Some displayed label, nutrition, calorie, price, package, or availability fields come from retailer pages. They are usable for beta, but can change and are not treated as manufacturer/package verification.
Natural Balance · Limited ingredient dry dog food · Captured April 30, 2026
Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Manufacturer and retailer sources support salmon as the first ingredient, adult maintenance AAFCO language, calcium/phosphorus, and calorie data. Limited-ingredient marketing is not scored separately from the actual label, and the 2021 Natural Balance dry cat-food Salmonella recall is disclosed as brand-level regulatory history, not a defect in this scored dog food SKU.
AdultKibblePartially verified
Strengths
- Nutrition Fit 8.0 / 10AAFCO adequacy clears the rubric and dry-matter protein and fat land in the bands we expect.
- Low sensitivity risk 10.0 / 10Few of the most-named adverse-reaction trigger ingredients high on the label.
- Sensitivity Risk 10.0 / 10Sensitivity Risk is reconstructed from common allergen exposure patterns in the ingredient list.
Watch-outs
- Common triggers on the labelSkip if your dog avoids fish, yeast, canola oil. We surface this regardless of sub-score.
- Partially verified source confidenceSome label or pricing fields rely on retailer-mediated capture rather than the manufacturer source. See evidence notes below.
- Brand Trust 6.4 / 10Brand Trust is still using the seed subscore while source signals are captured, reviewed, or blocked by conflict.
Data status
Partially verified
Some primary-source fields are verified; unresolved fields remain visible.
- Captured
- April 30, 2026
Why partial?
Source caveats on this scorecard.
These notes explain what the current sources can and cannot support. Missing or unresolved evidence is not scored as a product defect.
Brand-level recall or enforcement history is shown as context after source matching and manual disposition. It is not treated as a defect in this product unless the source match is product- or SKU-relevant.
The current warning-letter table may have been checked, but full export or archive coverage is still incomplete. Unknown status stays unknown, not false.
Launch readiness
Ready for public beta.
Public copy QA passed for beta. This is still partial-source data, so unresolved Brand Trust and warning-letter gates remain visible.
Promote to public beta with the 2021 Natural Balance dry cat-food Salmonella recall, partial Brand Trust, warning-letter full-export gap, price freshness gap, and manufacturer ingredient-source limitation visible; do not mark verified.
- Lane
- Public beta
- Packet
- ready for public beta
- Product source
- partially verified
ManufacturercapturedRetailercapturedIngredientscapturedGAcapturedAAFCOcapturedBrand TrustpartialRecallcapturedWarningpartialScorecaptured
Brand Trust scoring
Brand Trust source capture is in progress.
Captured Brand Trust signals are shown for auditability, but they do not affect the product score until the record is verified.
- Record status
- partially verified
- Score path
- Seed score still in use
- Unknown signals
- 10
- Conflicts
- 0
- Brand sources
- 4
What we know
Captured from source records.
- Manufacturer source supports product identity, life stage, available sizes, calories, guaranteed analysis, and AAFCO maintenance statement.
- Retailer source supports ingredient list, 24 lb package price, guaranteed analysis, calories, and package size.
- Wet/dry comparison uses dry matter basis from the captured moisture value.
- FDA recall archive matching is complete and manually dispositioned for the brand.
- FDA company announcement confirms a May 20, 2021 Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken dry cat-food recall for possible Salmonella contamination; no other Natural Balance products were reported impacted on that page.
- Current FDA warning-letter table export checked 1,000 rows with zero Natural Balance matches; active-warning-letter status remains unknown until full export/archive coverage is available.
Still unresolved
Not product defects.
- Manufacturer source uses an image/accordion for ingredients; retailer text is used for the ordered ingredient list.
- Brand Trust signal record is partially verified, not complete.
- FDA warning-letter full-export coverage remains blocked by FDA export limitations.
- The 2021 Natural Balance cat-food recall is disclosed as brand-level regulatory history; it is not a defect in this scored dog food SKU.
- Retail price can change and should be refreshed before public launch.
Buyer read
What should you take away?
Looks promising, with a few checks still worth making.
For Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, the main watch-outs are: brand-level evidence needs more source support. This is an evidence read, not a medical recommendation.
