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Our Verdict
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian dry product line includes two dry dog foods.
Please note: The recipes on this review are vegetarian foods, so are currently unrated. This is because our review methodology favors dog foods rich in meat, and judging a plant-based diet against this criteria would always give a low rating. Studies of plant-based diets for dogs are showing some great results, as well as providing preferable options for many dogs with allergies or those wanting to choose more environmentally sustainable options.
Pros
- Good option for meat protein allergies
- Limited ingredient recipes
- Added vitamins & minerals
Cons
- Does not support hydration
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available… Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Small Breed Bites | Not rated | M |
| Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe | No rated | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, peas, pea protein, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potato protein, potatoes, dicalcium phosphate, dried plain beet pulp, tomato pomace, natural vegetable flavor, calcium carbonate, dl-methionine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, taurine, salt, minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate), flaxseed, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, niacin supplement, biotin, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D2 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid), citric acid (preservative), mixed tocopherols (preservative), parsley, spinach, l-lysine monohydrochloride, cranberries, l-carnitine, dried kelp, yucca schidigera extract, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 18% | 8% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 20% | 9% | 63% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 19% | 21% | 60% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The second ingredient includes oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.
The third ingredient is barley, a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The next ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, they’re rich in natural fiber.
The fifth item is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.
Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
The sixth ingredient is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. That’s because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.
Yet others cite the fact 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 seventh inclusion is potato. 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 eighth ingredient is 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 three notable exceptions…
First, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Next, we note the use of 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, and we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.
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
Natural Balance Vegetarian dog food is by design a meatless product.
So, although we do recognize the need for some dog owners to provide (for whatever reason) a completely meat-free diet, we also respect a dog’s natural carnivorous bias.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 21.2%, a fat level of 9.8% and estimated carbohydrates of about 55.7%.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
Natural Balance Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Natural Balance through December 2025.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian is a grain-inclusive dog food using a modest amount of potato protein as its dominant source of protein.
About
Natural Balance Pet Foods was co-founded by actor Dick Van Patten and his friend Joey Herrick in 1989. Natural Balance has changed ownership several times. It is currently owned by Nexus Capital Management.
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A Final Word
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