Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula

A Full review of Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula by Diamond

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependant on their unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is 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 significant carbohydrates in their diet and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 39% of Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula 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 is significantly below average for a Dry Dog Food.

The carbohydrate content of this formula appears to be from the vegetable and grain ingredients of this dog food. This includes Peas and a small range of grains such as Brown Rice and Barley. This will be discussed later on. This proportion of carbohydrates is not satisfactory and should be slightly lower to better mimic a dog’s natural diet. In addition, some of these ingredients would be considered lower-quality which compounds the issue.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 26% of Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula 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 is above average for a Dry Dog Food.

This proportion of protein for the average dog but may not be sufficinet for those who are more active. This protein appears to be mostly sourced from Chicken ingredients such as Chicken and Chicken Meal. These are considered high-quality sources. However, some of this protein is from the range of legumes present. Thankfully this formula does not make use of vegetable by-products like Pea Protein or Potato Protein.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use fat as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 35% of Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula 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 is significantly above average for a Dry Dog Food.

The fat present in this dog food appears to be sourced from the Chicken ingredients which are an ideal source. This low estimate of fat content is sufficient to fulfill the energy needs of most dogs including those who are more active. Sadly, the level of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids in this formula is very low and will not provide significant benefit.

Calorie Density

Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula contains on average 3,708 kcal/kg or 368 kcal/cup

Disclaimer

Once again please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products 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 – Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula

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 analysis will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 26.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 16.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 3.00%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.50%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.40%

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.

High-Quality Ingredients

• Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Peas

Low-Quality Ingredients

• Cracked Barley
• Pea Flour

Dangerous / Harmful Ingredients

• N/A

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients of dog food are without a doubt the most important. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need. Also, these ingredients would have made up the bulk of dogs ancestors diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formulas meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula contains two sources of meat or fish.

The primary meat source present is Chicken. Chicken is considered a high-quality source of protein. In addition to being a fantastic protein source, chicken has high levels of Niacin and Vitamin B6. Unfortunately Chicken does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Chicken. However given that Chicken is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

The secondary meat source present is Chicken Meal. Chicken Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meat Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations. This includes high levels of Niacin and Vitamin B6.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Despite being a grain, Brown Rice can provide some nutrition. Therefore it is considered one of the better grains. To add to this Brown Rice is far superior to White Rice which is heavily processed. Brown Rice can provide dietary fiber for healthy digestion and high levels of Magnese.

Peas are members of the legume family of vegetables. Legumes are famous for having a relatively high amount of protein for a vegetable. Legumes also contain a high amount of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Pet foods often use legumes as a replacement for in grain-free pet food. Protein from vegetables such as legumes should not be a replacement for protein from meat. Instead, it should act as an additional protein source.

Barley is a grain containing gluten and can be considered a low-quality ingredient in dog food by some. It is very high in carbohydrates and can be difficult to digest. The fact that it is challenging to digest could lead to constipation or other symptoms. However, Barley does contain high levels of selenium and manganese. Learn more about Barley in our article Barley In Dog Food.

Dried Beet Pulp is a by-product of sugar beet processing. It is added to pet food as a source of soluble fiber. This fiber helps absorb excess water in your pets digestive system, as well as promote healthy bowel movement and stool. Dried Beet Pulp does not contain any significant nutritional value.

Flaxseed is a beneficial ingredient that is commonplace in higher quality dog food. Flaxseed contains high levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids which provide a range of health benefits such as healthier skin and fur and improved cognitive function. Also, Flaxseed contains high levels of protein for a plant-based ingredient. Finally, Flaxseed provides Lignans which can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol.

Dried Chicory Root or Chicory Root Extract is an additive or supplement to dog food. It can provide a range of health benefits including soluble fiber to enable regular passage of stool, probiotics to aid and promote digestion, as well as potentially eliminate or prevent intestinal worms. While these benefits are not fully proven, there is strong evidence behind them. The proportion of Chicory Root used in most dog food recipes is tiny and does not contribute meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula

Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, peas, cracked pearled barley, pea flour, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp, egg product, natural flavor, flaxseed, salmon oil (source of DHA), potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, beta carotene, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.