8.0
Nutrition FitAAFCO fit, calories, and dry matter protein/fat ranges.
6.4
Brand TrustWSAVA-style signals, recall mapping, and source confidence.
7.0
Ingredient ClarityNamed sources and label specificity.
10.0
Sensitivity RiskPopulation-level common allergen exposure.
7.0
ValueEstimated price per 1,000 kcal within category.
Score math
How PetScored got there.
Expand to see the rule-by-rule trail. Useful for checking the rubric; not required to make a buying decision.
dog-food-v1.0-label-events
Score math
How PetScored got there.
Expand to see the rule-by-rule trail. Useful for checking the rubric; not required to make a buying decision.
Nutrition Fit8.030% of total score
7 scoring rule(s)0 context item(s)
Nutrition Fit is reconstructed from deterministic dog-food v1 rules using the currently available fixture fields.
AAFCO statement matches declared life stageA verified AAFCO adequacy statement earns points only when it matches the declared life stage.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.+3.0AFeeding trials substantiate adequacyFeeding-trial language receives additional credit because it is stronger evidence than formulated-to-meet language.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.0.0AProtein dry matter basis in rangeProtein is compared on dry matter basis against the adult maintenance range of 18-35%.
26.7%+2.0AFat dry matter basis in rangeFat is compared on dry matter basis against the adult maintenance range of 5.5-20%.
13.3%+2.0ACalcium and phosphorus listedThis can earn credit once the nutrition panel stores calcium and phosphorus fields from a verified source.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0BCalorie statement presentA calorie statement is needed for value, feeding-cost, and cross-format comparison work.
360 kcal/cup+1.0ALarge-breed puppy statementThis rule is not applicable unless the product is marketed for large-breed puppies.
not applicable0.0ABrand Trust6.425% of total score
1 scoring rule(s)14 context item(s)seed in use
Brand Trust is still using the seed subscore while source signals are captured, reviewed, or blocked by conflict.
Brand Trust signal record pending verificationBrand Trust requires source-backed evidence for nutrition staff, manufacturing, recalls, research, and transparency. The seed score remains visible until those signals are verified.
partially_verified; 4 source(s) capturedcontextSeedNamed qualified nutritionistA publicly named qualified nutritionist earns Brand Trust credit when the source record verifies it. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextAOwns primary manufacturing facilitiesOwnership or direct operation of primary manufacturing earns credit when verified from brand or facility sources. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextACurrent feeding-trial evidenceCurrent AAFCO feeding-trial evidence earns Brand Trust credit when it is tied to the product or line. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextAPublishes peer-reviewed researchPeer-reviewed product or nutrition research earns credit when verified. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextAComplete nutrient analysis availableComplete nutrient analysis availability earns credit when source-backed. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextANo FDA recall in past five yearsRecall credit requires verified matching against FDA recall/enforcement records.
verified_falsecontextANo FDA Class I recall everClass I recall history must be source-matched before credit is awarded. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextACountry-of-origin sourcing publishedPublished sourcing information earns partial Brand Trust credit when verified. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextBSame ownership for 10+ yearsOwnership stability earns limited heuristic credit when verified. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextCActive FDA warning letterActive FDA warning letters reduce Brand Trust when verified and relevant. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextACannot identify qualified nutritionistIf research cannot identify a qualified nutritionist anywhere, Brand Trust is reduced. This signal is unknown and is shown as research debt, not treated as false.
unknowncontextAUnknown Brand Trust signalsUnknown Brand Trust signals are shown as research debt. They do not change the score until source verification is complete.
10 unresolved signal(s)contextSeedBrand Trust seed subscorePrototype score imported from the seed fixture. This keeps the public page auditable while verified rule events replace seed values.
6.4 / 10+6.4SeedSource confidence visibleConfidence is shown beside the score so prototype, single-source, verified, stale, and conflict records are not treated the same.
Partially verifiedcontextSeedIngredient Clarity7.015% of total score
8 scoring rule(s)0 context item(s)
Ingredient Clarity is reconstructed from named-source and label-specificity rules.
