Dry Complementary food “Hypoallergenic Pripping” for adult dogs with a sensitive digestive tract.
- For dogs
Rice is one of the oldest cereal crops, popular on all continents, especially in Asia. In small quantities, rice in dog and cat food is a useful source of carbohydrates. It is better digested than wheat or corn and contains less gluten, therefore it is recommended for animals with sensitive digestion or prone to food allergies. However, if the ingredient is indicated by one of the first in the composition of the food, it performs the functions of cheap filler.
Barley (Barley) is one of the best cereals in ready-made feeds, largely exceeds corn, wheat, rye and even oats: it rarely causes allergies, has a low glycemic index (25) and at the same time contains a lot of calories. Cereals in small quantities can be useful for metabolic processes and physical activity of dogs and cats, but in no case serve as the basis of their diet. From the general name of this ingredient, it is impossible to understand the quality and degree of purification of the serpent of barley, and therefore it is not possible to evaluate the ingredient of the "barley".
Dry meat of poultry (DehyDrated Poultry Meat) is a dried product of poultry tissues that are not suitable for a person (often this neck or back). Dry meat of poultry is a more processed ingredient than raw and, even more so, fresh: before entering the diet, the starting raw materials were dried, and then processed again as part of the mass of feed. Moisture and part of the fat during processing were removed – as a result, a concentrated source of protein and minerals remained.
Chicken fat (chicken oil, Chicken Fat, Chicken Oil) is a popular source of fat in high-quality animal feed, obtained in the process of processing chicken meat. This is a highly digestible source of essential omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid.
Natural taste additive (aromatic supplement) is a natural substance designed to increase the taste attractiveness of feed. Cats and dogs judge food by smell, and therefore flavorings are able to make it more attractive to them than it really is. In this case, the manufacturer did not clearly indicate which additives were used.
In the English composition, this ingredient is simply called “DRIED EGG Product” (“dried egg product”) – its American name “dehydrated egg” is either a translation error or a marketing course that embelles the real qualities of the component. The presence of eggs or egg processing in the composition of the egg, as a rule, indicates a low quality of food.
Sunflower Oil – is one of the most popular sources of vegetable fat. It is obtained by extraction from sunflower seeds. It contains a sufficient amount of omega-6 fatty acids (including essential alpha-linoleic acid), provides the health of the skin and animal hair, and is a source of energy.
Vitamins and minerals (Vitamins & Minerals)- most likely, it is a comprehensive vitamin-mineral premix that includes the necessary vitamins and minerals, micro- and macro elements.
Butylhydroxianizol (abbreviated BHA or BGA) is a chemical waxy substance of white, yellowish or pink, obtained as a result of a chemical reaction of the aluminum and 4-methoxyphenol. In feeds serves as a preservative and antioxidant, helps to preserve the color and taste of finished products. However, many manufacturers have long abandoned its use, preferring to use a different conservation method – natural antioxidants like vitamin E and herbs extracts.
Butilhydroxytoluol (BHT), aka Ionol or Dibunol, is a white crystalline phenol compound (C12H24O), a powerful preservative. It is used to protect fats from burning – in the food industry and cosmetic production.
Miko Karb is a technological supplement of the Belgian brand Kemin Europa N. V.. It does not allow mold and harmful bacteria in feed and feed raw materials, so it is used in dry diets for dogs and cats, as well as for feeding cattle and poultry. The main valid components of this additive are taken in certain acid proportions (propionic, fuma and sorbine) and ordinary table salt.
Unfortunately, the body of carnivores practically cannot synthesize vitamin A (retinol) from beta-carotene, which is rich in some plant foods, and must receive it either as part of meat products (liver, fish, eggs), or in a synthesized form, in the formvitamin supplement. From the name of this ingredient it is not clear in which combination of substances vitamin A is added, it cannot be present in its pure form.
Vitamin D (calciferol) is the common name for a group of fat-soluble biologically active substances. One form of this vitamin – D2 – enters the body only from food, while the other – D3 (cholecalciferol) – is formed in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. But not for cats and dogs. They absorb this vitamin exclusively from food. The richest sources of calciferol are oily fish (herring, mackerel), eggs, fish oil and liver.
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is a natural antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of fatty acids, vitamins (especially A) and some other nutrients, allowing dry dog food to be stored for a long time without losing its nutritional value.
The ingredient is a synthesized vitamin supplement, a source of thiamine necessary for animals. Pets who are fed "homemade" food, non-industrial production, must necessarily receive vitamin B1 (thiamine, aneurin) from natural sources (for this they need to be precisely balanced).
