OTTOWA, CANADA and WASHINGTON — After issuing a voluntary recall for one lot of dry cat food in the United States in May, Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. extended the recall to Canada on June 17.
Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. issued the voluntary recall in the United States on May 20, in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to the FDA, a routine surveillance sample conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture found one lot of the company’s L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula tested positive for Salmonella.
The single lot was packaged in 5-lb and 10-lb bags and distributed throughout the United States and Canada through brick-and-mortar retail and online. The company stated 378 of these affected products were distributed in Canada between February and April 2021.
Natural Balance reported no other products are affected by the recall, and no illnesses linked to the recall have been reported in the United States or Canada as of June 2.
Yes. There have been a few Natural Balance recalls over the years.
In May 2021, a single “best by” date of Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula dry cat food was recalled because of the potential for salmonella contamination.ADVERTISEMENT
In July 2020, one lot of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned cat food was found to contain possible elevated levels of choline chloride, which could be dangerous or even fatal if fed to cats. In announcing the recall, the company said it had already “received reports of adverse reactions” in pets.
In May 2012 and June 2010, the brand experienced recalls because of potential salmonella contamination. In 2012, the recall was part of a wider recall of various brands that had been manufactured at a Diamond Pet Foods facility. Both the 2012 and 2010 Natural Balance recalls involved only dry dog foods.
Back in July 2007, a few Natural Balance “Eatables” canned dog foods were recalled because botulinum, the toxin that causes botulism, had been found in a human food (hot dog chili sauce) manufactured in the same Castleberry’s Food Company plant. “We believe we have isolated the issue to a situation of under-processing on one line of our production facility,” said a Castleberry’s official, who noted, “We have shut down this line altogether and are recalling all products produced on it.”
No reports of illnesses were linked to the Natural Balance pet food. But out of an abundance of caution, Castleberry’s recommended that the affected products be discarded. “While botulism can affect some pets, dogs and cats are inherently resistant. The disease has only been seen occasionally in dogs and has not been reported in cats,” said the July 2007 recall announcement.
Finally, in March 2007, as part of the massive Menu Foods/melamine recall that shocked the country, specific varieties of Natural Balance dog and cat foods were recalled because of potential melamine contamination.
We also want to alert readers to the fact that, in late June 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified Natural Balance as one of 16 pet food brands that may be linked to heart disease in dogs and cats. None of those 16 brands have been recalled as part of the agency’s ongoing investigation, though. Most, but not all, of the pet foods are “grain-free” and/or dry (kibble) dog food formulations.
The FDA says this is a “complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors,” and that it cannot even be certain that diet is a cause of the heart problems. For full details, see our article on the subject.
Below, we list the full details of every single Natural Balance recall.
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA alert dated May 20, 2021 (archived here). What was recalled: The following specific lot/sizes of dry cat food:
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food, 5 lb. bags, UPC #2363300233, Lot #1008080 06:42N811202:20, best by March 10, 2022
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food, 10 lb. bags, UPC #2363300235, Lot #1008080 06:42N811202:20, best by March 10, 2022
Cause: Elevated levels of choline chloride. Announcement: FDA report dated July 3, 2020 (archived here). What was recalled: Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned cat food, 5.5 oz. cans, UPC #2363353227, Lot Code #9217803, best by Aug. 4, 2021.
