🐕‍🦺 Natural Balance L.I.D. Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe

Natural Balance L.I.D. Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe (4 lb bag) and how it compares to similar limited-ingredient and grain-free options:

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Natural Balance L.I.D. Reserve Duck & Potato Overview

Key Features:

• Protein Source: Duck (single animal protein) + duck meal for concentrated protein.

• Carb Source: Potatoes (instead of peas/lentils) – ideal for dogs sensitive to legumes.

• Grain-Free: No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives.

• Limited Ingredients: Only 7 key components (duck, duck meal, potatoes, potato protein, canola oil, flaxseed, vitamins/minerals).

• Nutritional Profile:

  • Crude Protein: 24% min

  • Crude Fat: 12% min

  • Crude Fiber: 4% max

  • Calories: ~380 kcal/cup

Pros:
✅ Hypoallergenic: Great for dogs allergic to chicken, beef, or fish.
✅ Potato-Based: Avoids peas/lentils (linked to some heart concerns in grain-free diets).
✅ AAFCO-Approved: Meets nutritional standards for adult dogs.

Cons:
⚠️ Lower Protein/Fat: 24% protein and 12% fat may not suit active/working dogs.
⚠️ Pricey: ~$20\text{–}$25 for a 4-lb bag (~$5\text{–}$6.25/lb).

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Comparison to Other Limited-Ingredient Foods

Feature	Natural Balance Duck & Potato	ACANA Singles Duck & Pear	Zignature Turkey	BIXBI Liberty Beef
Protein %	24%	27%	27%	30%
Fat %	12%	15%	14%	16%
Main Carbs	Potatoes	Peas + lentils	Chickpeas + peas	Chickpeas + peas
Grain-Free?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Novel Protein?	Duck	Duck	Turkey	Beef
Price per Pound	~$5\text{–}$6.25	~$5.50\text{–}$6.60	~$4\text{–}$5	~$7.50\text{–}$8.75

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Best For:

• Dogs with legume sensitivities (peas/lentils).

• Pets needing a duck-based diet for allergies.

• Owners who prefer potato-based carbs over peas.

Not Ideal For:

• Highly active dogs (due to lower fat/protein).

• Budget-conscious buyers (small bags get expensive).

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Alternatives:

1. For Higher Protein/Fat:

   • ACANA Singles Duck & Pear (27% protein, pea/lentil carbs).

   • BIXBI Liberty Beef (30% protein, chickpea-based).

2. For Potato-Free Options:

   • Zignature Turkey (chickpeas + peas).

3. Budget-Friendly LID:

   • Whole Earth Farms Salmon (not single-protein but affordable).

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Final Verdict:

Natural Balance L.I.D. Reserve Duck & Potato is a solid choice for dogs with pea/lentil allergies or those needing a gentle, potato-based diet. However, its lower protein/fat and premium price make it less ideal for active dogs or tight budgets.