredients Diets: These formulas are designed to reduce the number of ingredients within the recipe to keep it as simple as possible to reduce the chance of allergic reactions.
There are limited animal protein sources, and the company uses only one within each recipe. Ingredients to support healthy skin and coat, digestion, bones, and overall well-being are a priority.
There are a variety of flavors, such as fish, venison, chicken, duck, lamb, and bison. In the grain-free varieties, you will see one meat source, followed by potato or sweet potato. If grains are included, there will be a single meat source followed by whole-grain brown rice.
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The Grain Free Natural Balance Dog Food Reviews
Natural Balance grain-free formulas are all also Limited Ingredient formulas. The brand creates a pretty extensive range of these, which well be reviewing here and in our Limited Ingredient section below.
- No fake colors, filler by-products, or flavors in this recipe
- Your grown dog will be getting 21% protein
- This features antioxidants from flaxseed, which will help his immune system stay healthy
- Owners have reported that it helps reduce shedding and
- While the packet shows 0.08% calcium minimum, this is actually 1.48% on an as-fed basis.
Cons
- Includes potatoes, which some intolerant dogs wont be able to eat.
Natural Balance Synergy Formula Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Synergy Dog Food reviews could not be more positive! With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating, this formula is a fan favorite. Customers reported that all of their puppies love this food and show an increase in energy all around! With this synergy formula, prebiotics are included to help promote healthy digestion and strong immune systems. A complex fiber source helps to reduce stool volume which means you dont have to clean up the backyard as often! Win! Of course, as all Natural Balance Dog Food formulas go, a mix of omega-fatty acids helps to promote healthy skin and coats for your beloved pup!
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Natural Balance Dog Food Coupons 2022
When it comes to shopping for this brand of pet food products, you should be prepared to pay a little bit more than you would for the standard kibble. They use all-natural ingredients in their products which means that they will be a little more expensive. A 30-pound bag of Original Ultra dry food costs about $55 while a 28-pound bag of Limited Ingredient Diet food costs about the same. Their canned food products come in 13-ounce cans which sell for between $2.50 and $3.00 each or in 8-ounce tubs which cost up to $3.75 each. You can also purchase 3.5-pound rolls of fresh food formulas for about $14 each. To help offset the cost of these products, be sure to look for pet food coupons online.
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Is Natural Balance Dog Food Human Grade
Yes, for a number of reasons. First of all, the company only uses meat that is USDA approved, which should indicate that pet owners are receiving a quality ingredient. Additionally, those recipes that include grains are certified and free from genetically modified organisms. Finally, the formulas are free of potentially harmful ingredients including wheat, corn, soy , fillers and by-products.
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A Word About Vegetarian Dog Food
Vegetarian diets are a valid choice for humans, but there is some debate about whether they are safe for dogs. Thats why we recommend talking to your vet before switching to Natural Balance dog food vegetarian recipe. There may be risks associated with cutting out animal proteins.
Dog food diet trends tend to follow human diet trends, and vegetarian dog foods are growing in popularity. Some people want vegetarian dog food for their pet for the same reason they follow one themselves because they think eating animals is unethical.
While this is understandable, its more important to consider whether or not vegetarian dog food is healthy for your pet. Most vets and animal nutritionists would say that vegetarian diets are not healthy for canines. Dogs do not only eat meat in the wild. Your dogs ancestors ate whatever they needed to survive. And while you can feed your dog a vegetarian diet and the right supplements to technically meet its nutrition needs, your pet wont thrive in the same way as it would be getting these nutrients naturally from eating animal protein.
Dogs that eat strictly vegetarian ingredients may suffer from heart disease and other issues due to vitamin deficiencies. They may seem healthy in the short term, but some of these deficiencies take a long time to show up because your dogs body is pretty good at compensating for them until they cant any longer.
Who Makes Natural Balance Limited Ingredient And Where Is It Produced
Headquarters for Natural Balance is in Burbank, California. Its food is made by Diamond Pet Foods in either California or South Carolina. Unfortunately, it does not own Diamond Pet Foods, so it doesnt have as much control over the manufacturing process, but it does have chemists who test each product before it is sent to the shelves. It also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of its products.
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Preparation Of Our Homemade Diet
All of the information above might seem intimidating, but I assure you that making the actual meals for our dogs takes no more than 20 minutes of actual hands-on time.
First, we cook our complex carbs, whether theyre grains, legumes, or starchy vegetables.
While that pot is simmering on the stove, we cook the meat in a separate pan in coconut oil and ground turmeric. After its cooled a bit, we add chunks of meat to our food processor and pulse until theyre broken down into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces.
Then, we gather whatever vegetables or fruits we have in the kitchen , chop them up as needed, and toss them into the food processor.
We also add a few clean, crushed eggshells to the mix. A few pulses turns all this food into smaller pieces, making them more digestible for our dogs.
Finally, we add the cooled, cooked carbs to the food processor and do a couple more pulses to combine. Everything should have a finely crumbled texture by this point.
Since dogs have short digestive tracts, its crucial that you break down the food to increase its bioavailability that is, making all the nutrients in those wholesome ingredients more digestible in a dogs system.
I prepare enough food to last my two pugs an entire week. Its unbelievably easy, and I like knowing exactly what goes into their food. Friends will watch us feed our pugs and remark that it looks good enough for them to eat!