Vitamin B2 belongs to the water-soluble vitamins of group B and is one of the most important participants in the biochemical reaction on which all organic life is based – the redox process. In addition, this vitamin plays an important role in the absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as in the production of red blood cells, the synthesis of hemoglobin. Vitamin B2 is especially needed during the growth period of kittens and puppies.
Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, vitamin PP) (Niacin, Nicotinic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin of group B. Vitamins of this group are vital for animals to maintain the normal activity of cells and tissues, although the body cannot synthesize most of them on its own. So, if dogs get at least a little niacin from the amino acid tryptophan, cats naturally do not have such an opportunity – which means that they urgently need to “extract” this vitamin from food.
Choline Chloride (vitamin B4, choline, choline chloride) is an important element of cell membranes (as part of phospholipids). As a component of lecithin and acetylcholine, vitamin B4 regulates fat metabolism and protects the skin from dehydration. Unfortunately, the body of animals synthesizes it in insufficient quantities and it is necessary to fill in the "gaps" through food or artificially.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is very similar in structure to nicotinamide (vitamin B3 or PP). Pantothenic acid is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Thanks to it, the growth and development of puppies and kittens proceeds normally, the state of the cardiovascular and nervous systems improves, the liver functions better, and the barrier properties of the intestinal mucosa are enhanced.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) belongs to the water-soluble group and is extremely important, since it is used in the liver to produce an enzyme involved in the synthesis of amino acids, the main "building material" of proteins. Vitamin B6 is partly produced in the intestines by friendly microorganisms, but mostly comes from food.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) (folic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is responsible for blood quality and is involved in the formation of nervous system tissues. In dogs and cats, folic acid is only partly produced by the gut microflora, so pets (especially cats) need to get vitamin B9 from food – it becomes active only during digestion.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, cyanocobalamin) (Vitamin B12) is a water-soluble B vitamin that contains cobalt. This substance can only be found in products of animal origin (liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, muscle tissue, dairy products), and if there is not enough of them in the food, an additive of the synthesized form of the vitamin is used. B12 deficiency is rare, as the body needs very little to function properly.
Biotin (Vitamin H) – also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R (Vitamin B7 (Biotin, vitamin H)). It is a water-soluble B vitamin. One of the most important vitamins for healthy skin and a shiny coat, also directly affecting the proper functioning of the nervous system. Animals, especially cats, need to get biotin in their diet because their intestinal microbiota does not produce enough biotin. Biotin is most often added to ready-made dog and cat food.
Iron is an indispensable component of hemoglobin, which saturates the blood with oxygen, and myoglobin, which carries out the same work in the muscles. This trace element plays an important role in cellular respiration and is actively involved in the redox reactions of the body of animals. Natural sources of iron for cats and dogs are liver, meat, fish, poultry and offal.
Copper (Copper, Cuprum) in natural form is contained in various proteins and enzymes. It is very important for the animal body, despite the fact that it requires very little it there. This trace element is indispensable in the process of mineral and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as in the liver. Copper is usually added to the food in the form of salts – copper oxide (most difficultly absorbed), copper sulfate, as well as amino acid helat and copper proteinate (most easily digestible forms).
Zinc (ZINC) is contained in the body in minimal concentrations. It is responsible for the exchange of vitamin A, the formation of keratin and collagen proteins (necessary for the skin and animal hair) and wound healing. Most often, zinc is added to the food in the form of salts – zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, as well as in the most bio-vessel forms – proteinata or zinc lentor. From the name of this ingredient, it is not clear which connection, in this case, is a source of zinc in the stern.
Marganese is a trace element that is involved in more than 300 metabolic processes. Refers to the number of antioxidant minerals, protects cells from the effects of free radicals. Along with calcium and phosphorus, manganese is an important component of bone tissue and animal teeth. Most often, manganese oxide, manganese sulfate and manganese protein are used in feed.
Iodine is a trace element that, although in small quantities, is absolutely necessary for dogs and cats. It is an indispensable component of thyroid hormones, is needed for growth, development and regulation of metabolism. In food for dogs and cats, iodine is usually added as part of natural components (for example, flour of seaweed) or in the form of synthesized compounds (for example, calcium iodine).
Selenium is a trace element that in small doses is necessary for the body of dogs and cats, and in large ones – toxic. He acts as an antioxidant, preventing free radicals from destroying cells – thereby the elasticity of the muscles remains and the aging of the body slows down. Natural selenium is enough in meat, offal, fish and seafood.
