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Applaws vs Natural Balance

Applaws is made by MPM Products (owned by Partners Group), and Natural Balance by Natural Balance Pet Foods (owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Natural Balance averages 8.2 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.5 for Applaws. Applaws is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Natural Balance is not.

Applaws and Natural Balance compared

Applaws Natural Balance
Manufacturer MPM Products Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Partners Group Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 2002 1989
Headquarters Manchester, United Kingdom Burbank, California, USA
Products listed 122 118
Serves Cats & dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$ $$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
Yes No
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
7.5 (avg of 122) 8.2 (avg of 118)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Applaws vs Natural Balance: how they compare

Scores

Natural Balance scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.2 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.5 across 122 for Applaws. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

Applaws is made by MPM Products, owned by Partners Group, based in Manchester, United Kingdom, founded in 2002. Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods, owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital), based in Burbank, California, USA, founded in 1989.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Applaws is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Natural Balance is not. KibbleLab lists 122 Applaws foods and 118 Natural Balance foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Applaws or Natural Balance?

Natural Balance scores higher: it averages 8.2 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.5 for Applaws. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Applaws and Natural Balance?

Applaws is made by MPM Products, which is owned by Partners Group. Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods, which is owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital).

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Applaws has 122 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 118 for Natural Balance.

Where is each brand based?

Applaws is based in Manchester, United Kingdom. Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA.

Are Applaws or Natural Balance PSC Accredited?

Applaws is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.

Have Applaws or Natural Balance been recalled?

Neither Applaws nor Natural Balance has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Applaws and Natural Balance .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.