Summary
If you are wondering who makes Natural Balance dog food, the brand is currently part of Ethos Pet Brands, the specialty pet food company formed after Natural Balance and Canidae combined in 2023. Much of the food is produced in the United States, either at Ethos Pet Brands’ company-owned facility in Brownwood, Texas, or by selected third-party manufacturing partners. Natural Balance began in California in 1989 and has passed through several owners, including Del Monte Pet Products, Big Heart Pet Brands, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Nexus Capital Management. This guide explains the brand’s current ownership, manufacturing locations, product lines, ingredient philosophy, testing program, and recall history so you can make a better-informed feeding decision.
Table of Contents
- Who Makes Natural Balance Dog Food Today?
- Who Owns Natural Balance?
- Where Is Natural Balance Dog Food Made?
- Who Makes Natural Balance Dog Food Through Contract Manufacturing?
- Natural Balance Product Lines
- Ingredients and Limited-Ingredient Formulas
- Quality Control and the Feed With Confidence Program
- Does Natural Balance Meet AAFCO Standards?
- Natural Balance Dog Food Recall History
- Is Natural Balance Dog Food a Good Choice?
- Natural Balance Versus Freshpet
- How to Transition Your Dog Safely
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Natural Balance Dog Food Today?
Natural Balance dog food is made for Natural Balance Pet Foods, a premium American pet food brand currently owned by Ethos Pet Brands.
Ethos Pet Brands is the parent company of both Natural Balance and Canidae. It was established after the Natural Balance–Canidae merger closed in 2023, creating a combined specialty pet food platform.
The companies maintain distinct brand identities. Natural Balance continues to focus heavily on limited-ingredient solutions and targeted nutrition, while Canidae maintains its own recipes and product positioning. Sharing a parent company does not mean the foods are identical.
Natural Balance and Canidae may share manufacturing resources, research expertise, supplier relationships, and operational systems. However, every formula still has its own ingredient list, guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy statement, and feeding guidelines.
Current company information identifies the Brownwood, Texas, pet nutrition plant as a manufacturing site for products from both brands. Ethos says the facility opened in 2012 and now produces food for Natural Balance and Canidae. Natural Balance’s corporate announcement provides additional information about the relationship.
Is Natural Balance still owned by J.M. Smucker?
No. The J.M. Smucker Company no longer owns Natural Balance.
Smucker sold the Natural Balance business to Nexus Capital Management in 2021. In 2023, Natural Balance combined with Canidae, which was associated with L Catterton. The combined organization became Ethos Pet Brands.
Older Petco pages, articles, and reviews may still say J.M. Smucker makes Natural Balance. That information is outdated and reflects an earlier ownership period.
Is Nexus Capital still connected with Natural Balance?
Nexus Capital Management acquired Natural Balance from Smucker and later contributed the brand to the combined Ethos Pet Brands platform. L Catterton brought Canidae into the same organization.
Nexus Capital Management and L Catterton were the investment firms behind the formation of Ethos Pet Brands. The clearest current consumer-facing answer, however, is that Natural Balance belongs to Ethos Pet Brands.
The Ownership History of Natural Balance
Natural Balance has changed ownership several times. Understanding that history helps explain why older sources give conflicting answers about who manufactures the food.
Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick
Actor Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick founded Natural Balance in 1989. The company developed from an idea to create premium pet food using focused ingredients and thoughtful nutritional principles.
Natural Balance began with California roots and became associated with locations including Burbank and Upland, California. Over time, it expanded from a smaller specialty brand into a nationally distributed dog and cat food company.
Merger with Del Monte Pet Products
Natural Balance merged with Del Monte Pet Products in 2013. Del Monte’s pet food business included several established brands and provided Natural Balance with access to a much larger pet food organization.
Del Monte later renamed its pet products division Big Heart Pet Brands.
Acquisition by The J.M. Smucker Company
The J.M. Smucker Company acquired Big Heart Pet Brands in 2015. Natural Balance became part of Smucker’s pet food portfolio during this transaction.
This is why many older answers say Smucker owns or makes Natural Balance dog food. Smucker was an important former owner, but it is not the brand’s current parent company.
