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More dog owners want better ingredients in their dog’s bowl, without paying premium-brand prices. That’s where Pure Balance, Walmart’s private-label dog food, has carved out a loyal following.
Table of Contents
Marketed as a higher-quality alternative to lower-quality budget dog food, Pure Balance promises real meat, fewer fillers, and targeted formulas at an affordable cost. Below, we break down the brand’s real quality, recall history, and best formulas to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your dog.
| Best Kibble | Best Fresh | Best For Sensitivities |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Food | Wild & Fresh Dog Food | Pro+ Sensitive Skin & Stomach |
| View on Walmart | View on Walmart | View on Walmart |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Brand History
Pure Balance is Walmart’s private-label dog food brand, launched in 2012 to offer more thoughtfully formulated recipes at an accessible price point. The goal was simple: create food with real meat, fewer fillers, and cleaner ingredient lists, all without the premium-brand markup.
While Walmart owns the brand, it does not manufacture the food itself. Production is handled by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a U.S.-based pet food manufacturer now owned by J. M. Smucker Company. Pure Balance recipes are made in the United States using a mix of domestic and globally sourced ingredients.
Recall History
A brand’s recall history is one of the quickest ways to gauge its commitment to pet safety and quality control.
As of this update, Pure Balance dog food has not been subject to any recalls, according to publicly available records from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). That’s a strong track record for a brand that’s been on shelves for more than a decade.
While recalls can happen even to reputable companies, the absence of past recalls suggests consistent manufacturing standards and quality oversight — an encouraging sign for budget-conscious dog owners looking for reliability.
Range Of Recipes
Pure Balance offers a broad lineup designed to meet different dietary needs, life stages, and feeding preferences. Across the brand, you’ll find dry kibble, wet food, and fresh options, with both grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas available.
Below is a quick breakdown of the main Pure Balance product lines.
Pure Balance (Original Line)
This is the brand’s core lineup, built to suit most adult dogs without specific dietary needs.
- Available in kibble, canned food, dinner trays, and select fresh options
- Includes both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes
- Focuses on real meat as the first ingredient in many formulas
- Free from added corn, wheat, and soy
This line works well for dogs who do well on standard formulas and owners looking for dependable, budget-friendly nutrition.
Pure Balance Pro+
The Pro+ line focuses on dogs with specific life stages or nutritional goals.
- Offered in dry, wet, and fresh formats
- All Pro+ recipes are grain-inclusive
- Includes targeted formulas for:
- Puppies and large-breed puppies
- Small and large breeds
- Seniors
- Sensitive skin and stomach
- Weight management, skin & coat, and performance
Pro+ is the most specialized Pure Balance line and a strong option for dogs who benefit from tailored nutrition.
Pure Balance Wild & Free
Wild & Free features grain-free recipes with simplified ingredient lists.
- Available as kibble, wet food, and fresh options
- Uses legumes or alternative carbohydrates instead of grains
- Designed for dogs with grain sensitivities or ingredient intolerances
Fresh foods within this line are labeled “Wild & Fresh.”
Pure Balance Fresh
The Fresh line includes refrigerated, minimally processed meals designed to be easy and convenient.
- All recipes are grain-free
- Made with real meat and vegetables
- Can be served as a complete meal or used as a topper
- Also includes a small selection of fresh, natural chew options.
This line appeals to owners interested in fresh feeding without committing to a subscription service.
Pure Balance Dog Food Reviews
With so many products to choose from, we have chosen a selection of Pure Balance’s high-quality products across their lines. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.
Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review
Pure Balance’s Chicken & Brown Rice recipe is one of the brand’s most popular dry dog foods — and for good reason. It offers a straightforward, meat-forward formula at a price point that’s easier to manage than many premium brands.
