Reserve Green Pea & Venison Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 30, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food for adult cats that uses venison as the single animal protein source and green peas as the main carbohydrate. At 30% protein and 10% fat, it offers moderate protein for a dry cat food, with added taurine and balanced minerals for maintenance. Flaxseed and fish oil provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help support skin and coat in cats that do well on pea-based diets.
Overall, this is a solid limited-ingredient option for adult cats that need a more novel protein like venison and a pea-based, grain-free formula. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for many indoor adult cats, and it is complete and balanced for maintenance by AAFCO formulation. It can work well for cats with certain food sensitivities, though the high reliance on peas and plant protein may not be ideal for every cat long term.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Venison and venison meal provide a more novel animal protein source, which can help some food-sensitive cats.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult cats.
- Includes added taurine and reasonable omega-3 and omega-6 levels, which support heart, eye, skin, and coat health.
- Calorie density is moderate, which can help with weight control in less active indoor cats.
Considerations
- Peas and pea protein are major ingredients, so a fair amount of the protein comes from plants rather than meat.
- This is a grain-free, pea-heavy diet; some emerging research has raised concerns with legume-heavy formulas in certain pets.
- Venison is still red meat, so it may not suit cats that react to multiple animal proteins, including other red meats.
- Fiber is on the higher side for a cat food, which may not agree with cats that do better on lower-fiber diets.
Full Ingredient List
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
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.
02
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
03
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
04
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
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.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.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.
Visit Natural BalanceManufacturer
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
Natural Balance Reserve Green Pea & Venison Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Natural Balance ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Natural Balance. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
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.
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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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