Natural Balance dog food is more than just a meal for your furry friend. This California-based brand was founded by actor Dick Van Patten in 1989. The company has built a reputation for using high-quality, wholesome ingredients that are easy to pronounce.
Natural Balance ensures that feeding your pet is as simple and loving as possible.
Natural Balance stands out for its emphasis on nutrition and safety. You can find a range of recipes, including both grain-inclusive and grain-free options, designed to cater to various dietary needs.
Their products often feature named meat meals as the primary source of protein, which is pivotal for maintaining your dog’s health.
If your dog has a sensitive tummy or specific dietary requirements, Natural Balance offers limited-ingredient formulas to meet those needs effectively.
When shopping for dog food, safety and quality are critical concerns. Natural Balance excels in both areas, with thorough safety tests and research-backed recipes.
You can find Natural Balance products in many pet stores, like PetSmart, making it convenient to ensure your dog gets tasty and nutritious food.
Choosing Natural Balance can be a great decision for your pet’s overall well-being and happiness.
Key Takeaways
- Natural Balance is known for high-quality, wholesome ingredients.
- Offers grain-inclusive, grain-free, and limited-ingredient formulas.
- Ensures safety and quality with rigorous testing.
The Legacy of Natural Balance
Natural Balance has a rich history. It began as a passion project and has grown into a respected name in the pet food industry. Let’s explore its journey from its founder’s vision to major milestones and expansions.
From Dick Van Patten to a Household Name
Natural Balance was founded by actor Dick Van Patten in 1989. With a desire to create high-quality pet food, Van Patten launched the brand in Burbank, California. He focused on using limited ingredients to cater to pets with dietary needs. This commitment helped Natural Balance gain a loyal customer base.
Over the years, the brand’s focus on balanced nutrition and food safety paid off. Natural Balance became a trusted name in pet households, known for its quality ingredients and adherence to high standards. This legacy of quality contributed to its popularity and success in the pet food market.
Mergers and Milestones
In 2013, Natural Balance Pet Foods was acquired by The J.M. Smucker Company, a significant milestone in its history. This acquisition helped the brand reach a broader market, expanding its product availability and resources.
Smucker, well-known for its food products, brought additional expertise and visibility to the brand.
Another notable moment was when Natural Balance introduced single-protein formulas to support healthy digestion in pets. This innovation catered to pet owners looking for specialized diets. Although there were recalls in 2010 and 2012, the brand’s commitment to safety and quality remained steadfast.
Through these mergers and strategic milestones, Natural Balance continues to be a leading name in the pet food industry, maintaining its founder’s vision of providing high-quality nutrition for pets.
Understanding the Basics of Dog Nutrition
It’s important to know what goes into your dog’s bowl and how it impacts their health. Let’s dive into the essentials that make a balanced diet and the key role proteins play in keeping your dog healthy.
Ingredients That Make Up a Balanced Diet
Your dog needs a mix of several nutrient groups to stay healthy. Key ingredients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Proteins: Essential for muscle repair and growth. Sources include chicken, beef, and duck.
- Fats: Provide energy and support cell function. Look for healthy options like fish oil or chicken fat.
- Carbohydrates: Supply energy. Brown rice, barley, and oats are good sources.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Important for immune function, bones, and overall health. Ingredients like fruits and vegetables can provide these.
The Role of Protein in Canine Health
Proteins are crucial for your dog’s health. They help build and repair tissues, produce enzymes, and keep the immune system strong.
- Dogs need different amounts of protein based on age, size, and activity level.
- High-quality protein sources include chicken, beef, and duck.
- Aim for a dog food with 20-30% protein content for active dogs. Older dogs or puppies may have different needs.
Including a variety of protein sources in your dog’s diet can help meet their nutritional requirements and keep them happy and active.
Analyzing Natural Balance’s Product Line
Natural Balance offers a diverse range of dog food options designed to cater to various needs. From dry kibble to wet food, and even special limited ingredient diets, there’s something for every pup.
Dry Dog Food: A Staple for Furry Friends
Dry dog food is one of Natural Balance’s most popular products. The brand prides itself on using high-quality proteins such as chicken, duck, and fish. These proteins are often paired with whole grains and vegetables, providing a balanced diet.