Sale to Nexus Capital Management
Smucker sold the Natural Balance business to Nexus Capital Management in 2021. Brian Connolly was appointed to lead Natural Balance during its transition into a stand-alone company under the investment firm.
Formation of Ethos Pet Brands
Natural Balance and Canidae completed their combination in 2023. The merged operation adopted the Ethos Pet Brands name, bringing the two premium pet food businesses under one parent organization.
This is the most useful ownership timeline:
| Period | Owner or parent organization |
| 1989 | Founded by Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick |
| 2013 | Merged with Del Monte Pet Products |
| 2014–2015 | Operated within Big Heart Pet Brands |
| 2015–2021 | Owned by The J.M. Smucker Company |
| 2021–2023 | Owned by Nexus Capital Management |
| 2023–present | Part of Ethos Pet Brands with Canidae |
Where Is Natural Balance Dog Food Made?
The majority of Natural Balance diets are manufactured in the United States. Production takes place either at the company-owned Brownwood, Texas, facility or through selected manufacturing partners.
This means Natural Balance does not necessarily make every formula in one factory. Manufacturing location can depend on:
- Product line
- Dry or wet format
- Recipe
- Package size
- Production equipment
- Manufacturing capacity
- Distribution requirements
Natural Balance says its manufacturing partners must follow customized quality and safety protocols designed to meet or exceed applicable FDA requirements. The company also states that its manufacturing sites must hold Safe Quality Food certification.
Brownwood, Texas
The Brownwood plant is the most clearly identified company-owned facility connected with Natural Balance. It originally developed as Canidae’s manufacturing operation and became part of the shared Ethos Pet Brands platform after the two businesses combined.
The plant now manufactures products for both Canidae and Natural Balance. It handles pet food production under the parent company’s manufacturing and quality-control systems.
A company-owned facility gives Ethos more direct control over:
- Equipment
- Production schedules
- Employee training
- Ingredient receiving
- Manufacturing protocols
- Sanitation
- Product traceability
- Quality assurance
- Finished-product testing
However, company ownership of one plant does not mean every Natural Balance product is produced there.
Third-party manufacturing locations
Natural Balance also uses carefully selected third-party manufacturing partners. These outside producers may make formulas requiring different equipment, such as canned dog food, wet trays, specialty treats, or particular dry-food production capabilities.
The company does not publish one simple public list connecting every recipe with a specific facility. Owners who want to identify the manufacturing location of a bag or can should contact Natural Balance with its complete product details.
Useful information includes:
- Full formula name
- Package size
- UPC code
- Lot code
- Best-if-used-by date
- Place of purchase
These codes help customer care identify the production run and manufacturing site.
Is Natural Balance dog food made in China?
Natural Balance states that the majority of its diets are manufactured in the United States. That does not necessarily mean every ingredient originates in the United States.
Pet food manufacturers may source vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other specialized ingredients globally. Ingredient origins can also change because of supply availability and quality requirements.
If country of origin is important to you, ask Natural Balance about the specific ingredient and formula rather than relying on a general internet claim.
Who Makes Natural Balance Dog Food Through Contract Manufacturing?
Natural Balance uses contract manufacturing for some products. A contract manufacturer produces food according to another company’s recipe, specifications, safety requirements, and packaging instructions.
This arrangement is common in the pet food industry because dry kibble, canned food, dog food rolls, wet trays, and treats require different equipment.
Using an outside manufacturer is not automatically a sign of low quality. The important questions are:
- How carefully is the manufacturer selected?
- Does the plant hold recognized food-safety certification?
- Who approves ingredient suppliers?
- Is each batch tested?
- Does Natural Balance retain access to production records?
- Can a lot be traced quickly?
- How are deviations investigated?
Natural Balance says its third-party partners must follow customized manufacturing protocols and quality standards. Its current company-owned Brownwood facility also reduces dependence on outside dry-food production.
Historical manufacturers connected with Natural Balance
Several manufacturers have appeared in Natural Balance’s historical recall and production records, including Diamond Pet Foods, American Nutrition, and Castleberry’s Food Company.
Those historical relationships should not be treated as a current manufacturing directory. Contracts change, factories close or change ownership, and brands move formulas between facilities.
For comparison, this guide to Diamond Dog Food explains how another U.S. manufacturer produces its own brands and has also worked as a co-packer.
