Embarking on the journey to find the best nutrition for your canine companion can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available. This review delves into Natural Balance Fat Dogs (Dry) formula, aiming to provide a clear, unbiased assessment for pet owners seeking optimal health for their dogs. This comprehensive analysis examines the ingredients, nutrient profile, and overall quality of this specific formulation, empowering you to make an informed decision about your dog’s dietary needs. Natural Balance Fat Dogs earns the Advisor’s second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars, indicating a highly recommended product.
Ingredient Analysis
The ingredient list for Natural Balance Fat Dogs (Dry) begins with chicken meal and salmon meal, both considered protein-rich meat concentrates. These are followed by chickpeas, dried peas, oat groats, and barley. Chickpeas and dried peas, while contributing to the protein content, are legumes and must be considered when evaluating the actual meat content. Oat groats are a minimally processed whole grain, and barley is a starchy carbohydrate providing fiber.
Further down the ingredient list, beet pulp is included. While some view beet pulp as a filler, others recognize its benefits for intestinal health and blood sugar regulation. Pea fiber is another fiber source, derived from pea hulls. Alfalfa meal, while high in plant protein and fiber, is more commonly found in horse feeds.
Notable ingredients that warrant attention include pea protein, which can boost the overall protein percentage on the label without necessarily increasing meat content. Tomato pomace, a by-product of tomato processing, is also present and is a source of fiber. Brewers yeast, while a source of nutrients, can be a potential allergen for some dogs and is also a source of protein.
The inclusion of inulin, a prebiotic sourced from chicory root, supports healthy gut bacteria. Taurine, an important amino acid for heart health, is also added. Sodium selenite, a form of selenium, is noted as a controversial yet common additive. Finally, the presence of chelated minerals indicates that minerals are chemically bound to protein, enhancing their absorption, a feature typically found in higher-quality dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredient profile, Natural Balance Fat Dogs appears to be an above-average dry dog food. The estimated dry matter nutrient content reveals approximately 29% protein, 8.3% fat, and 54.8% carbohydrates. This translates to a protein-to-fat ratio of about 29%. The protein content is considered above average, while the fat content is below average, and carbohydrate content is above average when compared to typical dry dog foods. Even accounting for the protein contributed by plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, peas, alfalfa meal, and brewers yeast, the profile suggests a kibble containing a significant amount of meat.
Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no publicly listed recalls associated with Natural Balance dog food in the provided information. For a comprehensive list of all dog food recalls since 2009, further resources are available.
Final Verdict
Natural Balance Fat Dogs (Dry) is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that utilizes a substantial amount of named meat meals as its primary protein source. This formulation earns a Highly Recommended rating and 4.5 out of 5 stars from Dog Food Advisor. The thoughtful inclusion of chelated minerals enhances nutrient absorption, and the presence of prebiotics supports digestive health. While some ingredients like beet pulp and tomato pomace are debated, their inclusion in this formula appears to be within acceptable limits and contributes to the overall nutritional profile. This food is a solid choice for pet owners looking for a balanced and high-quality diet for their canine companions.
If you’re considering Natural Balance for your dog, you might also be interested in other reviews of their products. Compare Natural Balance dog food options to see how they stack up against other highly recommended brands on the market.
