Natural Balance Pet Foods
Product brand
UnclaimedNatural Balance Pet Foods is an American pet-food brand known for limited-ingredient, specialty, and zoological diets for dogs and cats.
Last updated August 24, 2026
Overview
Natural Balance Pet Foods is an American pet-food brand founded in 1989 by actor Dick Van Patten. The brand originated from conversations between Van Patten and Joey Herrick, a drummer and animal rescuer, about developing healthier food for companion animals. Advice from a veterinarian who played tennis with Van Patten helped shape the early product philosophy: formulas should avoid unnecessary fillers and emphasize identifiable ingredients, with early recipes particularly associated with the exclusion of wheat, corn, soy, and animal by-products. The brand adopted the long-running marketing themes “Food For a Lifetime” and “the finest food you can buy for your pet.” The company initially struggled financially and gained important retail exposure when Petco began carrying and promoting its products in a network of more than 625 stores. Over time, Natural Balance expanded from a relatively focused health-oriented offering into a broad range of dry, wet, canned, treat, and roll formats for dogs and cats. Its principal families have included Limited Ingredient Diets, Original Ultra Whole Body Health, Vegetarian formulas, and Wild Pursuit high-protein diets. The portfolio has also included specialized foods for animals with dietary sensitivities and products designed around alternative protein sources. Natural Balance developed an additional business area in zoological nutrition. Its zoological formulas were intended for carnivores housed in zoos and wildlife parks rather than for general retail sale. The program was associated with research and development led by Dr. Martin R. Dinnes and supplied institutions including Big Cat Rescue, Shambala Preserve, Toledo Zoo, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld. The company also promoted working-dog applications and became the official dog-food provider for the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arson-investigation and explosives-detection canine programs. The brand underwent several ownership changes. In 2013, Natural Balance merged with Del Monte Foods. The J.M. Smucker Company acquired Natural Balance and other Big Heart Pet Brands assets from Del Monte in 2015. In 2021, Smucker sold the brand to Nexus Capital Management LP in a transaction reported at $50 million. Natural Balance remains associated with Big Heart Pet Brands under its current ownership structure. Natural Balance’s history also includes significant product-safety events. The brand participated in the widespread 2007 melamine-related pet-food recalls, withdrawing selected venison-based dry foods and later certain canned products. A separate canned-food recall occurred in 2007 in connection with a possible botulism outbreak involving a supplier, although no illnesses were reported from the pet food. In response to the 2007 incidents, the company established an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory to test production runs for multiple toxins before distribution. In 2020, a single lot of Ultra Premium Chicken & Chicken Liver Paté cat food was voluntarily recalled after elevated choline chloride was identified. These events made testing, supplier control, and formula transparency important parts of the brand’s operating story.
History
Natural Balance began in 1989 after actor Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick discussed the possibility of producing healthier food for dogs and cats. Herrick’s experience rescuing animals and Van Patten’s interest in animal care provided the initial impetus. A veterinarian known to Van Patten advised that high-quality food should avoid fillers and ingredients such as wheat, corn, soy, and by-products. These ideas informed the brand’s early recipes and its health-focused market identity. The young company initially operated at a loss. Its prospects improved when Petco began stocking the brand and displaying it across more than 625 stores. Retail distribution helped Natural Balance move from a niche, founder-led concept to a recognizable specialty pet-food business. The company subsequently developed a wider assortment of dry and wet formulas, canned foods, treats, and food rolls. Some early food rolls were later reformulated to replace wheat flour with brown rice, illustrating the brand’s continuing emphasis on ingredient positioning. Natural Balance’s product development extended beyond conventional household pet food. The company created zoological formulas for carnivores in zoos and wildlife parks, which were not generally sold to consumers. The program involved specialized research and was associated with Dr. Martin R. Dinnes, a founding member of the American College of Zoological Medicine. The formulas were used by a number of animal institutions, including Big Cat Rescue, Shambala Preserve, Toledo Zoo, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld. The brand also established institutional and charitable relationships. It became the official dog food of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arson-investigation and explosives-detection canines. In partnership with the Petco Foundation, it supported an effort to raise money honoring guide dogs and military working dogs and to help create a national monument for military working dogs at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Ownership changed repeatedly during the company’s expansion. Natural Balance merged with Del Monte Foods in May 2013. In March 2015, the J.M. Smucker Company acquired Natural Balance and Big Heart Pet Brands from Del Monte. Smucker later sold the brand to Nexus Capital Management LP in 2021; the transaction was reported at $50 million. Natural Balance is described as a Big Heart Pet Brands subsidiary under its current ownership structure. Product safety has been an important part of the company’s history. In April 2007, Natural Balance notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of complaints involving certain venison dry dog and cat foods. Testing found trace melamine, believed to have come from rice protein concentrate, and the company issued a voluntary recall. Later that month, it recalled selected canned dog and cat foods after the same contaminant was identified. Natural Balance said the rice protein concentrate had been added by its canned-food manufacturer without authorization, while the manufacturer disputed any intentional wrongdoing and characterized the situation as a formulation or manufacturing issue. In July 2007, a further small-lot recall involved possible links to a botulism outbreak associated with Castleberry’s Food Company; no illnesses were reported from the pet food. Following the 2007 recalls, Natural Balance built an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory intended to test every production run for nine toxins before products reached retailers. On July 3, 2020, J.M. Smucker announced a voluntary recall of one lot of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Chicken Liver Paté Formula cat food after elevated choline chloride was found following reports that cats had become ill. The company’s subsequent ownership by Nexus places the brand in a privately held pet-care portfolio rather than a publicly traded company.
- 2021
Sale to Nexus Capital Management
[1]J.M. Smucker sells Natural Balance to Nexus Capital Management LP in a transaction reported at $50 million.
- 2020
Recall of selected cat pâté
[1]A single lot of Ultra Premium Chicken & Chicken Liver Paté Formula cat food is voluntarily recalled because of elevated choline chloride.
- 2015
Acquisition by J.M. Smucker
[1]J.M. Smucker purchases Natural Balance and Big Heart Pet Brands from Del Monte.
- 2013
Merger with Del Monte Foods
[1]Natural Balance merges with Del Monte Foods, entering a larger pet-food portfolio.
- 2007
Melamine-related recalls
[1]The brand recalls selected dry venison products and canned dog and cat foods after trace melamine is detected in products associated with rice protein concentrate.
- 2007
Post-recall laboratory investment
[1]Natural Balance establishes an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory to test each production run for nine toxins before shipment.
- 1989
Natural Balance is founded
[1]Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick establish Natural Balance around a concept of ingredient-conscious nutrition for dogs and cats.
Products and positioning
A health-oriented pet-food brand emphasizing limited-ingredient recipes, specialized nutrition, alternative proteins, and diets for animals with particular dietary needs. Its positioning also extends to professional working dogs and zoological carnivores.
Dog and cat food
Limited Ingredient Diets
A major Natural Balance family built around comparatively limited ingredient lists and alternative protein or carbohydrate choices. The line is positioned for animals whose owners want simpler recipes or are managing dietary sensitivities. It has included both dry and wet formats for dogs and cats.
Dog and cat food
Original Ultra Whole Body Health
A broad nutrition line marketed around whole-body health rather than a single dietary restriction. It has formed part of the brand’s mainstream premium range and has been offered in multiple dry and wet formulas for companion animals.
Specialty pet food
Vegetarian formulas
Specialty formulas developed for owners seeking vegetarian feeding options for dogs. Their presence reflects Natural Balance’s broader strategy of serving animals with distinctive dietary requirements and preferences.
