Is Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food a sensible everyday food for an adult dog? For some healthy adult dogs it may be a reasonable plant-based option. Whether it suits an individual dog is best decided with a vet. This review covers the ingredients, the nutrition numbers, real buyer feedback, and who it suits.
The brand’s own name for it is Vegetarian Recipe with Superfood Blend, and Amazon lists it as Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food, Vegetarian. It holds 4.6 out of 5 across 2,181 Amazon ratings as of October 2026, with an Amazon’s Choice badge on that date. Amazon ratings, review counts, and badges change over time.
It is a dry food made without animal protein. The first 3 ingredients are brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley, and the named protein ingredients are pea protein and potato protein. The brand describes it as a vegan friendly recipe and a complete and balanced alternative to a meat-based diet for adult dogs.
According to the brand, the recipe is formulated without animal protein, corn, wheat, or soy, and without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Taurine is added, and the brand links it to heart support. The brand’s own figures give at least 18% protein and 8% fat, with 365 calories (kcal) per cup.
One point to settle early. Moving a dog to a plant-based diet deserves more consideration than simply switching between similar formulas. This is a food for adult dogs, not a treatment for allergies or skin disease, and the brand itself recommends consulting a veterinarian for dogs with diagnosed allergies.
Veterinary Disclaimer. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. K9Sphere’s authors are experienced dog owners, not licensed veterinarians. Always consult a qualified DVM regarding any health concerns about your pet. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something read on this site.
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Product Snapshot
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food, Vegetarian, 24 lb
Plant-based dry food for adult dogs. Brown rice, oatmeal, barley, peas, and pea protein lead the list. Taurine added. 24 lb bag, also sold in 4 lb and 12 lb. Rating and Amazon’s Choice badge as of October 2026.
Check price on Amazon| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | Natural Balance |
| Product Type | Dry dog food (kibble) |
| Diet Type | Limited ingredient, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, per the listing |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| First 5 Ingredients | Brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, peas, pea protein |
| Formulated Without (per brand) | Animal protein, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives |
| Added Nutrient Highlighted | Taurine |
| Protein and Fat | At least 18% protein and 8% fat, per the brand |
| Calories | 365 kcal per cup, per the brand |
| Breed Size | All breed sizes, per the listing |
| Target Species | Dog |
| Sizes | 4 lb, 12 lb, and 24 lb (reviewed here) |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 (2,181 Amazon ratings as of October 2026) |
| First Listed on Amazon | May 3, 2022 |
What Is in the Bag
Brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley are the first 3 ingredients. Ingredient lists run in order of weight, so grains make up the base of this food. That also means it is not a grain free recipe. The brand describes grains like brown rice and oatmeal as wholesome.
Peas, pea protein, and potato protein come next. These are the named protein ingredients, and they are what replaces meat in this recipe. Potatoes follow, which the brand describes as highly digestible.
Canola oil and flaxseed are the fat ingredients. The brand’s figures list both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which it links to healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Taurine, L-carnitine, DL-methionine, and L-lysine are added nutrients. Methionine and lysine are amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The brand highlights the taurine and links it to heart support. That is the brand’s statement, not a medical claim made by this review.
Dried beet pulp and tomato pomace are fiber ingredients. Parsley, spinach, cranberries, and dried kelp appear late in the list. The brand’s name for the recipe mentions a superfood blend.
Preservatives named on the list are mixed tocopherols and citric acid, and rosemary extract is the last ingredient. The brand says the recipe has no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Why the list looks long for a limited ingredient food. Much of the second half of the list is added vitamins and minerals. According to the brand, a limited ingredient diet uses fewer, carefully selected ingredients to help reduce exposure to common food sensitivities while still providing complete and balanced nutrition. So the term describes how the brand chooses ingredients. It does not mean a short label.
| Full Ingredient List, in Label Order |
|---|
| Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Peas, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potato Protein, Potatoes, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Tomato Pomace, Natural Vegetable Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Flaxseed, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D2 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Parsley, Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Cranberries, L-Carnitine, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Rosemary Extract. |
Vegetarian or vegan. The product name says vegetarian. Natural Balance describes the recipe as vegan friendly, and the Amazon listing labels it vegan and plant-based. The ingredient list names no meat, dairy, or egg. For a strict vegan standard, confirm with Natural Balance.
A note on gluten. The Amazon listing describes the recipe as free from gluten, and its allergen field reads Corn-Free, Soy Free, Wheat Free. The brand’s own page says it is formulated without wheat and does not mention gluten. The recipe contains pearled barley, a grain generally classed among those that contain gluten.
An owner who needs a strictly gluten free diet for a dog should confirm the current recipe directly with Natural Balance before feeding it.
