The Natural Balance dog food brand was founded in Burbank, California by Dick Van Patten in 1989. This company was founded with the intention of providing high-quality pet food products that will support the nutritional needs of pets throughout the duration of their lives.
This brand formulates their products in keeping with strong scientific principles and established nutritional truths, offering a wide range of premium pet food products that are used and respected around the world.
This company uses only the highest-quality meats and proteins in their recipes as well as digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and nourishing fruits and vegetables.
For this brand, the health and safety of pets is always the priority and they want to show their love by feeding them the best that nature has to offer.
The Natural Balance brand is owned by the J.M. Smucker Company. The brand originally merged with Del Monte Pet Foods in 2013, but Del Monte Pet Foods was later renamed to Big Heart Pet Brands in 2014.
One year later, it was acquired by the J.M. Smucker Company who still has ownership of the brand. Other pet food brands owned by J.M. Smucker include Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Milk-Bone, Nature’s Recipe, Milo’s Kitchen and Pup-Peroni.
My Quick Take
What I like most:
A genuinely broad selection for different dietary needs
Strong emphasis on limited-ingredient recipes
Single-animal-protein options for dogs with food sensitivities
Dry, wet, and gently cooked formats
Specialized formulas for skin, stomach, joints, digestion, and weight management
Several recipes use real meat or fish as the first ingredient
The brand says its Limited Ingredient recipes are batch tested, with test results available using the product UPC and lot number.
Many recipes avoid artificial colors and flavors
What gives me pause:
The nutritional quality varies considerably between lines
Some recipes rely heavily on plant ingredients for carbohydrates and supplemental protein
“Limited ingredient” doesn't automatically mean a recipe is appropriate for every dog with allergies
Grain-free options aren't automatically healthier than grain-inclusive recipes
The sheer number of formulas can make choosing the right one confusing
Natural Balance Dog Food Review
1. L.I.D. Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes
Made of real salmon, this grain, gluten, and poultry-free recipe is ideal for dogs suffering from skin conditions caused by allergies.
Compared to the pollock recipe, this limited ingredient salmon and sweet potato recipe contains less meat protein at 24%. It also has less fat, making it suitable for less active dogs or senior pups. Salmon is one of the most popular protein choices among dogs. Its high quality proteins are also easy to digest. The inclusion of menhaden fish meal even adds more protein and flavor to this recipe
Because of its natural omega fatty acids, salmon recipes are great for sensitive dogs who suffer from skin conditions due to allergies. It does not have corn, wheat, or soy. Instead, its sources of carbohydrates are complex carbs like sweet potatoes, cassava flour, and potatoes.
These nutritious vegetables are also easy to digest. Unlike many other dry dog foods, this recipe has no other vegetables or fruits. If you are looking for a legume or pea-free recipe for your pup, this could be the right dry food for him.
The main source of fat is sunflower oil. This high quality oil is a great source of omega 6 fatty acids. It is also lower in saturated fat compared to animal fat. This salmon recipe also has menhaden fish oil, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help support skin and coat health.
This limited ingredient meal is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is nutritionally complete and balanced.
According to feedback from pet parents, many dogs seem to do well on this said formula. Their owners particularly love that it does not trigger their dogs’ allergy symptoms, like ear infections, itchy skin, and shedding. They credit this recipe with the improvement of their dogs’ skin condition.
While some pet parents are relieved to finally find a limited ingredient recipe that is relatively low in fat and calories, a few owners observed that this salmon recipe gave their dogs constipation.
Overall, it is still worth a try; especially if you have a sensitive older, overweight, or less active pup. Many dogs’ skin and coats have improved after being switched to this limited ingredient recipe.
This puppy formula is a grain-free dry food formulated for the nutritional needs of growing puppies, as well as pregnant and nursing dogs. It is suitable for all breeds and sizes.
With duck as its only source of animal protein, this limited ingredient dry dog food is perfect for pups who are sensitive to other proteins such as beef or chicken.
This duck recipe is 25% protein. Duck is a high quality protein that is full of savory flavor. Many dogs who are allergic to chicken protein do well on duck recipes. It is rich in amino acids that help puppies build lean and strong muscles.
Its sources of carbohydrates are easy to digest vegetables. Complex carbs potatoes, cassava flour, and sweet potatoes are the only carb sources in this recipe.
