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Jumpin' Stix With Real Duck Treats
Natural Balance

Jumpin' Stix With Real Duck Treats

Verified Aug 22, 2026

Dog · Treat Adult All Breed Sizes

These are soft, chewy duck-based treats designed for adult dogs, using duck as the only animal protein source. Potatoes and sweeteners like cane molasses and sugar provide carbohydrates and palatability, while added glucosamine and chondroitin contribute joint-supporting nutrients. They’re best used as occasional rewards alongside a complete and balanced dog food.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a palatable, duck-based soft treat that can work well for adult dogs who enjoy chewy rewards, especially if you’re looking for a single animal protein source. The added glucosamine and chondroitin provide extra joint-supporting nutrients, which can be a nice bonus for active or older dogs. Because it contains several added sugars and is relatively calorie-dense for a treat, it’s important to feed sparingly, especially for dogs prone to weight gain.

Calorie and portion clarity 10.0
Ingredient composition 6.5
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Joint Care Allergy Support Digestive Health
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Duck as the first ingredient and only animal protein source can be helpful for dogs that do better with a limited protein profile.
  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint-supporting nutrients, which may be useful for large, active, or senior dogs when used alongside a balanced diet.
  • Soft, breakable texture and about 27 calories per stick make it easy to portion for training or small dogs when divided into pieces.
  • Grain-free formula that avoids common grain allergens while using potatoes as the main carbohydrate source.

Considerations

  • Contains multiple sweeteners (glycerin, cane molasses, sugar), so calories can add up quickly if treats are overused, which is a concern for dogs needing strict weight control.
  • This product is a treat intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only and does not replace a complete and balanced diet.
  • Includes duck, which is an animal protein that can still trigger food allergies in some sensitive dogs, especially if they’ve reacted to duck before.
  • Soft, high-palability treats like this can encourage overfeeding; owners need to count these calories within the recommended ‘no more than 10% of daily calories from treats’ guideline.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Duck, Dried Potatoes, Glycerin, Cane Molasses, Gelatin, Sugar, Guar Gum, Salt, Chondroitin Sulfate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Natural Smoke Flavor, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.

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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
View ingredient
02
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.
View ingredient
03
Glycerol
Glycerol (glycerin) is used in pet foods primarily as a humectant and sweetening agent to retain moisture, improve texture and palatability, and serve as a solvent or carrier in wet foods, treats, and liquid supplements. It provides a modest source of metabolizable energy for dogs and cats, but in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and may affect blood glucose, so products intended for diabetic pets or sensitive animals should be used with caution.
04
Cane Molasses
Cane molasses is a viscous sweetener and palatability enhancer used in pet foods and treats to add simple carbohydrates, help bind ingredients, and contribute trace minerals like iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium along with small amounts of B vitamins. It can improve taste and texture but is high in sugars and calories, so it should be used sparingly—excessive intake can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, or unstable blood glucose in diabetic or obese pets.
05
Gelatin
Gelatin, a collagen-derived gelling agent and binder, is commonly used in pet treats, chews and wet foods to improve texture, moisture retention and as an ingredient in joint or skin supplements. It provides collagen-related amino acids (e.g., glycine and proline) that may support joint and coat health but is not a complete protein—lacking essential amino acids such as tryptophan and taurine—so it should not replace balanced animal protein; source and quality (bovine vs. porcine) can matter for dietary preferences and safety concerns.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
7.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
22.00%
Low High
2945
kcal / Kg
27
kcal / Treat
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Soft Chew
Food type Treat

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced
Why this is not complete and balanced This product is not labeled complete and balanced. It is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding.
No

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.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1989
Headquarters Burbank, California, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region California
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Natural Balance Jumpin' Stix With Real Duck Treats.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Jumpin' Stix With Real Duck Treats
Natural Balance · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Natural Balance ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Natural Balance. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

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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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.