Dr. Tim's vs Natural Balance
Dr. Tim's is made by Dr. Tim's 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, Dr. Tim's averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Natural Balance.
Dr. Tim's and Natural Balance compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dr. Tim's Pet Food Company | Natural Balance Pet Foods |
| Parent company | Independent | Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital) |
| Founded | 2004 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Marquette, Michigan, USA | Burbank, California, USA |
| Products listed | 26 | 118 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe 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 accreditedThe 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 |
ScoreThe 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 . |
8.4 (avg of 26) | 8.2 (avg of 118) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Dr. Tim's vs Natural Balance: how they compare
Scores
Dr. Tim's scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 26 scored foods, compared with 8.2 across 118 for Natural Balance. 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
Dr. Tim's is made by Dr. Tim's Pet Food Company, an independent maker, based in Marquette, Michigan, USA, founded in 2004. 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 26 Dr. Tim's foods and 118 Natural Balance foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Dr. Tim's or Natural Balance?
Dr. Tim's scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 26 scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Natural Balance. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Dr. Tim's and Natural Balance?
Dr. Tim's is made by Dr. Tim's 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 26 for Dr. Tim's.
Where is each brand based?
Dr. Tim's is based in Marquette, Michigan, USA. Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA.
Have Dr. Tim's or Natural Balance been recalled?
Neither Dr. Tim's 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: Dr. Tim's and Natural Balance .
More comparisons
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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.