Natural Balance Cat Food Review
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Why Should You Trust This Review?
- I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
- I have volunteered at cat shelters for over 15 years
- I frequently confirm information with veterinarians
- I did 12 hours of research on this cat food
About Natural Balance Cat Food
The Natural Balance Pet Food Company is a strong mid-range brand that includes more protein ingredients than carbohydrate fillers. Natural Balance selects their ingredients with care, using only high-quality meats and unique proteins as well as complex carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Natural Balance’s was founded by Dick Van Patten in 1989 and it is based in Burbank, California. The Natural Balance Pet Food Company follows the tagline, “food for a lifetime” and they formulate their products using scientific principles and nutritional truths in order to ensure that each product is a high-quality source of nutrition for cats in all life stages.
The Natural Balance Pet Food Company merged with Del Monte, the maker of other popular cat food brands like Meow Mix.
In 2015, the company was purchased by The J.M. Smucker Company along with Big Heart Pet Brands. According to the Natural Balance website, Big Heart Pet Brands will continue to test their products as carefully as ever and they will continue to offer the “Buy with Confidence” program.
What sets Natural Balance apart is their promise that every batch of food and treats are tested to ensure quality and safety. But they go a step above by giving you the opportunity to find the testing results of your pet food, simply by entering your product 10-digit UPC and 7-digit Lot Number.
In 2021, the brand was sold to Nexus Capital Management LP which puts them in prime position to capitalize on their commitment to research, development, and product innovation. Consumers can expect new specialty products to be released under the Natural Balance brand in the coming years.
Natural Balance also has a non-profit charity program to give back to pet rescuers. They provide cash to qualifying rescues in exchange for Proof of Purchase UPCs and original receipts.
Natural Balance Sourcing And Manufacturing
| Parent Company/ Owned by | Nexus Capital Management |
| Company Net Worth | 1.25 Million |
| Dry Food Manufactured | Topeka, Kansas |
| Wet Food Manufactured | Topeka, Kansas |
| Number of Recipes | 52 |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
Recall History
In April 2007, the company informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of complaints it had received about its Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Food. According to these complaints, some pets had experienced vomiting and kidney failure after consuming these products. The company immediately issued a voluntary recall of all the affected products, and following laboratory tests, it was determined that some of these products contained trace amounts of melamine, which is thought to have come from rice concentrate. Later that month, Natural Balance issued a second limited recall for four canned pet foods that were found to contain traces of melamine in rice protein concentrates.
In July 2007, the company recalled a small batch of canned pet food that it feared may have been contaminated in a large-scale botulism outbreak associated with one of its producers, Castleberry’s Food Company.
On July 3, 2020, Natural Balance’s parent company, J.M. Smucker, issued a voluntary recall on a single batch of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Chicken Liver Pâté Formula, after receiving complaints that several cats had become unwell after eating it. Subsequent tests revealed that the batch contained elevated levels of choline chloride.
Top 5 Recipes Reviewed And Analyzed
#1 Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Indoor Grain-Free Turkey & Chickpea Formula Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 30% Min
- Crude Fat 8% Min
- Crude Fiber 4% Max
- Moisture 12% Max
- Taurine 0.15% Min
Ingredients
Turkey, Chickpeas, Turkey Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Dried Beet Pulp, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Salt, Choline Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (source of phosphorus), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Inulin, Citric Acid (preservative), Rosemary Extract
To better understand the Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Indoor Grain-Free Turkey & Chickpea Formula Dry Cat Food recipe, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.
Turkey is a high quality protein full of nutrients and is highly digestible. It is low in calories and high in Selenium and Tryptophan both of which benefit the immune system.
Chickpeas have been known to combat inflammation because they’re loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber, and protein.
Turkey meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Turkey meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as turkey but in higher concentrations.
Peas contain high amounts of fiber, lysine and some level of tryptophan. However, peas are often considered a replacement for grain type fillers in grain-free cat foods.
Pea protein is a plant protein and can not replace animal protein. While it maybe high in fiber it is simply a way to increase protein levels in cat food.
