natural balance dog food digestive

Natural Balance

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food Review (Dry)

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient product line includes the 21 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain Free Sweet Potato and Venisonwas selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The second ingredient is venison. Although it is a quality item, raw venison 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 third ingredient is potatoes. 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 fourth ingredient is pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.

The next ingredient is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.

Even though pea and potato proteins contain over 80% protein, these ingredients would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like these can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The fifth ingredient is 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.

The next item is brewers yeast, which can be a controversial ingredient. 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.

After the natural flavor, we find 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 affect the overall rating of this Natural Balance product.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, we find flaxseed, 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.

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.

Additionally, we note the use of dried potato products, the dried residue of the potato processing industry primarily consisting of potato pieces, peelings and culls.

With the exception of perhaps its caloric content and a small amount of protein, potato products are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.¹

This recipe also 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.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

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 Limited Ingredient looks like an average dry dog food.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 22%, a fat level of 11% and estimated carbohydrates of about 59%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 13%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 54% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

Which means this Natural Balance product line contains

Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to other dry kibbles.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the pea and potato proteins, brewers yeast and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a recipe containing a moderate amount of meat.

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Before you start searching for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs, its important to start out by figuring out whats causing your dogs digestion issues. Some dogsjust like some peopleare sensitive to certain food ingredients. For others, a sensitive stomach could be a sign of a more serious problem. Make an appointment with your vet to talk about what symptoms your dog is experiencing (vomiting, diarrhea, soft stools, gas, or something else) and do an examination. Your vet might ask you to bring in a stool sample to help diagnose any issues or test for parasites. While this might seem like a lot to do up front, remember that dog food isnt cheap! You could save money in the long run by working with your vet to figure out how best to resolve your dogs sensitive digestion, and whether its their food or something else causing their tummy troubles.

What Causes Dogs to Have Sensitive Stomachs?

Once serious conditions like stomach cancer are ruled out, its time to examine other possible causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs. There is a wide variety of food items that dogs can have trouble tolerating. Some dogs are sensitive or even allergic to certain proteins, like chicken or beef. Another possibility is that your dogs diet is lacking something, like fiber, vitamins, or minerals. It could even contain too much of something, like fat. Your dogs dog food might not even be the problem! If your dog has a habit of getting into the trash, or if your dog eats a lot of treats and table scraps, something other than their dog food could be causing their upset tummy.

How to Know if Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach

The term sensitive stomach is usually used to describe mild intestinal upset in dogs.

Symptoms of sensitive stomachs in dogs include:

• Occasional vomiting
• Loose stools
• Flatulence

Your dog could have one of these symptoms, or they might have all of them. If any of their symptoms are severe, its critical to talk with your vet immediately. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of many serious illnesses and even gas can be a sign of a disease or condition that requires urgent veterinary attention.

Elimination Diet for Sensitive Dogs

One possible cause of your dogs sensitive stomach is their diet. You can test out different varieties of food for dogs with sensitive stomachs to help learn what will reduce or eliminate your dogs symptoms and get their digestive system back on track.

Finding out if your dogs food is the issue is easy, but it will require some discipline on your part. In consultation with your vet, start by eliminating any food items from your dogs diet other than their actual dog food. This includes table scraps, treats, and anything else your dog might eat throughout the day.

Monitor your dog to confirm that they arent sneaking into the trash (indoor and outdoor), recycling bin, cat itter box, compost pile, garden, barn, chicken coop, or any other hidden cache of food or snacks (pet or human) where they can eat things they should not be eating. If your dogs stomach is still upset after a few days of eliminating all other food, and you are positive that they are not sneaking into other food sources, then its time to evaluate the food youre feeding.

Dog Food Ingredients That Can Upset Stomachs

Dog foods are formulated to be complete and balanced, which means they can include a range of different sources of nutrition, including proteins, fats, grains, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients like vegetables and fruits. For dogs, there are a few key areas of these nutrition sources that can trigger sensitivities in some dogs.

Food-related causes of sensitive stomachs in dogs:

• Protein source
• Fiber source
• Fat content
• Adequate vitamins and minerals
• Quality of ingredients

Protein

Some dogs just dont digest certain types of protein well. For example, if your dogs current dog food is made with chicken as its protein source, talk with your vet about switching to a dog food thats formulated with a different protein sourceoften beef, lamb, or fishto do a food trial and see if that resolves the issue. Be sure youre not feeding your dog any treats or table scraps while you try out a new food, or your findings wont be very helpful.

Fiber

Some dogs do better with extra fiber in their diets. Beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber, according to Merck Veterinary Manual, and provides good fecal quality in dogs without affecting other nutrient digestibility. Other recommended sources of fiber in commercial dog food include inulin and psyllium. Talk to your vet about adding fiber to your dogs current diet, or choosing a specially formulated high-fiber dog food.

Fat

Dog food diets that are high in fat are harder to digest than ones that are higher in protein or carbohydrates. Read the ingredient label on your dogs current food and see if fats and oils are listed in the first four ingredients. This is an indicator that the food might be too high in fat for your dogs digestive system. In consultation with your vet, compare your current dog food to other formulas or brands and find a food that is lower in fat. The crude fat percentage that the food contains will be listed on the Guaranteed Analysis section of the dog foods label.

