natural balance dog food alternative
Natural Balance Alternatives
Natural Balance is one of the leading brands for limited ingredient diets allowing dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs to still enjoy their kibble.
But, for many dog owners, the price tag can be a pain.
Luckily, there are many affordable dog food options that are similar to Natural Balance. These formulas offer the same great taste, all without ingredients that can harm canines with sensitives.
My personal pick is American Journey Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free dog food.
This recipe includes a single animal protein, is grain-free, and doesnt use any fillers that can negatively affect your dog.
Ive also sourced four other great alternatives that are similar to popular Natural Balance recipes.
5 Natural Balance Alternatives
- American Journey Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food (Natural Balance L.I.D. Formula Alternative)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food (Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Puppy Formula Alternative)
- Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food (Natural Balance Fat Dogs Recipe Alternative)
- Natures Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Dry Dog Food (Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Alternative)
- Iams ProActive Health Adult Canned Dog Food (Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef Formula Canned Dog Food)
Dog Food Similar to Natural Balance Reviewed
Natural Balance offers limited diet wet and dry food for dogs that suffer from allergies, sensitivities, and other health problems such as digestive issues.
Their dog foods are usually grain-free (or only include complex carbohydrates like oats), and never include by-product meals.
Below, Ive listed my favorite affordable alternatives to Natural Balance, that are all still made with the same care and consideration for your canine.
Each formula on this list meets the AAFCO nutrient profiles for dogs. Before switching your dog to any of the below recipes, please consult your veterinarian.
American Journey Limited Ingredient dog food is the top alternative to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets. Both formulas include real duck, sweet potatoes, and sunflower oil as their main ingredients.
If youre looking for a limited ingredient diet with higher protein than Natural Balance at an affordable price American Journey is your best bet. It includes 25% Crude Protein, versus the 24% that Natural Balance offers.
It also includes flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids, and sunflower oil for a healthy coat and skin. Plus, chickpeas and peas offer even more protein content to build and maintain muscles.
American Journey doesnt utilize any allergens, inducing ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals. On top of that, its also free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
Even as puppies, some dogs have allergies. Purina Pro Plan offers a sensitive skin and stomach recipe that rivals Natural Balances Puppy Formula and for a more affordable price.
With salmon as the first ingredient, this kibble provides protein without chicken, which is a common allergen amongst dogs. It also includes rice as a grain thats more gentle on a puppys stomach.
Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, or live probiotics, are added to support gut health, and barley and oat meal offer fiber for happy tummies.
Fish oil offers omega-3 fatty acids that help puppies during growth supporting their brain and vision development. Along with that, calcium and phosphorus, plus other minerals, are added to help build strong bones and teeth.
Having an overweight dog may be common, but it can affect your pet in many ways including aggravating their allergies.
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat dog food provides a lower calorie and fat option and is similar to its Natural Balance Fat Dogs formula counterpart. Its also significantly more economical and easy on the wallet.
The formula was specifically designed to have the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats with fewer calories to help support healthy weight loss.
Its also formulated with glucosamine for joint health, omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, and antioxidants for a strong immune system.
Unlike Natural Balance, Eagle Pack starts with pork meal vs. chicken meal. This works out well for dogs that may have an allergy or sensitivity to poultry. Both formulas include peas, barley, and tomato pomace for antioxidants and digestible grains.
Eagle Pack dog food is made for pups with sensitivities, and without corn, wheat, or meat by-products. Its also free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Did you know that there are studies that support a vegetarian diet for dogs? They report that many symptoms, including allergies and sensitivities, can be eased or completely eliminated by cutting meat out of your dogs diet.
Thats where Natures Recipe Vegetarian comes in.
Its great value for the money, just like Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula. Plus, Natures Recipe doesnt skimp on quality ingredients.
Soybean meal provides a rich source of protein, and linoleic acid promotes a healthy heart. Copper and zinc are added to soothe itchy skin, and omega-6 fatty acids from canola oil help create a shinier coat.
Natures Recipe dog food doesnt include any corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives. So, as long as your pup isnt allergic to soy, this is a great alternative to meat heavy foods that may trigger sensitivities.
Got a picky eater? If so, you may want to feed them wet food to get them to eat all of their dinner.
But wet food can get expensive quick, especially if youre feeding them Natural Balance Ultra Premium Formula canned dog food.
Instead, give Iams ProActive Health canned dog food a chance.
Both options include beef as a main ingredient, offering a higher protein wet food option. However, Iams ProActive Health canned dog food also offers more moisture content, which is helpful if youre feeding a senior dog or picky eater.
Plus, Iams includes vitamin E to help support a healthy immune system as well as omega fatty-acids from chicken, fish oil, and beef to provide support to joints and skin.
Keep in mind that Iams ProActive Health uses wheat to create the gravy portion of the recipe. If your dog is allergic to wheat, this may not be the best option for them. However, it is free of other allergens like corn and soy.
How to Transition to An Alternate Dog Food
Great! Youve picked your dogs new food up, and youre ready to switch them right away.
But wait did you know that its not advised to switch your dogs food so quickly?
Not only can it cause tummy troubles, but it can also cause your dog to have symptoms like diarrhea and hives until they get used to the food.
Instead, take it slow when switching their food. Typically, it will take about a week to fully transition your dog to a new formula.
Starting on the first day, mix about 25% of the new food in with their current food when feeding. Each day, you can increase the amount of new food by another 15% to 25%.
Eventually, youll be able to fully transition them over to the new formula. Of course, before you plan to switch your dogs food, consult with your veterinarian. They can help you with making major changes to your dogs diet.
Our Verdict
If youre looking for an affordable replacement to Natural Balance, I recommend American Journeys Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe.
Its the closest alternative, and offers comparable protein and high-quality ingredients. It also doesnt include any top allergens that can cause your dog to experience discomfort.
Dogs with allergies and sensitivities shouldnt be stuck with boring kibble. With the five Natural Balance alternatives on this list, they dont have to be.
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
See all available recipes
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
