Van Patten. Two entertainers with a shared love for animals and animal rescue. The pair decided to meet increasing demands for organic pet food and wanted to create a brand that was void of artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers. Their products boast great variety, and their protein sources ensure that Natural Balance foods are rich in omega-3 and support healthy muscle growth, skin and coat health, and optimum brain development.
This Natural Balance cat food review looks at the variety of cat food available by this well-established brand. It delves into the history, development, ingredient, recall history, and overall quality.
Quick Overview of The Best Natural Balance Cat Food Recipes
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Salmon Formula | Buy on Amazon | 4.2 |
| Best Wet Food | Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula | Buy on Amazon | 4.2 |
| Best for Indoor Cats | Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best for Skin Support | Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Dry Cat Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.8 |
| Best for Adult Cats | Natural Balance Platefulls Grain-Free Cat Food Pouches | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best Food for Kittens | Natural Balance Turkey & Giblets Formula | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best Grain-Free | Natural Balance Delectable Delights for Adult Cats | Buy on Amazon | 3.9 |
| Premium Pick | Natural Balance L.I.D. Tuna & Pumpkin Formula Flaked Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
1 Best Overall: Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Salmon Formula
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Flaxseed, salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Green Peas, Salmon Meal, Salmon, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Green Peas
- Calories: 410 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Green Pea & Salmon
- Type: Dry Cat Food
- Life Stage: Adult Cats
The first pick on our awesome list of New Balance Cat Food is a grain-free, dry cat food pick. This brand prides itself on its limited ingredient formula. Limited ingredient foods aim to offer your pet food that is free from grains, corn, soy, and wheat and thus focus on wholesome ingredients that enhance health and wellbeing. This brilliant choice comes in an array of flavor options including green pea and salmon, green pea and duck, and green pea and chicken.
The single animal protein source food aims to enhance energy and maintain strong muscles, while the fiber source aims to regulate healthy digestion. It is said that the gut is the seat of overall health and choosing foods that support a healthy digestive system is of great importance to ultimate health and happiness.
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.
2 Best Wet Food: Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Chicken, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Duck
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Salmon, Duck
- Calories: 240 kcal/6oz can
- Flavor: Chicken, Salmon & Duck
- Type: Canned Cat Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
The second pick on our list is a wet cat food option. Each pack contains 24 6 ounce tins of this nutrient-rich pick. This option brings protein to the fore with its chicken, duck, and salmon formula and is bound to tantalize the taste buds of your best friend. Wet food is a great choice for older cats who might struggle with dental issues or lost teeth or kitties who have recently undergone medical treatments or surgery.
This option is suited to adult cats and is also available as a calorie-reduced option. Reduced calorie foods should only be given to your cat as per the advice of your vet. Calorie reduction is best suited for cats with weight issues and will enable them to lose weight in a healthy way while still getting the required nutrients and vitamins needed for health and development.
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Duck, Brewers Dried Yeast, Brown Rice, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Salmon Meal, Calcium Carbonate, 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, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Oat Hulls, Pea Fiber, Dl-Methionine, Carrageenan, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Cranberries, Blueberries, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Rosemary Extract.
3 Best for Indoor Cats: Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Brewers Dried Yeast (irritant), Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Chickpeas, Peas, Salmon Meal, Pea Protein
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Chickpeas, Peas
- Calories: 329 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon & Chickpea
- Type: Dry Cat Food
- Life Stage: Adult
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry cat food designed for indoor cats provides additional health benefits that a house cat would need in order to better maintain their health in the long run. Indoor cats are more susceptible to picking up pathogens and bacteria that can be carried into the house by visitors and their owners. These can cause them to become sick, which of course no cat owner wants.
Even though this is a dry cat food product, it provides all of the nutritional benefits needed to fortify your cat’s immune system and defend them against potential illness. A great way to protect your cat is to ensure they have a healthy digestive tract, as this is the key source of nutrient absorption. Better digestion also means less chance of hairball development. The wealth of additional vitamins in this food also help to support a strong and healthy immune system.
