Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
24.98 + Shipping ($4.95)
$16.24 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
24.98 + Shipping ($5.95)
$19.98 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
47.98 + Shipping ($4.95)
$31.19 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
72.98 + Shipping (Free)
$47.44 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
72.98 + Shipping (Free)
$47.44 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

According to our data, this Natural Balance recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 41 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  4. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  5. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

  6. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  7. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.

  8. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  9. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  10. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  11. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  12. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  13. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  14. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  15. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  16. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  17. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  18. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  19. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  20. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  21. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  22. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  23. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  24. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  25. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  26. Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.

  27. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  28. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  29. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  30. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  31. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  32. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  33. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  34. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  35. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  36. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  37. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  38. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  39. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  40. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  41. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 23.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are chicken and chicken meal. Chicken meal, being a concentrated form of chicken, has had most of the moisture removed and thus contains a higher percentage of protein by weight compared to fresh chicken. These animal-based ingredients are high-quality sources of protein that help in muscle development and maintenance for pets.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the chicken fat and menhaden fish oil included in the ingredients. Chicken fat is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids for pets, while menhaden fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a pet's skin, coat health, and overall wellness.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: Fiber in this pet food comes from ingredients such as brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran, and tomato pomace. Brown rice and rice bran are known to have higher fiber content compared to white rice, and tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing that is rich in fiber. These ingredients help with digestive health and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight for the pet.

Calories of 3445.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the fats (chicken fat and menhaden fish oil) due to fats being more energy-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in the brown rice and brewers rice also contribute to the overall caloric content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.48 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $21.67
10 lbs $36.44
15 lbs $49.39
20 lbs $61.29
30 lbs $83.07
40 lbs $103.07
50 lbs $121.85
60 lbs $139.71
70 lbs $156.83
80 lbs $173.35
90 lbs $189.36
100 lbs $204.93

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have dogs with allergies and sensitivities have found Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe to be a great option, noting improvements in skin conditions and a reduction in allergic reactions. The formula seems to have been effective in addressing food allergies and promoting overall health, with one dog owner celebrating the positive change in their dog's health as the best Christmas present.

Many pet owners have observed a noticeable improvement in their dogs' health after switching to this food. There are reports of dogs showing increased energy levels, smoother coats, and resolved gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. A particular case highlighted the food's success in significantly reducing seizures in an epileptic dog, with the pet parent expressing gratitude for the positive impact on their dog's life.

Despite some concerns about product consistency and packaging, the majority of dogs appear to enjoy the taste of the food. Owners of picky eaters have found that their pets consistently eat this kibble, and even dogs that typically leave dry food uneaten have been emptying their bowls. The formula's limited ingredients are praised for their simplicity and quality, and pet parents appreciate the benefits of a diet that supports their dogs' specific health needs, such as lower protein and fat for conditions like Megaesophagus.

In cases where dogs did not prefer the food or experienced adverse reactions, their owners have sought out alternatives. However, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule, as many reviews celebrate the positive outcomes their dogs have experienced with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe.