natural balance dog food gentle balance
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.
By Guillermo on May 11, 2023
eXCELLENT EXPERIENCE
Excellent product. My dog loves it. Especially if wet with warm water
Great dog food
This is our to go dry food. It was in stock and delivered quickly
By JazminesMom on Sep 4, 2022
Less Regurgitating
My 6 year old yellow lab began randomly regurgitating her food about a year ago, with no changes to her diet. It has been a real mystery. We did consult with our vet and ruled out parasites, etc. We switched to slow feeder bowls, made sure to keep her bowls washed, made sure to keep her out of the trash cans, etc. There have been periods of improvement followed by periods of frequent regurgitation. Like her entire meal all over the carpet without warning. She normally eats Natural Balance Ultra Chicken formula, but I decided to try this formula. We have not yet finished a whole bag, but I realized today she hasn't regurgitated in a couple of weeks. I am also noticing she's slimming down a little, so I'm happy about that too.*We ordered 2 bags, didn't bring them into the house the day they arrived, and an animal tore into one of the bags. Because we don't know what tore into the bag, we can't feed it to Jazzy, so we had to THROW AWAY an ENTIRE $60 bag of dog food! Don't make the same silly mistake we made. :(
something changed
Beware something is not the same about this food! My one dog will not touch it, my other dog is having stomach issues. I called Natural Balance and they gave me the run around. I Ordered 226 pound bags from two separate cat food suppliers in both the new bags are different I will provide photos of what the few used to look like compared to now and also smells different. Natural balance gave me a false email to send them photos and information they also dont have an expiration date on the dog food anymore so I dont even know if the bags of dog food that are being sold are real. As you can see the photos a lighter color food is the formula that my dogs have used for seven years with no issues and a darker color food is the new stuff I received from two different pet food suppliers. Their bags also dont have the same information on them that they used to and when I asked the lady about this she asked for photos as proof something is wrong with this company. Beware!
not good food
This food is not the same as old formula. Made both my dogs sick. Stay away from this new formula.
Gentle Balance
Our excited and active little Sheltie is doing very well on this food. It must truly be gentle and balanced. Nervous tummy issues are no longer. We had some problems with stool consistency. The kibbles are larger in diameter than what I would pick for a small to medium dog but they are flat so it all works out fine. Finn is doing very well and loves the taste. I also mix the Natural Balance canned food with the kibbles.
By Zookeep15 on Oct 2, 2021
Spoiled bag
Ive used this brand and food for three years but will never again. After opening a new bag and feeding my dog within 24 hours she was having explosive, bloody diarrhea and crying while trying to poop. Clearly this food has spoiled. After paying close to 70$ for this I am severely disappointed and will not recommend this to anyone.
Great for VERY picky huskies!
My 1.5 year old Siberian Husky, Roshe, should be a good critic. I have tried everything from wellness, to Acana, to Very expensive brands, and Natural Balance Synergy/ Gentle balance is a clear winner. Keeps him full, regular, and I dont have to bribe him to eat it! I would highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
My 14 year old lab was having stomach issues and kept getting diarrhea for no reason a couple times a week. My vet couldn't find anything wrong with her so we decided to try an easy to digest food. She's been on this for almost a month now and hasn't had any more diarrhea and seems to be feeling much better. So thankful I found this food!
By DogMom on Apr 25, 2021
Not the same
I am disappointed that when I called Chewy after delivery they said it was the same as Synergy. Synergy cleared up my dogs post birth itchiness immediately. This new version with a different bag has not.