Nutrition Facts
The figures below come from Natural Balance’s own product page, checked in October 2026. Recipes and labels are updated over time, so the panel on your own bag is the one to go by.
| Nutrient | Guaranteed Level |
|---|---|
| Crude protein | At least 18.0% |
| Crude fat | At least 8.0% |
| Crude fiber | At most 5.0% |
| Moisture | At most 10.0% |
| Calcium | At least 0.5% |
| Phosphorus | At least 0.4% |
| Vitamin E | At least 50 IU per kg |
| Taurine | At least 0.1% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | At least 0.6% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | At least 2.0% |
| Calories | 3,480 kcal per kg, 365 kcal per cup |
A guaranteed analysis gives floors and ceilings, not exact amounts. The food has at least the protein and fat shown, and no more than the fiber and moisture shown.
The brand states that the recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. Maintenance is the label term for adult dogs. AAFCO lists it as a separate life stage from growth and from pregnancy and nursing.
Owners of very active or working dogs may want to ask a vet whether these protein and fat levels suit their dog.
Who It Suits
A Reasonable Fit For
- Adult dogs whose owners want a plant-based dry food
- Adult dogs avoiding animal protein on a vet’s advice
- Owners who want a recipe the brand formulates without corn, wheat, or soy
- Homes with more than one size of dog, since the listing recommends it for all breed sizes
- Owners who want to test a small bag first, since it comes in 4 lb
Not Ideal For
- Puppies, and pregnant or nursing dogs, since the nutrition statement is for adult maintenance
- Dogs that need a grain free diet, since rice, oatmeal, and barley lead the list
- Dogs that react to peas, potatoes, or any grain on the list
- Dogs with a diagnosed allergy or health condition, unless a vet has agreed to the switch
- Cats (this is a dog food)
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has addressed vegetarian diets more than once. An earlier FAQ from its nutrition committee says dogs can potentially receive all their required nutrients from a vegetarian diet, that these diets are harder to formulate, and that owners should consult a veterinarian.
A more recent WSAVA document, Principles of Wellness, published with HealthforAnimals, is more cautious. It says vegetarian and vegan diets frequently do not meet all nutritional needs and can be harmful as a result.
Both are general statements about vegetarian diets, not about this recipe, which is a commercial food. The brand states that it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance. The practical step is the same either way, which is to discuss a plant-based diet with a vet before switching.
A homemade vegetarian diet is a different matter and needs a vet or a veterinary nutritionist to balance it.
This food is sold as an everyday diet, not a veterinary diet. For a dog that is diabetic or overweight, or one with kidney disease, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, the choice of food belongs with a vet.
This recipe is labeled for adult dogs, and the nutrition statement is for adult maintenance. Puppies have different nutritional needs, so for a puppy, choose a food formulated for growth or follow a vet’s advice.
Switching and Feeding
The brand’s instruction is to switch gradually over a 7 to 10 day period, replacing 25% of the current diet every 2 to 3 days. In practice that gives 4 steps.
| Step | What Goes in the Bowl |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | 25% new food, 75% current food |
| Step 2 | 50% new food, 50% current food |
| Step 3 | 75% new food, 25% current food |
| Step 4 | 100% new food |
Each step lasts 2 to 3 days. How much to feed depends on the dog’s weight, and the feeding chart is printed on the bag. At 365 kcal per cup, measuring the food the same way each time is better than guessing.
According to the brand, mixing its limited ingredient dry and wet foods keeps a consistent ingredient profile while adding variety. The brand’s storage instruction is to keep the bag in a cool, dry place. Keep fresh water available at all times.
What to Expect After Switching
The brand’s answer on timing is that every dog is different, but many pet parents notice a change in digestion or skin and coat within a few weeks of consistent feeding. That is the brand’s own estimate, and individual results vary.
Buyer feedback points both ways on digestion. Some customers report no digestive issues. The one complaint noted in the listing’s review summary is that some dogs had diarrhea. For a dog prone to stomach upset, following the brand’s recommended gradual transition is a sensible way to start.
Food is one part of skin and coat care. For the washing side, see our guide to dog shampoo for itchy skin. Owners who are not avoiding animal products sometimes add a salmon oil supplement, which is a fish product and so is not vegetarian.
When to Stop and Call a Vet
Go back to the vet if a dog on any new food has vomiting, diarrhea that does not settle, a loss of appetite, weight loss, low energy, or itching that gets worse. Ongoing gastrointestinal problems need a diagnosis. A change of food does not replace finding out what is causing them.
What 2,100+ Amazon Customers Say
The figures below were recorded from the Amazon listing in October 2026 and may have moved since.
| Rating | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 5 Star | 82% |
| 4 Star | 9% |
| 3 Star | 3% |
| 2 Star | 2% |
| 1 Star | 4% |
What buyers like. The most mentioned positives are digestibility (138 mentions), health benefits (101), healthiness (94), the vegan recipe (94), value for money (93), being allergy friendly (79), and taste (57). Customers report that their dogs enjoy eating it, with one noting a dog more willing to eat it than animal-based alternatives.
Where opinions split. Side effects (56 mentions) is the one topic the listing marks as mixed. Some customers report no digestive issues, while others mention diarrhea. One customer describes an 8-year-old Great Dane thriving on it, which is a single experience and not a general result.
Worth noting. At 82% five-star and 4% one-star, this is a well rated food. Some reviewers say it helped dogs with severe allergies. These are counts of review topics and personal reports. They reflect what buyers saw in their own dogs and are not proof from a medical study.
