Natural Balance has been providing dog food made with quality ingredients since 1989. The company claims its recipes are research-backed, wholesome, rigorously safety tested, and formulated with veterinary technician input. With over 50 recipes, including limited ingredient, grain-free, and freeze-dried options, Natural Balance offers a wide variety. But Is Natural Balance A Good Dog Food for your furry friend? This 2025 review explores Natural Balance’s product ranges, recalls, pros, cons, and more to help you decide.
Natural Balance Product Ranges and Flavors
Natural Balance offers approximately 50 wet and dry dog food varieties. While not human-grade, most dry recipes list meat meal within the first two ingredients, often with a named meat source as the primary ingredient. All recipes adhere to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for all life stages or adult maintenance.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
This line caters to dogs with sensitivities. Available in both grain-inclusive and grain-free options, it boasts 22 dry varieties with fewer ingredients and single meat proteins for easier digestion. Some recipes are formulated for specific sizes (small and large breeds). A unique vegetarian option features brown rice, oats, and barley, suitable for dogs with meat protein allergies. The Limited Ingredient Reserve line offers premium meats like venison, duck, and bison. However, fat and protein levels remain average compared to other dog foods. The wet food options mirror the dry in terms of single meat sources and fewer ingredients, but offer a broader range of textures (broth, paté, stew). A vegetarian wet formula is also available. The Reserve line for wet food also includes premium and novel protein options.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Dog Food
Marketed as a premium line, Original Ultra dry food boasts a blend of fiber and superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and carrots, along with beneficial fish oil for skin and coat health. Three recipes exist, all featuring chicken as the sole animal protein, with both grain-inclusive and grain-free choices. Macros are slightly improved compared to the Limited Ingredient line. The wet food counterpart offers three paté varieties packed with vitamins and minerals to support overall health. A quality named meat source leads the ingredient list in each recipe, supplemented by brown rice, potatoes, carrots, and flaxseed.
Other Natural Balance Lines
-
Health Protection: This newer line supports six areas of canine health with ingredients like brown rice, pumpkin, flaxseed, and chicken fat. Quality remains consistent with other Natural Balance offerings.
-
Fat Dogs: Designed for weight management, this line features one dry and one wet recipe. The dry recipe relies on meat meal without a named meat source. Both are lower in fat and calories than average dog food.
-
Platefulls: This wet food line offers three bone broth-cooked recipes with high-quality named meat sources and nutrient-rich produce like kale, pumpkin, and green beans. Fat-to-protein ratios are generally better than other Natural Balance wet foods.
Why Choose Natural Balance?
Natural Balance receives positive feedback for several reasons:
- High-Quality Ingredients: While not human-grade, most recipes feature named meat sources and nutritious produce.
- Recipe Variety: The extensive selection caters to various needs and preferences, including allergies.
- Limited Ingredient Options: This line specifically addresses sensitivities and allergies.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Natural Balance offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing for exchanges.
Concerns and Considerations
Potential drawbacks of Natural Balance include:
- Not Human-Grade: Ingredients like meat meal and processing methods prevent a human-grade classification. Some recipes contain potentially controversial ingredients like carrageenan.
- Grain-Free Diet Concerns: Natural Balance was named in the FDA’s 2018 investigation into potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about grain-free diets.
- Limited All Life Stage Recipes: Many formulas are for adult dogs only, lacking specific nutritional requirements for puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs. Senior-specific formulas are also absent.
Conclusion
Natural Balance offers a broad range of dog food options with a focus on quality ingredients and addressing specific dietary needs. While concerns regarding grain-free diets and the lack of all life stage formulas exist, the variety and positive customer feedback suggest Natural Balance can be a suitable choice for many dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dietary option for your dog’s individual needs.
