California Natural (Dry)

by Mike Sagman
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Rating: ★★★☆☆

California Natural Dry Dog Food gets the Advisor’s mid-tier rating of three stars.

California Natural brand lists nine dry dog foods… four designed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and five for all life stages.

  • California Natural Lamb Meal and Rice Adult Large Bites
  • California Natural Lamb Meal and Rice Adult Small Bites
  • California Natural Chicken Meal and Rice Adult
  • California Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Senior
  • California Natural Low Fat Rice and Lamb Meal Adult
  • California Natural Low Fat Rice and Chicken Meal Adult
  • California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato Adult
  • California Natural Lamb Meal and Rice Puppy
  • California Natural Chicken Meal and Rice Puppy

California Natural Dog Food Lamb Meal and Rice Adult Small Bites was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

California Natural Lamb Meal & Rice Adult Small Bites

Dry Dog Food

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Protein = 23% | Fat = 12% | Carbs = 57%

Ingredients: Lamb meal, brown rice, rice, sunflower oil, natural flavors, potassium chloride, ascorbic acid, beta carotene, biotin, calcium carbonate, calcium iodate, choline chloride, cobalt carbonate, cobalt proteinate, copper proteinate, d-calcium pantothenate, dicalcium pantothenate, dl-methionine, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, niacin, potassium chloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin C supplement (sodium ascorbate), vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement (alpha tocopherol), zinc proteinate, taurine, rosemary extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2.2%

Red items when present indicate controversial ingredients

Estimated Nutrient Content
MethodProteinFatCarbs
Guaranteed Analysis21%11%NA
Dry Matter Basis23%12%57%
Calorie Weighted Basis21%27%52%

The first ingredient in this dog food lists lamb meal. Lamb meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than even fresh lamb.

The second item is brown rice. Brown rice is a quality ingredient… a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) is fairly easy to digest.

The third ingredient mentions rice. Is this whole grain rice, brown rice or white rice? Since the word “rice” doesn’t tell us much, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this item.

The fourth ingredient lists sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid… an essential omega-6 fat needed by every dog to sustain life.

But the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in a food is nutritionally critical… and can vary significantly (depending on the quality of the source ingredient itself).

There are several different types of sunflower oil… some better than others. Without knowing more, it is impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.

Lastly, we note1 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.

California Natural Dry Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, California Natural Dog Food looks to be an above-average kibble.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 12%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 55% for the overall product line.

Below-average protein. Above-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

With no sign of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing only a modest amount of meat.

Bottom line?

California Natural Dog Food is a grain-based kibble using a modest amount of lamb, chicken or herring meals as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand three stars.

Recommended.

Those looking for a quality wet food from the same company may wish to visit our review of California Natural Canned Dog Food.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in specific health benefits for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews”

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

11/07/2010 Original review
04/15/2010 Review updated
11/15/2010 Review updated
01/31/2011 Review updated (added Senior Formula)
01/31/2011 Last Update

  1. California Natural, 4/15/2010 ↩
Dog Food Advisor IconThe Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.


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  • Jonathan

    Cindy, further more, even if the “rice” listed and the “sunflower oil” listed were the lowest quality versions of each, this would still be a three star food. And not because it’s so great. But because other foods in the two star category are so bad.

    Look at this food. It may not have a rip-roaring amount of meat, and the question of the quality of two ingredients is valid, but it doesn’t contain any by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, or generic animal fat.

    All those things are potentially worse that two “questionable” ingredients, which, by the way, still wouldn’t be awful (compared to, say, “feed grade” corn and wheat) even if they were the lesser quality variety.

    I would think you could recognize that this is a better food than Purina Pro Plan, right?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Cindy… The following is taken directly from this review:

    “The fourth ingredient lists sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid… an essential omega-6 fat needed by every dog to sustain life.

    “But the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in a food is nutritionally critical… and can vary significantly (depending on the quality of the source ingredient itself).

    “There are several different types of sunflower oil… some better than others. Without knowing more, it is impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.”

    If you actually read my article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews”, I did my very best to share with my readers how incredibly challenging the whole subject of ingredient quality really is. We only can trust what we know on the label. What about corn and its different grades. What about all the ingredients on the list. How could any of us possibly know more?

