Natural Balance Pet Foods - History

History

Natural Balance began in 1989 when Van Patten was a guest on John Davidson's show. Van Patten had lunch with the show's band drummer who rescued dogs and cats. Van Patten told him when he was a kid he had snakes, alligators, and every kind of animal you could imagine. The drummer and Van Patten had an idea of making a health food for dogs. At the time, Van Patten played tennis with a veterinarian and she said the best quality food should have no filler, no wheat, no corn, no soy and no by-products.

Many of Natural Balance's dry formulas maintain this initial ingredient list; others, such as the dog food rolls, now include wheat flour and sugar. ( http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/product-category.aspx?ProductCategoryID=21&category=Premium+Food+Roll+Formulas )

"My partner and I started Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989 with the intention of developing the finest, healthiest pet food on the market. We wanted a pet food based on sound scientific principles and truth, not marketing hype. We did it! Not only for dogs & cats, but for large carnivores, such as lions, tigers, polar bears, and wolves in zoos and animal reserves worldwide!"

— Dick Van Patten

Natural Balance lost money at first, but as they expanded their markets, things picked up when Petco opened 625 stores. Then, more pet specialty stores wanted Natural Balance products when the "natural" segment started to grow.