Salmon, Chickpeas, Peas, Salmon Meal, Pea Protein, Dried Beet Pulp, Potatoes, Brewers Dried Yeast, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (source of phosphorus), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, 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), Inulin, Citric Acid (preservative), Rosemary Extract. GA: Crude Protein 30.0% MIN Crude Fat 8.0% MIN Crude Fat 10.0% MAX Crude Fiber 8.0% MAX Moisture 12.0% MAX Taurine 0.15% MIN Omega-6 Fatty Acids* 1.5% MIN Omega-3 Fatty Acids* 0.5% MIN Calorie Content (calculated): ME = 3217 kcal/kg; 329 kcal/cup
4 Best for Skin Support: Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Chicken, Oat Groats, Dried Egg, Brewers Dried Yeast (irritant), Flaxseed, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Salmon Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 387 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Salmon Meal
- Type: Dry Cat Food
- Life Stage: Adult Cats
Number four on our list is a fantastic dry food option for indoor cats. This pick is rich in protein and fiber and boasts a delicious chicken, salmon, and pea recipe. The pea fiber aids healthy digestion and the salmon and chicken protein are brilliant for healthy skin and a shiny coat. This product is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives and thus aims to offer your cat whole foods that are free from harmful ingredients.
Natural Balance’s specialized nutritionists work tirelessly to ensure that their food promotes optimum health and balanced nutrition. Customers have a choice between a 6lb bag, or a 15 lb bag and thus is suited for single cats or those with a few feline friends. Customers have also commented on this product’s ability to reduce hairballs, as well as its great quality, and fantastic value.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Salmon Meal, Oat Hulls, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Lactic Acid), Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dried Egg, Dried Potato Products, Potato Protein, Brewers Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Spinach, Parsley, Carrots, Inulin, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite) Dl-Methionine, 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), L-Carnitine, Dried Kelp, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Cranberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
5 Best for Adult Cats: Natural Balance Platefulls Grain-Free Cat Food Pouches
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Chicken, Dried Egg Whites
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 75 kcal/pouch
- Flavor: Chicken & Pumpkin
- Type: Wet Cat Food
- Life Stage: Adult Cats
Number 5 on our list is a seriously tasty treat for your fur baby. Natural Balance’s Platefulls wet cat food is a delicious pick that comes in gravy. This premium cat food comes in an array of yummy flavors including chicken and giblets, chicken and pumpkin, chicken and salmon, tuna and beef, sole, and shrimp. Each sachet is 3 ounces and each pack comes in a set of 24. As always, this pick is free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
It is made with high-quality protein for healthy muscle development, skin, and coat health and is nutrient-rich thanks to the added superfoods. The veggies also ensure that your cat will get enough fiber. Fiber is essential for healthy digestive health and will boost optimal wellbeing. This pick is suited for adult cats and boasts amazing value, delicious flavor, and nutrient-rich amazingness.
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Peas, Dried Egg Whites, Ground Dried Peas, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), 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, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Dl-Methionine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
6 Best Food for Kittens: Natural Balance Turkey & Giblets Formula
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Turkey, Poultry Giblets, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Poultry Giblets, Dried Carrots, Brown Rice
- Primary Proteins: Turkey
- Calories: 170kcal/5.5 0z can
- Flavor: Turkey & Giblets
- Type: Canned Cat Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
Part of the classic Natural Balance canned food range. We have selected the Turkey & giblets formula for its unique flavor pallet and high fiber content. It is not often that you see giblets being used in cat food, however, they are actually a great source of both flavor and fiber. Turkey itself is lean fibrous meat that is ideal for good digestion and a healthy gut.
It is recommended that you give your cat 5.5-6oz of canned food for every 8 pounds of body weight. This is to ensure they are getting the appropriate amount of calories to maintain an active lifestyle. Cats can vary dramatically in weight depending on the breed (e.g. Siamese cats can weigh as little as 5lbs, whereas a Main Coon could weigh as much as 25lbs), So be sure to double-check your kitty’s weight before you begin their new diet.
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Poultry Giblets, Dried Carrots, Brown Rice, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salmon Meal, 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), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Guar Gum, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Cranberries, DL-Methionine, Carrageenan, Choline Chloride.
7 Best Grain-Free: Natural Balance Delectable Delights for Adult Cats
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: Chicken, Dried Egg, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Dried Egg
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 60kcal/2.5 oz tub
- Flavor: Chicken & Chicken Liver In Gravy
- Type: Wet Cat Food
- Life Stage: Adult Cats
With an adorable spin on the well-known French dish, ratatouille, this Natural Balance Delectable Delights stew, named Catatouille, aims to emulate the delicious classic by cooking chicken and chicken liver in a rich gravy for added flavor. This is a grain-free food with a high fiber content as well as plenty of moisture from the gravy – this means your cat should get a hydration boost with every meal.
