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Natural Balance vs Purina Pro Plan

Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods (owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)), and Purina Pro Plan by Nestlé Purina PetCare (owned by Nestlé S.A.), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Purina Pro Plan averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Natural Balance. Purina Pro Plan meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Natural Balance does not.

Natural Balance and Purina Pro Plan compared

Natural Balance Purina Pro Plan
Manufacturer Natural Balance Pet Foods Nestlé Purina PetCare
Parent company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital) Nestlé S.A.
Founded 1989 2001
Headquarters Burbank, California, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 118 162
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 Yes
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 .
8.2 (avg of 118) 8.4 (avg of 162)
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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Natural Balance vs Purina Pro Plan: how they compare

Scores

Purina Pro Plan scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 162 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

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. Purina Pro Plan is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, owned by Nestlé S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2001.

Standards and range

Purina Pro Plan meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Natural Balance does not. KibbleLab lists 118 Natural Balance foods and 162 Purina Pro Plan foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Natural Balance or Purina Pro Plan?

Purina Pro Plan scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 162 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 Natural Balance and Purina Pro Plan?

Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods, which is owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital). Purina Pro Plan is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which is owned by Nestlé S.A.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Purina Pro Plan has 162 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 118 for Natural Balance.

Where is each brand based?

Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA. Purina Pro Plan is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Do Natural Balance and Purina Pro Plan meet WSAVA criteria?

Purina Pro Plan 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 Natural Balance or Purina Pro Plan been recalled?

Neither Natural Balance nor Purina Pro Plan 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: Natural Balance and Purina Pro Plan .

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.