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Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dog Food Review (Dry)
Home Reviews Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dog Food Review (Dry)
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dog Food Review (Dry)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 25, 2024
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All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Which Natural Balance Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dog Food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 3.5stars.
The Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health product line includes the 4 dry dog food listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Balance Original Ultra All Life Stage Chicken and Barley | 3.5 | A |
| Natural Balance Original Ultra Grain Free Chicken | 3.5 | M |
| Natural Balance Original Ultra All Life Stage Chicken and Barley Small Breed Bites | 3.5 | A |
| Natural Balance Original Ultra All Life Stage Chicken and Barley Bites Large Breed | 3.5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Natural Balance Original Ultra All Life Stage Chicken and Barley
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Chicken, chicken meal, pearled barley, oat groats, dried peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), brown rice, carrots, brewers dried yeast, flaxseed, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, DL-methionine, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), salt, potassium chloride, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin, ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement), spinach, dried tomato pomace, minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), cranberries, blueberries, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, L-tryptophan, kelp, choline chloride, L-threonine, mixed tocopherols (used as a preservative), lactic acid, L-lysine monohydrochloride, yucca schidigera extract, L-Carnitine, citric acid (used as a preservative), rosemary extract, green tea extract, spearmint extract.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 23% | 13% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 26% | 14% | 52% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 23% | 31% | 46% |
Ingredient Analysis
Natural Balance Original Ultra All Life Stage Chicken and Barley was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The third ingredient is pearled barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The next ingredient is oat groats, a whole grain, minimally processed form of oats. With the exception of their caloric content and the fact theyre also gluten free, oat groats can be considered average in nutritional value.
The fifth ingredient is dried peas. Dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus theyre naturally rich in dietary fiber.
However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The sixth ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The next ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The eighth ingredient is carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
The ninth ingredient is brewers dried yeast, which can be a controversial item. Although its a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.
In addition, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim weve not been able to scientifically verify.
In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.
Whats more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Natural Balance product.
With 5 notable exceptions
First , tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.
Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.
Just the same, theres probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.
In addition, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
We also note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 26%, a fat level of 14% and estimated carbohydrates of about 52%.
As a group, Natural Balance features an average protein content of 27% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 50% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Which means this Natural Balance product line contains
Near-average protein. near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the pea protein and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.
Our Rating of Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dog Food
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meal as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3.5stars.
Highly recommended.
Natural Balance Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Natural Balance through April.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Get Free Recall Alerts
Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisors recall notification list.
Related Topics
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More Natural Balance Brand Reviews
The following Natural Balance dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
Compare This Dog Food
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A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
Natural Balance Dog Food Recall 2010
Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, has announced a voluntary recall of their Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
The recall applies to products with the Best By date of June 17, 2011 and sold in 5-pound and 28-pound bags.
Complete details regarding this recall are available within the actual FDA News Release dated June 18, 2010.
In a letter1 announcing the recall, company president Joey Herrick provided a factual explanation for the voluntary action.
Dog food recalls involving Salmonella contamination are potentially serious matters for both humans and pets. People who handle dry food can easily become infected with the bacteria.
According to the FDA
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
So, take precautions and be sure to tell everyone you know.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Natural Balance Ultra Dog Food Review (Canned)
Home Reviews Natural Balance Ultra Dog Food Review (Canned)
Natural Balance Ultra Dog Food Review (Canned)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 21, 2024
DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Which Natural Balance Ultra Canned Recipes GetOur Best Ratings?
Natural Balance Ultra Premium canned dog food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4 stars.
The Natural Balance Ultra Premium product line includes the 4 canned dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef | 4 | M |
| Natural Balance Ultra Premium Lamb | 4 | M |
| Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken | 4 | M |
| Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced Calorie | 3.5 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Beef, beef broth, beef liver, potatoes, carrots, brown rice, oat bran, dehydrated potatoes, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins (l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), canola oil, minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate), guar gum, sodium tripolyphosphate, taurine, potassium chloride, salt, natural smoke flavor, dried kelp, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), choline chloride, carrageenan, parsley, Yucca schidigera extract, rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 8% | 5% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 36% | 23% | 33% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 29% | 44% | 26% |
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is beef. Beef is defined as the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle and includes skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.1
Beef is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
The second ingredient is beef broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common component in many canned products.
The third ingredient is beef liver, an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The next ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The fifth item includes carrots, which are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
Next, we find brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The seventh ingredient is oat bran, a nutritious by-product obtained from milling whole grain oats. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain containing starch, protein, vitamins and minerals.
The eighth ingredient is dried potato, a dehydrated item usually made from the by-products of potato processing. In most cases, dried potato can contain about 10% dry matter protein which can have a slight affect on our estimate of the total meat content of this recipe.
The ninth ingredient is dicalcium phosphate, likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this Natural Balance product.
With 6 notable exceptions
First, we find canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.
Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.
Next, this food includes taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
In addition, we note the use of menhaden oil. This item is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.
Depending on its level of freshness and purity, salmon oil should be considered a commendable addition.
Next, this recipe includes sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
We also find carrageenan, a gelatin-like thickening agent extracted from seaweed. Although carrageenan has been used as a food additive for hundreds of years, there appears to be some recent controversy regarding its long term biological safety.
The article, The Carrageenan Controversy, published in Scientific American, does a good job of addressing this topic.
And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Natural Balance Ultra Premium looks like an above-average moisture-rich dog food.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 36%, a fat level of 23% and estimated carbohydrates of about 33%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 36% and a mean fat level of 23%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 33% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Which means this Natural Balance product line contains
Near-average protein. Near-average fat. And above-average carbs as compared to a typical canned dog food.
Even when you consider the mild protein-boosting effect of the dried potato, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing a moderate amount of meat.
Our Rating of Natural Balance Ultra Canned Dog Food
Natural Balance Ultra Premium is a grain-inclusive canned dog food using a moderate amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.
Highly recommended.
Those looking for a kibble from the same product line may wish to visit our review of Natural Balance Ultra dry dog food.
Natural Balance Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Natural Balance through April.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Get Free Recall Alerts
Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisors recall notification list.
More Natural Balance Brand Reviews
The following Natural Balance dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
Compare This Dog Food
How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