With chicken as the first three ingredients, you can be sure they are prioritizing the protein in this delectable delights classic. It is worth noting, however, that owners are recommended to feed their cat 3.5 containers worth of Catatouille for every 7lbs of weight. So if you have a larger cat, this may prove to be one of the more expensive options, making it not very budget-friendly.
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Dried Egg, Green Beans, Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Tuna Oil, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate.
8 Premium Pick: Natural Balance L.I.D. Tuna & Pumpkin Formula Flaked Food
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Allergens: None
- First 5 ingredients: Tuna, Tuna Broth, Pumpkin, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Guar Gum
- Primary Proteins: Tuna
- Calories: 64kcal/tub
- Flavor: Tuna & Pumpkin
- Type: Wet Cat Food
- Life Stage: Adult Cats
With no unnecessary fillers or artificial preservatives, this grain-free cat food from Natural Balance’s Limited Ingredient Diets range is ideal for cats that may struggle with frequent issues caused by food sensitivities. The most impressive part of this particular food is that when looking through the ingredients list we can’t seem to find any of the typical allergens at all, not even protein allergens or even irritants such as salt and yeast.
This recipe contains tuna as the key protein and the first two ingredients, followed by pumpkin, which is a highly digestible, and high-fiber superfood that will encourage fast and easy digestion. Overall, this appears to be a great choice for anyone worried about triggering an upset stomach. Just keep in mind that this is not a cheap option, and requires 3.5 containers for every 7 pounds of body weight.
Tuna, Tuna Broth, Pumpkin, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Carrageenan, Rosemary Extract.
Is Natural Balance a Good Cat Food?
The Short History of the Natural Balance Company
Image credit: Natural Balance Inc
The Natural Balance pet food brand was initially founded by Dick Van Patten in Burbank, California, in 1989. Natural Balance has changed ownership several times over the last ten years. To begin with, it was part of a Del Monte Pet Foods merger. Del Monte Pet Foods later changed to Big Heart Pet Brands.
On February 3rd, 2015, Big Heart Pet Brands was purchased by J.M Smucker Company for $5.8 billion. J.M Smucker Company owns other popular cat food brands such as Kibbles ‘n Bits and Meow Mix.
However, in February 2021, J.M. Smucker sold Natural Balance to Nexus Capital Management LP for $50 million. “Our Feed with Confidence® program and our firm commitment to stringent food safety testing will continue to be our focus, and with it our dedication to transparency and traceability.” Brian Connolly, chief executive officer of Natural Balance said in a statement.
Natural Balance can boast of being one of the most widely available pet food brands in the USA. Natural Balance pet food can be purchased from many physical retail stores and easily purchased online.
Where is Natural Balance Cat Food Made?
Natural Balance is a United States-based company with Nexus Captial Management’s headquarters in Los Angeles, California. It is unknown at this time whether Nexus Capital intends to keep production in the same locations as J.M Smucker.
In the U.S., J.M. Smucker operated food processing plants in Decatur, Alabama; Buffalo, New York; and Lawrence, Kansas, USA. Smucker, a company, owns and operates almost 30 manufacturing facilities spread throughout North America.
Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?
Due to the recent purchase of Natural Balance by Nexus Capital Management, it is unclear whether they have changed the sourcing of the ingredients found in Natural Balance. Additionally, there is no direct information on the website that provides a list of ingredient sources. After speaking with the brand directly, the following information was provided:
“We source our ingredients from the U.S. and Canada first. However, we just can’t get some ingredients in the quantity and quality we require for our products. Because of that, we source some ingredients from all over the world.”
Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose
Something worth noting with Natural Balance pet foods is that this brand offers quality control checks for every batch of food they produce. So if you want to ensure the food you purchased did well during the quality control stage, you can check the results using the product UPC and lot number.
