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.
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-inclusive dry dog food 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”.
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.
List of their Products
The Natural Balance pet food brand offers an assortment of dry foods, wet foods, rolls, and treats. Their products can be divided into six different categories including Grain Free, Healthy Digestion, Healthy Weight, High Protein, Limited Ingredients, and Vegetarian.
This brand offers a wide range of healthy options for dogs in all life stages with more than 20 different flavors to choose from. With so many choices available, you can select the product that best suits your dog’s unique nutritional needs.
Dry Products – When it comes to their dry food products, this brand offers several product lines. The Original Ultra line includes life stages and breed size formulas featuring chicken and brown rice as the main ingredients.
The Wild Pursuit line features protein-rich, grain-free recipes and the Vegetarian line includes a single plant-based recipe. There are several reduced calorie formulas and a fairly extensive line of Limited Ingredient Diets for dogs with food sensitivities. Here is a list of their dry recipes:
Original Ultra Recipes:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, & Duck Meal
Chicken, Brown Rice, & Duck Meal Puppy
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Duck Meal Small Breed Bites
Chicken, Brown Rice, Duck Meal Large Breed Bites
Limited Ingredient Diet Recipes:
Chicken & Sweet Potato
Chicken & Sweet Potato Small Breed Bites
Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
Lamb & Brown Rice Puppy
Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites
Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Small Breed Bites
Legume & Duck Meal
Potato & Duck
Potato & Duck Puppy
Potato & Duck Small Breed Bites
Sweet Potato & Bison
Sweet Potato & Fish
Sweet Potato & Fish Small Breed Bites
Sweet Potato & Venison
Wild Pursuit Recipes:
Beef & Lamb Meal
Chicken, Turkey Meal & Quail
Trout, Salmon Meal & Tuna
Other Recipes:
Synergy
Vegetarian
Reduced Calorie
Fat Dogs Low Calorie
Wet Products – Though this brand has an extensive collection of dry food products, their wet food offerings are a little more limited. There are two product lines for wet food – Limited Ingredient Diets and Delectable Delights. The former comes in 2.75-ounce wet food cups while the latter comes in both 2.75-ounce cups and larger 8-ounce tubs. Here is a list of their wet recipes:
Limited Ingredient Diet Recipes:
Chicken & Sweet Potato
White Fish & Sweet Potato
Delectable Delights Recipes:
Fetchin’ Catchin’s Dog Stew
Gobbler Cobbler Dog Stew
Pawpaya Pilaf Dog Stew
Duck’en-itas
Woof’erole
Surf ‘N Turf
Bowl ‘O Barkgundy
ChopLick’n Stew
Chow-Down Chowder
Rolls – If you prefer to feed your dog fresh food, you’ll be glad to know that this brand offers four different types of dog food rolls. These rolls come in 4-ounce, 1-pound, 2.25-pound, and 3.5-pound sizes and they are complete and balanced in terms of your dog’s nutritional needs.
These rolls can be chopped, grated, or crumbled for feeding and they come in four flavors – chicken, beef, duck & turkey, and lamb & chicken.
Treats – In addition to their dry food, wet food, and rolls, this company also offers a large selection of treats including limited ingredient jerky treats, dental chews, meat sticks, training treats, and more. Here is a list of their dog treat recipes:
Treats:
Mini Rewards
L.I.T. Limited Ingredient Treats
Jumpin’ Stix
Jerky Bark
Dental Chews
Tender Cuts
Meatballs
Belly Bites
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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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