natural balance vegetarian dog food reviews

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

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.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula vs V-Dog Vegan Kibble

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula vs V Dog Food Vegan Kibble

Today we are going to compare Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula and V-Dog Kinder Kibble. Both are vegan formulas. We will talk about key ingredients, benefits, comparison between the two. To conclude, we will share our final thoughts on the two vegan dog foods.

Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dog Food

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula vs V-Dog Vegan Kibble

Key ingredients: brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, peas, and fresh potatoes.

Fun fact: Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula is hypoallergenic.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula provides adult dogs with the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the protein source but uses only vegan ingredients. The28 pound bag of Natural Balance Vegetarian Kibble retails for$52.09 on Amazon.com. It features brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, peas and fresh potatoes for a great taste your dog will love. We love that the formula contains increased levels of B vitamins, and is made without any artificial flavors or colors.

If youve landed on this page and are looking to buy Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula,go straight to Amazon.com here for the best price.

Benefits:

No animal or dairy products
Makes the perfect vegetarian and vegan formula for dogs with meat protein sensitivities
DHA and EPA aid in an active and healthy brain function
Added zinc and manganese support good hip and joint health
Oat fiber helps aid proper digestion
Contains antioxidant nutrients from dried cranberries, blueberries and spinach
Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for adult maintenance

Read our full review: Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Kibble Size

V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food

Key Ingredients:Dried Peas, Brown Rice,Pea ProteinConcentrate, Oats,Sorghum, Lentils, Canola Oil, Peanuts,Sunflower Hearts,Potato Protein, Vegetable Pomace (Carrot,Celery, Beets).

Fun fact: V-Dog uses a compostable packaging. 100% compostable bag.

V Dog Food is made in the USA and family owned. The 20 pound bag of V-Dog Vegan Kibble retails for$56.06 on Amazon.com. In addition, you can also subscribe for an instant 10% coupon on your first delivery. For pet owners with one small dog (under 15 lbs), the bag can last for a few months. Also, you can purchase the dog food online and certain specialty dog food stores.

If youve landed on this page and are looking to buy V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food,go straight to Amazon.com here for the best price.

Benefits:

Vegan company
Human grade ingredients
100% plant based
24% protein
USA made and packaged
NO wheat, corn, soy, animal products, animal by-products, factory farming, fillers, fake stuff
Testimonials reports to: improve coat condition, allergy control, weight management, increase in overall health and vitality, better oral hygiene, arthritis regression, diabetes regression, weight management, increase in overall health and vitality, better oral hygiene, arthritis regression, diabetes regression, cataract resolution, decreased incidences of cancer, reduce infections and inflammation

Note: To read more about current science and studies on vegan diets for dogs, click here.

Read our full review: V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food

Comparison

Ethics.V-Dog is owned by vegans, so it is a vegan company. Therefore, it is completely in line with the ethics behind being vegan in operations. When you compare that to Natural Balance on the other hand, Natural Balance is not a vegan company. They simply produce a vegan dog food kibble in their product line.

Availability. The great thing about Natural Balance is that it is widely available and has been around a little longer than V-Dog. You can find it at Petco, Petsmart, and Whole Foods super market. V-Dog has been around for over a decade and founded in 2005. Natural Balance founded in 1989.

Canned or Kibble. Natural Balance has a dry (kibble) and wet (canned) formula. V-Dog only comes in dry kibble.

No allergens. Whats neat about Natural Balance is that it was formulated to be allergy free. In other words, not only are you not feeding them animal products, but its also a great hypoallergenic dog food option.

V-Dog is very similar as far as the formula. V-Dog does not use any animal products, no wheat, no corn, no soy, no gluten, no GMOs, no factory farming, no byproducts, no fake stuff, no fillers.

We cannot say the same in all of these for Natural Balance. However, Natural Balance is also free of wheat, corn, and soy.

Vegan or Vegetarian. Both dog foods are actually vegan. Despite being labeled vegetarian formula, the ingredients list in Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula is free of animal byproducts.