L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets
Limited ingredient diets are aimed at cats with a particularly hard time due to food sensitivities or allergies. Sensitive cats often experience gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, cramping, excess gas, loose stools, hard stools, constipation, vomiting, and lethargy. The Natural Balance limited ingredient diet removed the most likely ingredient to cause such problems, narrowing the ingredient range to very low-risk elements. This can help a cat owner to pinpoint the cause in the future if the digestive problems persist. This range includes the following flavors:
- High Protein Salmon (dry)
- High Protein Tuna (dry)
- High Protein Chicken (dry)
- Green Pea & Chicken (dry)
- Green Pea & Duck (dry)
- Green Pea & Salmon (dry)
- Green Pea & Venison (dry)
- Indoor Salmon & Chickpea (dry)
- Indoor Turkey & Chickpea (dry)
- High Protein Chicken Formula In Broth (wet)
- High Protein Tuna Formula In Broth (wet)
- High Protein Whitefish Formula In Broth (wet)
- Chicken & Green Pea (wet)
- Duck & Green Pea (wet)
- Salmon & Green Pea (wet)
- Indoor Turkey & Turkey Liver (wet)
- Indoor Salmon & Chickpea (wet)
- Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (wet)
- Tuna & Pumpkin Formula In Broth (wet)
Original Ultra
As the name would suggest, the Natural Balance Original Ultra is a boosted formula based on its original cat food range. It comes in the form of canned and dry cat food and contains grain-inclusive and grain-free options to cater to cats with grain-related food allergies. The multitude of natural flavor options makes this a fantastic selection for most cat owners looking to give their cats a balanced diet. This range includes the following flavors:
- Grain-free Indoor Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal (dry)
- Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal (dry)
- Chicken, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal Kitten (dry)
- Senior Chicken & Salmon Meal (dry)
- Chicken, Salmon & Duck (wet)
- Chicken, Salmon & Duck Kitten Formula (wet)
- Reduced Calorie Chicken, Salmon & Duck (wet)
- Premium Chicken & Liver Pate (wet)
- Indoor Chicken (wet)
- Ocean Fish (wet)
- Salmon (wet)
- Tuna & Shrimp (wet)
- Turkey & Giblets (wet)
Fat Cats
The Fat Cats diet is designed to help overweight cats control excessive weight gain and return to a standard, healthy body weight. It contains just one dry food flavored with chicken, salmon, garbanzo beans, peas, and oats, which is the only downside to this diet. If you have a picky cat that is particular with its flavors, it is the luck of the draw whether they take to the Fat Cats’ food or not. But if they do, focusing on high protein and fiber to maintain your cat’s strength and digestive health, alongside the low caloric density, makes this an effective and efficient meal choice. You may also like our detailed guide on cat food for weight loss.
Delectable Delights
This handcrafted kitty stew uses chicken, chicken liver, green beans, and carrots in a tasty gravy to emulate the taste of a cat-friendly home-cooked stew. The carefully selected grain-free ingredients provide balanced nutrition and are suitable for all breeds of adult cats. This canned food range can also be mixed with tried food if you want to add a little crunch. This range includes the following flavors:
- Catatouille Cat Stew (wet)
- Land ‘n Sea Catserole Cat Pate (wet)
- Life’s a Beach Cat Pate (wet)
- O’Fishally Scampi Cat Stew (wet)
- Purrfect Paella Cat Stew (wet)
- Sea Brulee Cat Stew (wet)
Platefulls
Delicious, gravy-filled entrees packaged in a convenient pouch. The Platefulls are ideally designed to work as both individual meals or delicious toppers that can be easily mixed in with your cat’s usual dry food to add flavor and hydration. This is a great food range for cats that might struggle with constipation, as it is highly hydrating, easy to digest, and grain-free.