There are various specialized formulas, like those for weight management or high-energy dogs. The food is designed to be easily digestible, which is a big plus for your dog’s tummy. The high protein content (often above 21%) supports muscle health.
Benefits:
- Easy to store and serve
- Long shelf life
- Helps improve dental health through chewing
Popular Varieties:
- Chicken & Sweet Potato
- Fish & Brown Rice
- Duck & Potato
Canned Food & Wet Food: Tasty Alternatives
Let’s talk about canned and wet foods! These options are great if your dog is a picky eater or has specific dietary needs. The flavorful recipes often include meaty chunks and rich broths.
Wet food from Natural Balance is typically higher in moisture, which can help keep your dog hydrated. It’s also easier to digest, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The texture can be more appealing to older dogs who may have dental issues.
Advantages:
- Higher moisture content
- Easier to chew and digest
- Often more flavorful
Popular Flavors:
- Beef Stew
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Chicken & Grain-Free Vegetables
Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.): Simplicity at Its Best
Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.) are perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Natural Balance offers these diets with a focus on using just one protein source and one carbohydrate source.
This approach helps to avoid common allergens and makes pinpointing food sensitivities easier. The formulas include single-source proteins like bison or salmon, along with simple carbs like sweet potatoes.
Highlights:
- Reduces the risk of allergies
- Helps identify specific dietary issues
- Maintains a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Top Choices:
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Sweet Potato & Venison
- Duck & Potato
Special Concerns for Sensitive Pets
If your pet has food sensitivities or allergies, finding the right dog food can be challenging. Natural Balance offers a range of options that can help manage these issues, including limited ingredient diets and various grain choices.
Dealing with Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Does your dog scratch a lot or have digestive issues? These could be signs of food sensitivities or allergies.
Natural Balance is known for its Limited Ingredient Diets (LID), designed to reduce the number of ingredients your dog is exposed to. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of triggering allergies.
Limited Ingredient Diets often feature a single protein source and a minimal number of other ingredients. For example, a formula might use duck as the only protein and sweet potatoes for carbs. This approach makes it easier to pinpoint and avoid specific allergens.
Natural Balance also avoids common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, making their food easier to digest. You’ll find both dry and canned options, letting you choose what works best for your pet’s needs.
Grain-Free and Whole Grain Options
Choosing between grain-free and whole grain dog foods is another important decision, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Natural Balance caters to both preferences.
Grain-free diets are often recommended for pets with grain sensitivities. Natural Balance provides several grain-free formulas that replace grains with alternative carbohydrates like potatoes or peas. This can help improve digestion and reduce allergic reactions.
Whole grain diets can also be beneficial. Natural Balance includes options with whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal. These grains are easier to digest compared to processed grains and provide essential nutrients and fiber.
A Closer Look at Natural Balance Formulas
Natural Balance offers a range of formulas designed to meet the dietary needs of dogs at various life stages. Here, we examine a few standout options and compare them in terms of ingredients and benefits.
Original Ultra Versus L.I.D. Formulas
The Original Ultra line focuses on holistic nutrition. It’s designed to benefit the whole body, from head to tail. Ingredients like chicken, brown rice, and carrots promote a healthy brain, heart, and muscles. The formula also boasts special ingredients that support a shiny coat and strong bones.
On the other hand, the L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diet) formulas are crafted for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
These formulas feature single protein sources, such as duck or salmon, paired with one or two carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes and peas.
This reduces the risk of triggering allergic reactions. The simplicity of the ingredients means easier digestion for your furry friend.
Premium Choices for Puppies to Seniors
Natural Balance caters to all life stages, offering Puppy to Senior Dogs products. For puppies, the Ultra Premium Puppy Formula features DHA from fish oil, promoting healthy brain development. The protein level is set to support growth and muscle development.
For senior dogs, there’s a specially crafted Senior Formula. It includes added fiber for digestive health and joint support supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. This formula also maintains lower calorie content to help manage weight without skimping on nutrition.
Safety and Quality Assurance
Natural Balance places high importance on both food safety and quality assurance, ensuring that their dog food is both safe and nutritious.
