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Limited Ingredient Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe Pate Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance

Limited Ingredient Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe Pate Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 9, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a limited-ingredient canned pate for adult dogs, using bison as the single animal protein source along with potatoes and sweet potatoes for carbohydrates. The recipe is designed for complete and balanced maintenance nutrition and can be fed as a full meal or as a topper over kibble. Added fish oil and flaxseed contribute beneficial fatty acids, and the simple ingredient list may suit some dogs with food sensitivities.

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

Overall, this is a high-quality limited-ingredient wet food for adult dogs that focuses on a single novel protein source (bison) and relatively simple carbohydrates. The nutrient profile is appropriate for an adult maintenance canned diet, and the formula includes omega-rich ingredients and added taurine. It can work well for dogs who do best on a simpler ingredient list, especially if you're avoiding 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
Sensitive Stomach Digestive Health
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Bison as the first ingredient and only animal protein source, which can be useful for dogs that don't tolerate more common meats.
  • Limited ingredient composition centered on potatoes and sweet potatoes, which are generally easy to digest carbohydrate sources.
  • Includes ground flaxseed and menhaden fish oil, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as the primary diet for adult dogs.

Considerations

  • Not appropriate for puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs since it is formulated only for adult maintenance.
  • Contains multiple potato ingredients, which increases the carbohydrate proportion; not ideal for dogs that need a lower-carb diet.
  • Bison, fish oil, and flaxseed are animal and plant proteins/fats that could still trigger issues in dogs with specific allergies to these ingredients.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

BISON, VEGETABLE BROTH, POTATOES, SWEET POTATOES, POTATO PROTEIN, CANOLA OIL, GROUND FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, AGAR-AGAR, MINERALS (ZINC PROTEINATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, COBALT PROTEINATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, POTASSIUM IODIDE), 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), CHOLINE CHLORIDE, TAURINE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, MENHADEN FISH OIL (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), 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
Bison
Bison is used as a high-quality animal protein in dog and cat foods, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for pets with food sensitivities. It supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is typically leaner than beef—making it a lower-fat option that may require added fat or formulation adjustments for energy needs; as with all meats it should be part of a complete, balanced diet (especially for cats who need adequate taurine), be sourced and processed safely, and may still cause allergic reactions in some individual pets.
02
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth is typically used in pet foods and toppers as a low-calorie flavor enhancer and source of moisture to improve palatability and encourage drinking, but it contributes negligible protein or fat. It can provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals depending on the vegetables used, yet pet owners should check labels for added salt, onion or garlic (toxic to dogs and cats), and other seasonings or preservatives that may be unsuitable for pets or sodium-restricted diets.
03
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.
04
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.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
6.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
4.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1020
kcal / Kg
376
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 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 Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe 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 Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe Pate 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.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Limited Ingredient Bison & Sweet Potato Recipe Pate 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.