Calcium is a chemical active metal of silver-white color, one of the most common minerals on our planet (it is contained in the earth's crust, in water and, of course, in living organisms). More than 90% of calcium in the body of animals falls on the bones and teeth with which this metal gives hardness. However, for the full growth and formation of bone tissue, calcium should be absorbed by the body in a certain balance with phosphorus.
Phosphorus is a mineral substance, the exact connection of which in this case is not indicated. Most likely, this is the salt of phosphoric acid – for example, calcium phosphate, since it is phosphates that are usually added to agricultural and pets feed. As part of the finished feed, phosphorus is not always indicated separately. It can be part of vitamin-mineral premixes, and are also contained in corn, oats, meat-bone flour and fish flour and bones.
Many animal owners consider their pets allergies – just in case, due to the pedigree inclination or special color, while others are quite reasonably, after the pet or another food and ready-made foods that were already manifested in the pet.
The so-called "hypoallergenic" diets are in the assortment of many fodder brands, and the Natural balance brand is no exception. Let's talk about dry dog food for dogs ProBalace Hypoallergenic Adult Dog, study its composition, identify the pros and cons and give an exhaustive characteristic.
Natural balance feed is produced in USA, but on the best dog food storage container we found an image of the Danish flag, and this interested us. With a thorough study of a dog food storage container of food, it turned out that in the description of the product there is a note: the formula of this diet was developed with the participation of technologists of the large Danish concern Aller Petfood.
"Pripple" for dogs: Hippoallergenic or not?
First of all, we will decide on the concept of "hypoallergenic. "The diet mentioned in this way should not be considered absolutely safe from the point of view of allergies for all dogs or cats without exception. The body of each pet is individual, and negative reactions can occur to almost any component.
With the help of the prefix “Hypo” (Latin Hypo – “Less Norm”) in the name “hypoallergenic” manufacturer simply wants to inform that this stern does not contain the most common allergies of ingredients. Review of the composition of Natural balance Hypoallergenic Adult Dog will show whether this is really so.
Grain and unknown bird
The top five ingredients start with two grains: rice and barley. In our opinion, such a dosage of cereals, sources of carbohydrates and vegetable protein, is completely undesirable for dogs. As the analysis of the food "Natural balance Hypoallergenic" shows, the third component in terms of volume here is dehydrated poultry meat (23%).
If we recall the description of Natural balance Hypoallergenic Adult Dog as a hypoallergenic diet, a couple of logical questions arise: what kind of bird is added to the composition and are there the most common allergens – chicken and its derivatives?
The list of composition does not give us answers to these two questions, and faith in the hypoallergenicity of the diet is melting. By the way, we also found egg powder among the additives – of course, this component is not enough in the composition, but eggs in general can hardly be called a hypoallergenic product.
Place number 4 in the food is occupied by chicken fat. By the way, in addition to it, there is also a vegetable source of fat in the food – sunflower oil.
Flavors and Natural balance score
Fifth on the list of ingredients is a hazy mixture called "natural flavors", which also makes it impossible to believe in the hypoallergenic properties of the food. In our opinion, in such products, all ingredients should be clearly indicated, without generalizations. Only then will the owners of allergic pets be able to figure out if such food threatens their animal with an aggravation, and make the right choice.
It is clear that said aromatic component does not form the basis of the food and is contained in a very small amount. But due to its controversy, we decided to count the points of this diet not for four, but for the first five ingredients.
The list of components included in the vitamin-mineral balancing feed supplement is indicated quite fully, however, the compounds that have become sources of vitamins and minerals are not named. We have added existing data to the food card after the main composition, so that you can get a better idea of the diet.
Natural balance Hypoallergenic Adult Dog: Dangerous Preservatives
Most of all, we were upset by the preservatives in the composition of this feed. Among them are not only an anti-mould additive called myco carb, but also two preservatives – E320 and E321, that is, butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT). These substances are potentially hazardous to health and completely undesirable in feed even for the healthiest pets, and even more so for allergy sufferers.
The general result is this: a little less than a quarter from the base of the diet is occupied by a dehydrated source of animal protein, the rest is cereal and chicken fat. The food contains ingredients called general words (dehydrated poultry meat, natural taste additives), as well as potentially dangerous preservatives. The overall score and rating Probalace Hypoallergenic Adult Dog are quite low, and we do not consider its composition suitable for dogs prone to allergies.
This conclusion, like everyone else, we suggest you read and take into account your discretion. We created it in order to arm you with knowledge and help make a more balanced decision when buying dry dog food for your pet. Read more about our activities here.
Contents
