is natural balance wet cat food good
Natural Balance Cat Food Review in 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Review Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give Natural Balance cat food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The pet food industry is big business in the United States, with an estimated $30 million worth of pet food sold annually. For a long time, the largest portion of the industry was in dog food. While that is still the case, the cat food category of the market has seen the most significant growth in recent years, coming from new entrants to the market and expanding product lines.
Natural Balance is a leading premium brand pet food that was created in 1989 following an appearance by actor Dick Van Patten on The John Davidson Show. Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick, the drummer from the shows band, lunched together and discussed their shared love of animals, and soon after, the pair formed Dick Van Patterns Natural Balance Pet Foods.
Of particular note, the company prides itself on having the finest food you can buy for your pet and in addition to the domestic pet products, has also developed a range of zoological products that have been formulated for large carnivores in zoos. But these products are not sold to the general public.
At a Glance: The Best Natural Balance Cat Food Recipes
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
Most Popular | Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Duck Formula | CHECK PRICE | |
 | Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health | CHECK PRICE | |
 | Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Salmon Formula | CHECK PRICE | |
 | Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken Formula | CHECK PRICE | |
 | Natural Balance L.I.D. Duck & Green Pea Formula | CHECK PRICE |
Natural Balance Cat Food Reviewed
Who Makes Natural Balance and Where Is It Produced?
Following the formation of Dick Van Patterns Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989, the company initially lost money, and its saving grace was that it was picked up by Petco and featured in its 625 stores across the United States.
In May 2013, Natural Balance merged with Del Monte Foods, before being sold in 2015 to the J.M. Smucker Company.
Natural Balance is headquartered in Pacoima, Los Angeles, California. Its products are produced at a variety of manufacturers across the United States from ingredients sourced from the United States, France, India, New Zealand, and Canada.
Which Types of Pets Is Natural Balance Best Suited For?
With a wide range of cat food products available, Natural Balance is likely to have a cat food that is suitable for almost all cats, with its products formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for a felines various life stages.
To help consumers choose the best cat food for their pet, the company markets its cat food products under five distinct product types.
L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets
These are Natural Balances most popular cat food formulas. They are suitable for most cats, theyre grain-free, and as their name suggests, theyre made from a limited number of ingredients.
Original Ultra
This is Natural Balances premium brand cat food and is designed to promote cat heath. This is also has a range of formulas and a reduced-calorie option.
Delectable Delights
This range has been formulated for taste to ensure that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy them. Natural Balance suggests that these products are great alone or as a food topper, and these cat foods have been formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for adult cats.
Platefulls
These are a range of single-serve wet foods that contain their individual main ingredients and gravy. They are grain-free, come in an easy-to-use pouch, and have been formulated to entice fussy eaters.
Fat Cats
These are low-calorie products designed to provide a complete and balanced diet and formulated to help cats that need to lose weight.
Which Types of Cats Might Do Better With a Different Brand?
Given the wide range of cat food products that Natural Balance produces, you will likely find a formula that is suited for almost any cat. It even has a range designed for large carnivores, which may be suitable if you have your own Carol Baskin-style tiger sanctuary.
Of course, should you have any concerns about your cats diet, we strongly recommend speaking to your pets vet, as they may recommend a diet that is more appropriate for your cats individual circumstances.
Natural Balance Discussion of the Primary Ingredients
Natural Balance was founded on the principle of providing a range of wholesome and nutritious pet foods. From the outset, its products have been predominately formulated to include a range of protein-rich meats and vitamin-rich vegetables. For the most part, Natural Balance cat foods are grain-free, although it has expanded its range to include foods that do have grains.
We particularly like the fact that its pet foods include formulas that are low in calories and that it has developed a product that has been specifically formulated for overweight cats.
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A Quick Look at Natural Balance Cat Food
Pros
- Premium quality ingredients
- Use of real meats for protein
- Most products contain no grains
- Uses ISO-17025 accredited laboratory
Cons
- Price (it is a premium brand and the price reflects this)
- Does have a history of recalls
Recall History
Natural Balance was one of many pet food brands involved in the 2007 melamine recalls. In April 2007, the company informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of complaints it had received about its Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Food. According to these complaints, some pets had experienced vomiting and kidney failure after consuming these products.
The company immediately issued a voluntary recall of all the affected products, and following laboratory tests, it was determined that some of these products contained trace amounts of melamine, which is thought to have come from rice concentrate. Later that month, Natural Balance issued a second limited recall for four canned pet foods that were found to contain traces of melamine in rice protein concentrates.
In July 2007, the company recalled a small batch of canned pet food that it feared may have been contaminated in a large-scale botulism outbreak associated with one of its producers, Castleberrys Food Company.
