Lotus Small Bites Sardine Recipe Dog Food

Brand: Lotus Dog Food, Oven Baked Dry Food

Overall Score

The overall score is an average of the ingredient quality and ingredient safety concerns. For more information, see our evaluation criteria.

5.5

Lotus Small Bites Sardine Recipe Dog Food

5.5

Overall Score

The overall score is an average of the ingredient quality and ingredient safety concerns. For more information, see our evaluation criteria.

Brand: Lotus Dog Food, Oven Baked Dry Food

Ingredient Quality

5 out of 10

Evalutation Criteria

Product is calculated to contain 38% carbohydrate ^ⓘDogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrate but they are used for energy, texture and taste. Starch is also required for extrusion in dry foods. Excessive carbohydrate is an indicator of food quality as it can be used to reduce manufacturing cost. Foods that are high in carbohydrate can raise insulin and cause obesity. Some studies also show that dogs fed a high carbohydrate content have changes to their gut bacteria. Learn more
Contains plant protein ^ⓘPlant-based protein sources are the least expensive substitute for quality animal protein. Whenever possible, animal sources of protein are preferred because they contain a wider array of amino acids than plant based protein sources and are more digestible. Learn more
Is fortified with excessive minerals ^ⓘFive or more added minerals indicate a lower quality food that’s lacking naturally occurring minerals from whole food sources.
Is fortified with excessive vitamins ^ⓘWhen vitamins come from whole food sources, they include the full spectrum of cofactors, which makes them safe and bioavailable. While a couple of added vitamins are acceptable, five or more implies the food is of poor nutritional value. Learn more

Ingredient Safety

6 out of 10

Evalutation Criteria

Product is moderately processed ^ⓘHeating foods will cause losses in some active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients. Learn more
Contains ingredients known to contain higher pesticide/herbicide residues in the top 5 ingredients including peas and potatoes ^ⓘPesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. Foods with the largest reported amount of residue will be penalized, including crops that are known to be spray-dried with glyphosate. Learn more

Other Concerns

Notable product facts

Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is not provided. ^ⓘDiets rich in omega-6 fats can cause chronic inflammation and disease. Learn more
Product doesn't specify whether the fish is farmed or wild caught ^ⓘFarmed fish is less nutritious than wild caught fish and does not contain the same healthy fatty acid balance. Fish farming also threatens wild fish species. Learn more
Glam ingredients ^ⓘExpensive or desirable ingredients like blueberries, kale or apples are often added to appeal to consumers but may be in miniscule amounts. If these foods are below salt or other low concentration ingredients, they contribute little or no nutritional value for your dog. Learn more
Ingredient splitting ^ⓘSplitting is a technique of manipulating the ingredient list to move certain ingredients higher or lower on the ingredient list. This is often used to diguise the amount of lower quality ingredients in the food, such as corn or peas. Learn more

How It Compares

Food Type

Food Function

Life Stage

Ingredients On Package

Sardine, Herring, Dried Potatoes, Dried Peas, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Cassava Flour, Catfish Oil Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid, Ground Flaxseed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Olive Oil, Carrots, Apples, Salt, Calcium Propionate, Monosodium Phosphate, Garlic, Dried Kelp, Spinach, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Inulin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D Supplement, Vitamin B Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min)	25%
Crude Fat (min)	4.5%
Crude Fiber (max)	14%
Moisture (max)	10%

HAS THIS LABEL CHANGED?

Help us keep Dog Food Reviews up to date!

If this food or ingredients are out of date, please fill out the form below to notify us. We’ll update the food and score to reflect the latest ingredients.