Animal protein sources named in top 10Named species such as chicken meal or salmon count as clearer than generic terms such as meat meal or poultry by-product meal.
salmon | salmon meal (source of glucosamine)+3.0BFat sources named in top 10Named fats, such as chicken fat or salmon oil, are clearer than generic animal fat.
canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols)+2.0BGrain sources are specificSpecific grains such as rice, barley, oatmeal, or sorghum earn clarity credit. Generic grain terms do not.
brown rice | oatmeal | brewers rice | rice bran+1.0BPreservatives explicitly namedExplicit preservative language earns clarity credit because the label tells readers what is preserving the fat or formula.
canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) | mixed tocopherols (preservative) | rosemary extract.+1.0ACountry of manufacture statedThis can earn credit once the product source record stores a verified made-in or country-of-manufacture statement.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0CManufacturer identifiableThis can earn credit once the source record identifies the manufacturer from a verified product page or label.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0CCo-packer or facility disclosedThis can earn credit once the product or brand source record publicly discloses the facility or co-packer.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0CIngredient splitting high on labelRelated starch or pulse ingredients high on the label are flagged for transparency. This is not treated as proof of harm.
rice: brown rice | brewers rice | rice bran0.0CSensitivity Risk10.015% of total score
9 scoring rule(s)0 context item(s)
Sensitivity Risk is reconstructed from common allergen exposure patterns in the ingredient list.
Sensitivity baselineSensitivity Risk starts at 10 and adjusts for common exposure patterns. It is not a prediction for an individual dog.
10 / 10 before ingredient exposure adjustments+10.0ABeef or beef-derived ingredient in top 5Beef exposure in the top five ingredients lowers the score because beef is commonly reported in canine food-reaction studies.
salmon | salmon meal (source of glucosamine) | brown rice | oatmeal | brewers rice0.0ADairy ingredient anywhereDairy exposure is counted anywhere on the label because even lower-position ingredients may matter for sensitive dogs.
salmon | salmon meal (source of glucosamine) | brown rice | oatmeal | brewers rice | dried yeast | canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) | rice bran | flaxseed | natural flavor | potassium chloride | salt | vitamins (vitamin e supplement | ascorbic acid | niacin supplement | vitamin a supplement | menadione sodium bisulfite complex | thiamine mononitrate | d-calcium pantothenate | riboflavin supplement | pyridoxine hydrochloride | vitamin b12 supplement | folic acid | biotin) | choline chloride | calcium carbonate | minerals (zinc proteinate | zinc sulfate | ferrous sulfate | iron proteinate | copper sulfate | copper proteinate | sodium selenite | manganese sulfate | manganese proteinate | calcium iodate) | taurine | mixed tocopherols (preservative) | dl-methionine | rosemary extract.0.0AChicken or chicken-derived ingredient in top 5Chicken exposure in the top five ingredients lowers the score as a population-level sensitivity flag.
salmon | salmon meal (source of glucosamine) | brown rice | oatmeal | brewers rice0.0AWheat or wheat gluten in top 5Wheat exposure in the top five ingredients is flagged without implying the food is unsafe.
salmon | salmon meal (source of glucosamine) | brown rice | oatmeal | brewers rice0.0ALamb in top 5Lamb receives a smaller exposure adjustment under the current dog-food rubric.
salmon | salmon meal (source of glucosamine) | brown rice | oatmeal | brewers rice0.0AMultiple common sensitivity ingredients in top 5Multiple common exposure families high in the ingredient list receive an additional small adjustment.
0 of beef, dairy, chicken, wheat detected0.0BHydrolyzed protein primary dietHydrolyzed-protein diets can receive credit when hydrolyzed protein is a primary ingredient.
not detected0.0ASingle novel protein sourceA single novel animal protein can receive credit, but marketing claims alone do not count.
not detected0.0BValue7.015% of total score
3 scoring rule(s)2 context item(s)
Value is reconstructed from package size, price, kcal density, category median, and quality caps.
Package weight parsedPackage weight is parsed from the product fixture so price can be normalized before scoring.
10.89 kgcontextCCost per 1,000 kcal calculatedValue uses calories rather than package price alone, because calorie density changes how long a bag lasts.