Final Thoughts: Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula vs V Dog Food Vegan Kibble

In a nutshell, that is Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula vs V-Dog Vegan Kibble. Natural Balance is easier to find in stores, and has all the pros previously mentioned in this review. User experience for V-Dog is more positive in terms of stool. Customers who have tried both share that stools are firmer with V-Dog. Some share that Natural Balance results in firmer stools.

V Dog Food is low in allergens also, it might not have any for dogs. Natural Balance is all natural with no fillers as well. From the ingredients list, both are comparable.

It can be hard to tell what ingredients will affect your companion, so it is best to try both and find out. You can check out the products and read more reviews from real customers at Amazon.com here.

We recommend going with whichever is easiest for you, most affordable, and convenient that works best for your dog. See more Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Customer Reviews here. Now, if you want to support a company that is vegan, has great ethics, uses a compostable bag, then V-Dog is a solid choice. See more V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food Customer Reviews here.

Where to buy V-Dog Food (free shipping w/ Amazon Prime)

Where To Buy Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula (free shipping w/ Amazon Prime)

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Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews: 2024 Winner Highlights.

V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dry Dog Food, 20-lb bag

Best Vegan Dog Food Winner

*V-Dog Kinder Kibble Dry Dog Food Best Vegan Dry Dog Food Winner*

Best Vegan Dog Food. This is a highlight ofV-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dry Dog Food. For the eighth year in a row, it is the clear leader in vegan dog food. V-Dog is an incredible brand, founded by the late David Middlesworth. It is a 100% plant base formula packed with 24% protein with all essential amino acids. It might be the healthiest dog food on the market.

V-dogmakes healthy, 100% vegan dog food. Since 2005, thousands of dogs thrive on their complete & balanced formula.

If youre looking for the full review, you can click here and go straight to our review of V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food.

V-Dog ingredients consist of human-grade ingredients. The company guarantees that there are never any animal products, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, factory farming, by products, fake stuff, or fillers. As a result, this makes the product naturally super easy on the stomach.

In addition, the company is cruelty-free and owned by vegans. So the brand and operations are vegan-friendly.

While the majority of dogs with sensitive stomachs respond extremely well with V-Dog, some do not. Most customer testimonials rave about how much their dogs enjoy the V-Dog kibble and how their health is better.

Protein source: Lentils and Peas

Kibble size: 1/4 inch flat disks

Likability: Two paws up

Key Features:

Vegan
100% plant base formula
24% protein
Dogs of all breeds love it
Environmentally friendly
Human-grade ingredients
Never Any: Animal Products, Wheat, Corn, Soy, Gluten, Factory Farming, By Products, Fake Stuff, Fillers

Complete vegan dog food: The kinder kibble meets and exceeds the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

Frequently purchased together:

Who Should Buy V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food?

Whether you are an omnivore or vegan, the consumer choice to go vegan for their pet usually varies. Based on recent science and testimonials from pet owners who feed their companions vegan food, the health benefits are hard to ignoreespecially those of us who care for a dog with a sensitive stomach or other health issue.

On one hand, many vegan pet owners do not have issues feeding their dogs meat. On the other hand, some are making the switch due to new information, as well as environmental and health concerns.

Complete Vegan Nutrition. If you prepare your meals for your companion with homemade recipes, you probably have a few primary concerns: meal prep time and whether your dog is getting all the proper nutrition he or she needs to thrive.

Environmental Sustainability. If you are conscientious of our lifestyle impact on the environment, V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Dog Food is a wonderful choice. It is not only free of any animal ingredients, it is also cruelty free and friendly to the planet. The packaging is 100% compostable.

Health Issues. If your dog has severe skin issues or sensitive stomach. These are a few commonly reported areas of improvement due to V-Dog vegan dog food. Some customers have been able to gradually eliminate or reduce their dogs medication. With no fillers and all natural ingredients, this vegan dog food has also been claimed to boost energy and overall health.

Source: V-Dog Customer Testimonial for Severe Skin Issues.

Source: V-Dog Vegan Dog Food Testimonial for Sensitive Stomach.