  • Cindy

    I am curious about something with your reviews of these foods and it is demonstrated on this page and many others.
    It seems like when an ingredient, for example, is labeled “rice” or “sunflower oil”, with no more label description to its quality, there may be an assumption that it is the best possible “rice” or “sunflower oil” out of the possibilities, which include lower quality versions.

    This product contains a couple ingredients that are “unknown” as to quality, but the food is still awarded a decent 3-star rating. Does this mean if those unknown ingredients were of the worst quality they could be out of the possibilities, the food as a whole would still get this 3-star rating or does it not play into your ratings at all?
    I am just curios how you deal with the unknown, as it seems like it could potentially affect a rating pretty dramatically.
    And, yes, I have read your article “the problem with dog food reviews.”
    Thanks

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Steve… I’ve always been a devoted fan for mixing a quality canned food (like California Natural) with a good dry food. You’ll definitely be boosting the meat protein content of the kibble.

  • Steve

    Our cocker spaniel is doing great on CA Lamb & Rice, no skin problems ever, but we’re now wanting to bump the amount of protein in the food. Would adding the canned version of this food be enough? I’m aware I would need to decrease the amount of dry if I add wet.

  • Dawn

    Our Australian shepherd had horrible allergies to dry food as a puppy, we tried multiple brands and his skin allergies and diarrhea never got better until a friend recommended California Natural puppy food to us. Within a week our puppy was no longer scratching and our diarrhea nightmare was over. I would recommend this food to any dog owner/lover that has a dog with allergies or is overly sensitive to dog foods!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Shelby… You are correct in noticing we’ve changed those ratings. We try to revisit our reviews at least once (or twice) a year. And sometimes, when we do, we notice something that compels us to adjust a rating up or down to more accurately reflect the quality of a product. This most often occurs whenever a particular recipe is sitting on the fence between two categories (as they were here). After revisiting these two products, our estimate of meat content was downgraded or upgraded enough to reflect the changes in our opinion. Not a change in the food itself (or the company’s ownership). Hope this helps explain our actions.

  • Shelby

    WOW. I am shocked! In one month, the rating for California Natural went down from 4 stars to 3 stars!! What made you decide to change the rating? Proctor and Gamble? The low protein levels?

    I also noticed that you bumped up more positive ratings for Healthwise. Right now, I am feeding my dogs Healthwise, and they are doing well.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Eileen… Dogs are a lot like us humans. Each responds to a particular food in its own unique way. Because of this issue (and since I’m not a veterinarian), it would be misleading for me to assure you a particular food would control your dog’s diarrhea problems. Besides, your dog’s GI problems may not even be related to the food.

    Unfortunately, for most of us, choosing the right dog food can involve a lot of trial and error. You may want to consider a limited ingredient recipe to help nail down the offending ingredient. You can find a few of these brands listed in my report, “Suggested Hypoallergenic Dog Foods“. Hope this helps.

  • Eileen

    I have a 3/1/2 yr old shitsu w/diareah problems. I have tried at least 6 different kibbles in the last 2 yrs and he always winds up w/diareah. He cannot tolerate grain-free he gets diareah by the 2nd or 3rd day. The one he did the best on was calif natutral herring & sweet potatoe. He was good for 3 mos, ( I was told that ad the least ingredients) and then he fot diarea. I always go back to Purina EN in the can (beef)
    but they now have changed the formula to chicken. I think i once triedinstinct – rabbit & tapioca and he did go on that for a while then diareaa. I don’t know if he just can’t have kibble, but he did have kibble for those three months w/a little EN also. What do you recommend? Do younthink I should just look for a fish in a canned food ?Or is there a certain food you would recommend? I have had him to3 different vets and they all say nothing is wrong , he might ave ibs and i just have to find the right food? any suggestions?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Lindsay… Since I’m not a veterinarian, it would be misleading for me to assure you a particular dog food would provide the specific health benefits you’re looking for. There are a number of brands that claim some of their products are good for dogs with digestive intolerances. Try clicking the “Tags” tab at the top of every page on my website and look for the link that’s labeled “Digestive”. Selecting that will give you a list of brands that I’ve tagged because the lines contain “digestive” dog foods.

    By the way, it’s my understanding that after GI surgery to remove an obstruction it’s not uncommon to see these issues. I’d suggest feeding more but smaller meals until the problem resolves. And of course, be sure to run this by your vet. Hope this helps.

