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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.
New owners look to revitalize Natural Balance brand
UPLAND, CALIF. Following its recent acquisition of Natural Balance from The J.M. Smucker Company in January, Nexus Capital Management has announced a robust pipeline of new specialty products for the brand, as well as a focus on supporting and maintaining its core products, food quality, safety and pet health.
Natural Balance will retain the brand assets, operational resources and more than 40 employees of the brand, ensuring production and retail distribution operations are uninterrupted. In early December 2020, Nexus appointed Brian Connolly as the new chief executive officer of Natural Balance, who offers previous pet specialty marketplace experience to carry out the new brand strategy.
"We acquired Natural Balance because we recognize the brand's untapped potential, Connolly said. We see opportunity and we see brand equity. We intend to embrace innovation driving a well-defined strategy that leverages the best of our current Natural Balance branded foods, even as we create new specialty products for pet consumers."
Additionally, John Sturm has been appointed to chief revenue officer of Natural Balance, in which role he will lead sales, marketing and new product initiatives.
A research and development team will be tasked with building a rich pipeline of new specialty products, but the brand will not abandon its existing products or network. Natural Balance will continue to leverage current business partners, pet specialty retailers, distributors and supply chain partners to drive sales of both existing and new product lines.
"Our team is fully embracing what makes Natural Balance stand out among other brands, even as we work on the introduction of new products that will grow our business," Connolly said. "Our Feed with Confidence program and our firm commitment to stringent food safety testing will continue to be our focus, and with it our dedication to transparency and traceability."
Feed with Confidence is Natural Balances transparency and traceability program, which will serve as a major selling point for the brand in the pet specialty retail space. All products will be tested by accredited, third-party laboratories that test for foodborne pathogens and nutritional integrity and safety before products are released to market. Test results will be posted on the Natural Balance website by UPC code and lot number so that pet owners can access comprehensive, transparent product information.
"We are firmly focused on retaining and attracting premium pet food consumers for the Natural Balance core product lines through incremental growth, while also introducing new and exciting products that embolden the business," Connolly said. "We are confident we will enhance this well-loved brand through our strategic approach, precision market targeting and extensive understanding of today's ingredient-conscious pet food consumers."
To support this strategy, Natural Balance will work to reengage consumers with the brand, revamp its digital properties and launch a full-scale integrated marketing campaign.
Read more aboutcorporate strategy, financial performance, mergers and acquisitionson our Business page.
Natural Balance Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
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Natural Balance Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Written by: Sarah PsaradelisReview Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give Natural Balance dog food a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Natural Balance is a brand of dog food that was first created in Burbank in California back in 1989 by Dick Van Patten. This company aims to produce high-quality pet foods that meet your dogs nutritional requirements and consists of high-quality meats and proteins.
The health of your pet is Natural Balances top priority, and they seem to keep up to these standards when it comes to the quality of their dog food. This brand sells a range of different dog foods under several different categories and offers dry, wet, and freeze-dried dog foods. They are also one of the few dog food brands that offer vegetarian-based dog foods.
If you are interested in learning more about what Natural Balance pet foods have to offer your dog, then this article will tell you everything you need to know!
At a Glance: The Best Natural Balance Dog Food Recipes:
Natural Balance Dog Food Reviewed
Who makes Natural Balance Dog Food and where is it produced?
The Natural Balance brand is currently owned by The J.M. Smucker Company. This company is also well-known for owning some other popular brands of pet products. Natural Balance was previously merged in 2013 with Del Monte Pet Foods, but they were owned by J.M. Smucker Company only 1 year later. They started as a small company based in California but have now expanded with the main headquarters being located in Burbank with facilities in both California and South Carolina. Natural Balance dog foods ingredient sourcing is not specified; however, they do say that their dog foods ingredients are manufactured in the United States.
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Which Types of Dogs is Natural Balance Best Suited For?
Natural Balance dog food has six categories for its formulas which include limited ingredient (L.I.D), delectable delights, vegetarian, targeted nutrition, original ultra, and platefulls recipes. They also produce wet (canned), dry, and freeze-dried dog foods which gives you the option of choosing between the different textures and ingredients you want to feed your dog.
This brand of dog food will be suitable for all dog breeds and life stages because they have a recipe for every dogincluding recipes for puppies under 1 year of age. The freeze-dried recipes seem to be the best for dogs with allergies because they contain a single source of protein. Most of the foods contain limited ingredients which makes it easy for you to determine if the food has the right ingredients according to any allergies or food sensitivities your dog might have.
Since Natural balance also has a vegetarian dog food recipe available, which is rare, and you can purchase dog foods from this brand that contains the same essential nutrients as their meat-based recipes if it is advised by a veterinarian to feeding your dog a meat-free diet.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Natural Balance dog foods seem to have decent ingredients for the money you pay. Most of the recipes from this brand have limited ingredients and are grain-free, however, the ingredients will vary depending on the recipe you choose.