This commitment includes detailed attention to ingredient sourcing and transparency as well as vigilant monitoring for contamination risks and maintaining high standards throughout production.
Food Recalls: A Reality Check
Food recalls are an important part of any responsible pet food company’s safety measures. Natural Balance has had recalls in the past, such as in 2010 and 2012, both due to potential salmonella contamination. These recalls were voluntary, highlighting the company’s proactive stance on safety.
Salmonella can pose a serious risk to both pets and humans. By issuing recalls, Natural Balance demonstrates its commitment to protecting its customers and their pets. Fortunately, there have been no recalls since 2012, indicating improvements in their quality control processes.
Ingredients and Sourcing Transparency
When it comes to what goes into Natural Balance dog food, transparency is key. The company prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients and providing customers with detailed information about these ingredients.
For instance, you’ll find that they use ingredients like tomato pomace for fiber, a common addition in many dog foods. Natural Balance commits to limited ingredients in their recipes, which is great for pets with food sensitivities.
Transparency extends beyond just listing ingredients. Natural Balance also engages in initiatives like the Feed with Confidence™ program, ensuring their products meet stringent safety and quality standards. By knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s food, you can make more informed choices about their diet.
Making the Choice: Is Natural Balance Right for Your Pet?
Choosing the right food for your pet is a big decision. You want to make sure your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible. Here’s some info to help you decide if Natural Balance is right for your pet.
Key Features
- Limited Ingredient Diets: Great for pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- Single-Protein Formulas: Helps in identifying and eliminating allergens.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Natural Balance includes ingredients like peas and garbanzo beans for fiber.
Nutritional Values
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21% |
| Fat | 10% |
| Fiber | 5% |
Natural Balance aims to meet the nutritional standards for a balanced diet.
Pet Owners’ Opinions
- Many pet owners recommend Natural Balance for pets with digestive issues.
- The brand has been providing balanced nutrition for pets for over 35 years.
Recalls
- 2007: Recall of several canned formulas.
- 2010: Recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Chicken dry dog food.
The recalls are something to consider, but many pet owners still trust the brand.
Consult Your Vet
Before making any changes to your pet’s diet, talk to your vet. They can provide personalized advice based on your pet’s health needs.
Buying Options
Look for Natural Balance at pet stores and online. You can buy with confidence knowing that many pet owners trust and recommend this brand.
Frequently Asked Questions: Natural Balance Dog Food Brand
Natural Balance dog food is a popular choice among pet owners for its high-quality ingredients and long-standing reputation. This section addresses some common questions that people have about the brand.
Q. What are people saying about Natural Balance dog food?
Pet owners seem to really appreciate the quality of Natural Balance dog food. Many reviews give it high ratings, often mentioning its effect on their dogs’ digestion and overall health. For example, some users give it a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, praising the brand’s balanced nutrition and variety of options.
Q. Has Natural Balance dog food ever been discontinued?
Natural Balance has not been discontinued, but like any brand, it has experienced some changes and recalls over time. To stay updated, it’s a good idea to check their website or contact their customer care team at 800-829-4493.
Q. Where can you find Natural Balance dog food products?
You can find Natural Balance dog food in many pet stores and online retailers. Stores like Petco, PetSmart, and various specialized shops carry it. Online platforms such as Amazon and Chewy also have a wide selection of their products.
Q. What’s the difference between Pure Balance and Natural Balance dog foods?
Natural Balance and Pure Balance are both well-regarded brands, but they have different focuses. Natural Balance emphasizes limited-ingredient diets to help with digestion and allergies, while Pure Balance offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising quality.
Q. What are the benefits of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient dog food?
The Limited Ingredient diet by Natural Balance is designed to help dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It includes single-protein formulas and avoids common allergens. This helps promote healthy digestion and provides balanced nutrition for dogs with specialized dietary needs.
Q. Who is responsible for making Natural Balance dog food?
Natural Balance was created by actor Dick Van Patten in 1989, in Burbank, California. The company sources most of its ingredients from the United States and Canada, ensuring quality control.
Some ingredients do come from other countries, but they adhere to strict standards to ensure safety and quality.