Natural Balance Product Lines
Natural Balance offers dry dog food, wet dog food, canned dog food, treats, and specialized recipes. Some older product names have been discontinued, changed, or reorganized, so availability can differ by retailer.
Limited Ingredient Diets
Limited Ingredient Diets, often shortened to L.I.D., are among the brand’s best-known products. These recipes use a focused selection of ingredients and typically limit the primary protein and carbohydrate sources.
A limited-ingredient formula may be useful when an owner wants to reduce exposure to numerous animal proteins. It can also make the ingredient panel easier to evaluate for a dog with a suspected food sensitivity.
Common combinations have included:
- Salmon and brown rice
- Salmon and sweet potato
- Venison and sweet potato
- Chicken and brown rice
- Lamb and brown rice
A limited-ingredient food is not automatically hypoallergenic. A dog can react to any protein it has previously encountered.
Original Ultra
Original Ultra recipes focus on complete and balanced nutrition using combinations of animal protein, grains, vegetables, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
These formulas are designed for everyday feeding rather than a tightly controlled elimination diet.
Health Protection and Specialized Nutrition
Health Protection and Specialized Nutrition formulas provide more targeted support. Depending on the recipe, the intended benefits may involve digestion, healthy weight, joints, immune function, skin and coat health, or another nutritional goal.
A targeted retail formula should not be confused with a veterinary prescription diet. Dogs with diagnosed disease should follow a veterinarian’s recommendations.
Fat Dogs and reduced-calorie recipes
Natural Balance has offered Fat Dogs and other reduced-calorie formulas intended to support weight control. These diets typically manage calories and fat while using fiber to help dogs feel satisfied.
Weight loss still depends on portion control and total calorie intake. Treats and table food must be included in the daily calculation.
Other Natural Balance lines
Natural Balance has used additional product names such as Delectable Delights, Platefulls, Wild Pursuit, REWARDS, and vegetarian dog food.
Some belong to dog food, cat food, treat, or historical ranges. Check the current label to determine whether a product is a complete meal, topper, treat, or supplemental food.
Ingredients and Limited-Ingredient Formulas
Natural Balance recipes use different combinations of animal protein, plant protein, carbohydrates, oils, vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients.
Potential protein sources include chicken, salmon, venison, lamb, beef, and plant-based ingredients such as potato protein.
Carbohydrate ingredients may include brown rice, green peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, or grains. Certain formulas contain canola oil or tomato pomace for fat, fiber, or processing functions.
Grain-free versus grain-inclusive
Natural Balance sells both grain-free and grain-inclusive food.
Grain-free formulas may replace wheat, corn, rice, or other grains with peas, potatoes, lentils, or similar ingredients. Grain-free does not mean carbohydrate-free, and it is not automatically more nutritious.
Most dogs do not need to avoid grains unless a veterinarian has identified a relevant sensitivity. Food allergies in dogs are more commonly associated with proteins than with grains.
What limited ingredient really means
“Limited ingredient” has no single universal formula across every brand. In Natural Balance products, it generally means the recipe uses fewer selected protein and carbohydrate sources than a conventional multi-protein food.
Always read the complete ingredient list. A recipe may use one named animal protein while also containing plant protein, natural flavor, fats, or other ingredients that matter for an elimination trial.
Owners investigating a genuine food allergy should work with a veterinarian. An over-the-counter limited-ingredient diet may not provide the same contamination controls as a veterinary therapeutic elimination diet.
Quality Control and the Feed With Confidence Program
Natural Balance promotes a Feed With Confidence program built around transparency, validation, testing, and access to trained pet health professionals.
The company says each batch of Natural Balance food and treats undergoes safety and quality testing. Pet owners can request product testing results using the package’s UPC and lot number.
Testing can include:
- Nutrient content
- Microbiological safety
- Salmonella
- Toxins
- Oxidation
- Mycotoxins
- Ingredient identity
- Package stability
- Shelf-life evaluation
Not every test is required for every recipe. Testing decisions depend on the ingredients and risk assessment. A grain-free recipe without grain or yeast ingredients, for example, may not need the same mycotoxin panel as a grain-inclusive product.
Natural Balance has historically referenced accredited food laboratories and ISO 17025 accreditation in connection with its testing efforts. Laboratory accreditation concerns testing competence and procedures; it is not a guarantee that recalls can never occur.