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA reports dated May 4, 2012 (archived here) and May 5, 2012 (archived here). What was recalled: The following batches of 5 different dry dog food recipes:
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 5 lb., Lot Code #NBH1202, best by Dec. 12–13, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 5 lb., Lot Code #NBH0103, best by March 13, 2013 (date corrected by FDA)
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 15 lb., Lot Code #NBH0101, best by March 5–6, 2013
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 15 lb., Lot Code #NBH1202, best by Dec. 12–13, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 15 lb., Lot Code #NBH1203, best by Dec. 13–14, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 28 lb., Lot Code #NBH0101, best by March 5–6, 2013
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 28 lb., Lot Code #NBH0102, best by March 7–8, 2013
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 28 lb., Lot Code #NBH0103, best by March 12, 2013
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 28 lb., Lot Code #NBH1202, best by Dec. 12–13, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison, 28 lb., Lot Code #NBH1203, best by Dec. 13–14, 2012
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice, 5 lb., 15 lb. and 28 lb., Lot Code #NBR1202, best by Dec. 10, 2012
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice, 5 lb., 15 lb. and 28 lb., Lot Code #NBR1203, best by Dec. 21–22, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison, 5 lb., Lot Code #NBT1202, best by Dec. 17–18, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison, 5 lb., Lot Code #NBT1203, best by Dec. 28–29, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison, 15 lb. and 28 lb., Lot Code #NBT1201, best by Dec. 9, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison, 15 lb. and 28 lb., Lot Code #NBT1202, best by Dec. 17–18, 2012
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison, 15 lb. and 28 lb., Lot Code #NBT1203, best by Dec. 28–29, 2012
Natural Balance Vegetarian, 5 lb., Lot Code #NBV1201, best by Dec. 9, 2012
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites, 28 lb., Lot Code #NLB1202, best by Dec. 12, 2012
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites, 28 lb., Lot Code #NLB1203, best by Dec. 20–21, 2012
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites, 5 lb. and 12.5 lb., Lot Code #NSL1201, best by Dec. 21, 2012
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA report dated June 18, 2010 (archived here). What was recalled: The following batches of Natural Balance dry dog foods:
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Formula, 5 lb., UPC #7-23633-9000-4, best by June 17, 2011
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Formula, 28 lb., UPC #7-23633-99002-8, best by June 17, 2011
Cause: Potential for ofbotulinum (bacteria that causes botulism). Announcement: FDA report dated July 21, 2007 (archived here). What was recalled: The following 4 varieties of Natural Balance canned dog food, all “best by” dates:
Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Irish Stew With Beef, Potatoes & Carrots, 15 oz., UPC #2363359860
Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Chinese Take-Out With Sauce With Vegetables and Chicken, 15 oz., UPC #2363359861
Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs HOBO Chili With Chicken & Pasta, 15 oz., UPC #2363359863
Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Southern Style Dumplings With Chicken & Vegetables, 15 oz., UPC #2363359862
Cause: Melamine. Announcement: American Veterinary Medical Association report dated Aug. 22, 2007 (archived here) and FDA report dated May 31, 2007 (archived here). What was recalled: The following Natural Balance foods:
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef dog food, 13 oz. cans, UPC #723633001533
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken dog food, 13 oz. cans, UPC #723633001526
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Lamb dog food, 13 oz. cans, UPC #723633001519
Natural Balance Beef Formula dog food, 13 oz. cans
Natural Balance Chicken Formula dog food, 13 oz. cans
Natural Balance Lamb Formula dog food, 13 oz. cans
Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice dog foods, all cans and bags
Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice Formula Baked Dog Treats, 14 oz.
Natural Balance Premium Ocean Fish cat food, 3 oz. and 6 oz. cans
Natural Balance Ocean Fish Formula cat food, 3 oz. and 6 oz. cans
Natural Balance Venison and Green Pea dry cat food, all sizes
If you have not done so already, we urge you to sign up now for Petful’s FREE recall alerts by email. Our free alerts are saving pets’ lives.
Salmonella can spread to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not washed their hands after having contact with their cats foods, surfaces and/or cats that have been in contact with the contaminated product. Healthy people infected wit Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. People exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product or a cat that has eaten this product should contact their healthcare provider.
If pet parents have matching products in their possession, they should stop feeding it to their cats and dispose of it immediately or return it to their retailer for a refund. (See product photos below.) This information can be found on the back panel of each 5 LB and 10 LB bag. Natural Balance Pet Foods products are 100% guaranteed and all returned product will be refunded.
Salmonella can infect cats eating a product contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of Salmonella infection in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fever, or excessive salivation. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Some cats may not appear sick but can spread infection to other animals and humans in the household.
Have You Had a Problem With Natural Balance?
See our reporting page for contact info.
Leave a comment below to share your experience with others.
