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Health Protection Beef, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance

Health Protection Beef, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 11, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a canned stew-style wet food for adult dogs, using beef, chicken, and beef liver as primary animal protein sources with pumpkin, brown rice, and vegetables for added fiber and nutrients. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance and includes added omega fatty acids, taurine, and prebiotic fiber sources to support overall and digestive health. The stew texture and high moisture content can also help with hydration for dogs that enjoy wet food.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

This is a well-formulated adult maintenance wet food that combines multiple animal proteins with pumpkin, brown rice, and other vegetables to support digestive and overall health. It’s a nice option for dogs who do well on beef- and chicken-based diets and whose owners want a moisture-rich, stew-style food. The inclusion of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, taurine, and prebiotic-type ingredients is a plus, though it may not be appropriate for dogs with beef, chicken, or egg allergies.

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

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
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 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Digestive Health Hydration Support
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Multiple named animal proteins (beef, chicken, beef liver) high in the ingredient list provide good-quality, bioavailable protein and essential amino acids.
  • Contains pumpkin, brown rice, beet pulp, and inulin, which can help provide both soluble and insoluble fiber to support normal digestion and stool quality.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 sources (salmon oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed) plus added taurine and antioxidant vitamins, supporting skin, coat, and general wellness needs.
  • AAFCO complete and balanced for adult maintenance by formulation, so it can be fed as a sole diet for healthy adult dogs.

Considerations

  • Contains beef, chicken, and dried egg product, which are common food allergens for some dogs; not ideal for dogs with sensitivities to these proteins.
  • As a formulated (not feeding-trial–tested) diet, its real-world digestibility and palatability have not been verified through AAFCO feeding trials.
  • Wet foods are less calorie-dense than kibble, so larger or very active dogs may require several cans per day to meet their energy needs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Beef, Beef Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Beef Liver, Pumpkin, Brown Rice, Carrots, Peas, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Potato Starch, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Sodium Phosphate, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Choline Chloride, Rosemary, Magnesium Sulfate, Sage, Thyme, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate

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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Beef Broth
Beef broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a savory flavoring and moisture enhancer to boost palatability and encourage hydration, and depending on preparation can contribute small amounts of protein, minerals and gelatin-derived collagen. Care should be taken because commercial broths are often high in sodium and may contain added ingredients (onion, garlic, spices, preservatives or sweeteners) that can be harmful to dogs or cats, so choose low-sodium, pet-safe formulations and avoid if your pet has a beef allergy or sodium-sensitive condition.
03
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
04
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.
05
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.

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)
6.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
3.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
917
kcal / Kg
325
kcal / Can
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.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Stew
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

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 Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Health Protection Beef, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Stew is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Natural Balance

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 Balance
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

Natural Balance Health Protection Beef, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Health Protection Beef, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food
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 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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.