Product testing results
Owners can request results by providing the ten-digit UPC and seven-digit lot number printed on the package.
This approach supports traceability because the company can connect the request with the exact batch rather than offering only general testing statements.
Natural Balance also employs Registered Veterinary Technicians and animal health professionals who can help answer feeding and product questions.
Does Natural Balance Meet AAFCO Standards?
Natural Balance states that its recipes are formulated to meet applicable AAFCO nutrient profiles and that nutritional compliance is checked through finished-product analysis.
AAFCO does not approve individual dog foods. It develops nutrient profiles, ingredient definitions, and model regulations used by manufacturers and government regulators.
Look for an adequacy statement identifying the intended life stage:
- Adult maintenance
- Growth
- Gestation and lactation
- All life stages
- Supplemental or intermittent feeding
A food labeled for adult maintenance may not meet the nutritional requirements of a growing puppy. Similarly, a treat or topper should not replace a complete and balanced diet.
Check calorie content and feeding guidelines as well. Two formulas that meet the same AAFCO nutrient profile can contain different calories, ingredients, fat levels, and protein sources.
Natural Balance Dog Food Recall History
Natural Balance has experienced recalls during its history. These events involved different products, manufacturers, contaminants, and ownership periods.
The 2007 melamine recalls
In 2007, certain Natural Balance products were involved in the wider pet food recall associated with melamine contamination. Rice protein concentrate was identified as a concern in affected products.
Natural Balance stated that American Nutrition, a contract manufacturer, had added rice protein concentrate in what the brand described as a manufacturing deviation. The episode highlighted the importance of ingredient verification and oversight of third-party manufacturers.
Certain canned products were also recalled during the Castleberry’s Food Company botulism event, although the pet food recall was precautionary and connected with products from the same manufacturing environment.
Salmonella-related recalls
Natural Balance has also participated in voluntary recalls involving potential Salmonella contamination. Some dry products were historically made through outside manufacturers, including Diamond Pet Foods.
A recall involving a contract plant does not necessarily affect every brand, recipe, or factory associated with that manufacturer. Lot codes and best-by dates determine whether a package is included.
Cat food recalls versus dog food recalls
Not every Natural Balance recall involved dog food. In 2020, one cat food lot was recalled because of elevated choline chloride. Possible symptoms ranged from vomiting and excessive salivation to tremors, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing.
In 2021, Natural Balance recalled specific L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken dry cat food lots because of potential Salmonella contamination. The FDA recall announcement identified the affected UPC, lot code, and best-if-used-by date.
These cat food recalls should not be misrepresented as recalls of every Natural Balance dog food product.
What owners should do
If a Natural Balance product looks or smells abnormal:
- Stop feeding the suspected food.
- Save the original package.
- Photograph the UPC, lot number, and best-by date.
- Check current FDA and manufacturer recall information.
- Contact Natural Balance customer care.
- Consult a veterinarian if the dog shows symptoms.
- Clean bowls, scoops, containers, and nearby surfaces.
Vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, unusual tiredness, or other symptoms can have many causes. A veterinarian should evaluate persistent or severe illness.
Is Natural Balance Dog Food a Good Choice?
Natural Balance may suit owners looking for limited-ingredient recipes, multiple protein choices, grain-free and grain-inclusive options, or targeted nutritional formulas.
Its strongest potential advantage is recipe variety. However, no brand is automatically appropriate for every dog.
Consider:
- Life stage
- Body condition
- Activity level
- Protein tolerance
- Food sensitivity
- Calorie needs
- Medical history
- Stool quality
- Skin and coat condition
- Product availability
- Household budget
The main Dog Eating section provides additional guidance for comparing foods based on nutrition and feeding needs.
Natural Balance Versus Freshpet
Natural Balance mainly offers shelf-stable kibble, wet food, and treats, while Freshpet specializes in refrigerated, fully cooked meals.
Owners comparing the two can begin with this overview of Freshpet Dog Food. The guide explaining who makes Freshpet dog food also compares Freshpet’s company-owned refrigerated kitchens with traditional and contract pet food manufacturing.
