Natural Balance is one of the leading brands for limited ingredient diets — allowing dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs to still enjoy their kibble.
But, for many dog owners, the price tag can be a pain.
Luckily, there are many affordable dog food options that are similar to Natural Balance. These formulas offer the same great taste, all without ingredients that can harm canines with sensitives.
My personal pick is American Journey Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free dog food.
This recipe includes a single animal protein, is grain-free, and doesn’t use any fillers that can negatively affect your dog.
I’ve also sourced four other great alternatives that are similar to popular Natural Balance recipes.
5 Natural Balance Alternatives
- American Journey Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food (Natural Balance L.I.D. Formula Alternative)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food (Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Puppy Formula Alternative)
- Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food (Natural Balance Fat Dogs Recipe Alternative)
- Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Dry Dog Food (Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Alternative)
- Iams ProActive Health Adult Canned Dog Food (Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef Formula Canned Dog Food)
Dog Food Similar to Natural Balance Reviewed
Natural Balance offers limited diet wet and dry food for dog’s that suffer from allergies, sensitivities, and other health problems — such as digestive issues.
Their dog foods are usually grain-free (or only include complex carbohydrates like oats), and never include by-product meals.
Below, I’ve listed my favorite affordable alternatives to Natural Balance, that are all still made with the same care and consideration for your canine.
Each formula on this list meets the AAFCO nutrient profiles for dogs. Before switching your dog to any of the below recipes, please consult your veterinarian.
American Journey Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food
American Journey Limited Ingredient dog food is the top alternative to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets. Both formulas include real duck, sweet potatoes, and sunflower oil as their main ingredients.
If you’re looking for a limited ingredient diet with higher protein than Natural Balance — at an affordable price — American Journey is your best bet. It includes 25% Crude Protein, versus the 24% that Natural Balance offers.
It also includes flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids, and sunflower oil for a healthy coat and skin. Plus, chickpeas and peas offer even more protein content to build and maintain muscles.
American Journey doesn’t utilize any allergens, inducing ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals. On top of that, it’s also free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
Even as puppies, some dogs have allergies. Purina Pro Plan offers a sensitive skin and stomach recipe that rivals Natural Balance’s Puppy Formula — and for a more affordable price.
With salmon as the first ingredient, this kibble provides protein without chicken, which is a common allergen amongst dogs. It also includes rice as a grain that’s more gentle on a puppy’s stomach.
Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, or live probiotics, are added to support gut health, and barley and oat meal offer fiber for happy tummies.
Fish oil offers omega-3 fatty acids that help puppies during growth — supporting their brain and vision development. Along with that, calcium and phosphorus, plus other minerals, are added to help build strong bones and teeth.
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food
Having an overweight dog may be common, but it can affect your pet in many ways — including aggravating their allergies.
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat dog food provides a lower calorie and fat option and is similar to its Natural Balance Fat Dogs formula counterpart. It’s also significantly more economical and easy on the wallet.
The formula was specifically designed to have the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats — with fewer calories to help support healthy weight loss.
It’s also formulated with glucosamine for joint health, omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, and antioxidants for a strong immune system.
Unlike Natural Balance, Eagle Pack starts with pork meal vs. chicken meal. This works out well for dogs that may have an allergy or sensitivity to poultry. Both formulas include peas, barley, and tomato pomace for antioxidants and digestible grains.
Eagle Pack dog food is made for pups with sensitivities, and without corn, wheat, or meat by-products. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Dry Dog Food
Did you know that there are studies that support a vegetarian diet for dogs? They report that many symptoms, including allergies and sensitivities, can be eased or completely eliminated by cutting meat out of your dog’s diet.
That’s where Nature’s Recipe Vegetarian comes in.
It’s great value for the money, just like Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula. Plus, Nature’s Recipe doesn’t skimp on quality ingredients.
Soybean meal provides a rich source of protein, and linoleic acid promotes a healthy heart. Copper and zinc are added to soothe itchy skin, and omega-6 fatty acids from canola oil help create a shinier coat.
Nature’s Recipe dog food doesn’t include any corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives. So, as long as your pup isn’t allergic to soy, this is a great alternative to meat heavy foods that may trigger sensitivities.
Iams ProActive Health Adult Canned Dog Food
Got a picky eater? If so, you may want to feed them wet food to get them to eat all of their dinner.
But wet food can get expensive quick, especially if you’re feeding them Natural Balance Ultra Premium Formula canned dog food.
Instead, give Iams ProActive Health canned dog food a chance.
Both options include beef as a main ingredient, offering a higher protein wet food option. However, Iams ProActive Health canned dog food also offers more moisture content, which is helpful if you’re feeding a senior dog or picky eater.
Plus, Iams includes vitamin E to help support a healthy immune system — as well as omega fatty-acids from chicken, fish oil, and beef to provide support to joints and skin.
Keep in mind that Iams ProActive Health uses wheat to create the “gravy” portion of the recipe. If your dog is allergic to wheat, this may not be the best option for them. However, it is free of other allergens like corn and soy.
How to Transition to An Alternate Dog Food
Great! You’ve picked your dog’s new food up, and you’re ready to switch them right away.
But wait — did you know that it’s not advised to switch your dog’s food so quickly?
Not only can it cause tummy troubles, but it can also cause your dog to have symptoms like diarrhea and hives until they get used to the food.
Instead, take it slow when switching their food. Typically, it will take about a week to fully transition your dog to a new formula.
Starting on the first day, mix about 25% of the new food in with their current food when feeding. Each day, you can increase the amount of new food by another 15% to 25%.
Eventually, you’ll be able to fully transition them over to the new formula. Of course, before you plan to switch your dog’s food, consult with your veterinarian. They can help you with making major changes to your dog’s diet.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable replacement to Natural Balance, I recommend American Journey’s Limited Ingredient Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe.
It’s the closest alternative, and offers comparable protein and high-quality ingredients. It also doesn’t include any top allergens that can cause your dog to experience discomfort.
Dogs with allergies and sensitivities shouldn’t be stuck with boring kibble. With the five Natural Balance alternatives on this list, they don’t have to be.