In response to ongoing concerns following these recalls, Natural Balance built its own ISO-17025 accredited laboratory and commenced proactively testing every production run of the entire pet food range for nine different toxins before shipping their products to retailers.
On July 3, 2020, Natural Balances parent company, J.M. Smucker, issued a voluntary recall on a single batch of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Chicken Liver Pt Formula, after receiving complaints that several cats had become unwell after eating it. Subsequent tests revealed that the batch contained elevated levels of choline chloride.
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Reviews of the 3 Best Natural Balance Cat Food Recipes
Lets take a look at three of the many Natural Balance formulas in more detail.
1. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
The most popular product in Natural Balances cat food line-up, this high protein formula is designed for cats of all ages. Containing a single source of animal protein, this product may be of benefit to pets that have sensitivities to some foods.
The product is grain-free to help with digestion and has green peas and real duck as its main ingredients.
It contains 30% protein, primarily from duck, is free of any artificial flavors, colors, or bleached ingredients, and has been fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure that it provides a complete and well-balanced diet.
Calorie Breakdown:
Pros
- Single source of animal protein
- Grain-free
- Free of artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Not suitable for diabetic cats
2. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Formula Dry Cat Food
This high-protein formula from Natural Balances premium Original Ultra is one of their top-selling products. It is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for adult cats and kittens.
Like most Natural Balance cat foods, this product is grain-free and is free of artificial flavors and colors.
It contains 35% protein, which comes primarily from salmon and chicken, and is high in carbohydrates for energy.
Calorie Breakdown:
Pros
- Premium product
- Grain-free
- High in protein
- Free of artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Price
- Not suitable for diabetic cats
3. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Another product from Natural Balances popular Limited Ingredient Diet range, this Green Pea & Salmon Formula uses salmon as its single source of meat protein.
The product is grain-free, contains no artificial flavors, colors, or bleached ingredients, and could be a good choice for owners of cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
It contains 30% protein, which is sourced mainly from salmon, is high in energy-rich carbohydrates, and is a complete wholesome food for adult cats.
Calorie Breakdown:
Pros
- Single source of animal protein
- Grain-free
- Free of artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Not suitable for diabetic cats
What Other Users Are Saying
As pet owners ourselves, we understand the importance of reading reviews from other consumers when it comes to choosing the best products for your cat.
- You can read great reviews about this food by Chewy customers by clicking here.
- There are also many reviews from Amazon customers about Natural Balance cat foods that you can read by clicking here.
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7 Best Wet Cat Foods for Allergic and Sensitive Cats
Key Points
There's a difference between grain-free and limited-ingredient cat food.
The term "limited-ingredient" isn't regulated by the FDA and requires some scrutiny.
Prescription diets require a veterinarian's approval before purchasing them.
Cats rely on their owners to choose their food. A cat with allergies needs you to pay special attention to the meals you buy them so they don't experience illness or discomfort.
This article examines seven of the best wet cat foods for allergic and sensitive cats. These brands are either grain-free or have limited ingredients for your feline friend. The two types are different, but both are for cats that cannot eat certain foods.
Grains are a common cat allergen, so eliminating that ingredient is an excellent place to start for a cat with a food allergy. Limiting the ingredients in your cat's food reduces the likelihood they eat something that causes their allergic reactions. If you're unsure of your cat's specific allergy, this is a simple way to narrow down the possible cause.
Difference Between Grain-Free and Limited-Ingredient Diets
Grain-free cat foods are exactly as they sound they contain no grains and use vegetables and fruits as sources of fiber. They may contain fillers that cause upset stomachs for some cats. Limited-ingredient diets are a bit tricky. They're also typically grain-free but usually go even further than that. Their ingredient lists are much shorter than regular cat foods and grain-free options.
Veterinarians.org author and journalist Anant Shastri says to be wary of the term "limited ingredient" because it "[i]s not officially regulated by the FDA. As a result, pet food companies and brands often write the term on several cat food labels irrespective of the number of ingredients that are present in the product."
Despite the label of "limited-ingredient" on your cat's food, always look at the label. If your cat has specific allergies, check with your vet to see if the cat food you choose works for your cat's needs. Check with your vet if you're unsure whether your cat has allergies, especially if their refusal to eat suddenly or they show signs of allergies.
Being a picky eater doesn't necessarily mean your pet has an allergy or food sensitivity. They may just be a fussy eater. A YouTube video posted on August 1, 2023, shows several reasons why your cat might be picky about their food.
Pros and Cons
Even though grain-free and limited-ingredient cat foods benefit sensitive felines, they aren't without their negative aspects. Grain-free cat foods are more expensive than regular food, but you don't have much choice if your cat is allergic to specific grains. Limited-ingredient cat food is generally even higher in price than grain-free. If your concern is the number of fillers and additives in your cat's food, limited ingredients are the way to go.
