Natural Balance Dog Food Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
Quick Verdict: 7.8/10 — The go-to LID brand for allergy management—purpose-built for food sensitivities with minimal ingredients.
*Estimated reading time: 5 minutes*
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Company Overview
Founded: 1989 | Parent Company: JM Smucker (acquired 2020) | Price Range: ~$55–$65 per 26 lb bag
Natural Balance was founded in 1989 by actor Dick Van Patten and became known for pioneering Limited Ingredient Diets (LID) for dogs with food allergies. The brand was acquired by JM Smucker in 2020.
Natural Balance’s core value proposition is LID formulas: each recipe uses one protein source and one carbohydrate source, minimizing the risk of allergen exposure. Novel proteins (duck, venison, fish) are used alongside sweet potato or brown rice. The brand is vet-recommended for food elimination trials.
Product Lineup & Pricing
| Product | Size | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| LID Sweet Potato & Fish | 26 lb | ~$58 |
| LID Duck & Brown Rice | 26 lb | ~$60 |
| LID Duck & Potato (Grain-Free) | 26 lb | ~$62 |
| LID Venison & Brown Rice | 24 lb | ~$62 |
| Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice | 14 lb | ~$32 |
| Wet LID (Duck & Pumpkin) | 5.5 oz can | ~$2.20 |
Ingredient & Nutrition Analysis
Primary Ingredients (LID Sweet Potato & Fish): Salmon, potato protein, sweet potato, potato, canola oil, flaxseed, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate.
Salmon as the sole protein source—clean and novel. Potato protein is a supplemental plant protein. Sweet potato and potato as sole carbohydrate sources. No chicken, beef, dairy, soy, eggs, or other common allergens. This minimalist approach is the entire point of LID.
Key Nutrients (LID Sweet Potato & Fish):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—|—|
| Crude Protein (min) | 21% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 10% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calories | ~354 kcal/cup |
The protein content is lower than premium brands (21% vs 26%+ for Pro Plan), and fat is modest. This is not a high-performance food—it’s a specialty allergy management diet. Dogs with food sensitivities benefit from the clean, minimal ingredient list.
Pros
- Purpose-built LID with single protein and carb source
- Excellent for food elimination trials
- Novel proteins (duck, venison, salmon) reduce sensitization
- Vet-recommended for allergy management
- Both grain-free and grain-inclusive LID options
Cons
- Lower protein (21%) than mainstream premium brands
- Recalls in 2012–2013 for elevated vitamin D
- Smucker’s ownership (Dick Van Patten’s brand sold)
- Limited options for dogs without sensitivities
Best For
Natural Balance is best for: Dogs with diagnosed food allergies or sensitivities, dogs undergoing food elimination trials, or dogs that have shown reactions to common proteins (chicken, beef). Not ideal as a primary diet for healthy dogs without sensitivities—the lower protein and fat won’t fuel active or working dogs optimally.
Alternatives to Consider
- [Natural Balance vs Blue Buffalo](/compare/natural-balance-vs-blue-buffalo)
- [Natural Balance vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/natural-balance-vs-purina-pro-plan)
- [Wellness Simple LID](/reviews/review-wellness-dog-food)
FAQ
What is a Limited Ingredient Diet?
A Limited Ingredient Diet uses the fewest possible protein and carbohydrate sources—typically one of each—to minimize the dog’s allergen exposure. This is the gold standard for managing food sensitivities.
Is Natural Balance LID good for elimination diets?
Yes. Vets often recommend Natural Balance LID as an over-the-counter food for elimination diet trials. For severe allergies, a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet (like Purina Pro Plan HA) may be more appropriate.
Has Natural Balance been recalled?
Natural Balance had recalls in 2012–2013 for elevated vitamin D levels. No recalls since the Smucker’s acquisition.
Is Natural Balance grain-free safe?
Both grain-free and grain-inclusive LID options exist. The FDA DCM advisory applies to grain-free formulas broadly. Consult your vet.
Can healthy dogs eat Natural Balance?
Yes, but it’s not optimized for high performance. The lower protein and fat make it a maintenance food, not a performance food.
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