Ethical Alternatives to Natural Balance
Natural Balance is a US-based pet food brand owned by the J.M. Smucker Company, known for limited-ingredient and grain-free recipes. While it has no major ethical controversies, it lacks third-party cruelty-free or vegan certifications and its parent company has been involved in animal testing for human food.
Categories compared: Pet Care
Why shoppers look for alternatives to Natural Balance
- No third-party certifications for cruelty-free, vegan, or sustainability standards are on file for Natural Balance.
- Parent company J.M. Smucker has a history of animal testing in its human food divisions, which may conflict with ethical shopping priorities.
- The brand sells in mainland China, where some ethical shoppers avoid brands due to concerns about supply chain transparency.
- Limited public sustainability commitments mean shoppers seeking net-zero or eco-certified options may find better choices elsewhere.
Top-scoring alternatives to Natural Balance
A truly organic, non-toxic dog shampoo that sets the gold standard for safety and environmental purity in pet grooming.
A multi-use, fair-trade organic soap that is gentle enough for pets yet effective at removing grime and odors.
A truly organic, non-toxic grooming solution that sets the gold standard for pet safety and environmental responsibility.
The gold standard for ethical personal and pet care. Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap is biodegradable, fair trade, and highly concentrated for multi-purpose use.
A legendary multi-use soap that is widely recommended by groomers for pets due to its organic, fair-trade ingredients and complete lack of synthetic detergents.
A soothing, organic balm for dry paws and noses, crafted with Fair Trade ingredients and a legacy of social activism.
An ultra-clean, soothing balm for cracked paws and dry noses. Crafted with Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients, this multi-purpose balm is safe for pets who lick their paws and is produced under world-class fair trade standards.
A versatile, highly ethical organic soap perfect for pet bathing. Using fair-trade ingredients and regenerative farming practices, it provides a gentle, effective clean without synthetic detergents.
A versatile, fair-trade certified organic soap that is gentle enough for pets and tough on dirt, formulated with nourishing sugar and calming lavender.
An industry-leading organic dog shampoo that sets the standard for ingredient purity and environmental safety. 4Legger avoids all synthetic chemicals, focusing on a true saponified oil base that is safe for sensitive skin and the planet.
A fully sweatshop-free, chemical-free pet bed handcrafted from organic European hemp, ideal for pets with chemical sensitivities or allergies.
A truly organic grooming solution that avoids the 'natural' marketing trap, using only USDA-certified whole-plant ingredients to soothe skin without synthetic chemicals.
What Natural Balance is rated on
Natural Balance operates without independent ethical certifications. No cruelty-free, vegan, or B Corp certifications are publicly listed. The brand conducts AAFCO-required feeding trials, which do not involve unnecessary testing on finished pet products, but its parent company J.M. Smucker has performed animal testing for human food products. The brand also sells in mainland China, a market that some ethical shoppers scrutinize for animal welfare and supply chain practices. Sustainability commitments are minimal and not externally verified.
How the alternatives were picked
We selected alternatives based on three criteria: (1) verified third-party certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny, Vegan Society, Certified B Corporation), (2) clear and publicized commitments to no animal testing across the entire parent or holding company, and (3) transparent sustainability reporting that covers ingredients, packaging, and carbon impact. We excluded brands that are owned by conglomerates with known animal testing histories in their non-pet lines.
What to check on the label
When evaluating ethical pet food, look for these label and certification indicators: a Leaping Bunny or PETA cruelty-free logo confirms no animal testing at any stage. Vegan labels (e.g., Vegan Society) ensure no animal-derived ingredients. B Corp certification signals verified social and environmental performance. Avoid brands that use generic terms like 'natural' without third-party backing. Also check parent company ownership—if the parent tests on animals for human food, the pet brand is not truly cruelty-free. For sustainability, look for carbon-neutral certifications, compostable packaging, or membership in organizations like 1% for the Planet.
Frequently asked about Natural Balance alternatives
Does Natural Balance test on animals?+
Natural Balance conducts AAFCO-required feeding trials for nutritional adequacy, which are standard industry practice and are not considered unnecessary animal testing on finished pet products. However, its parent company J.M. Smucker has been involved in animal testing for human food safety, which may be a concern for shoppers seeking a fully cruelty-free supply chain.
Why does selling in mainland China matter for ethics?+
Mainland China does not mandate animal testing for imported pet foods, but some ethical shoppers avoid brands sold there due to weaker animal welfare regulations and lower supply chain transparency compared to markets like the EU. This fact is relevant for shoppers prioritizing strict ethical sourcing.
What certifications should I look for in an alternative?+
Look for Leaping Bunny (no animal testing), Vegan Society (no animal ingredients), and B Corp (overall ethical business practices). Certifications like USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified can also indicate higher standards for ingredients.
Are all limited-ingredient pet foods ethical?+
No. The term 'limited-ingredient' refers only to the recipe’s simplicity, not ethical practices. A brand can offer limited-ingredient formulas while still lacking cruelty-free or sustainability commitments. Always verify certifications independently.