USD 1.89contextCCategory relative price bandThe base Value score comes from cost per 1,000 kcal relative to the product category median.
86% of Limited ingredient dry median+7.0CNutrition Fit value capA low Nutrition Fit score caps Value so a cheap food is not over-rewarded when core nutrition evidence is weak.
Nutrition Fit 8.00.0CBrand Trust value capA low Brand Trust score caps Value so price does not overpower weak manufacturer/source signals.
Brand Trust 6.40.0CIngredients
Parsed label
Salmon, Salmon Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Brewers Rice, Dried Yeast, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), DL-Methionine, Rosemary Extract.
Sensitivity flags
May matter for individual dogs
fishyeastcanola oilnatural flavorvitamin K
Source record
Confidence is visible by design.
Manufacturer nutrition fields, retailer ingredient/price record, FDA recall disposition, and current FDA warning-letter table check are captured. Brand Trust remains partial, so the product is public-beta ready but not verified.
- Captured
- April 30, 2026
- Confidence
- Partially verified
- Sources
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice official product pagemanufacturer · captured 2026-04-29Chewy Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice 24 lb product pageretailer · captured 2026-04-29FDA Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken dry cat-food recallregulatory · captured 2026-04-30FDA Warning Letters current tableregulatory · captured 2026-04-30
- Evidence notes
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice official product pageOfficial page lists adult life stage, 4/12/24 lb sizes, 3538 kcal/kg, 360 kcal/cup, calcium/phosphorus, and AAFCO maintenance language.Chewy Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice 24 lb product pageRetailer page showed the 24 lb bag, $72.98 price, ordered ingredient list, 3538 kcal/kg, and guaranteed analysis used in the fixture.FDA Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken dry cat-food recallFDA company announcement dated May 20, 2021 identifies a Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Chicken Dry Cat Formula recall for possible Salmonella contamination and states no other Natural Balance products were impacted.FDA Warning Letters current tableOfficial FDA warning-letter export, content current as of 2026-04-28, checked 1,000 rows with zero Natural Balance matches. Full export/archive coverage remains unavailable.
- Adequacy
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Appears in
PetScored best-for lists this food is on
- Best dog food for sensitive dogsRanked by lowest population-level sensitivity risk. We do not diagnose individual dogs; the goal is to reduce the number of common trigger ingredients on the label.
- Best limited-ingredient dog foodLimited-ingredient diets work when the label is short, the protein is named, and the brand can prove what is in the bag. We rank on those three things.
- Best-value dog foodRanked by estimated cost per 1,000 kcal within category. Cheap kibble can score well here; that is the point. Cost per calorie is the only honest value metric.
- Most transparent dog food brandsRanked on the combined Ingredient Clarity and Brand Trust sub-scores. These brands publish more about what is in the bag, where it came from, and how it is made.
Where to buy
Buying Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Reader-supported. We may earn a commission if you buy through these search links. Affiliate revenue does not affect the score on this page. Use whichever retailer you prefer.
FAQ
About Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
What is the PetScored rating for Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe?
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe scores 7.6 out of 10 on the PetScored deterministic rubric. Strongest sub-score: Sensitivity Risk. Weakest sub-score: Brand Trust. See the full sub-score breakdown and rule-event trail on the scorecard.
Is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe good for dogs with food sensitivities?
Skip this food if your dog avoids fish, yeast, canola oil, natural flavor. These are common adverse-reaction trigger ingredients in published case series. If your dog tolerates these proteins, the sub-score reflects the population-level risk; individual dogs vary.
Is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe AAFCO complete and balanced?
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe carries this AAFCO adequacy statement: "Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance." This is an adult-maintenance statement — not adequate for puppies, growth, or pregnancy.
What life stage is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe for?
Per the bag, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is intended for Adult (format: Kibble). Always cross-check the AAFCO statement on your actual bag, since recipes and life-stage designations can change between production runs.
How much does Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe cost per calorie?
Captured retailer price: $72.98 for a 24 lb bag bag, at 3538 kcal/kg. PetScored Value sub-score benchmarks cost per 1,000 kcal against the category median rather than the sticker price — see the Value detail on the scorecard.