Click the banner or link below to check out V-Dog and also read more customer reviews of this incredible vegan dog food brand:

More Reviews:

(1) Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews 2024

(2) Best Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews 2024

Best Vegan Dog Food Runner Up: Evolution Diet Dog Food

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

Best Vegetarian Dog Food Winner

Best Vegetarian Dog Food. This years winner is Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dog Food. Key ingredients include brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, peas, and fresh potatoes. While it is labeled vegetarian, it is actually vegan! That makes us happy.

If youre looking for the full review, you can click here and go straight to our review of Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food.

It does extremely well with a widerange of breeds. The protein source in the older formula included lentils. The current formula does not include lentils. While green peas are a great source of protein, some customers note that the change is a disappointment. Nonetheless, it is still reported to help with many health issues such as allergies, rashes, and sensitive stomach.

Protein source: Green Peas

Kibble size: 1/4 inch flat disks

Likability: Two paws up

Key Features:

Vegan formula
No animal or dairy products
Brown rice, oatmeal, and potatoes
Natural health support from green peas
Complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs

Complete vegan dog food: Natural Balance Vegetarian dog food kibble meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

See Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews 2024

Who Should Buy Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food?

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula is a Best Seller in for vegetarian dog food for many reasons. Namely, the availability, price, and quality. At $52.09 and free Amazon Prime 2-day shipping for a 28 pound bag, youre looking at $1.86 per pound. Depending on the number of dogs you own and your daily recommended feeding amounts, a bag can last you for few months.

First Time Vegetarian Dog Food Purchase. If you are purchasing vegetarian dog food for the first time, Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula is a good high-quality introduction. It is well received by dogs eating dry dog food that is meat based protein. Although it isnt a perfect fit for all dogs, it is a great start.

Price.If you are looking for a vegetarian dog food that will be easy on your dogs stomach and wont break the bank! This is a solid option and provides a great bang for your buck.

V-Dog Alternative. If your dog did not respond well to V-Dog or you are looking for a change. Pet owners regularly report that dogs have been observed to take well to one over the other. Both are similar products. However, some respond better to Natural Balance while others respond better to V-Dog. If you are in the market to compare the two, take a look at our comparison review here:Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula vs V-Dog Vegan Kibble.

More Reviews:

(1) Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews 2024

(2) Best Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews 2024

Halo Vegan Garden Medley Stew Wet Dog Food, 13-oz can (pack of 12)

Best Vegan Canned Dog Food Winner

Best Vegan Canned Dog Food. Halo Garden of Vegan canned dog food is our top choice for vegan canned dog food this year. Key ingredients include green peas, chickpeas, pearled barley, flaxseed, sweet potato, and much more.

If youre looking for the full review, you can click here and go straight to our review of Halo Garden of Vegan Canned Dog Food.

Halo vegan dog food is made with chickpeas, grains, nourishing plant oils, Vitamin D2 supplement, and non-GMO vegetables and fruit. No rice! This vegan dog food provides a complete and balanced meat free diet for adult dogs.

While some canned dog foods tend to come out like spam in a gelatin like form, Halo Garden of Vegan canned dog food is more moist and has a softer texture. It is a complete nutritional base to serve alone or add to. Some owners serve this as a treat once a week, and V-Dog vegan kibble the rest of the week.Another note, the chickpea protein may have a potential adverse effect on some dogs.

Protein source: Chickpeas and green peas

Can size: 13 ounce can

Likability: Two paws up

Key Features:

New packaging, same great vegan recipe, formerly called Vegan Garden Medley
No rice
Grain free
100% plant base protein from lower glycemic peas and chickpeas
Non-GMO vegetables and fruits, and nourishing oils
Alternative to a meat base diet that delivers the same essential nutrients
Complete and balanced for dogs
No artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives of any kind
BPA free cans

Complete vegan dog food: Halo Garden of Vegan canned dog foodmeets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

*Halo Plant-Based Recipe Vegan Canned Dog Food*

Who Should Buy Halo Holistic Canned Dog Food?

Halo is a holistic pet product company that has been around for over 30 years. Many consumers like their holistic approach to ingredient sourcing. Their slogan is Americas Best Loved Holistic Brand, and they believe that nutrition is the single most important factor in the quality of a pets life.

