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Natural Balance

Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens

CatDry

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.0 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

References

AAFCO Ingredient Standards
High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

References

PMC: Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? Deng & Swanson (2020): Cats Have Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared to Dogs
High

Is Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens dry cat food good?

Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens is a dry cat food rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

LegumesPoultryFish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggNutsRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
  • Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.

Cons

  • Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 44%
  • Fat 16%
  • Est. Carbs 28%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Ash 8%

Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 40%
  • Fat 14%
  • Est. Carbs 25%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Moisture 10%
  • Ash 7%

Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.

As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.

Tips

  • Protein is High (44% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.

    Understanding High Protein (40% - 50% Dry Matter)

    Protein-Forward Profile This bucket suggests the food is protein-forward for the selected species. The cat threshold is intentionally higher than the dog threshold because cats generally need more protein than dogs.

    Check Species and Life Stage Growing, pregnant, nursing, senior, or medically managed pets can have different targets. The adequacy statement and your vet's advice matter more than this bucket alone.

    References

    FDA: Complete and Balanced Pet Food Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
  • Fat is Medium (16% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.

    Understanding Medium Fat (10% - 16% Dry Matter)

    Moderate Energy Signal This bucket suggests a moderate fat level on a dry-matter basis. It may suit many adult pets when calories, protein, and the adequacy statement also fit.

    Still Check the Whole Diet Fat percentage does not show total calories by itself. Treats, feeding amount, body condition, and life stage can make the same food work well for one pet and poorly for another.

    References

    Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals FDA: Complete and Balanced Pet Food

Ingredients Analysis

21 of 21 matched

  • 1 Chicken
    Animal Protein

    Description

    The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 2 Chicken Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 3 Turkey Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 4 Peas
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.

    Digestion Concern

    Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.

  • 5 Chickpeas
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.

    Digestion Concern

    Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.

  • 6 Dried Yeast
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.

  • 7 Chicken Heart

    (Detected): Chicken Hearts

    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 8 Chicken Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 9 Chicken Fat
    Fat

    Description

    The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 10 Flaxseed
    Fat

    Description

    One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.

  • 11 Pea Protein
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.

    Why Notice?

    High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.

    Digestion Concern

    The process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.

  • 12 Natural Flavor
    Food Additive

    Description

    Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.

    Why Concerned?

    Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.

  • 13 Choline Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 14 Dried Plain Beet Pulp
    Carbs

    Description

    The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.

    Why Concerned?

    Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.

  • 15 Menhaden Fish Oil
    Fat

    Description

    Fish oil extracted from menhaden fish. It is an excellent source of omega 3s, DHA, and EPA, which helps reduce inflammation in the body.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 16 Vitamins
    Supplement

    Description

    A mixture of vitamins supplements to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.

  • 17 Minerals
    Supplement

    Description

    A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.

  • 18 Salt
    Others

    Description

    Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.

  • 19 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.

  • 20 Mixed Tocopherols
    Food Additive

    Description

    A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.

  • 21 Rosemary Extract
    Carbs

    Description

    A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Peas, Chickpeas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
  • Higher-priority ingredients to review: Pea Protein.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Protein have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.

Contributing ingredients

Named

Chicken Chicken Meal Turkey Meal Chicken Heart Chicken Liver

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 80%
  • Plant 11%
  • Plant concentrate 7%
  • Auxiliary 1%

Meat-forward: 80% of the weighted protein in Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (11% whole plants, 7% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Chicken Chicken Meal Turkey Meal Chicken Heart Chicken Liver

Plant

Peas Chickpeas

Plant concentrate

Pea Protein

Auxiliary

Dried Yeast

Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens dry cat food Review

Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens is a strong choice — rated 4 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.

Best for

  • Owners who want clearly named protein sources
  • Pets avoiding gluten grains
  • Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein

Avoid if

  • You're avoiding legumes

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Pea Protein.
  • Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 16% fat, 28% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 80% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.

Frequently asked questions

Is Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens good for cats?

Yes — rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe For Kittens?

The top animal proteins are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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