- Chicken & Giblets Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Cod, Chicken, Sole & Shrimp Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Chicken & Salmon Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Salmon, Tuna & Crab Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Indoor Chicken & Chicken Liver Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Indoor Duck, Chicken & Pumpkin Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Indoor Mackerel & Sardine Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Indoor Salmon, Tuna, Chicken & Shrimp Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Indoor Turkey & Duck Formula (pouch)
- Indoor Turkey, Salmon & Chicken Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Tuna & Beef Formula In Gravy (pouch)
- Turkey, Chicken & Duck Formula In Gravy (pouch)
Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients
Meat
In all Natural Balance Foods, the named meat is always among the top three ingredients. They use a wide range of proteins, so you have a wealth of protein flavors to choose from, making it a great brand for owners of fussy cats. The protein range includes:
- Tuna
- Chicken
- Duck
- Salmon
- Venison
- Sardines
- Whitefish
- Mackerel
- Shrimp
- Cod
- Sole
Superfoods
Superfoods are used in cat food diets to provide the minerals and nutrients required for proper development and growth. While some people have critiqued this brand for being plant-heavy, others like the digestive support these vegetables offer. Selecting a cat food like Natural Balance that utilizes superfoods amidst the key ingredients ensures your cat gets the extra nutritional kick they need. The superfoods used in Natural Balance cat food can include:
- Fish
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Lean chicken
- Lean pork
- Lean beef
- Pumpkin
- Green peas
Supplementary Vitamins and Minerals
Natural Balance doesn’t only select ingredients that have great nutritional value. Still, they also include supplementary minerals and vitamins to fill in any spaces left by the primary ingredients. Vitamin supplements are also found in wet and canned food ranges. Vitamin-boosted food is ideal for indoor cats who often need extra support for their immune system compared to outdoor cats. Some of the vitamins found in Natural Balance cat food include:
- Vitamin E supplement
- Vitamin A supplement
- Vitamin D supplement
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- Folic Acid
- Iron
No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Preservatives
One of the key things about Natural Balance is that their food is free from harmful fillers and artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. This gives pet parents some additional reassurance of quality, whether they’re feeding their cat Natural Balance wet food or dry food. It also ensures that your cat’s health and well-being are at the forefront when creating Natural Balance pet foods.
Natural Balance Cat Food Recall History
Natural Balance has had several pet food recalls over the years, with some containing cat food (researched via FDA and AVMA). The below list details the Natural Balance recalls in date order, with the most recent recalls first.
The most recent recall of Natural Balance pet food occurred in May 2021 when the below batch of dry cat food was recalled for risk of Salmonella exposure.
- Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken Dry Cat Formula
In July 2020, a single batch of wet cat food was recalled due to elevated levels of Choline Chloride:
- Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned cat food, 5.5 oz. cans
The largest recall to date occurred in May 2012, when 21 batches of dry dog food were recalled for the risk of Salmonella exposure. Once again, cat food was not affected.
In June 2010, there were further recalls due to the potential exposure to Salmonella. Though once against this, recalls affected two dog food products and no cat food.
There were also recalls in July 2009 for the potential of botulinum contamination. However, this only affected four dog food products.
In March 2007, three cat food products were affected by melamine contamination from a total of 11 batches. The affected products are listed below:
- Natural Balance Premium Ocean Fish cat food, 3-oz. and 6 oz. cans
- Natural Balance Ocean Fish Formula cat food, 3-oz. and 6 oz. cans
- Natural Balance Venison and Green Pea dry cat food, all sizes
Price
Providing an accurate representation of the price for Natural Balance cat food is difficult as it depends very much on which line of food you decide to purchase. Prices can fluctuate depending on specialization or protein choice. However, we can provide an average price for each food range:
- Limited Ingredient Diet (12 lb bag) – $35-$47
- Original Ultra (15 lb bag) – $39-$43
- Fat Cats (15 lb bag) – $42
- Delectable Delights (12 x 2.5 oz pots) – $18-$20
- Platefulls (24 x 3 oz pouch) – $23-$25
Where Can I Buy Natural Balance Cat Food?
Fortunately, Natural Balance cat food is available for purchase from a variety of retailers! If you’re thinking of ordering your cat food online, then you can purchase Natural Balance from Chewy, Petsmart, or Amazon. The easily available and widespread nature of Natural Balance cat food is just another reason to appreciate the brand for its empathy with the customers and accessibility (especially since it is one of the most widely available cat foods in the USA).
In a Nutshell, Is Natural Balance a Good Choice?
That would depend on whether or not your cat takes to their new diet at the end of the day. Natural Balance is a good-quality, well-established pet food company dedicated to balancing nutrition while still offering a good variety of options for flavor, textures, and dietary requirements. This shows a level of care and compassion put into Natural Balance products that many pet owners find reassuring. They offer an inclusive range made with care and attention to detail. However, they are perhaps not as varied as some other pet food company s. It is also a shame to see that there have been some recent recalls. Though the new owners of Natural Balance, Nexus Capital Management, have promised to develop, improve, and expand this brand to new heights – something only time will tell.
