Pacific Stream Puppy Formula Review

A Full Review of Pacific Stream Puppy Formula by Taste of the Wild

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependent 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.

Dogs 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 40% of Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Puppy 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 below average for a Puppy Food.

Ingredients such as Peas and Sweet Potatoes are the primary ingredients that contribute carbohydrates in this formula. Both of these examples are considered high-quality sources.

However, the overall total of carbohydrates is too high and does not reflect the natural diet of dogs. Starches like Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes are the primary culprit as they are very carbohydrate and calorie-dense.

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 27% of Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Puppy 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 Puppy Food.

This proportion of protein is sufficient for the average puppy but may not be adequate for those who are more active.

Most of this protein is sourced from the range of salmon ingredients present. Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and contains all the amino acids needed.

However, puppies may need more protein than adult dogs to sustain their growth. Therefore this may not be a sufficient protein proportion for some puppies. This is amplified by the fact that a large portion of this protein is from plant sources such as Pea 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 33% of Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Puppy 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 above average for a Puppy Food.

Salmon ingredients usually contribute very high-quality fats, including higher levels of the Omega Fatty Acids. However, the level of these fats in this formula is not particularly impressive, which suggests this oil may have been removed from the ingredients.

However, Pacific Stream Puppy Formula’s fat content is still of a high quality. This overall fat proportion is a little below what we would consider ideal. This may not be adequate to satisfy the energy needs of a very active puppy.

Calorie Density

Overall, Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Puppy Formula contains an average of 3,600 kcal/kg or 360 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 – Taste of the Wild – Pacific Stream Puppy 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 analyses will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 27.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 15.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 5.00%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.4%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.5%

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

• Salmon
• Smoked Salmon
• Salmon Meal
• Peas
• Sweet Potatoes

Low-Quality Ingredients

• Pea Protein

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 formula’s meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Puppy Formula contains four sources of meat or fish.

The primary fish source present is Salmon. Salmon is considered a high-quality source of protein. Salmon’s 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 the first listed ingredient, its quantity after cooking is likely to still be relatively high.

Another fish source present is Salmon Meal. Salmon Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein.

Fish Meal is a concentrated form of fish that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram is much richer in protein and other nutrients.

Salmon Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Whitefish but in higher concentrations. This includes Vitamin B12 and Selenium.

Ocean Fish Meal is considered an average-quality source of fish. It is a concentrated form of fish that has already had most of its moisture removed. Ocean Fish Meal is likely to have a relatively high protein content which is ideal for a dog’s diet.

Unfortunately, Ocean Fish is a vague description. For this reason, it’s difficult to gauge exactly what fish the meal is made of. In addition, this makes it difficult to gauge the quantities of fish oils such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Sweet Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a source of complex carbohydrates.  Sweet Potatoes are considered superior 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.

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.

Peas are a member 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 grains 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.

Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a dense source of complex carbohydrates. Also, Potatoes can provide fiber and a surprising number of minerals and vitamins such as Potassium, Copper, and the Vitamin B6.

Sadly, Potatoes are considered an average-quality ingredient as they provide minimal nutritional value beyond their carbohydrate content.

Canola Oil is derived from a modified version of Rapeseed. Canola Oil is most commonly added to dog food to supplement the levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids. These Fatty Acids are crucial for a dog’s skin, coat, and brain development.

While Canola Oil is not the ideal source of the Omega Fatty Acids, it does have a high ratio of Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Omega 6 Fatty Acids.

Sources with high ratios, such as Canola Oil, are considered superior. However, Canola Oil can be a controversial ingredient due to the fact it is genetically modified.

Pea Protein is a by-product of Peas. Pea Protein is considered a low-quality ingredient. It is often used as a cheap way to increase the overall level of protein in a dog food without including additional meat or fish content.

While the protein in Pea Protein is not harmful, plant-based proteins such as this are considered inferior to meat and fish-based proteins as they do not contain the full range of needed amino acids. Pea Protein is one of the most common ingredients used in a technique called Ingredient Splitting.

A noteworthy ingredient present in this formula is Tomato Pomace. Tomato Pomace is made up of tomato skin, seeds, and pulp.

Its most beneficial feature is that it contains very high levels of soluble fiber, which can aid and regulate digestion.

Those high levels of fiber are the primary motivation behind the inclusion of this ingredient in most formulas, as Tomato Pomace has little nutritional value.

Salmon Oil is a reliable source of the Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids. In fact, Salmon Oil is particularly high in the Omega 3 Fatty Acid, which is considered to be the more beneficial of the two. The Omega Fatty Acids are essential for an extensive range of reasons.

They can help maintain a dog’s skin and coat, they can reduce inflammation, and they can help fight heart disease. The full list of potential benefits of the Omega Fatty Acids is far too numerous to list.

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 to meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Taste of the Wild – Pacific Stream Puppy Formula

Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, pea protein, tomato pomace, smoked salmon, salmon meal, natural flavor, salmon oil (a source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, 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.

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