#2 Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 30% Min
- Crude Fat 12% Min
- Crude Fiber 4% Max
- Moisture 10% Max
- Taurine 0.1% Min
Ingredients
Green Peas, Salmon Meal, Salmon, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Flaxseed, Dl-Methionine, Salt, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
To get a better understanding of this Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free cat food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.
Green peas contain high amounts of fiber, lysine and some level of tryptophan. However, peas are often considered a replacement for grain type fillers in grain-free cat foods.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It can help strengthen the immune system and promote brain health as well as aid in controlling arthritis pain and fighting off high cholesterol.
Salmon meal is the clean, rendered (cooked down), dried ground tissue of un-decomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil. Salmon meal is a good source of essential fatty acids and can help with skin and coat.
Pea protein is a plant protein and can not replace animal protein. While it maybe high in fiber it is simply a way to increase protein levels in cat food.
Canola oil offers nutrition in the for of fat is vital for a number of bodily functions for pets. In addition to these core uses, fat can also be used as a concentrated source of energy.
#3 Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Formula Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 35% Min
- Crude Fat 20% Min
- Crude Fiber 4% Max
- Moisture 10% Max
- Taurine 0.1% Min
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Oat Groats, Chicken Liver, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Fiber, Oat Fiber, Salt, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate , d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Blueberries, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Kelp, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Citric Acid (Preservative), Lactic Acid, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Formula Dry Cat Food.
Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.
Brown rice is considered a whole grain that is filled with antioxidants and fiber. It is considered empty calories for cats and is a carbohydrates cats do not need.
Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.
Chicken fat provides a natural source of Vitamin E and Omega-6, is highly palatable to cats and increases the aroma profile for your pet.
Brewers yeast is a high-quality source of essential amino acids and protein, which helps support lean muscle mass.
#4 Natural Balance Platefulls Indoor Formula Duck, Chicken & Pumpkin Formula in Gravy Grain-Free Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 8.0% Min
- Crude Fat 2% Min
- Crude Fiber 1.5% Max
- Moisture 82.0% Max
- Taurine 0.5% Min
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Duck, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Pumpkin, Peas, Dried Egg Whites, Ground Dried Peas, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Cranberries, Sodium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Spinach, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Dl-Methionine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
To get a better understanding of this Natural Balance Platefulls Indoor Formula Duck, Chicken & Pumpkin Formula in Gravy Grain-Free Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.
Chicken broth is rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen. These components can help improve your cat’s digestion and overall immunity.
Duck is basically all dark meat and it also contains a good amount of taurine. Duck is a protein with a good quality of fats and offers cardiovascular health benefits.
Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.
Chicken liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including healthy beta-carotene.
#5 Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Pate Formula Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 9% Min
- Crude Fat 6% Min
- Crude Fiber 1.5% Max
- Moisture 78% Max
- Taurine 0.05% Min
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Brown Rice, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Carrots, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Dicalcium Phosphate, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Cranberries, Carrageenan, Rosemary Extract.
Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Pate Formula Canned Cat Food.
Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.
Chicken broth is rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen. These components can help improve your cat’s digestion and overall immunity.
Chicken liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.
Brown rice is considered a whole grain that is filled with antioxidants and fiber. It is considered empty calories for cats and is a carbohydrates cats do not need.
Natural flavor can mean several things and qualifies as being extracted from a natural source. This might mean it came from meals or by-products.
Is Natural Balance Good Cat Food?
Looking at the ingredients, in most recipes, Natural Balance is high quality, above average, cat food. The carbohydrates are below average while the protein levels exceed other quality dry cat foods on the market today.
Natural Balance offers both grain and grain free recipes for your cat with several protein varieties. There are some recipes that do include peas and chickpeas which are not necessary in a cats diet and are often used in replacement of grains. This would be Natural Balance’s one downfall as a whole, but several of the cat food recipes do not include them.
Where Is Natural Balance Cat Food Sold?
Natural Balance cat foods are available in most pet store chains and pet food specialty stores, although recipes may vary. You can also purchase Natural Balance online through Chewy, Amazon and various pet food retailers.