Vitamins and Minerals

Commercial dog foods produced to AAFCO standards are formulated to contain at least the minimum amounts of vitamins and minerals required in order to be complete and balanced. However, if you are feeding a specialty diet, like a raw diet or a home-cooked diet, or if you arent feeding a commercial food balanced for your dogs life stage (ie, puppy, adult), its possible that your dog could have a nutrient imbalance or deficiency. Talk with your veterinarian to make sure you are feeding your dog all of the nutrients they need for proper health and digestion at their life stage, and if you need to, adjust your dogs food accordingly.

Quality Ingredients

Figuring out the quality of the ingredients in a dog food can be tricky. Dog food label ingredient statements are not allowed to include any information about the quality or grade of an ingredient, so dog owners have to decide if ingredients are quality based on other information, like the dog foods price, the brands reputation, published information, and consultation with veterinarians. In 2023, AAFCO released guidelines for labeling dog food as human grade, but the ingredient statement itself still cannot include quality or grade of individual ingredients.

A good way to decide on the quality of dog food ingredients is to look at any feeding trials performed on a particular brand of food. Choose a dog food brand that statistically outperforms the competition, and dont be afraid to contact the dog food manufacturer directly. (Note that feeding trials arent the only way that a dog food brand can establish that it meets minimum AAFCO standards, though. Nutritional analysis is another method by which dog food brands can test the nutrition of their products.)

Newer dog food brands might not have many clinical studies or feeding trials, as studies require time to undertake and evaluate. This doesnt mean they arent a quality dog food, but its smart to confirm that the company employs a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on its staff. This suggests that the company is knowledgeable about dog nutritional needs and how to formulate a product that meets requirements.

How to Find a High-Quality Sensitive Digestion Dog Food

Everyone has an opinion on the best dog foods, but its important to make a decision for your dog based on on solid research. This makes it difficult to navigate forums, blogs, and social media that offer opinions about what to feed your dog. Even a dog food companys website can be misleading or confusing. The best place to start your research is with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.

If you havent already consulted with your vet about your dogs sensitive stomach, start there. You want to rule out any serious health condition before you start experimenting with different dog foods on your own. Your vet might suggest a few brands of dog food that they prefer, and can give you an idea of problematic ingredients for your dog and nutritional information to look out for as you start your search.

Most pet owners also do their own research. Look for articles and journals written by veterinarians and board-certified veterinary nutritionists. You want the best for your dog, so consult the best sourcesthe dog nutrition experts! Its smart to be a little skeptical as you research the best dog foods for your dogs sensitive stomach. If a company is advertising a miracle diet that sounds too good to be true, it probably is (unless it has science-based research or studies to back it up).

Best Commercial Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

Commercial dog food diets are the most convenient, and often the best sensitive stomach dog food option. There is a variety of formulas to help you find a food that doesnt irritate your pets stomach. Unfortunately, the number of options can be intimidating.

Popular options for sensitive stomach dog foods include Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomachand Royal Canin Digestive Care.

Complete and Balanced Dog Food Formulas

The first thing to look for is a dog food that states that it is complete and balanced. This statement means that the food is formulated to provide your pet with all of the nutrients known to be necessary for dogs. Choosing a complete and balanced diet helps eliminate sensitive stomachs that result from nutritional deficiencies, and ensures that your pet is getting the nutrition they need for healthy digestion.

Dog Food Labels Analysis

Read through the rest of the dog food label. Check the protein and fiber sources, as well as the fat content. Be sure that youre feeding your dog the correct life stage formula of the food, and consult your veterinarian about any pet food recalls.

You might not find the best dog food right away. Finding the optimal diet for your dogs sensitive stomach often takes time. You might end up transitioning your dog through several different food, brand, or formulas before you find one that works. While it is tempting to start your dog on a new food immediately, its important to slowly transition your dog off of their old food and onto the new. If you dont, you could end up worsening your dogs sensitive stomach, or your dog could refuse to eat the new food.

Transitioning Your Dog to a Different Food

The best way to transition your dog to a new food is to start small. The first meal should contain about 80-90 percent old food and 10-20 percent new food. Change this ratio slowly over the course of 10 days. You can always talk with your vet to get their recommendation on the best way to transition your dog to a new food.

Homemade Meals for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

Just about any dog can benefit from a bland homemade meal on occasion. A simple dinner of cooked chicken meat and boiled ricewithout any seasoning or fatmay help settle an upset stomach or calm diarrhea. Today, an increasing number of dog owners are turning to homemade diets for all of their dogs meals. This can be an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, so long as dog owners make sure that the meals they prepare meet all of their dogs nutritional needs. This is easier said than done, so its important to work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to make sure that what youre feeding ends up meeting all of your dogs nutritional needs. The website balance ITcreated by board-certified veterinary nutritionist Sean J. Delaney, DVM, MS, DACVNis a helpful tool for both veterinarians and dog owners looking to go this route.

Veterinary Prescription Diets for Dogs

Not every sensitive stomach can be resolved by a commercial diet or even a homemade diet. Your vet might recommend a prescription dog food diet if switching non-prescription dog foods doesnt resolve your dogs digestive issues. There is no one food that works best for all dogs with sensitive stomachs, just like there is no one food that works best for people with sensitive stomachs. Finding the best food for your dog takes time and patience, and what cured your friends dog might not do the trick for your dog. Dont get discouraged. With a little trial and error, and collaboration with your vet, you can find a diet that works for your dog.