Bag Sizes
| Size | A Practical Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 4 lb | A trial bag, to see whether the dog eats it and tolerates it | Check price on Amazon |
| 12 lb | A middle option for small dogs or a longer trial | Check price on Amazon |
| 24 lb | The bag reviewed here, for a dog already settled on the food | Check price on Amazon |
The listing shows a per-pound price for each size, which is the quickest way to see which is cheapest on the day. Value for money is one of the positively marked review topics.
For a picky eater, the 4 lb bag is the low-risk way to find out whether the dog accepts it before you buy a large bag.
Wherever you buy, check the expiration or best by date on the bag. For recall notices on any pet food, the FDA’s recall list is the official place to look.
This review covers one recipe. It does not rank Natural Balance vs Hill’s, Royal Canin, Merrick, Canidae, or any other competitor.
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food FAQ
What is a limited ingredient diet?
According to the brand, a limited ingredient diet uses fewer, carefully selected ingredients to help reduce exposure to common food sensitivities while still providing complete and balanced nutrition. It does not mean a short ingredient list.
Is this dog food vegan or vegetarian?
The product name says vegetarian. Natural Balance describes the recipe as vegan friendly, and the listing labels it vegan and plant-based. The ingredient list names no meat, dairy, or egg. For a strict vegan standard, confirm with the brand.
Is it grain free?
No. Brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley are the first 3 ingredients. The brand says the recipe is formulated without corn, wheat, or soy, which is a different claim from grain free.
Does it contain chicken?
No chicken is named on the ingredient list, and the brand says the recipe is formulated without animal protein. An owner avoiding chicken because of a suspected allergy or intolerance should still confirm the cause with a vet.
Is it a good dog food for allergies?
The brand says its limited ingredient formulas are designed for dogs with ingredient sensitivities and can help support sensitive stomachs and itchy skin. It also recommends consulting a veterinarian if a dog has diagnosed allergies. A food is not a treatment, and a dog can be sensitive to plant ingredients too.
It is also not the same as an elimination diet, which a vet sets up to find out whether a dog has a food allergy.
Is it complete and balanced?
The brand says so for adult dogs. Its stated standard is the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance, which is the adult category. That statement does not cover puppies or pregnant and nursing dogs.
Can puppies eat it?
It is sold as an adult food, and the brand’s nutrition statement is for adult maintenance. For a puppy, choose a food formulated for growth or ask a vet before feeding this recipe.
How long does it take to see results?
The brand says every dog is different, but many pet parents notice a change in digestion or skin and coat within a few weeks of consistent feeding. Individual results vary.
Can I mix it with wet food?
Yes, according to the brand. It says mixing its limited ingredient dry and wet foods keeps a consistent ingredient profile while adding variety, such as crunchy kibble with a soft texture.
Does it cause diarrhea?
Buyer reports go both ways. Some customers report no digestive issues, and others mention that their dogs had diarrhea. The brand’s instruction is to switch gradually over 7 to 10 days. If loose stools continue, stop and call a vet.
How many calories does it have?
The brand lists 365 kcal per cup and 3,480 kcal per kg. The feeding chart on the bag gives daily amounts by the dog’s weight.
Does it contain taurine?
Yes. Taurine is on the ingredient list, and the brand’s guaranteed analysis gives at least 0.1%. The brand links the added taurine to heart support.
Final Verdict
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food, Vegetarian, 24 lb
Limited ingredient vegetarian kibble for adult dogs. At least 18% protein and 8% fat, 365 kcal per cup, per the brand. 4.6/5 across 2,181 Amazon ratings as of October 2026.
Check price on AmazonThis is a reasonable choice for owners who want a plant-based dry food for an adult dog. The recipe is built on brown rice, oatmeal, and barley, with pea and potato protein in place of meat and taurine added. The brand states that it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.
Set expectations first. This is a food, not a treatment for allergies or skin disease. The 4.6 rating is strong, and digestion is where buyer reports differ. Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food may be a reasonable option for an adult dog when a vet is comfortable with a plant-based diet for that dog. Switch gradually, and see a vet if problems appear. Individual results vary.
Editorial Disclaimer. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary advice, medical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making health-related decisions for your pet.
Accuracy Notice. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented here is accurate and current, product details and availability evolve. Product facts come from the Natural Balance product page and the Amazon listing as checked in October 2026. If you spot a factual error or have updated information from a verified source, including on behalf of Natural Balance, please contact us so we can review and update.
Product Disclosure. Product recommendations are based on independent research and editorial judgment. Individual results may vary. As an Amazon Associate, K9Sphere earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost.
Brand Notice. Natural Balance is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the product. K9Sphere is an independent site and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Natural Balance. All other brand names mentioned belong to their respective owners.
Review Method. This review is based on product information, labeling, nutrition data, and customer review patterns available at the time of review. K9Sphere did not conduct laboratory analysis or feeding trials of this product.
Last reviewed October 2026. Article reviewed for accuracy on the date shown above.
