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Under The Sun vs Natural Balance

Under The Sun vs. Natural Balance

In this comparison article for Under The Sun vs Natural Balance, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Under The Sun and Natural Balance, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.

Throughout this Natural Balance vs Under The Sun comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Under The Sun Review Page or Natural Balance Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Natural Balance vs. Under The Sun

According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.

All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.

Under The Sun Dog Food vs. Natural Balance Dog Food

Dry Dog FoodUnder The SunNatural Balance
Crude Protein27.5%27.6%
Crude Fat12.1%14.4%
Crude Fiber4.6%5.2%
Wet/Canned Dog FoodUnder The SunNatural Balance
Crude Protein41.1%39.7%
Crude Fat24.5%20.5%
Crude Fiber6.1%8.5%

Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food

Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.

There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude protein content of the two brands. With regards to wet dog food, Under The Sun and Natural Balance also provide roughly the same amount of crude protein.


Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food

Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog's body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.

There is a small difference between the fat content of Natural Balance and Under The Sun. We can see that Natural Balance guarantees about 2.29% more fat than Under The Sun. In addition, Under The Sun wet dog foods also provide more fat than Natural Balance wet foods.


Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. For wet dog foods, Natural Balance typically provides a little more fiber (about 2.39% more).

Under The Sun Cat Food vs. Natural Balance Cat Food

Wet/Canned Cat FoodUnder The SunNatural Balance
Crude Protein46.5%46.7%
Crude Fat22.3%20.2%
Crude Fiber6.7%7.1%

Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food

Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.

Under The Sun and Natural Balance both provide roughly the same amount of crude protein.


Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food

There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):

  • Fats help with the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
  • Reduce inflammation associated with arthritis
  • Slow the growth of yeast infections
  • Prevent or reduce the likelihood of certain heart problems.
  • Aid in the development of the retina and visual cortex.

According to our data, Under The Sun guarantees 2.13% more fat than Natural Balance. Although this difference is relatively small, it's still a notable difference.


Under The Sun Pet Food Ingredients vs. Natural Balance Pet Food Ingredients

Under The Sun and Natural Balance both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:

Canola Oil
Pea Protein

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Natural Balance.

Giblets
Beet Pulp
Brewers Rice
Caramel Color
Tomato Pomace
Feeding Oatmeal
Poultry Giblets
Dried Tomato Pomace
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.

Under The Sun and Natural Balance both use the following harmful ingredients in many of their products:

Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex

Product Safety: Recall History of Under The Sun & Natural Balance?

According to our records, Under The Sun has never been recalled.

Natural Balance has been recalled 6 times.

  • July 21, 2007: ofbotulinum toxin
  • May 4, 2012: Salmonella
  • June 18, 2010: Salmonella
  • April 27, 2007: Melamine
  • April 17, 2007: Melamine
  • July 3, 2020: elevated levels of choline chloride

Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?

Dry Dog FoodUnder The SunNatural Balance
Per Pound$1.67$5.23
Per Calorie$0.0011$0.0029

The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.

If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Under The Sun or Natural Balance, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.

Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Under The Sun or Natural Balance will depend on your shopping habits.

Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Under The Sun and Natural Balance. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.


Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!

Where To Buy Under The Sun Pet Foods

You can purchase Under The Sun pet foods from the following stores:


4 Recipes In-Stock Today

4 Recipes In-Stock Today

4 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Natural Balance Pet Foods

You can purchase Natural Balance pet food products from these retailers:


96 Recipes In-Stock Today

79 Recipes In-Stock Today

82 Recipes In-Stock Today

16 Recipes In-Stock Today

Type Of Pet Foods Available

ProductUnder The SunNatural Balance
Dry Dog Food7 Recipes39 Recipes
Wet Dog Food8 Recipes27 Recipes
Dog TreatsNone33 Treats
Dry Cat FoodNone16 Recipes
Wet Cat Food9 Recipes43 Recipes
Cat TreatsNoneNone

Top Rated Under The Sun Recipes

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Top Rated Natural Balance Recipes

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Targeted Nutrition Fat Dogs Dry Dog Food
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Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
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Ultra Premium Cat Food Fat Cats
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Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Green Pea Formula
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