Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe Pate Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient canned food for adult dogs that uses venison as the single animal protein source, with sweet potatoes and potatoes providing easily digestible carbohydrates. The loaf-style recipe is complete and balanced for maintenance and can be fed alone or used as a topper over kibble. Added flaxseed and fish oil supply omega fatty acids, and taurine is included for additional nutritional support.
Overall, this is a high-quality limited-ingredient wet food for adult dogs, especially those who need a novel protein like venison or have sensitive stomachs. The recipe relies on venison plus potato-based carbs, with added omega sources and a full vitamin-mineral premix to keep it complete and balanced. It’s lower in protein than some other wet diets, so it’s best suited to average adult dogs rather than those needing a very high-protein regimen.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses venison as the single animal protein source, which can be useful for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Limited-ingredient formulation with sweet potatoes and potatoes as the primary carbohydrates, which are generally easy to digest for many dogs.
- Includes flaxseed and menhaden fish oil for omega fatty acids, which can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet or a topper without worrying about basic nutrient gaps.
Considerations
- Protein level is on the modest side for a wet food, which is fine for many adult dogs but may not be ideal for those needing higher protein (for example, some very active or underweight dogs).
- Contains fish oil and venison, so it would not be appropriate for dogs with known fish or venison allergies.
- Being formulated (rather than tested in feeding trials) means its adequacy is based on meeting nutrient profiles, not on results from live-dog feeding studies.
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
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.
02
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.
03
Venison Broth
Venison broth is a flavorful, hydrating meat-based liquid used in pet foods or as a meal topper to enhance palatability and moisture while contributing small amounts of protein, minerals, collagen and gelatin from simmered venison (venison often serves as a novel protein for pets with food sensitivities). It can help stimulate appetite in picky or ill dogs and cats and support hydration, but owners should choose low-sodium, additive-free products (or ensure homemade broths contain no onion/garlic and that bones are removed), remember it is not a complete diet, and be mindful of fat content and storage/contamination risks.
04
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).
05
Potato Protein
Potato protein is a concentrated plant-based protein used in pet foods as a protein source, binder and texture enhancer, offering a highly digestible amino acid profile with relatively good lysine content compared with other plant proteins. It can be a useful hypoallergenic alternative for dogs and a supplement in balanced formulas, but it should not be the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats because it lacks certain nutrients (e.g., sufficient taurine and other animal-derived factors) and must be used within complete, nutritionally formulated diets; quality processing also minimizes potato-specific compounds such as glycoalkaloids.
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 Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe Pate 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.
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Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.