Real chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal, which provides a concentrated source of protein and naturally occurring glucosamine to support joint health. Flaxseed, eggs, and fish oil supply omega fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
This is a grain-inclusive formula made with brown rice, barley, and oatmeal — grains that are generally easy for most dogs to digest. Added fiber supports healthy digestion, while vitamins, minerals, and probiotics help round out the nutritional profile. Overall, it’s a solid everyday kibble for dogs that do well on traditional grain-based diets.
Key Features
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Includes wholesome grains like brown rice and oatmeal
- No added corn, wheat, or soy
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics
- Supports digestion, skin, and coat health
- Suitable for most adult dogs
Best For
Adult dogs who do well on grain-inclusive diets, and owners looking for a reliable, budget-friendly kibble for everyday feeding. A solid choice for multi-dog households without special dietary needs.
Price
- $34.97 (30-lb bag)
Pure Balance Wild & Fresh Beef & Bison Recipe Review
This Wild & Fresh recipe is one of Pure Balance’s fresh-food options, designed for owners who want less processing without moving to a subscription-based brand. It features a short, meat-forward ingredient list and a soft, pâté-style texture that many dogs find highly palatable.
The first ingredients are beef, beef liver, and bison, providing a rich source of protein along with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Beef broth adds moisture and flavor, while fruits and vegetables like cranberries, spinach, and blueberries contribute antioxidants and fiber. Added vitamins and minerals help ensure the formula is nutritionally complete for everyday feeding.
This is a grain-free fresh food that can be served on its own or used as a topper to boost interest in dry kibble. It comes in a convenient chub roll, making portioning and storage relatively simple compared to canned fresh foods.
Key Features
- Made with real beef, beef liver, and bison
- Grain-free fresh food with a soft, easy-to-eat texture
- Beef broth adds moisture and flavor
- Includes fruits and vegetables like cranberries and spinach
- Nutritionally complete for all life stages
- Convenient chub-style packaging for easy serving
Best For
Dogs who enjoy fresh or moist food and owners looking to add higher-quality ingredients without committing to a fresh-food subscription. Also, it’s a good fit for picky eaters or dogs that benefit from extra moisture in their diet.
Price
- $11.47 (2-lb roll)
Pure Balance Pro+ Sensitive Skin & Stomach Recipe Review
This formula from the Pro+ line is designed for adult dogs that struggle with digestive upset, itchy skin, or food sensitivities. It focuses on gentle ingredients and added digestive support while staying affordable compared to many specialty diets.
Salmon is the first ingredient, followed by fish meal, providing a concentrated source of protein and omega fatty acids. These healthy fats help support skin and coat health while also being easier for many sensitive dogs to tolerate than common proteins like chicken or beef. Brown rice and peas provide digestible carbohydrates, while added prebiotics and probiotics support gut health and more consistent stools.
The recipe is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support immune function and overall wellness. While it’s not a limited-ingredient diet, it avoids some of the most common irritants and is widely used by owners looking for a gentler everyday kibble.
Key Features
- Salmon and fish meal are the first two ingredients
- Formulated for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs
- Includes prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
- Grain-inclusive with brown rice for easier digestion
- Omega fatty acids support skin, coat, and joint health
- Suitable for adult dogs
Best For
Adult dogs with mild to moderate digestive sensitivities or skin issues, especially those that don’t do well on chicken-based formulas. A good everyday option for owners who want targeted nutrition without stepping up to prescription diets.
Price
- $15.72 (8-lb bag)
Pure Balance Pro+ Beef & Chicken Stew For Small Breeds Review
This Pro+ wet food is designed specifically for small dog breeds, with portion sizes and textures that work well for smaller mouths. The variety pack includes two flavors, which helps add interest for picky eaters and makes meal rotation easier.
Beef and chicken anchor the recipe, providing a solid protein base along with egg whites for additional amino acids. Vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, and peas contribute fiber to support digestion and help small dogs feel satisfied between meals. The stew-style texture is soft and easy to eat, making it a practical option for dogs that struggle with dry kibble.
