Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Review

A Full review of Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula By Taste of the Wild

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 40% of Taste of the Wild’s Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food’s 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 Dry Dog Food.

The only source of carbohydrates present in this limited ingredient formula is Lentils. However, there seems to a considerable quantity of lentils given the high proportion of carbohydrates. Lentils are considered a relatively high-quality source of carbohydrates and they will be discussed in more detail later on.

Despite being below average, this quantity of carbohydrates in Taste of the Wild Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food is far too high and should be far smaller to mimic a dog’s natural diet better.

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 Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food’s 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.

The protein of this formula is sourced from the Trout and Lentils present. Fish-based proteins such as Trout are an optimal source and are similar to meat-based protein as they can provide complete amino acid coverage. Unfortunately, given this food contains a high quantity of lentils it is likely a large percentage of this protein content is plant-based, which is not ideal.

This protein content may be sufficient for relatively inactive dogs, but may not be for those who are more active. There should be considerably more protein in Taste of the Wild Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food to best mimic a dog’s natural diet and satisfy their activity levels.

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 Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food’s 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 Dry Dog Food.

The fat present in this formula appears to be from two primary sources, the Trout, and the added oils. Trout is a fantastic source of fat and is very digestible. This Trout can provide a natural source of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids which bring with them a range of health benefits.

Also, there is added Salmon Oil. This Salmon Oil provides additional fat and an additional portion of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Calorie Density

Overall Taste of the Wild’s Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food contains an average of 3,592 kcal/kg or 336 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 – Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food

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

• Zinc (Min) – 150 mg/kg
• Selenium (Min) – 0.35 mg/kg
• Vitamin E (Min) – 150 IU/kg
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.5%
• 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

• Trout
• Lentils
• Salmon Oil

Low-Quality Ingredients

• N/A

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. Taste of the Wild’s Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula contains a single source of meat or fish.

The primary fish source present is Trout. Trout is considered a high-quality ingredient and source of protein. Trout has a range of benefits including very high levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Also, it is rich in Potassium, Vitamin B12 and Trout contains fewer contaminants such as Mercury than other fish. Unfortunately, just as with meat, Trout contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Trout. However given that Trout is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Lentils 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 essential 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. As far as carbohydrate sources go, Lentils are considered one of the better sources.

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 this ingredients inclusion in most formulas as Tomato Pomace has little nutritional value.

Sunflower Oil is one of a number of oils commonly added to pet food. Sunflower Oil contains high amounts of Omega 6 Fatty Acids. However, it does not provide any of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are often considered the more beneficial of the two. For that reason, Sunflower Oil is considered by many to be a less desirable addition than other oils such as Salmon and Canola Oil.

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 dogs 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.

Salt, when added in moderation, is considered a beneficial ingredient. It enhances flavor, helps preserve the food and is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and other bodily functions. However, some dogs, particularly those with cardiovascular problems may need to limit their consumption of Salt to avoid aggravating their health problems.

Full Ingredient List – Taste of the Wild – Prey – Trout Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food

Trout, lentils, tomato pomace, sunflower oil, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salmon oil (source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, 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 C), vitamin A supplement, biotin (vitamin B7), niacin (vitamin B3), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

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