Skip to content

7,500+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance

Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 29, 2026

Dog · Wet All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

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.

Jump to ingredients
Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

Affiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

Strong Choice

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.

Nutritional profile 8.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 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
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

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.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

CHICKEN (SOURCE OF GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN SULFATE), CHICKEN BONE BROTH, TURKEY BONE BROTH, CHICKEN LIVER, CARROTS, PEAS, BROWN RICE, TURKEY, POTATOES, NATURAL FLAVOR, DRIED EGG PRODUCT, POTATO STARCH, GUAR GUM, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SUNFLOWER OIL, MARINE MICROALGAE OIL (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, MINERALS (ZINC PROTEINATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, POTASSIUM IODIDE), TAURINE, VITAMINS (VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, D-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, BIOTIN, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID), ROSEMARY, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, THYME, SAGE, L-CARNITINE, 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.
View ingredient
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.
View ingredient

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)
7.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
3.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
925
kcal / Kg
333
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.

Not sure how much of this to feed?

The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.


Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
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 Growth (puppy/kitten), Adult Maintenance, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Specialized Nutrition Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Stew is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and maintenance including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

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 Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food.

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

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.


Share this food
KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Joint & Muscle Health Chicken & Brown Rice Stew Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance · kibblelab.com

Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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.