A grain-free option usually suffices if price is a concern and your cat's sensitivity is specific to a particular grain. Use treats with caution. Check their ingredients as well. There are also treats for cats with dietary restrictions. If none of these options suit your needs, consider making your own healthy cat food.
If homemade recipes aren't on the menu, consider these top-choice wet cat foods for allergic and sensitive cats. Learning their features and benefits makes finding a food that meets your pet's needs and suits their preferences easier.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets offer wet cat food options with limited high-quality ingredients, ideal for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. It comes in chicken and pumpkin or tuna and pumpkin. Chicken or tuna is the single animal protein source. They add pumpkin as a grain-free source of fiber. It contains either chicken or fish broth and has added vitamin and mineral supplements for a complete and healthy diet.
Customers say their cats like the chunks in this food. With the addition of pumpkin, it doesn't smell overly fishy. The cost is high, but this is true of any limited-ingredient food.
Hill's Prescription Diet
Hill's Prescription Diet provides hypoallergenic wet cat food to minimize the risk of adverse reactions for cats with food allergies. To purchase this product, you must have a prescription from your vet.
Hydrolyzed chicken liver is the main ingredient. It contains cornstarch and soybean oil, which isn't a grain-free option. Be sure your cat isn't allergic to those ingredients. The food also reduces the risk of urinary crystals.
This is easy on your cat's stomach, but several customers say their cat doesn't like the taste. Other buyers don't like the food's consistency or the lack of gravy. This is a reminder that every cat has individual tastes and preferences.
Royal Canin Feline Selected Protein
Royal Canin Feline Selected Protein offers wet cat food with a limited ingredient list and specific protein sources for cats with allergies or sensitivities. This food also requires a veterinarian's prescription.
This limited-ingredient diet made with peas and duck is easy on your cat's stomach. It has omega-3 fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Customers say this keeps their cats from having skin reactions. Others comment about the high price, which is typical for a prescription diet.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet features wet cat food options made with a limited number of carefully selected ingredients to avoid common allergens. Customers say Blue Buffalo Basics solves their cat's digestive issues and creates a more solid stool. Others say the adult version works better than the kitten food. Most say their cats enjoy the taste, but you may have to test it to see which flavor they prefer.
This food's primary ingredients are turkey, broth, liver, and fish oil. It also includes a variety of fruits and vegetables for fiber and antioxidants. However, it contains carrageenan, which some claim causes an adverse reaction in some cats. Talk to your vet about whether your cat might be susceptible to its effects.
Wellness Core Signature Selects
Wellness Core Signature Selects provides wet cat food options with animal protein as the number one ingredient and easily digestible carbohydrates, suitable for cats with food sensitivities. Wellness Core is grain-free but contains potato starch and eggs, so be aware of your cat's allergies.
It has no animal by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives and flavors. This one is chunky in a sauce for cats that don't like pate. Several customers say Wellness is the only food their cats don't refuse. For a picky eater, the price is worth it. Cats and owners both love the higher moisture content.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet focuses on a single animal protein and one vegetable to avoid common allergens. This one contains no chicken, beef, or fish for pets with certain sensitivities. You choose turkey or rabbit, a protein you don't find in many other cat foods. It contains no corn, wheat, soy, or carrageenan for cats with sensitivities to those ingredients.
Instinct reportedly helps cats with digestive issues. Customers like the high quality, but it comes with a price. If your cat likes it, there's better value in buying it by the case.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet offers wet cat food with a limited ingredients list and a single source of animal protein, suitable for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. This is the best limited-ingredient wet food, according to Veterinarians.org. Pleasing multiple cats at once isn't easy, but customers say their cats love Merrick.
You choose from chicken, turkey, tuna, rabbit, or duck. Some cats don't like particular flavors, but with five to choose from, you're sure to find one they prefer that has the right protein for your cat's sensitive stomach. Each meat has a different percentage of protein, so be aware of your cat's needs when selecting from these options.
Limit the Ingredients, But Not the Love
Finding a cat food that works may be difficult when you have a feline with allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. These seven wet cat foods are known to meet these dietary needs. Determine your cat's specific issue and do your research to find a food that works for your cat.
These limited-ingredient cat food choices aid you in eliminating your cat's allergy-causing source. These food brands are also healthy options. Your cat doesn't need a lot of fillers in their food to obtain their necessary nutrients, and that's the main goal.
You have the information to decide on your sensitive cat's diet. Limit their ingredients and expand your love for them.
For more recommendations on food, treats, and other cat things, subscribe toCattitude Daily.
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