Vegetarian Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a plant-based, limited-ingredient dry food formulated for adult small-breed dogs, using brown rice, oats, barley, peas, and potato protein as its primary protein and carbohydrate sources. It provides complete and balanced maintenance nutrition with added taurine, L-carnitine, and omega fatty acids from flaxseed and canola oil. The small kibble size is designed to be easier for small dogs to pick up and chew.
For a vegetarian adult small-breed diet, this formula is reasonably well put together and does meet AAFCO standards for maintenance. Protein is on the lower side at 18% for a small-breed kibble and comes entirely from plant sources, which can be less ideal for some dogs compared with animal-based proteins, but the recipe is fortified with amino acids like taurine, methionine, and lysine. This can be a niche option for owners who specifically need or prefer a vegan/vegetarian formula, as long as the dog maintains good muscle condition and overall health on it.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Complete and balanced per AAFCO for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult dogs.
- Limited-ingredient, fully vegetarian formula with no animal or dairy products, helpful for households avoiding animal ingredients or some protein sensitivities.
- Added taurine, L-carnitine, and supplemental amino acids (DL-methionine, L-lysine) to help support heart and muscle health on a plant-based protein profile.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from flaxseed and canola oil) which can support skin and coat health, plus added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from ingredients like cranberries and spinach.
Considerations
- All protein is plant-based (peas, potato protein, grains), which is generally less bioavailable than animal protein; the 18% minimum protein is on the low side for small-breed adult dogs that often benefit from higher protein levels.
- Peas and potatoes are significant ingredients; while this is not a grain-free diet (it includes rice, oats, and barley), owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease may still want to discuss any legume-containing diet with their veterinarian.
- Contains peas, which can be an issue for dogs with legume allergies or sensitivities, and grains (rice, oats, barley), which may not suit dogs with true grain allergies.
- Formulated by nutrient profile rather than being tested in AAFCO feeding trials, so its real-world digestibility and performance haven’t been confirmed through 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
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.
02
Oat Groat
Oat groats are the whole, minimally processed oat kernels (hull removed) used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble fiber (including beneficial beta‑glucans), and modest amounts of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. They provide digestible energy and can support gastrointestinal health and weight management when cooked or processed for improved digestibility, but should be used in moderation—especially in cat diets and in pets with grain sensitivities or carbohydrate‑restricted conditions such as diabetes.
03
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
04
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.
05
Potato Protein
Potato protein is a concentrated plant-based protein used in pet foods as a protein source, binder and texture enhancer, offering a highly digestible amino acid profile with relatively good lysine content compared with other plant proteins. It can be a useful hypoallergenic alternative for dogs and a supplement in balanced formulas, but it should not be the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats because it lacks certain nutrients (e.g., sufficient taurine and other animal-derived factors) and must be used within complete, nutritionally formulated diets; quality processing also minimizes potato-specific compounds such as glycoalkaloids.
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 Vegetarian Small Breed 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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