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Original Ultra Lamb Recipe Pate Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance

Original Ultra Lamb Recipe Pate Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Wet All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is an all–life stages canned lamb pate designed to be fed as a complete meal or topper for dogs of any size, including large-breed puppies. Lamb, lamb liver, and lamb meal provide the main protein sources, while brown rice, potatoes, and carrots contribute digestible carbohydrates and fiber. Added flaxseed and fish oil supply omega fatty acids, and the formula includes taurine along with a full vitamin and mineral blend for balanced nutrition.

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

This is a well-formulated, lamb-based wet food that offers complete and balanced nutrition for dogs at all life stages, including large-breed puppies. It uses multiple lamb ingredients for animal protein, paired with modest amounts of grains and vegetables for energy and fiber. It should suit many dogs who do well on lamb and who benefit from the higher moisture of a canned diet, as long as they don’t have sensitivities to lamb or fish.

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 Skin Coat Health Heart Care Immune Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs, which is one of the stricter standards.
  • Multiple animal protein sources from lamb (meat, liver, and meal) provide a good amino acid profile for growth and maintenance.
  • Includes brown rice, potatoes, and carrots as digestible carbohydrate and fiber sources, plus flaxseed and fish oil for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
  • Added taurine and a full complement of vitamins and chelated (proteinated) minerals support balanced micronutrition and heart health needs in dogs.

Considerations

  • Lamb is a common trigger for some dogs with food allergies, so this wouldn’t be ideal if your dog is known to react to lamb or other red meats.
  • The calorie density is relatively high for a wet food (443 kcal per can), so portion control is important, especially for less active or smaller dogs.
  • Contains fish oil, so it may not be suitable for dogs with fish allergies.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

LAMB BROTH, LAMB, POTATOES, BROWN RICE, LAMB LIVER, CARROTS, LAMB MEAL, OAT BRAN, CANOLA OIL, GROUND FLAXSEED, DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SALT, AGAR-AGAR, MINERALS (ZINC PROTEINATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, COBALT PROTEINATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, POTASSIUM IODIDE), DRIED KELP, 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, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, MENHADEN FISH OIL (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PARSLEY, SODIUM CARBONATE, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT

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
Lamb Broth
Lamb broth is used in pet foods and toppers primarily as a flavorful, moisture-rich base or gravy to boost palatability and hydration, and it can contribute small amounts of animal protein, amino acids, and electrolytes. Pet parents should be aware that broths can be high in sodium or fat and may contain allergens or toxic seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, xylitol), so choose low‑sodium, pet-safe formulations and consult a veterinarian for pets with dietary restrictions or sensitive stomachs.
02
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
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
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.
05
Lamb Liver
Lamb liver is an organ meat used as a nutrient-dense protein and flavor enhancer in pet foods and treats, supplying concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), iron, copper and high-quality amino acids important for both dogs and cats. It is highly palatable and can help prevent nutrient deficiencies, but should be fed in moderation because excessive liver intake can lead to vitamin A toxicity and digestive upset, and proper sourcing/handling is important to avoid foodborne pathogens.

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)
8.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
5.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1200
kcal / Kg
443
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 All Life Stages
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 All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Original Ultra Lamb Recipe canned dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for all life stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).

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 Original Ultra Lamb 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
Original Ultra Lamb 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.