Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food for adult small-breed dogs, using salmon and salmon meal as the main protein sources with sweet potatoes and potatoes as the primary carbohydrates. The formula offers moderate protein and fat levels with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed, aiming to support skin, coat, and digestive health. Its simpler ingredient list can be helpful for dogs that do better on fewer protein and carbohydrate sources.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, limited-ingredient option for adult small-breed dogs who do well on grain-free diets and need a simpler recipe based around salmon. It provides moderate protein and fat, added taurine, and a nice mix of omega fatty acids that can support skin and coat. It relies on potatoes and sweet potatoes as the main carbs, so it’s best suited for small dogs without heart concerns whose veterinarians are comfortable with a grain-free, legume-free formula.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Salmon and salmon meal are the first ingredients, providing clear, named animal protein sources and natural omega-3 fatty acids.
- Limited-ingredient design with a single primary animal protein (salmon) can be useful for dogs with suspected food sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Includes added taurine plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from salmon oil and flaxseed), which can support heart, skin, and coat health in general.
- Complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO, with appropriate moderate protein (24% min) and fat (10% min) for many adult small-breed dogs, and a reasonable calorie density for portion control (about 365 kcal per cup).
Considerations
- This is a grain-free diet that relies heavily on potatoes and sweet potatoes; while it does not contain peas or lentils, some veterinarians still prefer grain-inclusive diets for dogs, especially in breeds with heart concerns.
- Protein level is moderate rather than high, which is fine for many pets but may be on the lower side for very active or underweight small dogs that need extra protein support.
- Contains fish (salmon), which is a common allergen for some dogs; if your dog has known fish allergies, this would not be appropriate.
- Formulated by AAFCO nutrient profiles rather than being tested in feeding trials, so its performance is based on formulation rather than long-term feeding studies.
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
04
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
05
Yeast
Yeast (such as brewer’s, nutritional yeast, or yeast extracts) is used in pet foods as a palatability enhancer, a supplemental protein and B‑vitamin source, and for functional components like beta‑glucans and mannans that can support immune and gut health. It can help with appetite, skin/coat quality and digestion, but some pets may be allergic, product strains and processing vary in quality, and higher purine or added-salt levels in certain yeast products can be a concern for animals with specific medical or dietary restrictions.
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 Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Small Breed Dry Dog 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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