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

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

Verified Jun 30, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a canned stew-style wet food for adult dogs that uses chicken as the main protein source, supported by chicken liver and chicken hearts for added nutrients. Pumpkin and brown rice provide gentle fiber and carbohydrates, while added omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and taurine help round out a complete and balanced maintenance diet. It’s designed for everyday feeding for adult dogs of any size, with a focus on being easy on the digestive tract.

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

Overall, this is a thoughtfully formulated wet food for adult dogs that offers moderate protein and fat levels with highly digestible animal ingredients and gentle fiber sources like pumpkin and brown rice. It’s complete and balanced for maintenance and includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, and a chelated mineral package, which support good overall nutrition. This type of stew can work well for adult dogs who benefit from higher moisture intake and a softer texture, including many picky eaters or those with mild digestive sensitivities who do well with chicken-based diets.

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
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken as the first ingredient, plus chicken liver and hearts, provide high-quality, nutrient-dense animal protein and natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
  • Pumpkin, brown rice, beet pulp, and inulin offer multiple sources of fermentable and non-fermentable fiber that can help support digestive regularity in many dogs.
  • Contains added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower oil, ground flaxseed, and salmon oil, which can support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, with added taurine and chelated (proteinate) minerals to support good nutrient absorption and heart health.

Considerations

  • Protein and fat levels are on the moderate side for a wet food, which is fine for many adult dogs but may be lower than ideal for very high-energy or working dogs that need a more calorie-dense diet.
  • Chicken, egg, and fish (salmon oil) are present, so this formula is not suitable for dogs with known allergies or sensitivities to these common protein allergens.
  • Peas and potato starch are included as secondary carbohydrate sources; while they’re not predominant, they do contribute to the legume/starch content, which some owners of breeds at risk for heart disease may want to discuss with their veterinarian.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Brown Rice, Carrots, Peas, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Chicken Hearts, Potato Starch, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Guar Gum, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Sodium Phosphate, Inulin, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, 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, Sage, Thyme, Magnesium Sulfate, 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
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.
02
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.
03
Turkey Broth
Turkey broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavoring and moisture enhancer to improve palatability, and in wet formulas it contributes small amounts of protein, amino acids and electrolytes. It can help entice dogs and cats to eat or increase hydration, but caregivers should check sodium levels and avoid broths with onion, garlic, xylitol or other harmful additives, and be mindful if the pet has a poultry allergy.
04
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
05
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.

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)
3.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
939
kcal / Kg
332
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 Chicken, 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 Chicken, 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 Chicken, 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.