9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Safety concerns overshadow budget appeal – 2024 Salmonella recall combined with zero transparency about corrective measures raises serious red flags about quality control.
• Recent formula downgrade disappoints loyal customers – Removal of vegetables and fruits while adding cheap fillers like rice hulls represents a clear step backward in quality.
• Corporate transparency is virtually non-existent – No clear ownership, sourcing information, or quality assurance details make it impossible to verify claims or hold anyone accountable.
• Nutritional profile meets bare minimum standards – 26% protein and 16% fat with 40% carbohydrates from grains fulfills AAFCO requirements but offers nothing exceptional.
• Better value exists in slightly higher price ranges – Mid-range brands like Purina Pro Plan offer superior transparency, safety records, and ingredient quality for minimal additional cost.
Pro Balance is one of those brands that’s surprisingly hard to pin down. There’s no robust corporate website, no founding story, and no clear mission statement you can point to. What we do know is that Pro Balance appears to be a private-label brand manufactured by Mid America Pet Food in Texas and sold primarily through retailers like Petsense. It’s marketed as a budget-friendly, multi-protein option that meets AAFCO standards and supports immune and digestive health with ancient grains.
But here’s the problem: the lack of transparency is glaring. There’s no information about who owns the brand, how long it’s been around, or what values guide product development. For a dog food brand in 2025, that’s a significant gap. Compare this to brands that openly share their sourcing practices, quality control measures, and company philosophy—Pro Balance offers virtually none of that.
The brand’s market positioning suggests it’s aimed at cost-conscious owners who still want to meet basic nutritional standards. It’s not trying to be premium, and it’s not pretending to be a boutique brand. But without a clear identity or corporate accountability, it’s difficult to trust what you’re actually getting in the bag.
| Price per pound | Budget-friendly (significantly lower than premium brands) |
| Primary protein | Dehydrated chicken |
| By-products | None mentioned (uses named meat) |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (formulation only, no feeding trials) |
| Formula options | Limited (Eagle Mountain Pro Balance line) |
| Availability | Petsense and select retailers |
The most identifiable Pro Balance product—Eagle Mountain Pro Balance with Ancient Grains—lists dehydrated chicken as the first ingredient. That’s a positive start, as it means the primary protein source is a named meat rather than generic by-products or meal. Dehydrated chicken is a concentrated form of protein, which is generally better than fresh chicken that’s mostly water weight before processing.
However, there’s limited detail about the quality or sourcing of this chicken. Is it free-range? Hormone-free? Sourced domestically or internationally? We simply don’t know. For owners who care about ingredient traceability, this is frustrating. The lack of transparency makes it hard to assess whether you’re getting high-quality protein or just meeting the bare minimum.
After the chicken, the ingredient list quickly shifts to wholegrain sorghum, rice, rice bran, and rice hulls. This is where things get less impressive. While sorghum and rice are both acceptable carbohydrate sources, the inclusion of rice hulls—essentially the outer husk of the rice grain—is a red flag. Rice hulls are extremely low in nutritional value and are often used as cheap filler to add bulk and fiber without contributing much else.
The formula also includes poultry tallow, a rendered fat that’s acceptable in dog food but not as desirable as named fats like chicken fat or salmon oil. The combination of multiple rice-based ingredients and hulls suggests the recipe is designed to keep costs down, which makes sense for a budget brand but doesn’t inspire confidence in overall quality.
Pro Balance does include some beneficial additions: canola oil, flaxseed, and fish oil provide omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, while chicory root inulin serves as a prebiotic to support digestion. There are also plant extracts like rosemary, turmeric, clove, and grapefruit, which sound appealing but are likely present in trace amounts that won’t have a significant impact.
The formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO standards, which is the baseline expectation for any commercial dog food. Natural antioxidants are included, though the specific types and amounts aren’t disclosed. Overall, the additives are adequate but not exceptional—there’s nothing here that sets Pro Balance apart from dozens of other budget-friendly kibbles.
