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Grain Free Indoor Chicken & Salmon Meal Dry Cat Food
Natural Balance

Grain Free Indoor Chicken & Salmon Meal Dry Cat Food

Verified Jul 23, 2026

Cat · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free, high-protein dry food for adult indoor cats, using chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal as its main animal protein sources. It includes added fiber from pea fiber and beet pulp to help support digestion and weight control, along with omega fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oil for skin and coat health. The recipe is formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.7 out of 10

Strong Choice

Overall, this is a well-balanced, higher-protein dry food that should suit many healthy adult indoor cats. It offers several animal protein sources with a moderate fat level and higher fiber to help with weight control and hairballs. Cats with known chicken, fish, or egg allergies would need a different option, but for most indoor adults, this is a solid everyday diet.

Nutritional profile 9.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Immune Support Weight Management Digestive Health Heart Care Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Multiple animal protein sources, including chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal, provide good-quality protein for adult cats.
  • Protein and fat levels are appropriate for an indoor adult cat, with added fiber to help support weight management and hairball control.
  • Includes menhaden fish oil and flaxseed, which supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it is complete and balanced for everyday feeding.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, fish, and egg, so it is not suitable for cats with allergies to any of those proteins.
  • Peas and pea fiber are notable ingredients, which may not be ideal for owners trying to limit legumes in the diet.
  • This is a grain-free formula, which is not necessary for most cats and may limit options for cats that do well on grain-inclusive diets.
  • Fiber is relatively high, which may be too much for some cats that are prone to softer stools on high-fiber foods.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

CHICKEN, CHICKEN MEAL, TAPIOCA STARCH, PEAS, BREWERS DRIED YEAST, CHICKEN FAT (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), SALMON MEAL, PEA FIBER, NATURAL FLAVOR, FLAXSEED, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, DEHYDRATED ALFALFA MEAL, SWEET POTATOES, POTATOES, DRIED VEGETABLE BROTH, MENHADEN FISH OIL (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SALT, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, DL-METHIONINE, TAURINE, VITAMINS (VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, ASCORBIC ACID, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN), CRANBERRIES, SPINACH, DRIED EGG PRODUCT, CARROTS, APPLES, PUMPKIN, MINERALS (ZINC PROTEINATE, ZINC SULFATE, FERROUS SULFATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER SULFATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, MANGANESE SULFATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, CALCIUM IODATE), L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE, L-TRYPTOPHAN, CITRIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), MIXED TOCOPHEROLS (PRESERVATIVE), YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, L-LYSINE MONOHYDROCHLORIDE, BLUEBERRIES, DRIED KELP, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
View ingredient
03
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a purified carbohydrate used in pet foods mainly as a thickener, binder and easily digestible energy source, contributing virtually no protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. It is low‑allergy and gluten‑free, but because it is a high‑glycemic, low‑nutrient filler it should be limited in diets for overweight or diabetic pets and not relied on for essential nutrition.
04
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
View ingredient
05
Brewer's Yeast
Brewer's yeast (deactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a flavor enhancer and supplemental source of protein, B‑complex vitamins, trace minerals and immunomodulating components such as beta‑glucans. It can support skin, coat and general nutritional status, but may cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in yeast‑sensitive pets, is not a live probiotic, and should be used cautiously in animals prone to purine‑related issues or those receiving antifungal medications.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
33.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
6.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3480
kcal / Kg
380
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Original Ultra Grain Free Indoor Chicken & Salmon Meal Recipe cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Natural Balance is a premium pet food brand focused on delivering nutritionally balanced diets made with high-quality ingredients. It is best known for its Limited Ingredient Diets, which feature simple ingredient lists designed for pets with food sensitivities. The brand also offers targeted formulas for different life stages and dietary needs. Natural Balance markets itself as a transparent and science-informed brand catering to pet owners seeking reliable, health-conscious nutrition for their pets.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1989
Headquarters Burbank, California, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region California
Manufacturing oversight

Natural Balance sources and manufactures its products primarily in the United States. Its manufacturing facilities adhere to FDA and AAFCO regulations for pet food production, with quality control protocols that include routine testing for contaminants and nutritional accuracy. Production oversight includes partnerships with certified and audited co-packers to ensure consistency and safety.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Natural Balance Grain Free Indoor Chicken & Salmon Meal Dry Cat Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Grain Free Indoor Chicken & Salmon Meal Dry Cat Food
Natural Balance · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Natural Balance ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Natural Balance. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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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.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.