Nature’s Blend

Full review of Nature’s Blend by Dr. Marty Pets

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependant on its unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is the most appropriate nutrition profile for the vast majority of dogs.

Dog’s are very capable of consuming a high proportion of carbohydrates, but a diet high in protein and fat is more appropriate and a better reflection of their natural ancestral diet.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Dogs use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Dogs do not require a significant portion of carbohydrates in their diet, and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 18% of Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend calories are derived from carbohydrates.

Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This carbohydrate proportion is significantly below average for a Dog Food recipe.

This carbohydrate proportion is notably lower than most other dog food recipes and very satisfactory. The carbohydrate content of this dog food consists of a mix of plant-based materials, including Flax, Sweet Potatoes, and Pea Flour.

While Flax and Sweet Potatoes are considered higher-quality sources, Pea Flour is not. Thankfully the portion of Pea Flour present is quite small.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance, making it a critical component of their diet. Despite what many believe, excess Protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 31% of Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend calories are derived from Protein.

Please note that this is the minimum amount of Protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of Protein is likely to be higher. This protein proportion is significantly above average for a Dog Food recipe.

This is an extremely high proportion of Protein and far above the needs of most dogs, including those that are very active. Nevertheless, this additional Protein is not wasted and can be instead burnt as calories.

This Protein is from a range of meat and fish ingredients such as Beef, Duck, and Salmon. These are all high-quality animal-based sources of Protein and provide a full range of amino acids.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use Fat in their diet as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 51% of Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend calories are derived from Fat.

Please note that this is the minimum amount of Fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of Fat is likely to be a lot higher. This fat proportion is significantly above average for a Dog Food recipe.

This is a very high level of Fat which will have the effect of making this food extremely appealing to your dog.

The Fat appears to be entirely sourced from the range of high-quality meat and fish sources present, which are an ideal source. Unfortunately, if this food and the portions provided are not properly managed, it could cause a dog to gain weight.

Calorie Density

Overall Dr Marty Pets Nature’s Blend contains an average of 4990 kcal/kg, 256 kcal/cup.

Disclaimer

Once again, please note that the values in this section are calculated using the product’s guaranteed analysis. The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values, and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation.

As a rule of thumb, most dog foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present.

However, also note that every dog food is different, and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging. A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption.

The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analyses will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of pet food are disclosed on the packaging of the product as a list in descending order. Therefore the ingredients at the start of the list make up the bulk of the pet foods content.

As a consequence, the quality of these primary ingredients is the most significant factor in determining the quality of pet food.

However, ingredients listed further down the ingredient list should not be ignored, especially if they could have adverse or harmful effects on a pet.

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients found in dog food are, without a doubt, the most essential components. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need.

Also, these meat and fish ingredients would have made up the bulk of dogs’ ancestors’ diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formula’s meat and fish ingredients is crucial.

Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend contains more than five sources of meat and fish, which is significantly more than average.

The primary meat source present is Turkey. Turkey is considered a high-quality source of protein. Some of the beneficial nutrients contained in Turkey outside of its protein and fat content include Vitamin B6 and Niacin.

Unfortunately, whole Turkey does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Turkey.

However, given that Turkey is the recipe’s primary ingredient, its proportion will be relatively high even after the cooking process.

The secondary meat source present is Beef. Beef is also considered a high-quality source of protein. In addition, Beef can provide additional nutrition beyond its protein and fat content such as minerals like Iron and Zinc. Unfortunately, Beef also contains a high concentration of water.

Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Beef. However, given that Beef is the second listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

The tertiary source present is Salmon. Salmon is considered a high-quality source of protein. Salmons’ most abundant minerals are Vitamin B12 and Selenium.

Just like other fish, Salmon contains a large quantity of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Unfortunately, just as with meat, Salmon contains a high concentration of water.

Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Salmon. However, given that Salmon is not one of the primary ingredients, its quantity after cooking is likely to be relatively low.

Another meat source present is Duck. Duck is far less common than others mentioned here but is still considered a high-quality source of protein.

An interesting point about Duck is that it contains considerably higher levels of selenium and phosphorus than other meats.

Unfortunately, Duck also contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Duck.

However, given that Duck is the third listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high after the cooking process.

Beef Liver is considered a high-quality ingredient and source of meat. Liver contains a much higher concentration of some beneficial nutrients than traditional meat cuts. It can also greatly enhance flavor and palatability.

Some of the nutrients present in Liver are Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Iron. In addition to these beneficial nutrients, Liver also contains a high amount of protein and fat, which can allow it to supplement the core meat and fish ingredients in a recipe.

Eggs are a highly nutritious pet food ingredient and are considered a high-quality source of protein. Eggs are extremely underutilized, and many brands do not use them in any of their recipes.

Eggs contain a huge variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 and B12, Selenium, Phosphorus, and many others.

In addition to this, they contain a high proportion of protein and healthy fats such as the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Flaxseed is a minor ingredient that is extremely common to find in higher-quality dog food recipes. Flaxseed is best known for containing high levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, which can provide a range of health benefits such as healthier skin and fur and improved cognitive function.

However, many do not realize that Flaxseed contains high levels of protein for a plant-based ingredient. Finally, Flaxseed can also provide something called Lignans, which can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Flaxseed, be sure to check out our article, Flaxseed In Dog Food.

Sweet Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a source of complex carbohydrates. Sweet Potatoes are considered superior by some to traditional Potatoes as they contain more fiber and a more extensive range of vitamins and minerals.

Some examples of vitamins and minerals that are abundant in Sweet Potatoes are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium.
However, they are still a dense source of carbohydrates which means their portion size must be tightly controlled to avoid becoming excessive.

Regardless, the higher amount of fiber and the range of micronutrients in Sweet Potatoes means that they are considered a high-quality ingredient despite containing mostly carbohydrates.

Pea Flour is a processed by-product of Peas. Pea Flour is considered by many to be a low-quality ingredient. Pea Flour is similar to other pea by-products such as Pea Protein but also contains a considerable proportion of carbohydrates.

Pea Flour is often used as a cheap filler, and the carbohydrates and plant-based protein it provides are thought to be inferior to the nutrition other whole ingredients can provide.

You can learn more about Pea Flour and other Pea By-products in our article Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Flour and Pea Fiber in Dog Food.

Moreover, Pea Flour is an ingredient commonly used in a technique called Ingredient Splitting. You can read about this sinister technique in our article Ingredient Splitting in Pet Food – Exposed.

Full Ingredient List – Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend

Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck, Beef Liver, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Egg, Pea Flour, Apple, Blueberry, Carrot, Cranberry, Pumpkin Seed, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Ginger, Salt, Sunflower Seed, Broccoli, Kale, Mixed Tocopherols (natural preservative)