Pure Balance Dog Food Review (Brand) - Complete Buyer’s Guide

Petful is reader supported. As an affiliate of platforms like Amazon and Chewy, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. There is no extra cost to you.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Real meat as the primary ingredient
- Wide range of options including grain-free
- Affordable yet high-quality
Cons
- Limited availability outside Walmart
- Some recipes may not suit all dogs
- Contains chicken meal and preserved poultry fat
Product Comparison
| Product Line | Product Name | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Balance Dry Dog Food | Chicken and Brown Rice | A |
| Pure Balance Dry Dog Food | Lamb and Brown Rice | A |
| Pure Balance Dry Dog Food | Grain-Free Formula | A |

Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
Pure Balance Dog Food Key Information
This comprehensive Pure Balance dog food review is brought to you by Petful, the leading source for pet food recalls for over a decade. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you make an informed purchase.
Rating: Is Pure Balance Dog Food Good?
Highest rating as of April 9, 2024, follow the links to see updated ratings.
Pros and Cons
Pure Balance Dog Food Recalls
- There has never been a Pure Balance recall.
- Check the updated Pure Balance recall history here. Check our updated Pet Food Recall Center here.
Recall disclaimer: Recalls don’t necessarily reflect a brand’s overall quality. They are often precautionary, aimed at ensuring pet safety. Consider the specifics of each recall when choosing products.
Complaints, Issues, and Controversies
- Customer Affairs: https://www.walmart.com/help/store-feedback
- Amazon: Pure Balance Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe 1-star review
Products and Ingredients
Controversial Ingredients and Additives
- Chicken Meal: While a concentrated source of protein, it can vary in quality depending on the source of the chicken used.
- Dried Peas: Often used as a filler or carbohydrate source, but some link them to potential heart issues in dogs.Check out American Kennel Club's: "Peas in Dog Food: What You Need to Know"
- Dried Plain Beet Pulp: Considered a filler by some, it's actually a good source of fiber but controversial due to misconceptions about sugar content.Check out Petful's: "Can Dogs Eat Beets? A Full Guide"
- Natural Flavor: Vague term, can come from various sources, making it difficult to assess quality and safety.
- Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative): A natural preservative, considered safe but sometimes questioned for its vitamin E source and potential allergenic properties.Check out CanadianPetConnection's: "Understanding Mixed Tocopherols in Pet Food"
- Copper Sulfate: An essential nutrient but controversial due to toxicity concerns at high levels.Check out the College of Veterinary Medicine's: "Copper overload is quietly killing our dogs"
- Sodium Selenite: A necessary nutrient, but its inorganic form is controversial due to potential toxicity compared to organic selenium sources.Check out DogFoodAdvisor's: "Sodium Selenite in Dog Food — Vital Nutrient or Dangerous Toxin?"
- Rosemary Extract: Natural antioxidant, but controversial for its potential to cause seizures in pets prone to neurological issues.Check out Pet Honesty's: "Is Rosemary Extract Safe For Dogs?"
The presence of certain ingredients doesn't alone determine a dog food's quality. It depends on the overall recipe, ingredient quality, and the dog's unique needs. Opinions on these ingredients vary among experts, and research is ongoing.
Pure Balance Dog Food Overview
Launched on August 14, 2012, by Walmart, Pure Balance positions itself as the retailer's inaugural foray into the ultra-premium dog food market, aiming to offer dog owners a high-quality nutritional option without the need for a special trip to the pet store. Claiming to eschew soy, wheat, corn additives, artificial colors, preservatives, and chicken by-products, Pure Balance's formula is designed with either real lamb or poultry as the primary ingredient, coupled with a blend of omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat, as well as additional benefits for vision, heart health, and immunity. Walmart aims to provide this top-tier nutritional option at a value that aligns with its commitment to affordability, thereby enhancing its comprehensive pet food assortment to cater to the diverse needs of its customers and their canine companions.
Petful's Pure Balance Dog Food Review
Pure Balance Dog Food, launched by Walmart in 2012, aims to provide an ultra-premium, yet affordable nutritional option for dogs, exclusive to the retailer's shelves. The brand’s Chicken and Brown Rice recipe is often highlighted for its focus on high-quality ingredients, such as real meat as the first ingredient, and its commitment to excluding soy, wheat, corn additives, artificial colors, preservatives, and chicken by-products. This aligns with the needs of health-conscious pet owners seeking wholesome diets for their furry friends.
Despite the brand’s positives, including a formulation rich in omega fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health, some reviewers have raised concerns about the inclusion of ingredients like dried peas and chicken meal, which may not suit all dogs, especially those with specific allergies or sensitivities.
Pure Balance offers a range of products, from grain-free to formulas tailored for dogs with sensitive stomachs, illustrating the brand's dedication to catering to a wide array of dietary needs. While the use of certain controversial ingredients warrants a closer look by discerning pet owners, Pure Balance is generally seen as a solid choice for those looking to balance quality and affordability in their dog's diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Pure Balance dry dog food is a grain-inclusive option that incorporates a significant amount of named meat meals as its main source of animal protein. This composition highlights the brand's commitment to providing a protein-rich diet for dogs.
Pure Balance is a premium brand offered by Walmart, featuring a selection of cat and dog food formulated with fresh, healthy ingredients designed to appeal to pets' taste preferences.
Explore More Options for Dog Food
- Merrick Dog Food Freshpet Dog Food Rachael Ray Dog Food
A Final Word (Disclaimer)
At Petful, our review integrity is paramount; we never exchange special treatment in our reviews for monetary or material rewards.
Nonetheless, when our readers click through to online merchants (including Chewy or Amazon), we receive a referral commission. This supports the running of our free blog, and we appreciate your backing.
For additional information, kindly refer to our Disclaimer and Discourse Section.
Petful Verdict
Recommended
Petful Review
Conclusion
Given its emphasis on quality ingredients and responsible manufacturing, I recommend the pet product brand for its potential health benefits for pets.
Sources
- Dog Food Advisor
- Amazon
- Chewy
Reviewed By
Vet-Approved Content - Reviewed By The <a href="/team/" title="Petful team">Petful Team</a>
Petful is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on this page.

Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.