  • Lindsay

    Hi, 10 month old american bulldog puppy had a bowel ostruction last month. He’s been on the dry large breed puppy innova since we got him, but after his surgery we fed him the low residue i/d that the vets told us, and eventually went back to his innova. The problem now is that he throws up once in awhile, and when he does it doesn’t look as if he digested his food, and he tends to throw up a lot- it looks like atleast 2 cups of the food. this may be a motility issue and have nothing to do with the innova but incase it is related we were thinking of switching to a different brand. Is there anything you can recommend? Is innova too good a food for him? (i know that sounds counter-intuitive, but we thought maybe he needs something easier on his digestive system. thanks!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Diane… The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in an oil can be critical. And (as I mention) it can vary significantly. I’m not sure how many different kinds are available on the open market. In any case, due to a dog’s natural bias toward meat, we would tend to favor animal fats sourced from a named-species over any vegetable oil. Hope this helps.

  • http://www.angersausomeaussies.com Diane

    I use to buy CN until a few years ago, Solid Gold on their advertisements, were stating that sunflower oil is bad for dogs. Do you happen to know why & how many different types of sunflower oils are out there that companies can use in dog food?

  • Samantha

    Just an addendum to the above – we actualy switched to Taste of the Wild – bison/venison. Great improvement! No more gas/belching, very nice stools and his coat is gorgeous. He also really likes it! So glad we switched.

  • Marci Fox

    We have also had issues with episodes of diarrhea while on California Naturals Chicken and Rice–and vicious gas. Since switching to Fromm Gold Large Breed we have noticed a HUGE improvement in stools, gas, and my show Rottweiler actually EATS it–before it was difficult to maintain her show weight but now she’s holding steady at 88 lbs, looks wonderful, and has a brilliant coat!

  • Samantha

    Hi – we didn’t know about the sale to P&G until yesterday. Our dog has been eating CN for 8 years. For the last few months, we noticed him getting very gassy and belchy and sort of assumed it was his age. Then about 6 weeks ago we began a series of diarrhea episodes. 2 full vettings with blood work and poop and we finally found out about the food. My dog sitter had told me about Iam/Eukanuba but didn’t say that CA had been bought by them. They say they didn’t change it – my dog’s gut is telling us they did! We are now looking into a higher end, higher protein food – Fromm is the suggestion. My dog is 60 pounds, an English SetterX, 8 years old. Great site, BTW!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Mel… Dietary protein can be a controversial issue. Although many still believe dogs need less protein as they age, more recent research suggests older dogs can have difficulty absorbing protein (especially the lower quality vegetable-based types).

    Today, many canine professionals are beginning to recommend maintaining higher dietary protein for dogs. The article “Senior Dogs and Special Needs” by respected nutritionist Dr. Lew Olson presents the more modern view.

    Another source of excellent information about protein in a dog’s diet can be found in a white paper entitled “The Biologically Appropriate Food Concept and the Dietary Needs of Dogs and Cats“. This article is published by Champion Petfoods… the makers of Orijen and Acana dog foods.

    I believe you’ll find these two articles very reassuring regarding high protein diets.

    Hope this helps.

    Tag: sr

  • Mel

    Thanks for an informative site on dog food ingredients. I’ve been feeding CN for a few years and I chose Natura for the minimal ingredients and the lower protein mainly because 3 of my 4 dogs are senior and sedentary. I know that high protein can be hard on the kidneys. Is this a wrong way of thinking?
    I was feeding Herring & sweet potatoe which they did very well on and just recently bought a Chicken & Rice for a different source of protein but I was interested to see your comments on level of chicken protein vs. fish/lamb/etc. I do add to the kibble – sometimes greek yogurt, sometimes a tablespoon of canned high quality food such as CN salmon & sweet potatoe, lamb and brown rice, Chicken Soup senior, Innova, etc.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Raquel… There are many other (and sometimes serious) reasons besides allergies that could be causing your dog’s problems. Since I’m not a vet, I feel it would be misleading for me to suggest that feeding a particular dog food (like Cal Natural) might provide specific results. If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to discuss this problem with your vet.