Each serving comes in a small, single-serve tray, which reduces waste and keeps meals fresh, especially helpful for households with one small dog.
Key Features
- Formulated specifically for small breed dogs
- Made with real beef and chicken
- Soft stew texture that’s easy to eat
- Includes pumpkin and vegetables for digestive support
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Convenient single-serve trays
Best For
Small-breed dogs that prefer wet food or need softer textures, and owners who want portion-controlled meals without leftovers. Also a good fit for picky eaters or dogs that struggle to maintain weight on dry food alone.
Price
- $9.76 (12-pack of 3.5 oz bowls)
Pure Balance Pro+ Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review
This Pro+ formula is designed to support the nutritional needs of large-breed dogs, which differ from those of smaller breeds, especially when it comes to joint health and controlled growth. It balances protein, minerals, and added joint support without pushing calories too high.
Real chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal, providing a concentrated source of protein to support lean muscle maintenance. The recipe includes controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to help support bone health, along with added glucosamine to support joints as larger dogs age.
Brown rice supplies digestible carbohydrates for steady energy, while fish oil and taurine support heart and eye health. L-carnitine helps support metabolism and healthy weight maintenance, which can be especially important for large dogs prone to joint stress.
Key Features
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Formulated specifically for large-breed nutritional needs
- Controlled calcium and phosphorus for bone health
- Glucosamine supports joint function
- Includes taurine and fish oil for heart and eye health
- Suitable for adult large-breed dogs
Best For
Large-breed adult dogs that need joint support and controlled mineral levels, and owners looking for an affordable, breed-appropriate kibble for everyday feeding.
Price
- $25.96 (16-lb bag)
Pure Balance Pro+ Puppy Chicken & Rice Recipe Review
This Pro+ puppy formula is designed to support the rapid growth and development that happens during a dog’s first year. It provides higher levels of protein and fat than adult formulas, along with nutrients that support brain, eye, and joint development.
Chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal, which supplies concentrated protein and naturally occurring glucosamine to support developing joints. Added omega fatty acids, including DHA, help support healthy brain and vision development, especially important during early growth stages.
The kibble pieces are smaller than standard adult formulas, making them easier for puppies to chew. Carrots and peas provide fiber and nutrients to support digestion and immune health as puppies transition to solid food.
Key Features
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Formulated for the nutritional needs of growing puppies
- Higher protein and fat levels to support development
- Includes DHA for brain and eye development
- Smaller kibble size for easier chewing
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Best For
Puppies of small and medium breeds, or mixed-breed puppies without large-breed growth concerns. Owners of large-breed puppies may want a formula specifically designed for controlled growth.
Price
- $15.72 (8-lb bag)
Pure Balance Pro+ Mature Wet Dog Food Review
This Pro+ wet food is formulated to support the changing nutritional needs of senior dogs, including digestion, mobility, and immune health. As dogs age, they often benefit from softer textures, moderate protein levels, and added fiber — all areas this recipe focuses on.
The formula features real chicken, along with chicken liver, white fish, and egg whites to help maintain muscle mass without overloading calories. Ingredients like pumpkin and yellow squash provide fiber to support digestion, while added vitamins and minerals help support overall wellness in older dogs.
The soft, pâté-style texture makes this food easy to eat, especially for seniors with dental issues. It can be fed on its own or mixed with dry food to add moisture and improve palatability.
Key Features
- Formulated for senior dogs
- Made with real chicken and other animal proteins
- Soft pâté texture that’s easy to eat
- Includes fiber-rich ingredients for digestive support
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Can be fed alone or mixed with kibble
Best For
Senior dogs that benefit from softer textures and added digestive support, or older dogs that have trouble maintaining weight or hydration on dry food alone.
Price
- $9.76 (12 x 3.5-oz bowls)
Pure Balance Wild & Free Salmon & Pea Dry Dog Food Review
This Wild & Free recipe is one of Pure Balance’s most popular grain-free kibble options. It’s designed for dogs that don’t tolerate traditional grains well and for owners looking for a simpler ingredient profile at a more accessible price point.
