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Hill's Science Diet vs Natural Balance

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition (owned by Colgate-Palmolive 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, Hill's Science Diet averages 8.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Natural Balance. Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Natural Balance does not.

Hill's Science Diet and Natural Balance compared

Hill's Science Diet Natural Balance
Manufacturer Hill's Pet Nutrition Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Colgate-Palmolive Company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1907 1989
Headquarters Topeka, Kansas, USA Burbank, California, USA
Products listed 73 118
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.
Yes 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 .
8.6 (avg of 73) 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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Hill's Science Diet vs Natural Balance: how they compare

Scores

Hill's Science Diet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.6 out of 10 across 73 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

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, based in Topeka, Kansas, USA, founded in 1907. 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

Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Natural Balance does not. Hill's Science Diet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Natural Balance is not. KibbleLab lists 73 Hill's Science Diet foods and 118 Natural Balance foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet or Natural Balance?

Hill's Science Diet scores higher: it averages 8.6 out of 10 across 73 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 Hill's Science Diet and Natural Balance?

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which is owned by Colgate-Palmolive 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 73 for Hill's Science Diet.

Where is each brand based?

Hill's Science Diet is based in Topeka, Kansas, USA. Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA.

Do Hill's Science Diet and Natural Balance meet WSAVA criteria?

Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Natural Balance does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.

Are Hill's Science Diet or Natural Balance PSC Accredited?

Hill's Science Diet 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 Hill's Science Diet or Natural Balance been recalled?

Neither Hill's Science Diet 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: Hill's Science Diet 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.