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Jumpin' Stix Real Venison Soft Treats
Natural Balance

Jumpin' Stix Real Venison Soft Treats

Verified Aug 24, 2026

Dog · Treat Adult All Breed Sizes

These soft, break-apart venison treats are designed as a high-reward snack for adult dogs. Venison supplies the main animal protein, while sweet potatoes and potatoes provide additional carbohydrates. The recipe also includes added glucosamine and chondroitin, which are often used to support joint health, though treats like this are meant as a supplement to a balanced diet, not a replacement for regular 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

A palatable, venison-based soft treat that works well as a high-value reward for most adult dogs, especially those who do better with a limited-ingredient profile. Protein and fat levels are reasonable for a treat, and the added glucosamine and chondroitin are a nice bonus, even though they should not be relied on as the sole source of joint support. Best suited as an occasional or daily snack alongside a complete and balanced main diet.

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 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

  • Venison as the first ingredient provides a distinct animal protein source that can suit some dogs who don’t do well with more common proteins.
  • Limited-ingredient style recipe with venison and potatoes may help simplify things for dogs with more complex diets.
  • Protein and fat levels are moderate for a soft, high-reward treat, making it easier to work into most dogs’ daily calories.
  • Includes added glucosamine and chondroitin, which are commonly used to support joint health in active or older dogs.

Considerations

  • This is not a complete and balanced diet, so it should only be fed as a treat alongside a regular dog food.
  • Sugar and cane molasses add extra calories and may not be ideal for dogs who need strict weight control.
  • Venison is still an animal protein, so it is not suitable for dogs with venison-specific allergies or very broad protein sensitivities.
  • At about 39 calories per treat, portions need to be limited, especially for small or less active dogs, to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Venison, Water, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Potatoes, Glycerin, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Gelatin, Sugar, Cane Molasses, Salt, Guar Gum, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Citric Acid (Preservative), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Chondroitin Sulfate, Natural Smoke Flavor, 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
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
View ingredient
02
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
03
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
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04
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
05
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.

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)
17.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
10.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
22.00%
Low High
3255
kcal / Kg
39
kcal / Treat
Moderate
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 Real Venison Soft 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 Real Venison Soft 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.