Salmon is the first ingredient, followed by salmon meal and fish meal, providing a concentrated source of protein and omega fatty acids. These fats support skin, coat, heart, and immune health, and fish-based proteins are often easier for sensitive dogs to tolerate than poultry-based formulas.
Instead of grains, this recipe uses peas and chickpeas as carbohydrate sources. Added beet pulp, chicory root, and live probiotics support digestion and help promote firmer stools. The formula is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals and avoids artificial preservatives and fillers.
Key Features
- Salmon is the first ingredient
- Grain-free kibble with fish-based protein
- Peas and chickpeas replace traditional grains
- Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Includes probiotics to support digestion
- Suitable for dogs of various sizes
Best For
Dogs that do better on grain-free diets or fish-based proteins, especially those with sensitivities to chicken or common grains. A solid option for owners seeking a grain-free kibble without premium-brand pricing.
Price
- $34.88 (24-lb bag)
How Does Pure Balance Compare Nutritionally?
Pure Balance offers solid, balanced nutrition for its price point, with most formulas built around real animal protein, added vitamins and minerals, and recipes tailored to specific life stages and needs.
While ingredient quality and nutrient balance vary by formula, Pure Balance generally compares well to other mid-range dog food brands, like Diamond Naturals, American Journey, Purina ONE, and more.
Grain-inclusive recipes focus on digestible carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal, while grain-free options rely on alternatives such as peas and chickpeas. Many formulas also include probiotics, omega fatty acids, and joint-supporting nutrients to support overall health.
Pure Balance isn’t positioned as a therapeutic or prescription diet, but for many dogs, it provides dependable everyday nutrition without the premium price tag. Choosing the right formula for your dog’s age, size, and sensitivities matters more than the brand name itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although we have now finished reviewing the Pure Balance brand, you still might have some questions. These are some of the most frequently asked questions on an owner’s mind. So, let’s clear them up. If you don’t see yours here, hit us up in our comments.
Which Pure Balance Dog Food Is Best?
The best Pure Balance formula depends on your dog’s age, size, and dietary needs. Puppies and seniors benefit from life-stage formulas, while dogs with sensitivities may do better on fish-based or grain-free options. The brand offers enough variety that most dogs can find a good match without moving into prescription diets.
Who Makes Pure Balance Dog Food?
Pure Balance is a private-label brand owned by Walmart. The food is manufactured by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a U.S.-based pet food producer now owned by Smucker’s. Recipes are made in the U.S. using a mix of domestic and globally sourced ingredients.
Is Pure Balance Dog Food Safe?
As of the most recent update, Pure Balance dog food has not been subject to any recalls. While no brand is immune to quality issues, this track record is encouraging for a long-running, widely available product line.
Pure Balance Dog Food Vs. Purina Pro Plan: Which Is Best?
Both brands offer balanced nutrition, but they target different buyers. Purina Pro Plan leans more heavily into performance and veterinary-backed formulas, often at a higher price. Pure Balance focuses on affordability and accessible ingredient lists. The better choice comes down to your dog’s needs and your budget.
Is Pure Balance a Good Budget Dog Food?
Yes — for many dogs. Pure Balance provides reliable everyday nutrition at a lower cost than premium brands. While it’s not designed for medical or therapeutic use, it’s a solid option for healthy dogs that do well on standard commercial diets.
Looking For More Healthy Dog Food Options?
Pure Balance is a good, high-quality brand. However, if you think you can stretch your dollar a bit, you may want to explore even healthier dietary options for your pup. If you’re looking for fresh food, you may want to consider these fresh dog food options or premium air-dried dog food.
Have you tried Pure Balance? What dog food is your pup’s favorite? Let us know in our comments. Your experiences can help your fellow dog owners!
