Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient dry puppy food featuring salmon and menhaden fish meal as the main animal protein sources, with brown rice and other rice ingredients providing carbohydrates and fiber. It’s formulated for all puppies, including large breeds, and includes added omega-3s, DHA, taurine, and glucosamine to support growth, development, and joint health. The bite-sized kibble is designed to be easier for smaller puppy mouths to manage.
This is a well-balanced, limited-ingredient dry puppy formula that provides moderate protein and fat from fish-based sources, with brown rice and other grains as the main carbohydrates. It is formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is important if your puppy will be over 70 lb as an adult. The added DHA, taurine, and glucosamine make it a solid option for owners looking for a fish-focused diet that supports brain, heart, and joint development without using multiple animal proteins.
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
- Salmon and menhaden fish meal are the primary animal protein sources, giving good-quality, marine-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Limited-ingredient design (single animal protein with rice-based carbohydrates) can be helpful for some puppies with food sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Formulated to AAFCO standards for all life stages, including growth of large-breed puppies, with an appropriate calcium and phosphorus level for controlled skeletal development.
- Includes DHA, taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and glucosamine, which support normal brain development, heart function, skin/coat health, and joint support during growth.
Considerations
- Fish (salmon and menhaden) is a common allergen for some dogs, so this may not suit puppies who already react to fish-based diets.
- The protein and fat levels are moderate rather than very high; very active or working-breed puppies may require careful portion adjustment to maintain ideal body condition.
- Contains brewers rice and rice bran, which are nutritionally useful but less nutrient-dense than some whole-grain alternatives, so portion sizes should be watched to avoid excess calories.
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
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
03
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.
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 Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook