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Caru vs Natural Balance

Caru is made by Caru Pet Food Company, 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 8.0 for Caru. Natural Balance's maker dates to 1989, while Caru's launched in 2014.

Caru and Natural Balance compared

Caru Natural Balance
Manufacturer Caru Pet Food Company Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Independent Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 2014 1989
Headquarters Vero Beach, Florida, USA Burbank, California, USA
Products listed 40 118
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.
No 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 .
8.0 (avg of 40) 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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Caru 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 8.0 across 40 for Caru. 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

Caru is made by Caru Pet Food Company, an independent maker, based in Vero Beach, Florida, USA, founded in 2014. 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. KibbleLab lists 40 Caru foods and 118 Natural Balance foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Caru or Natural Balance?

Natural Balance scores higher: it averages 8.2 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Caru. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Caru and Natural Balance?

Caru is made by Caru Pet Food Company. 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?

Natural Balance has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 40 for Caru.

Where is each brand based?

Caru is based in Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA.

Have Caru or Natural Balance been recalled?

Neither Caru 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: Caru 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.