    Tag: ag

  • Raquel

    Hi,
    I have a 8yr old min pin with allergies, He’s been on Bil Jac since a puppy. He developed allergies and started getting sores inbetween his toes, no grain, corn or wheat now and we switched his food to Blue sensitive with salmon n that doesnt seem to help. My question is do you think the California Natural would be good for this?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Jessy… Blood in the stool can be worrisome and may (or may not) be associated with your dog’s diet. I’d recommend checking with your vet as soon as possible.

  • Jessy

    I have a 10 month old frenchie on Wellness Core (grainfree). He’s been on this for 4 months. His stool looks pretty healthy but he’s been having a little bit of blood in his stool, on and off the last month. I’m not sure if the grainfree is too rich and switching him to something that’s easier to digest might do it. He also regurgitates often. Do you think California Natural Puppy formula would help?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Stephanie… I wish I could give you a specific recommendation, but I fear it would be misleading to others for me to endorse a specific food just for Lulu. Since small breeds like yours are still considered puppies up to about 6 months, why not find a 4 or 5-star puppy food (or one designed for “all life stages”). Hope this helps.

  • Stephanie

    Hi Mike! I have a 3lb 8 oz five month old chihuahua. She has a strange stomache and does not eat a lot. We recently received a free coupon for any Natura brand food. Right now she is on Merrick Whole Earth Puppy Formula but she is having some trouble with the size of the kibbles.

    Anyway my question is, what food would you recommend for my baby Lulu? I figured it couldn’t hurt to try a new brand since she is not a huge fan of the Merrick. Our choices are California Natural, Evo, Innova or Healthwise. What do you think?

  • Danes and Doxies

    Hi Mike. Let me start by saying…wow…your website is so informative. I truly appreciate the work you’ve done.

    I thought I would share my experience with this brand.

    We feed the Sweet Potato and Herring formula to our dogs. We have great danes and feeding them a low protein diet is important to us. We also had some skin issues with previous foods but this one really seems to work well for us. No more doggy acne!

    We also have dachshunds and I do get concerned that this food is too low in protein for them. We’ve tried switching but the logistics of feeding different foods was challenging and we really couldn’t find anything that the doxies loved as much as the CN. It must be that stinky fish smell :) . Fortunately their recent blood work indicates that they are very healthy pups so we’re sticking with this formula for now.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Akita Mom… thanks for the tip. We’ll begin our research right away. Look for a review in the near future. So, be sure to check back again soon.

  • Akita Mom

    Hi Mike, I was wondering if you could review the new grain-free versions of California Natural kibble (chicken, lamb, and venison varieties)? I bought a small bag of the grain free chicken, primarily because I noticed on the label that CN excluded potatoe as a binder (lamb and venison included potatoe). I would really appreciate your thoughts on this product. Thanks!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Kellie… No, not if she’s allergic to anything on that list. The whole point of a limited ingredient diet is to help you isolate the offending culprit. This is a lot easier to do with a short list than a long one. Good luck… and in a situation like this, be sure to buy the smallest package you can find.

  • Kellie

    Thanks Mike – So is it okay to give my female who doesn’t have allergy a limited ingredient diet?
    Again thanks so much!
    Kellie

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Kellie… trying to pick the “perfect” food for our babies is a lesson in frustration and futility. That’s because (of course) the perfect food doesn’t exist.

    What’s more, I definitely wouldn’t be too concerned whether a dog food rates 4 or 5 stars… for we are surely not “accurate” enough in our judgment skills to place each food in its “perfect” rating category.

    That said, all three Before Grain dry products contain chicken meal. Allergies are almost always “learned” by the immune system… which implies your dog has had a previous exposure to a particular ingredient.

    You may want to try something new (like salmon, etc.). Another suggestion… go to the top navigation bar on our website and click the “Tag Cloud”. Select the tag called “hypoallergenic”. These brand reviews contain some foods manufacturers (not us) claim to be hypoallergenic.

    But beware… each review focuses on a “brand” and not on each individual product. So, when we say a brand is “3 stars” or “hypoallergenic”, we never intend to say each product in that brand is 3 stars or hypoallergenic. You’ll still have to do some detective work.

    All in all, as much as I wish I could single out a brand for you… the job is technically impossible. And picking that special one will drive you crazy. There are simply too many foods (each with too many ingredients) to predictably solve this allergy riddle. Pick any 4 or 5 star (even 3 star) food you like, check it for your dog’s known allergies and go with it.

    Your dogs are lucky you care.

