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Natural Balance · Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain Free · Green Pea & Venison Formula

Dry food · Adult Maintenance

E

Furry PI's verdict

Natural Balance Grain Free doesn't hold up well under the magnifying glass. The list opens with peas, not a named animal protein. To be fair, no grains on the label. On balance, most cats are better served by stronger options — the app can suggest better-graded foods of the same type.

What's concerning

  • The ingredient list opens with peas rather than a named animal protein.
  • Contains brewers dried yeast, a lower-quality ingredient.
  • A high carbohydrate load for an obligate carnivore — a cat's natural prey is almost carb-free.

What works

  • No grains on the label.
  • Includes genuinely beneficial ingredients such as venison and menhaden fish oil.

The grade is only the cover of the case file. The free app shows the full 100-point breakdown, every flagged ingredient, and better-graded alternatives for your cat.

Open the full investigation — free

Nutrition from the label (as fed)

Protein30%
Fat10%
Fiber5%
Moisture10%
Ash*8%
Carbs (estimated)*37%

Label: guaranteed analysis (min/max). * not printed on the label — carbs are calculated, ash/moisture estimated from typical values. How these numbers translate into calories from protein vs carbs — and how this food scores on each pillar — is shown in the app.

Quick answers

Is Natural Balance Grain Free grain-free?
Yes — no grains appear on the ingredient list.
What are the first ingredients in Natural Balance Grain Free?
The label opens with peas, venison and pea protein. Ingredients are listed by weight, so the first few carry the most.
Does it contain artificial colours or preservatives?
None appear on the ingredient list.

More from Natural Balance

Grades come from a fixed, formula-based method — the same for every food, never paid for. About Furry PI

Furry PI analyses food labels and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice.