Wondering if Natural Balance cat food is right for your picky eater?
I first came across Natural Balance Pet Food for Cats while scrolling through reviews late at night. I was searching for the best high-protein cat food for Luna and Milo. Most brands looked the same, but this one stood out. It wasn’t just another pretty bag on the shelf. The words “limited ingredients” and “grain-free cat food” kept popping up. That’s when I knew I had to dig deeper and give this brand a chance. This Natural Balance Pet Foods cat food review is coming straight from my heart and the bowl of my cat.
What really got me curious was the stomach issues of Milo. He often had soft stools and didn’t finish his meals. On the other hand, Luna is super picky, and she rejects food that doesn’t smell good. I needed something that checked all the boxes: clean ingredients and cat food for picky cats. After reading more about limited-ingredient diets, I thought, “Maybe natural balance is the one.”
Journey of Natural Balance
After discussing their mutual love of animals, comedians Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick founded Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989. Van Patten had long wanted to start a pet store, and Herrick, who was drummer for The John Davidson Show at the time, had a passion for animal rescue. They were considering launching a pet food business by the end of the talk.
Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods was the resultant business, and it was among the first to capitalize on the rising demand for organic and filler-free pet food. They advertised their food as “the finest food you can buy for your pet” and “Food for a Lifetime.”
After a brief period of decline in popularity, Petco acquired Natural Balance and it eventually appeared in more than 600 stores. The business joined Del Monte in 2013, which is a corporation that owns many other pet food brands. The brands include Milo’s Kitchen and Meow Mix. Natural Balance was acquired by J.M. Smucker two years later as part of their purchase of Big Heart Pet Brands.
Nexus Capital Management LP purchased the brand in 2021 and placed it in a strong position to benefit from its dedication. In the upcoming years, consumers may anticipate the arrival of new niche items under the Natural Balance brand.
Where Do They Source and Manufacture Their Product?
One thing I loved learning while doing this Natural Balance Pet Foods cat food review is how much care they put into their ingredients. Natural Balance uses real animal proteins like chicken and salmon as the first ingredient in most recipes. They don’t load the food with fillers like corn or soy. It is their specialty to offer cat food without dyes. Many of their ingredients come from trusted farms and suppliers in the U.S.A. and Europe.
Now, let’s talk about how it’s made. Natural Balance cat food is cooked in U.S.-based facilities with strict safety standards. Each batch goes through testing for things like salmonella and toxins before it reaches the store. They even offer something called the “Buy with Confidence“ program. It lets you look up the food test results of your cat online. That’s not something you see every day, and it gave me a little peace of mind.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Natural Balance Offer?
Natural Balance offers a large range of cat food, including dry food and wet items in pouches and cans. Grain-free, healthy weight, high-protein, indoor, and limited ingredient foods are among the “special categories” into which Natural Balance divides these foods.
List Of Products
- L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets
- Delectable Delights
- Original Ultra
- Plateful
- Fat Cats

Natural Balance Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
Limited Ingredient Diets Grain Pea and Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | Duck, Pea Protein | 410 kcal/cup | $4.3 per lb | C |
Limited Ingredient Diets Grain Pea and Duck Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | Duck, Pea Protein | 34 kcal/oz. | $0.51 per oz | C |
Ultra-Premium Chicken and Liver Pâté Formula Canned Cat Food | Wet | Chicken | 33 kcal/oz. | $0.39 per oz | B |
Limited Ingredient Diets Grain Pea and Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Review
One of the best recipes I came across while working on this Natural Balance Pet Foods cat food review is the Green Pea and Duck Formula from their Limited Ingredient Diets line. This formula is made with just a few ingredients, which is perfect for cats with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. This cat food without dyes worked wonders for my cat Milo. He used to have soft stools and a bloated belly after meals. I noticed the change within a week after I switched his food to duck formula.
Limited Ingredient Diets Grain Pea and Duck Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food Review
The Natural Balance Pet Foods cat food review often highlights the Limited Ingredient Diets when I was exploring options for cats with food sensitivities. This formula is crafted with a single animal protein source and green peas as the primary carbohydrate. This food is not recommended for cat owners who want cat food without peas. This makes it suitable for cats with specific dietary needs.
Ultra-Premium Chicken and Liver Pâté Formula Canned Cat Food Review
In this Natural Balance Pet Foods cat food review, the Ultra-Premium Chicken & Liver Pâté Formula stands out as a top choice for cats across all life stages. This formula offers a rich source of protein. This protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. The inclusion of chicken broth also provides additional moisture that supports hydration.
Final Thoughts
The Natural Balance Pet Foods cat food review shows the best quality of their foods. The brand shines with its limited ingredient diets and balanced nutrition. Natural Balance offers real help for cats with food allergies and sensitive tummies. That alone made the switch worth it for me. Some recipes are a little pricey, and a few contain thickeners that might not suit every cat.
FAQ’s
Is Natural Balance cat food good for weight management?
Natural Balance’s Indoor Ultra and other formulas are designed for weight management. They offer balanced calories to help manage the weight.
How long does it take to adjust to Natural Balance food?
Most cats adjust within a week or two. It is better to introduce the new food gradually to avoid upset stomachs.
Can I mix Natural Balance dry and wet food for my cat?
Adding wet and dry cat food is a great way to provide your cat with a variety of textures and additional moisture.