This limited ingredient diet does not contain any other vegetables or fruits that are typically found in many holistic dog food recipes. The minimal ingredients means less risk of triggering allergies in very sensitive pups.
This duck recipe has omega fatty acids from menhaden fish oil and sunflower oil. Omega fatty acids help promote healthy skin and shiny coats. Formulated by a team of board-certified clinical veterinarians, animal nutritionists, research scientists, design engineers and pet feeding analysts; it has all of the nutrients that dogs need for a complete and balanced meal.
It has DHA to support cognitive development; taurine for eye and heart health; and calcium and phosphorus to help young pups grow strong bones and teeth.
This duck recipe is free from corn, wheat, soy, grains, gluten, peas, and legumes. It is also chicken-free. This naturally nutritious and delicious dog food contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Little pups seem to enjoy this product, they love having the tasty, crunchy kibbles for meals.
The pups not only love the kibbles, but their digestion also improved. Many of them had sensitive tummies, and previously suffered from issues like diarrhea. Puppies with itchy skin from food allergies are doing quite well on this recipe too. Their owners noticed significantly less scratching after the pups were switched to this recipe.
This kibble is worth trying if you are looking for a grain, gluten, chicken, pea/legume-free food for your puppy. Numerous sensitive puppies who were raised on this recipe have grown up to be quite healthy dogs.
This is a grain-free kibble is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition to adult dogs of every breed and size. This synergistic premium dog food is designed to improve digestion, and help promote healthy skin and coat.
This nourishing kibble features high-quality chicken as the primary ingredient, providing an optimal source of protein to maintain lean muscle mass and support an active lifestyle.
Chicken is rich in amino acids, essential for muscle repair and healthy organ function, while also being easily digestible for dogs of all ages. The formula is enriched with barley, a nutrient-dense whole grain packed with complex carbohydrates and fiber. Barley helps maintain steady energy levels and supports digestive health, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
One of the standout features of this dry dog food is its savory broth coating, which enhances palatability and encourages even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their meal.
This special coating adds a rich flavor that dogs love, while also helping to keep the kibble fresh and appealing. The balanced blend of ingredients includes a medley of fruits and vegetables like carrots, spinach, and blueberries, which are full of natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that strengthen the immune system.
Additionally, this formula includes flaxseed, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote a glossy coat and healthy skin. With its carefully curated combination of nutritious and flavorful ingredients, this is an excellent choice for supporting your dog’s vitality and happiness.
Like all their recipes, this formula contains no artificial enhancers such as colors, flavors or preservatives.
According to feedback from pet parents, it has done wonders for their pups’ digestion. Not only do they enjoy its chicken flavor; the dogs are doing quite well on this recipe.
Many of the dogs were previously suffering from issues such as diarrhea or poor stool quality. The high fiber content and prebiotics in this recipe seem to be beneficial for these dogs.
4. Lamb & Brown Rice Formula Large Breed
First 5 ingredients:
Lamb, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
This large breed formula is a grain-inclusive dry dog food made for nutritional needs of large breed adult dogs. Large dogs tend to have voracious appetites, and can sometimes inhale their food. This recipe has larger sized kibbles to encourage chewing and eating slowly.
With lamb as the only source of protein, this recipe is ideal for dogs sensitive to proteins such as chicken or beef. Lamb is a highly nutritious and lean protein source that helps large dogs maintain a lean muscle mass.
It is formulated to improve digestion; it has fiber-rich wholesome grains such as brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran as its main sources of carbohydrates. Fiber helps move food along the digestive tract. It also improves dogs’ stool quality. Large breed dogs sometimes need a little help in managing their weight. Fiber helps these big pups feel full for longer.
This lamb and brown rice recipe’s source of essential fatty acids is sunflower oil. Unlike Natural Balance’s other recipes, this has no animal fat such as salmon oil or menhaden fish oil. Sunflower oil is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids, and is lower in saturated fat than animal fat. This recipe has both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
This formula is enriched with calcium for strong bones and teeth. However, it does not have supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin that support joint health. These supplements are especially beneficial to large dogs.
This limited ingredient, grain-inclusive recipe from Natural Balance is gluten-free. It also has no potatoes, legumes, and peas. With only lamb as the protein source, this recipe is completely poultry-free.
