SCORE: 7.3/10
BRAND OVERVIEW
- Brand: Natural Balance Pet Foods
- Founded: 1989
- Parent: Nexus Capital
- AU availability: Pet Circle, some specialty stores
- Price range: $22–30/kg dry
WSAVA COMPLIANCE
- WSAVA FRAMEWORK SCORE: 3/4
- Employs veterinary nutritionists
- AAFCO tested
- Own manufacturing
- 2012 recall (Salmonella in LID potato and duck formula) — resolved, updated protocols
Ingredient Analysis
FLAGSHIP: Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets (Sweet Potato & Fish)
Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potato, Potato, Potato Protein, Sunflower Oil, Fish Oil, Kelp
STRENGTHS:
- Genuine limited ingredient formula — few ingredients, easy to identify sensitivities
- Single novel protein options (duck, fish, venison)
- No artificial additives
- Good AU availability for US import brand
CONCERNS:
- High sweet potato and potato content — high GI
- Grain-free — DCM consideration
- Price premium over equivalent AU limited-ingredient options
What Australian Dog Owners Say
Reddit: ‘Natural Balance LID is what my allergist recommended when my dog reacted to everything common.’ ‘Results were good for my Cocker — clearer skin within 4 weeks.’ ‘A bit expensive but the limited ingredients give me confidence.’
VERDICT
NATURAL BALANCE IS GOOD FOR:
- Dogs needing genuine limited-ingredient diets for allergy management
- Owners who have exhausted AU LID options
AU ALTERNATIVES FOR LID: Black Hawk single-protein formulas and Meals for Mutts limited ingredient lines offer comparable quality at better pricing.
FAQ
Is Natural Balance good for dogs with allergies?
Yes — the L.I.D. range is specifically designed for food-sensitive dogs with minimal ingredients to reduce allergen exposure. However, genuine food allergies require an 8-week elimination trial with a novel protein, not just a limited-ingredient commercial food.
Is Natural Balance grain-free?
The LID range is grain-free. This is worth discussing with your vet for cardiac-risk breeds.