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Iams vs Natural Balance

Iams is made by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated), 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 8.1 for Iams. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Natural Balance does not.

Iams and Natural Balance compared

Iams Natural Balance
Manufacturer Iams Company Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Mars, Incorporated Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1946 1989
Headquarters Mason, Ohio, United States Burbank, California, USA
Products listed 48 118
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.
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 .
8.1 (avg of 48) 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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Iams 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 8.1 across 48 for Iams. 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

Iams is made by Iams Company, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Mason, Ohio, United States, founded in 1946. 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

Iams meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Natural Balance does not. KibbleLab lists 48 Iams foods and 118 Natural Balance foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Iams or Natural Balance?

Natural Balance scores higher: it averages 8.2 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Iams and Natural Balance?

Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. 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 48 for Iams.

Where is each brand based?

Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States. Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA.

Do Iams and Natural Balance meet WSAVA criteria?

Iams 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.

Have Iams or Natural Balance been recalled?

Neither Iams 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: Iams 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.