It is praised by many pet parents for the health benefits it gives to their big pups. Many dogs allergic to chicken are thriving on this lamb and brown rice recipe. Owners of other dogs have reported improved digestion and stool quality.
However, some pet parents whose dogs have been eating this recipe have complained about the new formulation. The new formula triggered itchy skin in a few dogs, while others encountered digestion issues that they previously did not have with the old formula.
Overall, this is a good dog food to try if your large pup needs a gluten-free or chicken-free grain-inclusive diet. Many sensitive pups thrive on this lamb recipe, though the same cannot be said for a few dogs who were used to the old formula of this product.
Another grain-inclusive kibble specifically formulated for chonky adult pups of all breeds and sizes. Made to manage chubby pups’ weights, this recipe is nutritionally balanced with fewer calories. It contains a special protein and fiber blend that can help your dog feel full as they lose weight in a healthy manner.
Some weight management dog foods have a lower percentage of protein. Natural Balance Fat Dogs has a good amount of protein at 26%. This multi protein recipe has chicken meal and salmon meal as its main sources of protein. Both are high quality, concentrated sources of protein that help dogs maintain a lean muscle mass.
Fat Dogs formula has wholesome grains that are high in fiber, such as oat groats and barley. Fiber helps dogs feel full until their next meal. It also helps improve their digestion.
To add more healthy fiber, Fat Dogs has dried plain beet pulp, pea fiber, dried tomato pomace, and oat fiber. It also has L-carnitine that promotes a healthy metabolism, and helps dogs burn fat.
To ensure complete and balanced nutrition, this low-fat recipe still includes a healthy fat source. It has chicken fat which is not only a good source of essential fatty acids, but also gives this recipe a lot of meaty flavor. Palatability is very important in weight management. If your dog does not enjoy his diet food, you’ll have no choice but to continue feeding him food that may not help him get to his ideal weight.
It also has salmon oil; salmon oil is naturally high in omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and lustrous coats. This grain-inclusive recipe is free from corn, wheat, or soy. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
It is a hit among numerous chonky pups. Even picky pooches seem to love this chicken and salmon recipe. The low-fat, high fiber formula has helped many dogs lose excess pounds. According to their owners, the dogs are feeling much better with their lighter weights.
This is a highly recommended diet food, especially if you have a picky pup on your hands. It has delivered excellent results to a lot of formerly chunky dogs. It is packed with flavor, and has the right balance of nutrients to help pups get to their ideal weight.
6. Vegetarian Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley, Peas, Potato Protein
A grain-inclusive dry dog food formulated for adult dogs that contains no animal proteins or dairy products. It is a vegan recipe for dogs.
While it is a vegetarian/ vegan formula, this recipe is nutritionally balanced and complete. It is 18% protein, which meets the protein requirement of dogs. Its main sources of protein are peas and potatoes. This high-fiber, plant-based recipe is recommended for dogs with protein allergies.
Brown rice, oat groats, and barley are fiber-rich ingredients that help improve dogs’ digestion. This especially benefits dogs with very sensitive digestive systems. Having a healthy digestive system allows the body to absorb more nutrients. This Natural Balance recipe is fortified with vitamins and minerals needed by dogs to be healthy and strong.
Canola oil provides this Vegetarian Formula with essential fatty acids. It has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and thick, glossy coats. It has L-carnitine which supports metabolic health; and taurine which promotes vision and heart health.
This vegetarian formula contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and has none of the common fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy.
Believe it or not, it is actually one of the brand’s highest rated dry food recipes. Based on feedback from pet parents, one of the most common reasons that they purchased this plant-based product is due to their vet’s recommendation. Dogs with severe protein allergies are sometimes prescribed with a plant-based diet.
Many owners whose dogs enjoyed this plant-based kibble are quite pleased with the results that this formula was able to deliver. After trying various dog foods with different animal proteins, the elimination of all animal protein has significantly helped control the allergies of these dogs.
Other dog parents noticed an increase in the energy levels of their dogs. This can also be attributed to their better digestion, as a result of a high-fiber diet. Some dogs have also lost weight on this recipe.
While we generally prefer to feed dogs with food made with high quality animal proteins, in some cases, a vegetarian diet can be quite helpful to dogs with severe protein allergies. If your dog requires a vegetarian diet, it is definitely highly recommended due to the great feedback it has received from pet parents.
