Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked. If you can’t find what you need to here, please contact our customer care team at 800-829-4493 or info@naturalbalanceinc.com

WSAVA GUIDELINES

Does the Natural Balance brand and its products follow WSAVA Guidelines?

Yes, the Natural Balance brand and products follow WSAVA guidelines.

Please note that the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) does not certify or approve dog or cat diets. Instead, they offer recommendations in the form of a series of questions consumers and veterinarians should consider when selecting pet food.

Below we have listed each of the WSAVA questions and our answers, to demonstrate to all pet parents that the Natural Balance brand and its products are WSAVA-compliant.

Additionally, for your convenience, click here to download a PDF of our detailed responses to each of the questions listed under WSAVA’s guidelines to selecting pet foods.

Do Natural Balance employ a qualified Nutritionist who has either received a PhD in Animal Nutrition or Board Certification by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN)?

Yes, the Natural Balance Research & Development team is comprised of highly qualified professionals, including a PhD small animal nutritionist, a veterinarian, animal nutrition experts with advanced degrees (such as Masters of Science), registered veterinary technicians, and experienced food scientists.

Who formulates Natural Balance formulas and what are their qualifications and experience?

The Natural Balance Research & Development team brings over 100+ years of combined expertise in animal health, nutrition science, and pet food manufacturing and is comprised of highly qualified professionals, including a PhD small animal nutritionist, a veterinarian, animal nutrition experts with advanced degrees (such as Masters of Science), registered veterinary technicians, and experienced food scientists.

Each Natural Balance recipe is developed with veterinary and nutrition experts who are directly involved in every step of the formulation process to ensure our diets are designed to meet the specific physiological needs of pets, using evidence-based principles to support complete and balanced nutrition. A PhD small animal nutritionist reviews each of our formulas to ensure they are nutritionally balanced for the respective species and intended life stage.

Do Natural Balance recipes meet AAFCO nutrient profiles by formulation or by analysis of the finished product?

All Natural Balance recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles by analysis of the finished products.

What specific quality control measures do you take to ensure the consistency of your diet ingredients and of your finished products?

We prioritize rigorous quality and safety protocols throughout our ingredient sourcing and manufacturing process. All ingredients are sourced from vetted suppliers and undergo validation for identity, safety, and quality. Our formulations are designed by our in-house R&D Team, consisting of nutrition experts, to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and are verified through a combination of database formulation and analytical testing of finished products.

We conduct regular testing for nutrient content, microbiological safety (e.g., Salmonella), toxins, and oxidation to ensure product integrity. Packaging and shelf-life evaluations are also conducted to confirm stability and freshness throughout the product’s intended use.

Our goal is to deliver consistently safe and nutritionally complete diets that support pet health at every life stage. That’s why our Feed With Confidence program tests each batch of food and shares those results with our customers.

Where are Natural Balance pet foods produced and manufactured?

The majority of Natural Balance diets are manufactured in the United States, either at our company-owned facility in Brownwood, TX or by carefully selected manufacturing partners who operate under stringent, customized quality and safety protocols. These protocols are designed to meet—or exceed—U.S. FDA requirements for animal food production.

All manufacturing sites are required to hold Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a globally recognized standard benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This certification confirms adherence to comprehensive food safety and quality management systems that go beyond baseline FDA compliance.

Does Natural Balance provide immediate contact information such as a phone number or email address? Are Nutrient Profiles available upon request?

Yes, the Natural Balance Customer Care Team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, via phone 800-829-4493, email info@naturalbalanceinc.com or by live chat on our website.

They gladly can provide detailed nutrient information for any of our formulas upon request or help you with any pet nutrition questions you may have!

What kind of product research has been conducted? Are the results published in peer-reviewed journals?

At Natural Balance, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality nutrition formulated to support the health and well-being of pets. Our recipes are developed in collaboration with a veterinarian, animal nutrition experts, and food scientists, and are designed to meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient profiles for each life stage.

To ensure both nutritional adequacy and palatability, we partner with a reputable third-party pet care facility for non-invasive feeding studies, including palatability and digestibility evaluations. This facility aligns with our commitment to animal welfare, providing enriched living environments, veterinary oversight, dental care, and daily enrichment for all animals involved—without engaging in or supporting invasive research.

In addition, we maintain a robust finished-product testing program that routinely evaluates nutrient content to ensure compliance with our internal standards as well as AAFCO and NRC guidelines. While we do not regularly publish in scientific journals, we utilize current scientific literature and research to guide the development.

Availability

Where can I buy Natural Balance dog food and cat food?

Natural Balance® products are available at many local and independent pet specialty retailers. Additional pet product retailers like PetSmart®, Petco®, Chewy®, and Amazon® also stock Natural Balance®. To find a specific Natural Balance® product in store or online, visit our Where to Buy page.

Do you offer a Direct-Buy Option?

At this time, we do not offer a direct-buy purchasing option. Our products are available at many local and national pet specialty retailers.

Do you offer coupons?

Our Customer Care Team is more than happy to send you a coupon. Simply contact us Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, at 800-829-4493 or use our live web chat feature. If you prefer email, send your request to info@naturalbalanceinc.com

Product Information

Why does my kibble vary in color from batch to batch?

Natural Balance® pet foods contain a variety of wholesome meats and vegetables, many of which feature some natural color variation. For example, the skin color of potatoes can range anywhere from a deep red to off-white. Depending on the batch, Natural Balance’s finished kibble will reflect that natural range of colors to some degree.

What is the shelf life of Natural Balance® pet foods?

All of our Natural Balance® foods and treats include a “Best if Used By” date on the back or bottom of the package.

My food is close to or past the expiration date, can I still feed it to my pets?

The date on the packaging is the date by which we guarantee the product to remain fresh. We do not recommend using our products once they have expired.

How should I store my dry food product?

Kibble should be stored in a cool, dry location. It can remain in the original packaging as long as it’s kept closed tightly in order to limit exposure to air and light. An airtight food storage container is ideal, but either way, dry food should stay fresh for two to three months after the bag is opened, when stored correctly.

Does your canned food need to be refrigerated? How long does it stay fresh after opening?

Refrigerate canned products within two hours of opening. An opened can has a shelf-life of two to three days when stored airtight in the refrigerator.

What is the Natural Balance 100% Satisfaction Guarantee?

At Natural Balance®, we want you to be completely satisfied with every product you buy from us, so we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. To replace a product quickly and easily, simply visit your original retailer and ask for an exchange. If you’re unable to return or exchange your item, you can reach out to our Customer Care Team. We’re available to help you Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, at 800-829-4493, or by live chat on our website. Like to email instead? Find us at info@naturalbalanceinc.com.

Feeding Instructions & Nutrition

How is your food for all Life Stages? How do you know puppies are getting what they need?

Natural Balance® products are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for the various stages throughout your pet’s life. It’s not necessary for you to add any additional supplements or nutrients.

Do I need to transition between formulas, even within the same line?

Yes! We recommend gradually switching your pet’s diet over a period of 7 – 10 days. Typically, this is done by replacing 20 – 25% of the current food with the replacement formula every couple of days.

How many calories are in Natural Balance® pet foods?

Every Natural Balance® product is unique, but caloric information can always be found on the product packaging and on the product description pages of our website. For specific nutrition inquiries, you can web chat with our Customer Care Team or call us at 800-829-4493, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST.

Is Natural Balance® Grain Free?

Natural Balance® offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas to meet the varying needs of all dogs and cats. To find the best formula for your best friend, web chat live with our Customer Care Team or call us at 800-829-4493, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST.

Donations and Sponsorship Programs

Do you have a Breeders or Trainers program?

At this time, we do not offer either of these programs.