Colker, David. “Dick Van Patten Dies at 86; ‘Eight Is Enough’ Star, Pet Food Firm Co-Founder.” Los Angeles Times. June 23, 2015. https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-dick-van-patten-20150624-story.html.
Pierce, Tralee. “The Dog Days of Dick Van Patten.” Globe and Mail. April 22, 2007.
Gerdner, Chris. “Dick Van Patten’s Legacy Stamped With Successful Pet Food Empire.” Hollywood Reporter. June 24, 2015. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dick-van-pattens-legacy-stamped-804661.
“Name Droppers.” Los Angeles Times. Aug. 16, 1992. E4.
Calvey, Mark. “Del Monte Foods Buys Natural Balance Pet Foods.” San Francisco Business Times. May 22, 2013. https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/05/del-monte-foods-natural-balance-pet-food.html.
“VMG Partners Invests In Natural Balance Pet Foods.” Mergr. https://mergr.com/vmg-partners-invests-in-natural-balance-pet-foods.
Mackinnon, Jim. “J.M. Smucker Adds Major Pet Food Brands in ‘Transformational’ $5.8 Billion Purchase.” Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal. Feb. 4, 2015. https://www.beaconjournal.com/article/20150204/NEWS/302048782.
“Top Pet Food Companies Current Data.” Pet Food Industry. 2020. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/directories/211-top-pet-food-companies.
“Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sept. 4, 2018. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/recalls-withdrawals/melamine-pet-food-recall-2007.
“The J.M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of One Lot of Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula Canned Cat Food.” FDA. July 3, 2020. Archived at https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-J.-M.-Smucker-Company-Issues-Voluntary-Recall-of-One-Lot-of-Natural-Balance%C2%AE-Ultra-Premium-Chicken-Liver-Pate%CC%81-Formula-Canned-Cat-Food-_-FDA.pdf.
“Natural Balance Pet Foods Initiates Voluntary Recall of Certain Dry Pet Food Due to the Potential for Salmonella Contamination.” FDA. May 4, 2012. Archived at https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ucm303042.pdf.
“Diamond Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination (Updated and Corrected).” FDA. May 5, 2012. Archived at https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ucm303034.pdf.
Velasco, Schuyler. “Pet Food Recall 2012 Now Includes 39 States (Updated).” Christian Science Monitor. May 14, 2012. https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/0508/Pet-food-recall-2012-now-includes-39-states.
Rothschild, Mary. “Q&A on the Diamond Pet Foods Recall and Salmonella Outbreak.” Food Safety News. May 10, 2012. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/05/qa-on-the-diamond-pet-foods-recall-and-salmonella-outbreak/.
“Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. Announces a Voluntary Recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food Due to a Possible Health Risk.” FDA. June 18, 2010. Archived at https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ucm216298.pdf.
“Castleberry’s Expands Voluntary Recall of Hot Dog Chili Sauce and Canned Meat Products.” FDA. July 21, 2007. Archived at https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ucm112242.pdf.
“Pet Food Recall (Updated).” American Veterinary Medical Association. Aug. 22, 2007. Archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20080610134446/http://www.avma.org/aa/petfoodrecall/products.asp.
“List of Recalls for Dog Food and Cat Food From Brand Natural Balance (Updated).” FDA. May 31, 2007. Archived at https://www.petful.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2007-melamine-recalls-natural-balance.pdf.
FAQ
Has Natural Balance dog food ever had a recall?
Recalls of Natural Balance Dog Food
Natural Balance has had two recalls, one in 2010 and the other in 2012. Both were related to possible salmonella contamination and were a voluntary recall. No recalls have occurred since 2012.
What dog food is being recalled right now 2022?
Updated: Smucker’s closes sale of Natural Balance for $50 million. ORRVILLE, OHIO — The J.M. Smucker Company announced Jan. 29 it had officially divested its Natural Balance business, selling the premium pet food brand to Nexus Capital Management for roughly $50 million.
Is Natural Balance dog food made in China?
July 6, 2022 — Primal Pet Foods is recalling a single lot of Raw Frozen Primal Patties for Dogs Beef Formula due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.