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Natural Balance Ultra Protein Salmon & Chicken Meal Cat Food, 10 lb Bag

Natural Balance · 10 lb · Cat

Natural Balance Ultra Protein Dry Cat Food, Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe with Chicken Liver & Chicken Hearts - 10 lbs.
$4.00/ lb·$39.98total

Verified 29 days ago on Amazon.

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Overview

Natural Balance targets the nutritional needs of carnivorous felines with its Ultra Protein formula, presented here in a 10 lb bag. This specific recipe combines both marine and poultry sources, featuring salmon and chicken meal, and is further enriched with nutrient-dense chicken liver and chicken hearts. The "Ultra Protein" designation suggests a diet formulated to support lean muscle mass, high energy levels, and the overall physiology of active adult cats. By blending different animal proteins, this food aims to create a complex and savory flavor profile that can appeal to a wide range of feline palates. It positions itself as a premium-style diet focused on satisfying a cat's natural dietary inclinations.

Key features

  • High-protein formula designed to support lean muscle.
  • Diverse protein profile from multiple animal sources.
  • Features a blend of salmon (fish), chicken meal (poultry), and organ meats (liver, hearts).
  • Aims for high palatability with a complex, meaty flavor.
  • Convenient 10 lb bag size for single or multi-cat households.

Pros

  • The multi-protein approach, combining fish, poultry, and organ meats, can provide a broader range of amino acids and may appeal to picky eaters.
  • Focus on high protein content is well-suited for the biological needs of active, carnivorous cats.
  • Inclusion of chicken liver and hearts adds natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Offers strong value, with a price-per-pound that is more affordable than the median for its category.

Cons

  • The blend of salmon and chicken makes this recipe unsuitable for cats with allergies to either of those specific proteins.
  • The title does not specify a life stage, suggesting it may not be optimized for the unique needs of very young kittens or senior cats.
  • Some consumers prefer formulas with deboned meat as the first ingredient, rather than a protein meal like chicken meal.

Best for

This Natural Balance Ultra Protein recipe is an excellent fit for healthy adult cats that thrive on a high-protein diet and have no known sensitivities to fish or poultry. It is particularly well-suited for active cats that require ample protein for muscle maintenance and energy. The complex flavor profile also makes it a strong candidate for owners struggling to please picky eaters. Given its competitive price point, it's a great choice for households seeking a premium, protein-forward diet without the high-end cost.

Feeding guide

Feeding requirements vary based on a cat's age, metabolism, and activity level. As a general guideline, an adult cat typically requires about 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup of food per 8-10 lbs of body weight daily. This total amount should ideally be split into two meals. Always ensure a bowl of fresh, clean water is available. This advice is a starting point; refer to the official feeding chart on the product's packaging for the most accurate measurements and adjust as necessary to maintain your cat's ideal body condition.

Ingredients & nutrition note

This analysis is based on the product title, which specifies "Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe with Chicken Liver & Chicken Hearts." We do not have access to the full, certified ingredient list or guaranteed analysis. Diets marketed as "Ultra Protein" typically use concentrated sources like chicken meal to achieve high protein percentages. The inclusion of organ meats like liver and hearts is a common way to enhance nutrient density and flavor naturally. For a complete and accurate list of all components and their order, please consult the product packaging directly.

Price comparison

In the competitive landscape of medium-sized bags of dry cat food, this Natural Balance Ultra Protein formula stands out for its value. Based on our analysis of 155 similar products, its price of $4.00 per pound falls slightly below the category median of $4.16 per pound and is notably more affordable than the average price of $4.97 per pound. This positioning makes it a financially attractive option for consumers seeking a high-protein, multi-source animal protein diet without stretching their budget to the levels of the most expensive specialty brands.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Ultra Protein" mean for my cat?

While "Ultra Protein" is a marketing term, it signifies that this recipe is formulated to have a higher protein content than many standard cat foods. For a cat, which is an obligate carnivore, a high-protein diet helps support lean muscle development, provides sustained energy, and aligns with their natural physiological needs.

Is this Natural Balance recipe grain-free?

The product title does not state whether the formula is grain-free. Many high-protein diets reduce or eliminate grains, but you must check the full ingredient list on the physical packaging to be certain. If your cat has a known sensitivity to grains, always verify the ingredients before feeding.

My cat has a chicken allergy. Is this food a safe choice?

No. This food is explicitly not safe for a cat with a chicken allergy. The title clearly states that the recipe contains Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver, and Chicken Hearts. We recommend looking for a single-protein formula, such as a fish-only or lamb-only recipe, to avoid triggering your cat's sensitivities.

Is this food suitable for kittens?

The packaging does not specify a life stage, which typically means it is formulated for adult cat maintenance. While a high-protein diet is important for kittens, they also have unique requirements for other nutrients, like calcium and fat, to support their rapid growth. It is safest to choose a formula specifically labeled for "kittens" or "all life stages" and consult your veterinarian.

What does "Ultra Protein" mean for my cat?

While "Ultra Protein" is a marketing term, it signifies that this recipe is formulated to have a higher protein content than many standard cat foods. For a cat, which is an obligate carnivore, a high-protein diet helps support lean muscle development, provides sustained energy, and aligns with their natural physiological needs.

Is this Natural Balance recipe grain-free?

The product title does not state whether the formula is grain-free. Many high-protein diets reduce or eliminate grains, but you must check the full ingredient list on the physical packaging to be certain. If your cat has a known sensitivity to grains, always verify the ingredients before feeding.

My cat has a chicken allergy. Is this food a safe choice?

No. This food is explicitly not safe for a cat with a chicken allergy. The title clearly states that the recipe contains Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver, and Chicken Hearts. We recommend looking for a single-protein formula, such as a fish-only or lamb-only recipe, to avoid triggering your cat's sensitivities.

Is this food suitable for kittens?

The packaging does not specify a life stage, which typically means it is formulated for adult cat maintenance. While a high-protein diet is important for kittens, they also have unique requirements for other nutrients, like calcium and fat, to support their rapid growth. It is safest to choose a formula specifically labeled for "kittens" or "all life stages" and consult your veterinarian.

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