Rating
Type
Baked / Dry
Grain
Grain Free for Specific Recipes
Origin
United States
Recipes
7
Is VF Balance Dry Cat Food Good?
VF Balance Dry Cat Food is a pet food line with a 3.5-star rating — around 20% of all the pet food we review fall in this tier.
They seem to have nutrition ratio similar to a common pet food and contain mainly named ingredents. We think they are quite fine, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
What We like
- High Protein — over 35%!
- No Plant Protein in Top Ingredients
- Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
- Aid Digestion with Probiotics
- No Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
- No Chemicals or Suspicious Ingredients
- Oven-Baked to Retain More Nutrition
What We Concern
- More than 34% Carbs
- Numberous Controversial Ingredients
「Chief of Cook」Donky
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Chicken & Brown Rice Kitten
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：28% 4
Chicken & Brown Rice Furry Cat
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：32% 3.5
Chicken & Brown Rice Hairball Control
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：32% 3.5
Chicken & Turkey Grain Free
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：31% 3.5
Salmon & Menhaden Fish
1️⃣Salmon 🍚Carbs：31% 3.5
Chicken & Brown Rice Adult
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：37% 3
Chicken & Brown Rice Senior / Weight Control
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：48% 2
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate VF Balance Dry Cat Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Chicken & Brown Rice Adult.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Chicken & Brown Rice Adult
Protein
30%
Fat
17%
Fiber
3.5%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
| Nutrition | Our Ideal | Dry Value | Like? |
| Protein | 33% or more | 33% | |
| Fat | 15% or more | 19% | |
| Carbs | Less than 25% | 37% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 3.9% |
Ingredients Overview
34 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
0 units
🌋 Indigest
1 units
⁉ Uncertain
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems to Include
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Chicken Meal
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Brown Rice
Carbs Whole grain rice with its bran and germ remained, high in carbs and fiber. Studies have shown that rice bran depletes taurine in cats, which is an essential amino acid.
Notice An inexpensive filler with proven disadvantages offers limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Ground Sorghum
Carbs A type of gluten-free grain, high in carbs and with a similar level of protein as quinoa.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Millet
Carbs As a better filler than other grains, millet has higher protein and fat content. Nevertheless, it also has the highest biological value and overall digestibility.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Fat
Fat The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Egg Product
Animal Protein A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
Concerned A less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Beet Pulp
Carbs The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Concerned Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Brewers Yeast
Plant Protein Concentrate Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Concerned A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Herring Meal
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of herring, which contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salmon Meal
Animal Protein The dehydrated form of salmon, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% more protein compared to fresh meat. It is one of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Natural Chicken Flavor
Food Additive The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
Neutral A safe flavor enhancer to improve the taste.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Ground Whole Flaxseed
Fat One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
Neutral A harmless seed with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Herring Oil
Fat The fish oil extracted from herring. It is an excellent source of omega 3s, DHA, and EPA, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tuna Meal
Animal Protein A saltwater fish high in protein, omega 3 fats, and B vitamins. Most tuna contains a high level of mercury, which is linked to many health issues.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Lecithin
Fat A fat essential in body cells, it could be extracted from different food like soybean. It acts as an emulsifier that helps fats mixing with other ingredients.
Neutral An acceptable source of fat from plants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Carrots
Carbs Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Celery
Carbs Source of vitamins A, C, and K, also contains minerals such as folate, potassium, and manganese.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Beets
Carbs High in sugar, carbs, and fiber, along with vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium.
Concerned Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Celery
Carbs Source of vitamins A, C, and K, also contains minerals such as folate, potassium, and manganese.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Lettuce
Carbs High water content and low in fiber, it is a good source of vitamin A and K.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Watercress
Carbs A type of dark leafy green naturally grows in spring water, an excellent source of vitamin A and C. It also contains mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Spinach
Carbs Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dl Methionine
Supplement Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Concerned A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potassium Chloride
Supplement An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Canola Oil
Fat 🌋
Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.
Concerned A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
L Lysine
Supplement One of the essential amino acids that dogs and cats cannot produce by themselves therefore must be obtained from the diet. Usually, pet foods with a high amount of meat and legumes do not require this supplement as they are high in lysine naturally.
Neutral A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Taurine
Supplement An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Prefer A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Cranberry
Carbs High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Supplement An inorganic form of phosphate, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate compared to the organic form. Phosphorus is essential for various body functions, especially critical to maintain normal metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salt
Others Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Concerned A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Nicotinic Acid
Supplement Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Seaweed
Carbs An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
Neutral An acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamins
Supplement A mixture of vitamins supplements to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Mineral
Supplement A mixture of mineral supplement to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tips
We find 7 Concerned and 1 Notice ingredients from Chicken & Brown Rice Adult. Check from the above list to view the details.Concerned
- Egg Product
- Dried Beet Pulp
- Dried Brewers Yeast
- Beets
- Dl Methionine
- Canola Oil
- Salt
Notice
- Brown Rice
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
0 / 7 (0%)
in top 7 ingredients Protein Level
33%
in dry matterBy looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Medium !
It looks like it contains a moderate amount of meat. Your furbabies should still be fine with it.
VF Balance Dry Cat Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 7 recipes, the group has an average of 35% protein, 18% fat and 34% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is 2 (%) higher than ideal
- Fat is 3 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is 9 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,VF Balance Dry Cat Food has an carbs level that is higher than our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
- Similar nutrition ratio as a common pet food
- Clear, named animal products as main ingredient
- Medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude VF Balance Dry Cat Food is a pet food line with a 3.5 star rating.
Do we recommend VF Balance Dry Cat Food ?
It is a fine pet food, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
「Chief of Cook」Donky
Abandoned in a cardboard box after birth. She is always starved wandering on the street. After she grew up, she wants to cook all the yummy food for every homeless in the world.