The foods contain a good number of essential vitamins and minerals that are ideal for dogs, such as vitamin E, zinc, and iron in the form of amino acids. High-quality proteins are the main ingredients in the recipes and some recipes include flaxseed for coat and skin nourishment.
Proteins are the main ingredient in most of Natural Balances recipes and the limited ingredient recipes do not contain any soy, grains, or gluten. All of Natural Balances recipes are made without artificial colors and preservatives.
The only controversial ingredient found in some of the Natural Balance dog food recipes is canola oil and tomato pomace, which are under debate as to whether they should be included in dog food.
A Quick Look at Natural Balance Dog Food
Pros
- High-quality meats are the first ingredients
- The recipes are formulated with good scientific principles
- Each food has over 20 different flavors to choose from
- Their dog foods are divided into six different categories
- Vegetarian dog food recipes available
Cons
- More expensive than your average dog food
- Has had a few recalls for salmonella contamination
Recall History
The Natural Balance brand seems to take the safety and quality of their pet foods seriously, and the recipes undergo various testing procedures to make sure they meet the standards. This brand also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee because they run tests on each batch of dog food before it can be bought. Although Natural Balance is careful with the food they produce for consumers, there are a few recalls associated with the Natural Balance brand.
- In March 2007 there was a report from AVMA for several Natural Balances canned foods because there was a concern over possible melamine contamination. Both wet and dry dog foods were recalled.
- 4 months after this recall, in July 2007, the FDA recalled four cans of food for possible botulinum contamination.
- The FDA recalled certain patches of the sweet potato and chicken dry food because there was a concern over salmonella contamination in June of 2010.
- In May 2012, another recall for this brand from the FDA was issued for another salmonella contamination that affected most of the dry dog food recipes.
Reviews of the 3 Best Natural Balance Dog Food Recipes
Lets look at some of Natural Balances most popular dog food recipes and see what they have to offer your dog.
1. Natural Balance Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
This dog food is a limited ingredient and grain-free dog food that has salmon as the main ingredient and protein source. It also includes potatoes as a grain-free fiber source for digestive health. It is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and irritable skin with a balance of nutrients to support your dogs immunity.
This is a great recipe for dogs who should not be eating grains, soy, or gluten as advised by a veterinarian due to health issues, and like all Natural Balance dog food recipes, this food does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
It has a moderate level of protein at 24% with a good fat content of 10%, with 4.5% of fiber which is mainly from the sweet potato. The guaranteed analysis falls within the ideal percentages for an adult dog.
Pros
- Salmon as the main ingredient
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
- Rich in omega fatty acids
2. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food
This is a meat-free dog food recipe that replaces common meat-based protein sources with barley and peas. The food is also free of soy, dairy, and gluten which may be ideal for dogs that have allergies to these ingredients and need a vegetarian diet. It is a dry kibble that is made with limited ingredients, but there is also a canned formula for the same food available.
Brown rice is the main ingredient in this food, followed by grains and canola oil. This food only just meets the AAFCOs minimum daily recommended protein percentage at a low 18%. The low protein content is mainly due to brown rice and grains being the main ingredients. This is popular dog food for owners who want to feed their dog a vegetarian-based diet, but make sure you clear it with your dogs veterinarian.
Pros
- Ideal for dogs who cannot eat meat-based ingredients due to health reasons
- Contains all the essential nutrients a dog would get from meat-based foods
- Available in a wet and dry formula
Cons
- Very low protein content
- Feeding a vegetarian diet needs to be discussed with a veterinarian first
3. Natural Balance Chicken and Sweet Potato Shreds Wet Dog Food
This is a canned dog food with meaty shreds that form a complete and balanced dog food for all dogs, including puppies and adults. This food does not contain grains and has a limited number of ingredients which makes it better suited for dogs who need a grain-free diet for health reasons.
The recipe is highly digestible for maximum nutrient absorption and contains added vitamins and minerals to help support your dogs immune system. This food has a protein content of 11% per tub which comes from chicken as the main ingredient followed by sweet potatoes which are a good source of fiber.
Pros
- Ideal for both puppies and adults
- Highly digestible ingredients
- Contains added vitamins and minerals for immune support
What Other Users Are Saying
- HerePup Natural Balance carries out nine tests on every batch of dog food and shares the results, so you can always be confident your pet is safe.
- Pet Food Guru- Natural Balance has full confidence in the quality of its ingredients, and the company wants dog owners to feel that way.
- Amazon As pet owners, we always double-check with Amazon reviews from buyers before we buy something. You can read them by clicking here.
Conclusion
Natural Balance dog foods aim to provide dogs with complete and balanced nutrition from carefully tested ingredients. They have different categories of dog food available to appeal to the different needs of dogs, whether its a grain-free, limited-ingredient, or vegetarian diet. This dog food brand offers three different types of dog foods, which include wet, dry, and freeze-dried foods.
Overall, Natural Balance seems to be a good brand of dog food for most dogs, with mostly positive reviews from customers.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
