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Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance

Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a limited-ingredient canned pâté for adult dogs, using duck as the single animal protein source and brown rice as the main carbohydrate and fiber source. The formula offers moderate protein and fat for a wet food, with added flaxseed and canola oil to contribute essential fatty acids and taurine supplementation. It’s designed for adult dogs, including those with more sensitive digestion who may do better on a simpler ingredient list centered around duck and grains.

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

A well-formulated, limited-ingredient wet food for adult dogs that centers on duck as the only animal protein and uses brown rice for gentle, grain-based carbohydrates. It’s complete and balanced for adult maintenance and can be fed alone or as a topper over kibble. This can work especially well for dogs who do better on simpler recipes or who need an alternative to more common proteins like chicken or beef.

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 Sensitive Stomach
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Duck is the first ingredient and only animal protein source, which can be helpful for dogs that don’t tolerate more common proteins.
  • Limited, straightforward ingredient list with brown rice and flaxseed providing digestible carbs and fiber to support gut health.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult dogs.
  • Wet pâté texture can be useful for picky eaters or dogs who need extra moisture in their diet.

Considerations

  • Not appropriate for puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs, since it’s formulated only for adult maintenance.
  • Uses duck, which is still an animal protein and could be an issue for dogs with duck-specific allergies or those needing a true novel-protein veterinary diet.
  • Moderate protein level for a wet food may be lower than what some very active or working dogs require, so total daily intake and overall diet should be considered.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

DUCK, DUCK BROTH, BROWN RICE, CANOLA OIL, GROUND FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, AGAR-AGAR, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, MINERALS (ZINC PROTEINATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, COBALT PROTEINATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, POTASSIUM IODIDE), DRIED KELP, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, VITAMINS (VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID), TAURINE, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, PARSLEY, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, SODIUM CARBONATE.

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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Duck Broth
Duck broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful liquid to boost palatability and moisture, and it can contribute modest amounts of amino acids and minerals depending on how it’s made. It can help entice picky dogs and cats and encourage hydration, but caregivers should check labels for high sodium, added onions/garlic or excessive fat, and avoid broths with bone fragments or if the animal has a poultry allergy or pancreatitis risk.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
04
Canola Oil
Canola oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer that supplies energy and essential fatty acids—mainly omega‑6 (linoleic acid) and some omega‑3 (ALA)—and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins. It can support skin and coat condition when balanced with animal fats or supplemental omega‑3s, but is calorie‑dense so must be portioned to avoid weight gain, does not provide species‑specific fats such as arachidonic acid for cats, and must be kept fresh to prevent oxidation.
05
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.

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)
7.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
7.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1170
kcal / Kg
438
kcal / Cup
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 Pate
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 Limited Ingredient Duck & Brown Rice Recipe canned dog food 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 Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe 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
Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe 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.