Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a dry puppy food designed for all breeds, including large-breed puppies, with chicken as the primary protein source and added chicken and turkey meals for concentrated, highly digestible protein. Brown rice, oatmeal, sorghum, and pumpkin provide gentle, fiber-rich carbohydrates to support digestion, while added omega-3 and omega-6 fats, glucosamine, chondroitin, and taurine support overall development. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for growth and all life stages, including large-breed puppies.
This is a well-formulated dry food for puppies, including those expected to become large adults, with appropriate protein, fat, and a suitable calcium-to-phosphorus balance for growth. It uses named poultry proteins and a mix of whole grains plus pumpkin to support steady energy and digestive health. The added omega fatty acids, joint-support nutrients, probiotics, and taurine make it a solid, all-around choice for many growing puppies, provided they tolerate chicken and grains well.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal provide clearly named, high-quality animal protein sources near the top of the ingredient list.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages including growth of large-breed dogs, with appropriate calcium (1.3%) and phosphorus (1.0%) levels for safe growth.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and added taurine to support developing joints, skin/coat, and heart health.
- Contains prebiotic fiber sources (chicory root, beet pulp, pumpkin) and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) to help support a healthy digestive microbiome.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, turkey, and fish oil, which are common protein allergens, so it may not be suitable for puppies with known poultry or fish allergies.
- Legumes (peas) are present but not dominant; while this is not a grain-free formula, owners of breeds with heart concerns may still prefer to limit legume-heavy diets overall.
- At 26% protein and 14% fat, it’s moderately rich but not ultra-high in protein or fat, so very high-energy working or sporting puppies may require higher-calorie options or adjusted portions.
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
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.
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.
03
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
04
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.
05
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
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 Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Pumpkin 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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