Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a canned stew-style wet food for dogs of all ages, including large-breed puppies, featuring chicken as the primary protein along with chicken and turkey bone broths. It includes brown rice, vegetables, and added nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and L-carnitine to support joint and muscle health. The formula is complete and balanced for both growth and adult maintenance, so it can be used as a main diet or mixed with dry food.
A well-formulated wet food designed for joint and muscle support, suitable for puppies, adults, and even large-breed growing dogs. It uses identifiable animal proteins and broths, includes brown rice and vegetables as carb and fiber sources, and adds joint-support and muscle-support nutrients. This can work well for dogs who benefit from additional moisture and a softer texture, especially if you’re looking for an all-life-stages option with some extra joint-focused nutrition built in.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Complete and balanced for growth, adult maintenance, and large-breed puppy growth according to AAFCO, which is hard to find in a joint-focused formula.
- Multiple animal protein sources (chicken, chicken liver, turkey) provide good-quality, highly digestible protein for muscle maintenance.
- Includes glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and L-carnitine, all of which can support joint function, body condition, and overall mobility.
- Wet stew format is high in moisture and can be easier to eat for dogs with dental issues or those who don’t drink much water.
Considerations
- Chicken, turkey, and egg are common food allergens, so this may not be appropriate for dogs with known sensitivities to those ingredients.
- Protein and fat levels are moderate for a wet food, which is fine for many dogs but may be on the lighter side for very high-energy or working dogs that need a calorie-dense diet.
- Contains peas and potatoes, which is worth noting if you’re trying to avoid legumes and potatoes due to current discussions around diet and heart health in some dogs.
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
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 Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is commonly used as a palatability enhancer and hydration topper in dog and cat diets, supplying gelatin, collagen-derived amino acids and trace minerals that may support joint comfort and gut health while making food more appealing. It is not a complete food, so choose low-sodium, additive-free products (avoid broths containing onion, garlic or excessive fat), and ensure no bone fragments are present—use caution with pets that have pancreatitis, sodium-sensitive conditions, or known food sensitivities.
03
Turkey Bone Broth
Turkey bone broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a palatability and moisture enhancer and provides supplemental collagen, gelatin, amino acids and trace minerals that may support hydration, appetite, joint and digestive health in dogs and cats. It should be offered as a supplement rather than a complete nutrition source, and must be low‑sodium and free of harmful seasonings (no onion, garlic, xylitol), with caution for high‑fat broths, bone fragments, or pets with pancreatitis, sodium‑sensitive conditions, or specific food allergies—consult your veterinarian if unsure.
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
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
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 Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Stew Wet 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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