Lamb & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
A limited-ingredient dry puppy food featuring lamb as the only animal protein source, designed for puppies and also suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs. Brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran provide digestible carbohydrates and fiber, while added DHA, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and taurine support healthy growth and development. This formula avoids poultry, corn, wheat, and soy, which can be helpful for puppies with certain ingredient sensitivities.
This is a well-formulated limited-ingredient dry food that can work for most puppies, including large-breed puppies, and for pregnant or nursing dogs. It uses lamb and lamb meal as the sole animal protein sources, with rice-based carbohydrates that tend to be gentle on the digestive tract. The nutrient profile, including controlled calcium and added DHA, taurine, and glucosamine, is appropriate for growth and meets AAFCO standards for all life stages including large-breed growth.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Lamb and lamb meal are the only animal protein sources, which can be helpful for puppies with sensitivities to poultry or multiple proteins.
- Formulated to AAFCO standards for all life stages including large-breed growth, with appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels for growing puppies.
- Includes DHA, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, and glucosamine to support brain development, skin/coat, and joint health during growth.
- Rice-based carbohydrates (brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran) are generally easy to digest and are rarely associated with food allergies.
Considerations
- Contains fish oil and lamb, which can be problem ingredients for puppies with known fish or lamb allergies.
- Protein level (24% min) is adequate for growth but a bit lower than some higher-protein puppy formulas, which may matter for very active or working-breed puppies.
- Includes potato protein and dried yeast, which are safe but may not be ideal for dogs with very unusual sensitivities to these ingredients.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
02
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
04
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
05
Rice Bran
Rice bran, the nutrient-rich outer layer of the rice kernel, is used in pet foods as a source of dietary fiber, energy-dense fats, and micronutrients (B vitamins, vitamin E and trace minerals) and can help improve palatability and stool quality. It can be a useful ingredient for dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) but is high in oil and can go rancid unless stabilized, contains phytates that may affect mineral absorption, and can concentrate contaminants like inorganic arsenic, so it should be sourced and processed carefully and not be relied on as a primary protein for obligate carnivores.
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 Lamb & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe 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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