If you suspect that your dog has allergies, we advise that you consult your vet so that your dog’s condition can be properly diagnosed and addressed.
Here we have a delectable, grain-free meal designed to excite your dog’s taste buds while providing balanced nutrition.
This flavorful wet food features savory duck as the main protein source, delivering rich, high-quality nutrients essential for strong muscles and overall health.
Duck is a lean protein that is not only delicious but also a natural source of essential amino acids, promoting muscle repair and supporting an active lifestyle.
Additionally, duck is a novel protein that can be a great option for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins, helping to avoid potential allergic reactions.
This nutrient-rich recipe also includes pumpkin, a powerhouse ingredient known for its digestive benefits. Packed with dietary fiber, pumpkin helps regulate digestion and maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system, making it especially useful for dogs that may experience occasional digestive issues.
Alongside pumpkin, the meal features a medley of wholesome fruits and vegetables, like carrots and green beans, which are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support a strong immune system and overall well-being.
The moisture-rich formula helps keep dogs hydrated and is ideal for adding variety to their diet, especially for those who may prefer a softer, more flavorful meal. With this gourmet meal you can give your dog a delicious, nutritious feast that is both satisfying and beneficial for their health.
This is a grain-free wet food formulated for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This limited ingredient recipe’s only source of animal protein is chicken. It is recommended for dogs sensitive to other protein sources, such as beef.
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins among dogs. Aside from being tasty, chicken is quite easy to digest. This pate also has chicken meal and chicken liver, which gives it a richer flavor and texture.
This chicken and sweet potato formula has flavor-packed chicken broth. This makes this pate a delicious way to add more hydration to your pup’s diet. As it is nutritionally complete and balanced, this chicken recipe can be served on its own as a meal, or served on top of kibble as a meal enhancer.
This grain and gluten-free recipe has hearty potatoes and sweet potatoes as its sources of carbs. It is also free from peas and legumes. It has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Unlike many wet dog foods, this recipe contains no carrageenan. Carrageenan is an additive that some experts claim may contribute to certain conditions in dogs.
Dogs love the tasty chicken goodness of this canned food; they lick their bowls clean every time they are served this meaty pate.
Dogs who have various digestive issues also thrive on this recipe. A few owners even use it as an alternative to more expensive prescription food. Based on ingredient quality, palatability, and results delivered, this is a highly recommended canned food for sensitive dogs.
A grain-inclusive wet dog food formulated for dogs in all life stages. This pate is nutritionally balanced and complete, making it a great meal on its own. It can also be served as a kibble-topper to incorporate more moisture into your pup’s diet.
This meal is carefully crafted to provide a simple, wholesome meal for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a limited-ingredient diet.
This nutrient-dense wet food features premium whitefish as the primary protein source, offering a lean, easily digestible protein that supports muscle health while being gentle on the stomach.
Whitefish is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which not only help maintain a glossy coat and healthy skin but also support cognitive and cardiovascular health.
Complementing the whitefish, this recipe includes nutrient-packed salmon, another high-quality protein that boosts flavor and adds a dose of heart-healthy omega-3s, further promoting overall wellness and vitality.
The formula also incorporates rice, a gentle carbohydrate that provides easily digestible energy, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Rice is a great source of natural fiber, aiding in digestion and helping to maintain regular bowel movements. The simple combination of ingredients ensures that your dog receives essential nutrients without the risk of potential allergens commonly found in more complex formulas.
With its smooth, moist texture, this canned food is perfect for dogs who prefer a softer, palatable meal and is an excellent way to add hydration to their diet. It delivers a nutritious and satisfying meal that supports overall health, while being especially considerate of your dog’s dietary needs.
As expected, this canned food is quite popular among dogs, they do love seafood after all. It also agrees with the stomachs of many sensitive dogs.
However, a handful of customers find this pate’s texture quite inconsistent. According to them, some cans had a much drier pate that needed some scraping.
While many pet parents find that this wet dog food smells quite pleasant, a few buyers said that the scent is too strong for their liking. It is a highly palatable wet food that is packed with nutrients.
Made in the USA?