While some customers comment that the smell of the product is off putting, dogs seem to love it. Many are able to transition without any stomach upsets. Overall, Halo Garden of Vegan has been a popular vegan dog food brand for a long time.

Allergic to grains. If your dog is allergic to grains or rice, this is a great candidate.

Cant eat kibble. If your dog cannot eat kibble, will not eat kibble, or you simply prefer to feed them wet canned dog food.

Charity. If you like the idea of supporting companies that actually give back. In other words, they contribute part of their proceeds toward a relevant cause the way that Toms Shoes or People Water do. Each time you buy Halo, the company donates a bowl of cat food or dog food to sheltersover 1.5 million a year.

No GMO. If you are concerned about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in your dogs food, look no further. Halo Garden of Vegan canned dog food is certified non-GMO. Please note that while the fruits and vegetables are non-GMO, they are not necessarily organic.

More Reviews:

(1) Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews 2020

(2) Best Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews 2020

Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food, 13-oz can (pack of 12)

Best Vegetarian Canned Dog Food Winner

Best Vegetarian Canned Dog Food. Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food is the perfect choice for vegetarian canned dog food. Key ingredients include brown rice, carrots, and fresh potatoes. Also a long time Best Seller, the canned version is just as popular if not more than its dry food version.

If youre looking for the full review, you can click here and go straight to our review of Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Canned Dog Food.

This is a pat style canned dog food.Stew style tend to have more moisture than pat. Stews are generally more than 80% moisture. Pats are usually less than 80% moisture. This is an adult dog food, so be aware that it is likely not suitable for puppies.

Many owners report improvements in skin and overall health. Some customers express that the food is too dry. If so, it may require a little bit of warm water.

Protein source: Green peas

Can Size: 13 ounce can

Likability: Two paws up

Key Features:

Vegan Formula
Protein from green peas
Complete, balanced nutrition for all breeds of adult dogs
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Complete vegetarian dog food: Natural Balance vegetarian canned dog food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

See Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews 2024

*Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Wet Canned Dog Food New Updated Packaging*

Who Should Buy Natural Balance Vegetarian Canned Dog Food?

Similar to the Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula dry dog food kibble, the canned version is a great choice for pet owners looking for a time tested product. It is made with no animals or dairy products.

Cannot eat kibble.If your dog cannot eat kibble, will not eat kibble, or you simply prefer to feed them wet canned dog food.

Price.If you are looking for a vegetarian dog food that will be easy on your dogs stomach and easy on your wallet! This is a solid option and provides a great bang for your buck.

More Reviews:

(1) Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews 2024

(2) Best Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews 2024

Can Dogs Consume and Enjoy an All Vegan or Vegetarian Diet?

The answer is yes. Unlike cats, dogs are actually considered omnivores. Commonly misbelieved to be strictly carnivores, dogs can eat a variety of foods besides meat. According to PetMd.com, the cat cannot sustain its life unless it consumes animal protein in some form. In some rare and special cases, we have seen some reports of cat owners who have their cats successfully on a vegetarian diet with the aid of their veterinarian.

Our canine companions have evolved over tens of thousands of years alongside with humans, scavenging and eating scraps. As a result, dogs are able to consume many protein sources as humans do. Therefore, dogs can readily switch to an all vegan or vegetarian diet. Not only can dogs enjoy a vegetarian diet, they can do extremely well. Many can do better on a vegan diet than one that includes meat.

How Can Dogs Obtain All Essential Nutrition?

One of the main concerns is regarding the ability to produce essential amino acids that are found in the consumption of animal protein. Dogs do have the ability to transform certain amino acids into the proteins that they need without eating meat. Because of this, choosing a meal plan and/or ready-made dog food that offers complete nutrition is critical in your decision.

So dogs needs are very much individual like humans. Each person is different and the same is true for dogs. Therefore, it will be helpful to work closely with your veterinarian to educate yourself to make the best informed decisions for your pets situation. This way, you can out first hand which essential amino acids are possible thru natural conversion of plants, and which are not.

We hope the Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews on this page have helped you get started with your research. See more on the Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews and the Best Vegetarian Dog Food Reviews in the following pages.