Natural Balance vs Ziwi
Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods (owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)), and Ziwi by Ziwi Limited (owned by FountainVest Partners), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Ziwi averages 8.8 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.2 for Natural Balance. Ziwi is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Natural Balance is not.
Natural Balance and Ziwi compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Natural Balance Pet Foods | Ziwi Limited |
| Parent company | Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital) | FountainVest Partners |
| Founded | 1989 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Burbank, California, USA | Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand |
| Products listed | 118 | 15 |
| 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 | Yes |
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 . |
8.2 (avg of 118) | 8.8 (avg of 15) |
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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Natural Balance vs Ziwi: how they compare
Scores
Ziwi scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.8 out of 10 across 15 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. Ziwi is made by Ziwi Limited, owned by FountainVest Partners, based in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, founded in 2002.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Ziwi is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Natural Balance is not. KibbleLab lists 118 Natural Balance foods and 15 Ziwi foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Natural Balance or Ziwi?
Ziwi scores higher: it averages 8.8 out of 10 across 15 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 Ziwi?
Natural Balance is made by Natural Balance Pet Foods, which is owned by Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital). Ziwi is made by Ziwi Limited, which is owned by FountainVest Partners.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Natural Balance has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 15 for Ziwi.
Where is each brand based?
Natural Balance is based in Burbank, California, USA. Ziwi is based in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
Are Natural Balance or Ziwi PSC Accredited?
Ziwi 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 Natural Balance or Ziwi been recalled?
Neither Natural Balance nor Ziwi 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 Ziwi .
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.