The J.M. Smucker Company is headquartered in Orrville, OH but Natural Balance is headquartered in San Francisco. Although the brand website doesn’t provide specific information about where their products are produced, they are a U.S. based company and they seem to make their products in the USA as well.
In fact, if you check the label for one of their products you’ll find the following claim, “Packaged with Pride in the USA”.
Closer look of the canned food texture
Ingredient Sourcing
Natural Balance is dedicated to making sure that pets get the best nutrition possible, so they use only the highest quality ingredients including premium animal proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, the company does not provide specific information in regard to where they get their ingredients.
The statement about this brand’s products being “Packaged with Pride in the USA” only speaks to where the products are made, not where the ingredients come from.
This brand takes the safety and quality of their products very seriously which is why they put them through rigorous testing procedures. This company runs nine different tests on each batch so consumers can “Buy with Confidence” – their products also come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Although this company is very careful with their ingredients and their products, there are some Natural Balance recalls you should be aware of. Here is an overview of the recalls that have affected this brand:
In May 2012, the FDA issued a recall for certain batches of dry dog food due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall affected several recipes including the following – Sweet Potato & Venison, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice, Sweet Potato & Bison, Vegetarian, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites, and Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Small Breed Bites.
In June 2010, the FDA issued a recall for certain batches of Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Food Formula in 5-pound and 28-pound bags due to potential salmonella contamination.
In July 2007, the FDA issued a recall for 15-ounce cans of four wet food formulas due to the potential for botulinum contamination. This recall affected the following recipes – Irish Stew with Beef Potato & Carrots, Chinese Takeout, HOBO Chili, and Southern Style Dumplings.
In March 2007, an AVMA report called for a recall of several canned foods and treats due to melamine contamination. This recall affected both dry foods and wet foods for dogs and cats.
How Expensive Are Their Products?
As a high-quality pet food brand that uses fresh, natural ingredients, Natural Balance dog food recipes are more a little more expensive than the typical dry food. You must remember, however, that with these recipes you are paying for quality.
The price for a 22- to 30-pound bag of their dry food ranges from about $42 to $70, depending on the product line. The LID and Wild Pursuit recipes tend to be a little more expensive than the Original recipes. You can purchase 13-ounce cans of wet food in cases of 12 for $19 to $36 which averages to around $2.30 per can.
There are also 2.75- and 8-ounce tubs available. If you’re looking to save money on this brand, you might be able to find some Natural Balance dog food coupons online.
A Look at the Available Lines
When I look at a dog food brand, I don't just want to see a long list of recipes. I want to know why those recipes exist, what type of dog they are designed for, and whether the nutrition actually makes sense.
Natural Balance stands out because its current dog-food lineup is organized around different nutritional needs rather than simply offering dozens of similar flavors. The brand currently groups its dog foods into Limited Ingredient, Health Protection, Specialized Nutrition, Freshly Cooked, Fat Dogs, and Original Ultra, alongside treats such as Rewards and Yo-Gut Bites.
Here's how I break down each Natural Balance dog food line and where I think each one fits best.
1. Limited Ingredient
This is probably the line I associate most strongly with them.
The Limited Ingredient range is designed primarily for dogs with ingredient sensitivities. The basic philosophy is straightforward: use a single animal protein source alongside a limited selection of carbohydrates and other ingredients.
Current examples include:
Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato
Lamb & Brown Rice
Small Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato & Venison
Duck-based recipes
Vegetarian recipes
Wet and dry options
Natural Balance says these recipes avoid common ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy and by-product meals.
Why I like this line
From a canine-nutrition perspective, simplifying the ingredient list can make sense when you're trying to identify potential dietary triggers.
I particularly like the use of single animal proteins because it makes the food easier to evaluate.
For example, the Duck & Brown Rice recipe uses duck as its first ingredient and as its single animal protein source. It is also formulated without chicken, corn, wheat or soy.
My take:
Best for: Dogs with suspected food sensitivities
Protein options: Salmon, duck, lamb, venison, chicken and others
Formats: Dry and wet
Big advantage: Straightforward ingredient profiles
Potential drawback: Some formulas still contain multiple plant ingredients, so “limited ingredient” doesn't mean extremely simple
2. Limited Ingredient Reserve
I consider Limited Ingredient Reserve a more targeted extension of the Limited Ingredient philosophy.
The recipes are built around distinctive animal proteins and carefully selected carbohydrates.
