natural balance dog food large breed
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 Large Breed Dog Food
Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free, high protein recipe with substantial kibble size to promote proper chewing time in larger mouths. Increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin also supports bone and joint health in these larger sized dogs.
This recipe contains the perfect amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog of this size. A higher quality food with an abundance of animal protein and nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.
Key Facts No meat by-products or fillers Grain-free. Absolutely no corn, wheat or soy High protein recipe for strong muscles No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 94% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large dogs Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. Never any grains or gluten and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Key Facts No poultry by-product meals Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Antioxidants to boost dogs immune system 100% Grain-free Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Chicken is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great choice for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adults including large breeds All Ollie meals are human-grade and expertly designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Each recipe is suitable for larger breed adults.
An exceptional, grain-free option. Ideal for those who prefer a fully balanced diet, thats as close to homemade as you can get. Without all the fuss. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Key Facts Made with fresh poultry. Contains no by-product meals. Free of BHA or other chemical preservatives Optimized for the age, weight, activity level and breed size of your pet Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-free, fresh AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon and duck. Contains antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. Great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease.
Recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and 5 years of age. Contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger breed dogs.
Key Facts No by-products or artificial preservatives Omega-3 and 6 from coconut and canola oil for healthy coat Probiotics to support digestion Grain-free. No gluten, wheat, corn or soy Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a superb selection for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Adult Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.
Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture.
A classic, grain-inclusive kibble that derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Key Facts Live probiotics to support healthy digestion Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Highly digestible recipe for optimal nutrient delivery No artificial colors or flavors This Purina Pro recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a top pick for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, biologically appropriate canine diet a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for large breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Key Facts Coated with freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health Orijen Six Fish Grain Free is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is an outstanding buy for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed recipe is a high-protein formula with sweet potatoes, peas, apples and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants to help fight disease resistance while the significant protein is included to help larger breed dogs retain lean muscles.
Like most large breed dog food formulas, extra glucosamine and chondroitin are essential and included for hip and joint health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are incorporated to enhance a healthy skin and coat.
Key Facts No artificial preservatives Grain-free. No corn, wheat or soy 60% protein and healthy fats No by-product meals Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 90% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult contains a variety of protein sources. These include fresh chicken, chicken meal and egg product with minimal protein derived from plant-based ingredients. Ideal for mirroring an ancestral diet.
Chelated minerals are also added for superior absorption.
Key Facts Contains no plant-based protein boosters No artificial colors or preservatives Abundance of meat-based protein Ancestral diet Diamond Naturals Large Breed recipe is recommended by 91% of actual buyers and earns 4.5 stars on Chewy.com. A great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Wellness Complete Health Large Breed is formulated with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for excellent hip and joint health. Balanced blend of high-quality protein, healthy fat and grain-free carbohydrates for extra energy and optimum performance.
Added fiber and probiotics to aid in digestion making it ideal for a dogs naturally sensitive stomach. Antioxidants to defend against disease and infection.
Key Facts High-quality ingredients Salmon oil for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice No meat by-products or filler Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed recipe is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an excellent selection for your large breed dog.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed is specially formulated with the right amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates to help larger dogs maintain a healthy weight. Dual animal proteins also help provide lean muscle mass.
This formula contains no corn, wheat, or meat by-products of any kind and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs over 50 pounds.
Key Facts Affordable, budget friendly recipe Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Traditional grain-inclusive formula Calcium and phosphorous to support strong bones Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health has produced a dog food unique to large and giant breed dogs. It incorporates extra glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints with calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones.
This special formula also contains specific ingredients for proper canine digestion. This is accomplished by adding probiotics and plenty of fiber to support a healthy gut and chelated minerals for better absorption.
Key Facts Antioxidant-rich to support cellular health Free from artificial colors or preservatives Traditional grain-inclusive formula Specially formulated for large and giant breed dogs Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is loaded with animal protein. Not only is duck and duck meal the first two ingredients, but there is also turkey, quail and chicken meal included in this formula.
Real fruits and vegetables are included with antioxidants to fight disease. Probiotics and chelated minerals are also incorporated to aid in digestion and provide superior absorption. A budget-friendly option with extremely high quality, high protein ingredients.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Budget-friendly, affordable option High protein for lean muscle mass Made in the USA using high quality ingredients Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for a large breed adult dog.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is made with whole deboned meat and rich antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables. Whole flaxseed, coconut and fish oils are included as well to provide Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat.
Never any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and 100% grain-free. Chelated minerals are incorporated to ensure superior absorption and probiotics aid in digestion.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat, soy or rice No fillers or by-product meals GMO-free ingredients Contains probiotics for healthy digestion I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is recommended by 95% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and a superb option for large breed dogs.
Read our review of the full I and Love and You Nude Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, chickpeas, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Formerly called Go! Fit and Free Chicken, Turkey and Trout, this new recipe is enhanced with plenty of premium-quality animal protein your large breed dog needs to build strong muscles.
Now called Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck, this formula still holds true to its original great taste and exceptional ingredients. Still no by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or wheat, corn and soy. This protein-rich recipe has plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables which provides ample nutrition for your active large breed adult dog.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Omega-3 fish oil for healthy skin and coat High-protein recipe for lean muscles GMO-free ingredients Go! Solutions Carnivore is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an exceptional selection for large breed adults.
Read our review of the full Go! Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds
