natural balance dog food vegetarian
Halo vs. Natural Balance
Halo vs. Natural Balance
In this comparison article for Halo vs Natural Balance, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Halo and Natural Balance, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Natural Balance vs Halo comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Halo Review Page or Natural Balance Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Natural Balance vs. Halo
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Halo Dog Food vs. Natural Balance Dog Food
| Dry Dog Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Crude Protein | 28.1% | 27.6% |
| Crude Fat | 15.9% | 14.4% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.8% | 5.2% |
| Wet/Canned Dog Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Crude Protein | 44.0% | 39.7% |
| Crude Fat | 30.3% | 20.5% |
| Crude Fiber | 7.9% | 8.5% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your dog's diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude protein. For wet dog foods, Halo provides more protein (about 4.36% more).
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Dietary fats serves a multitude of roles in the proper development and function of our canine companions. Here are some of the benefits (not exhaustive):
- Help produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among other critical functions.
- Aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Improve skin and coat health
- Improve the palatially of your dog's food
As you can see, Natural Balance and Halo guarantee a similar amount of crude fat. For wet dog foods, Halo provides significantly more fat (about 9.84% more).
Natural Balance and Halo both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet dog food, Natural Balance and Halo also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Halo Cat Food vs. Natural Balance Cat Food
| Dry Cat Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Crude Protein | 35.4% | 36.8% |
| Crude Fat | 16.3% | 14.3% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.6% | 5.5% |
| Wet/Canned Cat Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Crude Protein | 49.2% | 46.7% |
| Crude Fat | 31.6% | 20.2% |
| Crude Fiber | 6.8% | 7.1% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your cat's diet. Without sufficient protein, cats can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude protein content of the two brands. For wet cat foods, Halo typically provides a little more protein (about 2.44% more).
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
- Aid in the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Improve the health of skin/coat
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Slow the development and spread of certain type of cancers.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
Halo Pet Food Ingredients vs. Natural Balance Pet Food Ingredients
Halo and Natural Balance both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Canola OilCanola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Pea ProteinPea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Halo.
Soybean Protein ConcentrateSoybean protein concentrate is produced by removing the water soluble carbohydrates from soybeans. The inclusion of non-meat protein typically degrades the overall quality of protein in the recipe. This degradation is due to the inferior amino acid profile of plant based proteins.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Natural Balance.
GibletsGiblets may include the heart, liver, gizzards, and other visceral organs of an animal. These organs are very nutritious and species-appropriate for pets. However, the specific source of the giblets are not disclosed (chicken, turkey, etc) and therefore we must classify this ingredient as an anonymous meat.
Beet PulpBeet pulp is the by-product which remains once sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. The primary contribution of beet pulp is dietary fiber.
We'd also like to note that beet pulp is fairly controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that beet pulp can promote intestinal health and regulate blood sugar. However, opponents claim that beet pulp is an inexpensive filler.
Brewers RiceBrewer's rice is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. The fragments do not contain the same nutrition profile of the whole kernel and therefore brewer's rice is a lower quality grain. Brewer's rice is typically regarded as an inexpensive and low quality filler.
Caramel ColorCaramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Tomato PomaceTomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Feeding OatmealAccording to AAFCO, feeding oatmeal "is obtained in the manufacture of rolled oat groats or rolled oats". It contains "broken oat groats, oat groat chips, and floury portions of the oat groats." In other words, feeding oatmeal is an inexpensive by-products of rolled oat processing.
Poultry GibletsPoultry giblets includes the heart, liver, gizzards, and other internal organs of poultry. Organs are nutritiously dense ingredients which provide high quality protein and fat. However, this particular ingredient is considered an anonymous meat ingredient because the type of poultry is not specified. In order words, "named" giblets such as chicken giblets or turkey giblets are preferred over poultry giblets.
Dried Tomato PomaceDried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Natural Balance.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfate ComplexMenadione sodium bisulfate complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite ComplexMenadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Product Safety: Recall History of Halo & Natural Balance?
Halo has been recalled once.
Natural Balance has been recalled 6 times.
- July 21, 2007: ofbotulinum toxin
- May 4, 2012: Salmonella
- June 18, 2010: Salmonella
- April 27, 2007: Melamine
- April 17, 2007: Melamine
- July 3, 2020: elevated levels of choline chloride
Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?
| Dry Dog Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Per Pound | $4.23 | $5.23 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0026 | $0.0029 |
| Dry Cat Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Per Pound | $5.23 | $3.69 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0031 | $0.0023 |
| Wet Dog Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Per Pound | $5.46 | $6.27 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0107 | $0.0137 |
| Wet Cat Food | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Per Pound | $7.46 | $7.63 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0149 | $0.0183 |
The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.
If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Halo or Natural Balance, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.
Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Halo or Natural Balance will depend on your shopping habits.
Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Halo and Natural Balance. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Halo Pet Foods
You can purchase Halo pet foods from the following stores:
44 Recipes In-Stock Today
24 Recipes In-Stock Today
45 Recipes In-Stock Today
Where To Buy Natural Balance Pet Foods
You can purchase Natural Balance pet food products from these retailers:
96 Recipes In-Stock Today
79 Recipes In-Stock Today
82 Recipes In-Stock Today
16 Recipes In-Stock Today
Type Of Pet Foods Available
| Product | Halo | Natural Balance |
| Dry Dog Food | 15 Recipes | 39 Recipes |
| Wet Dog Food | 14 Recipes | 27 Recipes |
| Dog Treats | 5 Treats | 33 Treats |
| Dry Cat Food | 11 Recipes | 16 Recipes |
| Wet Cat Food | 23 Recipes | 43 Recipes |
| Cat Treats | None | None |
Top Rated Halo Recipes
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Check PriceNatural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Review (Dry)
Home Reviews Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Review (Dry)
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Review (Dry)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: April 22, 2024
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Review of Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food receives the Advisors second-lowest tier rating of 2.5 stars.
The Natural Balance Vegetarian product line includes one dry dog food, a recipe claimed to meet AAFCO nutrient guidelines for adult maintenance.
Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Brown rice, oat groats, barley, peas, potato protein, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, dicalcium phosphate, dried tomato pomace, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, taurine, minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), salt, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, niacin, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D2 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin), flaxseed, dried spinach, parsley, cranberries, l-lysine monohydrochloride, l-carnitine, citric acid (used as a preservative), mixed tocopherols (used as a preservative), Yucca schidigera extract, dried kelp, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 18% | 8% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 20% | 9% | 63% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 19% | 21% | 60% |
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The second ingredient includes oat groats, a whole grain, minimally processed form of oats. With the exception of their caloric content and the fact theyre also gluten free, oat groats can be considered average in nutritional value.
The third ingredient is barley, a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The next ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.
The fifth item is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.
Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
The sixth 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 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 seventh inclusion is potato. 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 eighth ingredient is dicalcium phosphate, likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.
The ninth ingredient is tomato pomace. Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.
Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.
Just the same, theres probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.
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 4 notable exceptions
First, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Next, we note the use of 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 and we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.
Additionally, we note the presence of 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.
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
Natural Balance Vegetarian dog food is by design a meatless product.
So, although we do recognize the need for some dog owners to provide (for whatever reason) a completely meat-free diet, we also respect a dogs natural carnivorous bias.
For this reason, the highest rating awarded any vegetarian dog food found on this website can never exceed 2.5 stars.
That said, and before we determine our final rating, its still important to estimate how much plant-based protein might be present.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 20%, a fat level of 9% and estimated carbohydrates of about 63%.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
Our Rating of Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food
Natural Balance Vegetarian is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a modest amount of potato protein as its dominant source of protein, thus earning the brand 2.5 stars.
Not recommended.
Has Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Been Recalled?
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 related to Natural Balance.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
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More Natural Balance Brand Reviews
The following Natural Balance dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
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