One example is the Duck & Brown Rice Recipe, where duck is the first ingredient and the sole animal protein. There's also a grain-free Duck & Potato formula.
What stands out to me
Single animal protein
Options that exclude chicken
Grain-inclusive and grain-free choices
Recipes designed around food sensitivities
Added omega fatty acids for skin and coat support
No artificial flavors or colors in the recipes I reviewed
The puppy Duck & Potato recipe is particularly interesting because it is formulated for all life stages, including growth of large-size dogs, according to its AAFCO nutritional statement.
My take:
Best for: Dogs needing a more carefully controlled protein source
Best feature: Novel proteins such as duck
Watch-out: I wouldn't choose grain-free simply because a dog has a sensitive stomach; the specific trigger matters.
3. Health Protection
This is where the brand shifts away from food sensitivities and toward everyday whole-body nutrition.
The Health Protection line includes recipes designed to support areas such as:
Digestive health
Skin and coat
Immune function
Heart health
Bones and teeth
Hip and joint health
For example, the Chicken, Brown Rice & Pumpkin recipe combines chicken with brown rice and pumpkin and includes prebiotic fiber and probiotics. Natural Balance describes it as supporting six areas of whole-body health.
Why I think this line is interesting
I generally prefer a formula that has a clear nutritional purpose rather than one that simply throws a collection of supplements onto the label.
Here, the recipe provides:
Real chicken as the first ingredient
Brown rice for carbohydrate and fiber
Pumpkin for additional fiber
Prebiotic fiber
Probiotics
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Glucosamine and chondroitin
There are also large-breed recipes, including Salmon, Brown Rice & Pumpkin, which provides additional joint-support nutrients.
Puppy nutrition
Natural Balance also offers a Health Protection puppy recipe made with chicken, brown rice and pumpkin.
The formula provides 26% minimum crude protein and 14% minimum crude fat, along with DHA, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids and probiotics. It is formulated for growth, including large-size puppies.
My take:
Best for: Healthy dogs needing everyday nutrition
Best feature: Broad nutritional support
Good options: Adult, puppy and large-breed formulas
My favorite concept: Combining digestive support with overall nutrition rather than treating digestion as an isolated issue
4. Specialized Nutrition
This is one of the lines I find most interesting because it takes a more condition-specific approach.
The company currently positions Specialized Nutrition around areas including:
Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Joint & Muscle Health
Digestive & Immune Health
The brand describes these as science-backed formulas developed with veterinary and nutrition professionals.
Sensitive Skin & Stomach
The Salmon & Oatmeal formula is a good example.
It uses:
Real salmon
Healthy fats
Flaxseed
Oatmeal
Pumpkin
Live probiotics
The combination provides omega fatty acids for skin and coat support while fiber and probiotics are intended to support digestive health.
My take: If my dog had both digestive issues and recurring skin problems, this is one of the lines I'd investigate before jumping straight to an extremely restrictive diet.
That said, persistent itching, diarrhea or vomiting deserves veterinary investigation. Food isn't always the cause.
5. Freshly Cooked
This is probably the biggest change I'd highlight in their current lineup.
Freshly Cooked, formerly known as Platefulls, is designed to provide a more homestyle feeding experience without requiring owners to prepare the food themselves.
The meals are:
Gently cooked
Made with visible ingredients
Ready to serve
Complete and balanced
Designed to work as a complete meal or topper
Free from corn, wheat, soy and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives according to the brand
Current recipes include:
Harvest Chicken & Rice
Savory Duck & Pumpkin
Tender Beef & Potato
Natural Balance introduced the updated Freshly Cooked line in 2026, replacing the previous Platefulls offering.
Why I'd consider it
For picky eaters, I can see the appeal immediately.
The food is designed to look more like recognizable food than conventional kibble, while still providing complete and balanced nutrition.
I also like the convenience factor:
No thawing
Shelf-stable before opening
Refrigerate after opening
Can be served as a meal or topper
My take:
Best for: Picky dogs and owners wanting a less processed-looking food
Big advantage: Convenience without moving into homemade feeding
Potential drawback: Usually more expensive than standard kibble
Important: I would still compare calories and guaranteed analysis rather than choosing it solely because it looks more “natural.”
6. Fat Dogs
Despite the amusing name, this line addresses a very real canine-health problem: excess body weight.
