Skip to content

6,000+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Darford vs Natural Balance

Darford is made by Darford International Inc., and Natural Balance by Natural Balance Pet Foods (owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)). On KibbleLab, Natural Balance averages 8.2 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Darford. Darford makes food for dogs, while Natural Balance covers cats and dogs.

Darford and Natural Balance compared

Darford Natural Balance
Manufacturer Darford International Inc. Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Independent Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1987 1989
Headquarters Vernon, British Columbia, Canada Burbank, California, USA
Products listed 18 118
Serves 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 .
7.7 (avg of 18) 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

Affiliate links · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Darford 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 7.7 across 18 for Darford. 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

Darford is made by Darford International Inc., an independent maker, based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1987. 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 18 Darford foods and 118 Natural Balance foods.

Not sure which is right for your pet?

Sign in free to see Darford and Natural Balance scored for your pet's breed, age, and health focus, save favorites, and compare foods side by side.

Example foods

Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Darford or Natural Balance?

Natural Balance scores higher: it averages 8.2 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Darford. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Darford and Natural Balance?

Darford is made by Darford International Inc. 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 18 for Darford.

Where is each brand based?

Darford is based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA.

Have Darford or Natural Balance been recalled?

Neither Darford 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: Darford 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.