Storage is another major difference. Dry Natural Balance food can remain in a cool, dry area, while Freshpet must stay refrigerated. Read How Long Does Freshpet Last before choosing refrigerated meals.
Cost and portioning also differ. The Freshpet Dog Food Cost monthly can help you compare ongoing expenses, while the guide on how much Freshpet to feed dog explains calorie-based portions.
Puppy owners should pay particular attention to nutritional adequacy. Review Is Freshpet Good for Puppies before replacing a growth formula with refrigerated food.
How to Transition Your Dog Safely
Natural Balance recommends a gradual food transition over approximately seven to ten days.
| Transition period | Current food | Natural Balance |
| Days 1–2 | 75% | 25% |
| Days 3–4 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 5–6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7 onward | 0% | 100% |
Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need a slower change. Monitor stool quality, appetite, vomiting, itching, gas, and energy.
A dog refusing new food may be reacting to flavor, texture, routine, stress, or learned feeding behavior. Understanding Dog Psychology can help owners distinguish behavioral reluctance from a possible health problem.
Do not force a dog to continue eating food that repeatedly causes vomiting or diarrhea. Contact a veterinarian when symptoms persist, become severe, or involve a puppy, senior dog, or animal with an existing medical condition.
Conclusion
Natural Balance dog food is currently part of Ethos Pet Brands, the parent organization created after Natural Balance and Canidae combined. The majority of Natural Balance diets are made in the United States, either at the company-owned Brownwood, Texas, facility or through selected manufacturing partners.
The brand was founded by Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick in 1989 and later passed through Del Monte Pet Products, Big Heart Pet Brands, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Nexus Capital Management before joining Ethos.
Natural Balance offers limited-ingredient, grain-free, grain-inclusive, weight-management, specialized nutrition, wet food, dry food, and treat options. Its Feed With Confidence program provides batch-level testing information through a product’s UPC and lot code.
Before selecting a recipe, confirm its life-stage statement, protein source, calorie content, ingredient list, guaranteed analysis, feeding guide, manufacturing information, and best-by date. If your dog has a food allergy, chronic digestive problem, or medical condition, consult a veterinarian before changing diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Natural Balance dog food?
Natural Balance dog food is made for Natural Balance Pet Foods, which is currently part of Ethos Pet Brands.
Where is Natural Balance dog food made?
Most Natural Balance diets are made in the United States at the Brownwood, Texas, facility or through selected manufacturing partners.
Who owns Natural Balance dog food?
Ethos Pet Brands is the current parent company of Natural Balance and Canidae.
Is Natural Balance still owned by J.M. Smucker?
No. Smucker sold Natural Balance to Nexus Capital Management in 2021.
Did Natural Balance merge with Canidae?
Yes. Natural Balance and Canidae combined in 2023 to form the Ethos Pet Brands platform.
Does Natural Balance own a manufacturing plant?
Ethos Pet Brands operates a company-owned pet food facility in Brownwood, Texas, that manufactures Natural Balance and Canidae products.
Is Natural Balance made by Diamond Pet Foods?
Diamond Pet Foods historically manufactured certain Natural Balance products, but that does not establish the manufacturer of current recipes.
Is Natural Balance dog food made in China?
The company says most diets are manufactured in the United States. Some ingredients may be globally sourced.
Is Natural Balance a limited-ingredient dog food?
Natural Balance offers a well-known Limited Ingredient Diets line, but it also sells other conventional and specialized formulas.
Is Natural Balance grain-free?
The brand offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes.
Is Natural Balance dog food AAFCO approved?
AAFCO does not approve foods. Natural Balance states that its recipes are formulated to meet applicable AAFCO nutrient profiles.
Has Natural Balance dog food been recalled?
Yes. Natural Balance has participated in historical recalls involving issues such as melamine and possible Salmonella contamination.
Does Natural Balance test every batch?
The company says its Feed With Confidence program tests every batch and provides results using the UPC and lot number.
How do I find the lot number?
Look on the back or bottom of the package near the best-if-used-by date and production information.
Is Natural Balance suitable for food allergies?
A limited-ingredient recipe may reduce exposure to certain proteins, but diagnosed food allergies should be managed with veterinary guidance.
How long should a food transition take?
A gradual transition generally takes seven to ten days, although sensitive dogs may need longer.