  • Kellie

    Mike – I love this website and can’t believe you have done all this for us dog owners!
    So my question / advice needed is as follows:
    I have a 93lbs. male, 3 year old English Choc. Lab and just recently rescued a 45 lbs. petite female, 9mo. old Lab mix who had a bad break that mostly all better.
    My male has horrible allergies (egg (highly), lamb, rice soy, corn, a bunch of grasses etc.) and has been on Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Fish Dry and most of his life. I recently switched him to California Natural Fish Dry because I thought it was better. I give both dogs kongs with frozen wet food (Cal. Natural Fish) as a treat when I leave in the am so they get 1/4-1/3 can of wet a day.
    My female is on Before Grain Chicken mostly because her foster mom wanted to make sure she stays nice and slim because of her break and she felt grain free was better all around.
    Soooo here’s what I need help with – I’d prefer one food for both dogs and want to stick with the Dry food with a kong full of frozen wet for treats.
    I see Before Grain gets 5 stars, but I’m worried about Chicken for my allergy male even though it didn’t show up on his allergy tests, but eggs did. I like the California Natural but after reading a lot on your site not sure if it’s a bit too low in protein and it has 4 stars vs. 5.
    I’m open to other brands as well and have thought about Wellness Core Dry, Orijin, etc. but am a bit confused as to what to do.
    I want the best food for both dogs with the right balance of protein, fat, carbs etc. and would love your thoughts on picking the hopefully perfect one (or maybe the top 3 choices).
    Oh and also use small treats for training (Nat. Balance Sweet Potato & Fish).
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
    Kellie

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Echo… Many share your concerns about Proctor and Gamble’s purchase of Natura Pet. P & G would be making a huge mistake to tamper with the reputation and philosophy of such a great dog food company.

    Let’s hope the parent company (P & G) respects Natura’s long-time, established brand. We’ll all be watching this situation as it unfolds. In the meantime, I wouldn’t panic or jump ship yet. I believe Natura should be given the opportunity to prove itself… for our dog’s sakes. Of course, time will tell.

  • Echo

    Just found out Natura (maker of Innova, Evo, California Natural , etc) sold out to Procter and Gamble earlier this month :(

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Echo… I think the very best way to help a dog to lose weight is to use a high quality (regular, non weight control) dog food… and simply feed less of it. To reduce fats and calories, many companies produce reduced-calorie weight loss products which (mistakenly, I believe) cut back severely on meat… and replace that meat with carbs.

    I think (from a nutritional quality standpoint) is a huge mistake. They lower calories by lowering the product’s nutrient quality… so one can feed the same “volume” of food.

    We recommend feeding quality… but less of it. You’ll not only save calories… you’ll save money, too… and all without sacrificing nutrition. Hope this helps.

  • Echo

    Hi Mike,

    Thanks for replying. Yes, the reason is for weight loss. My pug is 26 pounds (about 6 pounds over weight). I’ve had him on different weight loss and mangement foods. He gets fed 1/2 cup twice a day of dry. Since these servings are already so low, I wanted to put him on something you would rate at 4 stars for chubby dogs (seems like the highest ratings I’ve found was 3 stars)

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Echo… that’s a tough one. You see, with its below average protein level, California Natural just barely qualified for 4 stars anyway. But I’d still give the Low Fat products four stars because of good ingredient quality… not because of meat quantity (a bit low).

    Actually, you never mentioned why you’re looking for a low fat dog food. Unless your pet is prone to pancreatitis, low fat almost always means low protein, too.

    You may want to read my article, “Low Fat Dog Food… Good or Bad for Your Pet“.

    If you’re after weight loss, just select a great dog food and simply feed less… and then weigh less. And be sure to stick with a MEASURED amount with each meal.

  • Echo

    Hey Mike,

    Would you rate the California Natural Low Fat ones at 4 stars too? I’ve been looking for a high rating low fat or low carb one

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Melanie… for a healthy dog, I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t feed one of the puppy formulas to your adult dog. With the exception of the two “lite” recipes and the herring flavor (approved for adult maintenance only), all the other California Natural kibbles meet nutrient profiles “for all life stages”.

    Actually, your higher meat content idea makes a lot of sense to me. Bravo, Melanie!

  • melanie

    would you say it is safe to feed the puppy formula to adult dogs to take advantage of the higher protein content? the ingredients are almost identical between the adult and puppy formulas.

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