Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula

Brand: Natural Balance, Vegetarian

Overall Score

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

1.5

Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula

1.5

Overall Score

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

Brand: Natural Balance, Vegetarian

Ingredient Quality

2 out of 10

Evalutation Criteria

Product is calculated to contain 52% 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
Contains fats that are highly processed or inflammatory ^ⓘSeed oils, such as safflower, sunflower or flaxseed oil, provide calories and taste. They are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause systemic and gut inflammation. Other oils like soybean are highly processed and may contain trans fats. Studies shows that ultra processed foods are linked to a higher rate of all-cause mortality in humans. 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
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

1 out of 10

Evalutation Criteria

Product is ultra processed ^ⓘExtruded foods are heated four separate times during production, which will cause major losses in some active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients. Studies shows that ultra processed foods are linked to a higher rate of all-cause mortality in humans. Learn more
Contains rice ^ⓘArsenic contamination is a significant concern with rice since it naturally absorbs arsenic and the water it's grown in can be contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic is linked to chronic health issues. Learn more
Contains ingredients known to contain higher pesticide/herbicide residues in the top 5 ingredients including barley, oats and peas ^ⓘ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
Contains known GMO ingredients in the top 5 ingredients including potato ^ⓘThere are limited safetey studies on geneticaly modified and Roundup Ready crops although they are lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods. GMO crops also strip nutrients from soils, require increased pesticide risk and may be involved in bee die-off. Learn more
Contains natural flavor ^ⓘNatural flavors are often animal digest or MSG, which are low quality ingredients with limited safety studies. Learn more

Other Concerns

Notable product facts

How It Compares

Food Type

Food Function

Life Stage

Ingredients On Package

Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Barley, Peas, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potatoes, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D2 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin), Flaxseed, Dried Spinach, Parsley, Cranberries, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Carnitine, Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Used As A Preservative), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min)	18%
Crude Fat (min)	8%
Crude Fiber (max)	5%
Moisture (max)	10%

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