They designed Fat Dogs specifically for overweight adult dogs and uses:
Lower calorie density
Increased fiber
Protein
L-carnitine
Antioxidant nutrients
The Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal & Barley recipe contains 315 kcal per cup, with 26% minimum protein, 7.5% minimum fat and 10.5% maximum fiber.
Why I like this approach
One of my biggest concerns with weight-loss diets is that dogs can end up feeling hungry.
It specifically uses a protein-and-fiber combination intended to help dogs feel fuller while reducing calories.
There are both:
Dry recipes
Wet recipes
My take:
Best for: Overweight adult dogs
Useful ingredients: Protein, fiber and L-carnitine
Main benefit: Calorie control without simply shrinking the food bowl
Important: Weight loss should still be based on a veterinarian-guided calorie target when a dog is significantly overweight
7. Original Ultra
Original Ultra is the brand's more traditional everyday nutrition line.
It includes both dry and wet foods and emphasizes:
Premium protein
Vegetables
Fiber
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals
The Chicken & Barley recipe, for example, uses chicken as the first ingredient and includes barley, oat groats, flaxseed, brown rice, carrots, spinach and blueberries.
What I like about It
This is the line I'd look at if my dog didn't have a specific dietary problem that required a specialized formula.
It gives me more flexibility than the Limited Ingredient range:
Multiple proteins
Grain-inclusive recipes
Grain-free recipes
Dry food
Wet food
Small-breed options
All-life-stage options
My take:
Best for: Generally healthy dogs
Best feature: Variety
Good choice for: Owners wanting conventional everyday food rather than a specialized diet
8. Vegetarian & Vegan Dog Food
This is one area where Natural Balance is somewhat unusual.
The brand offers complete and balanced vegetarian/vegan dog-food options, including dry and canned recipes.
The Vegetarian Recipe with Superfood Blend uses ingredients such as:
Peas
Brown rice
Potatoes
Fiber-rich carbohydrates
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Added taurine
The dry formula is formulated for adult maintenance and provides 18% minimum crude protein.
There's also a vegetarian small-breed recipe with smaller kibble and a vegetable broth coating.
My nutrition perspective
I wouldn't automatically consider plant-based dog food inferior simply because it doesn't contain meat.
What matters is whether the finished diet provides the nutrients a dog needs in appropriate amounts and is complete and balanced for the intended life stage.
However, I would be more selective here than with a conventional meat-based formula.
For a dog with complex nutritional needs, multiple medical conditions or poor growth, I'd discuss a vegetarian diet with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist before making the switch.
9. Wet Dog Food
One thing I appreciate about them is that wet food isn't treated as an afterthought.
Wet options appear across several lines, including:
Limited Ingredient
Health Protection
Fat Dogs
Original Ultra
Vegetarian
For example, the Health Protection Chicken, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Stew provides 82% maximum moisture and 332 kcal per can.
Why wet food matters
For some dogs, wet food can be useful for:
Increasing dietary moisture
Improving palatability
Helping picky eaters
Making meals easier to chew
Providing variety
Creating a useful topper for kibble
I wouldn't say wet food is automatically healthier than dry food, though. The nutritional adequacy of the specific recipe matters more than the format.
Dogs needing targeted skin, stomach, joint or digestive support
Freshly Cooked
Picky dogs and owners wanting gently cooked meals
Fat Dogs
Overweight adult dogs
Original Ultra
Healthy dogs wanting everyday dry or wet food
Vegetarian/Vegan
Dogs needing or being considered for a plant-based diet
Wet Food
Dogs needing extra moisture, variety or palatability
Parting Words
Established in 1989, Natural Balance has been a pioneer in the pet food industry, creating science-backed dog food designed to promote long-term health and well-being.
The brand focuses on using wholesome, simple ingredients such as real meats, grains, and vegetables—each selected for its proven nutritional benefits.
Their recipes are crafted by expert animal nutritionists to ensure complete and balanced meals that support digestion, energy, and overall vitality.
Known for their Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.) catering to dogs with food sensitivities, they offer tailored nutrition for every life stage and breed size.
With decades of research and a steadfast commitment to quality, Natural Balance continues to set the standard for nourishing, trustworthy pet food that helps dogs thrive from the inside out.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
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