High-protein dog and cat food
Wild Pursuit
A high-protein product family that uses the brand’s meat-forward, alternative-diet positioning. The range has included dry and other formats intended for owners seeking formulas inspired by carnivorous feeding patterns.
Zoological animal nutrition
Zoological formulas
Specialized diets formulated for carnivores in zoos, wildlife parks, and related institutions. These products were developed for professional zoological use rather than ordinary retail customers and were used by several major animal-care organizations.
Controversies
2020
Choline chloride recall
A single lot of Ultra Premium Chicken & Chicken Liver Paté Formula cat food was recalled after elevated choline chloride was identified following consumer complaints about sick animals.
2007
Melamine-contaminated pet-food recalls
Natural Balance recalled selected dry venison dog and cat foods and later selected canned products after trace melamine was detected. The contaminant was associated with rice protein concentrate. The company said its canned-food manufacturer had introduced the ingredient without its knowledge, while the manufacturer denied deliberate wrongdoing.
2007
Canned-food recall associated with possible botulism contamination
A small lot of canned Natural Balance products was recalled because of a possible connection to a broader botulism outbreak associated with Castleberry’s Food Company. No illnesses were reported from the pet food.
Marketing campaigns
- 2013Honoring Service Dogs
United States
Natural Balance partnered with the Petco Foundation on a fundraising and recognition initiative for guide dogs and military working dogs. The effort sought to raise $1 million and supported plans for a national monument for military working dogs at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
Outcome. The campaign established a public-facing charitable association between the brand, service animals, and military working dogs. The available reference material does not establish the final amount raised or the completed campaign results.
Brand decisions
2021
Sale to Nexus Capital ManagementM&ABackground
J.M. Smucker reviewed its pet-food holdings and sold Natural Balance to a private investment firm.
Action taken
Nexus Capital Management LP acquired the brand.
Aftermath
Natural Balance moved from J.M. Smucker ownership into a privately held structure associated with Big Heart Pet Brands.
Reported transaction value. $50 million (2021)
2015
Acquisition by J.M. SmuckerM&ABackground
Del Monte Foods divested Natural Balance and the Big Heart Pet Brands business.
Action taken
J.M. Smucker acquired Natural Balance and Big Heart Pet Brands.
Aftermath
Natural Balance operated within the J.M. Smucker pet-food portfolio until its later sale to Nexus Capital Management.
2013
Merger with Del Monte FoodsM&ABackground
Natural Balance was being integrated into a broader pet-food industry portfolio.
Action taken
The company merged with Del Monte Foods.
Aftermath
The brand became part of a portfolio that included other established pet-food labels.
2007
Voluntary withdrawal of affected venison productsOtherBackground
Consumer complaints and laboratory testing linked selected venison-based dry foods to trace melamine associated with rice protein concentrate.
Action taken
Natural Balance recalled all of its venison dog products and dry venison cat food.
Aftermath
The incident contributed to the company’s decision to create an accredited laboratory for more extensive pre-shipment toxin testing.
2007
Creation of an accredited product-testing laboratoryStrategyBackground
The 2007 recalls exposed risks in ingredient supply and contract manufacturing controls.
Action taken
Natural Balance built an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory designed to test each production run for nine toxins before products were shipped to retailers.
Aftermath
Laboratory testing became a central part of the brand’s response to its recall history and product-safety positioning.
Recent events
- 2021
Nexus Capital acquires Natural Balance from J.M. Smucker[1]
M&A
J.M. Smucker sold Natural Balance to Nexus Capital Management LP in a transaction reported at $50 million.
- 2015
J.M. Smucker acquires Natural Balance and Big Heart Pet Brands[1]
M&A
The J.M. Smucker Company acquired Natural Balance and Big Heart Pet Brands from Del Monte Foods.
- 2013
Natural Balance changes ownership through the Del Monte transaction[1]
M&A
Natural Balance merged with Del Monte Foods, bringing the brand into a larger portfolio of pet-food labels.
Sources1 sources
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