According to available data, Pro Balance offers around 26% protein and 16% fat on a dry matter basis, with an estimated 40% carbohydrate content. These numbers put it in the mid-range for dog food—better than the absolute cheapest brands but below premium options that typically offer 30% or more protein.
The protein level meets AAFCO’s minimum requirements comfortably, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The fat content is moderate, providing enough energy for most adult dogs without being excessive. However, the high carbohydrate percentage—largely from grains and rice hulls—is a concern. Dogs don’t have a biological need for carbohydrates, and high-carb diets can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and digestive issues in some animals.
The caloric density isn’t specified in the available data, but based on the macronutrient breakdown, it’s likely in the range of 340-370 kcal per cup, which is typical for grain-inclusive kibbles. For active dogs or working breeds, this may require larger portions to meet energy needs, which can negate some of the cost savings.
Pro Balance is formulated to meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, which is the basic requirement for any dog food sold in the United States. However, meeting AAFCO standards doesn’t mean the food is optimal—it just means it won’t cause obvious deficiencies if fed as the sole diet.
What’s missing here is any evidence of feeding trials or independent testing. AAFCO compliance can be achieved through formulation alone (calculating nutrient levels on paper) rather than actual feeding studies that demonstrate real-world digestibility and health outcomes. Without that data, we’re left trusting the manufacturer’s calculations, which is less reassuring than proven results.
Pro Balance is most appropriate for adult dogs with average activity levels and no specific health concerns. If you have a healthy, mid-sized dog who isn’t picky and doesn’t have sensitivities to grains or poultry, this food will likely meet basic nutritional needs without breaking the bank.
It could also work as a temporary option when budget is tight or as a backup food to keep on hand. The grain-inclusive formula with ancient grains may be easier on digestion than foods loaded with legumes or potatoes, which some dogs struggle to tolerate.
I wouldn’t recommend Pro Balance for several categories of dogs. First, puppies and senior dogs have specific nutritional requirements that this all-life-stages formula may not fully address. Puppies need higher protein and fat for growth, while seniors often benefit from joint support and lower calories—neither of which this food emphasizes.
Dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies should avoid Pro Balance entirely, given the heavy reliance on rice and sorghum. Similarly, dogs with a history of digestive issues may struggle with the rice hulls and poultry tallow, which aren’t the most easily digestible ingredients.
If your dog is highly active—think working breeds, agility dogs, or dogs who spend hours running each day—the moderate protein and fat levels may not provide enough sustained energy. You’d need to feed larger portions, which quickly erodes the cost advantage. And for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, the lack of ingredient transparency makes it difficult to identify potential triggers.
Finally, if you’re someone who values knowing exactly where your dog’s food comes from, how it’s made, and what quality controls are in place, Pro Balance will disappoint. The minimal corporate presence and lack of sourcing details make it impossible to verify claims or hold anyone accountable if something goes wrong.
Palatability is one area where Pro Balance seems to perform reasonably well, at least based on the limited user feedback available. Many owners report that their dogs eat the food readily without hesitation, which is always a good sign. The chicken-based formula appears to be appealing to most dogs, and the kibble size and texture seem appropriate for medium breeds.
That said, there are scattered reports of dogs refusing the food or showing less enthusiasm after the recent formula changes. Some owners noticed their dogs were more excited about the previous recipe that included vegetables and fruit, suggesting the newer, simpler formula may be less appealing to some palates.
Flavor variety is limited. The Eagle Mountain Pro Balance line doesn’t offer a wide range of protein options or specialty flavors, which can be a drawback if your dog is picky or if you like to rotate proteins to provide dietary variety. If your dog gets bored easily or has a history of becoming finicky, the lack of options could be a problem down the line.
Pro Balance is positioned as a budget-friendly option, and on that front, it delivers. The cost per pound is significantly lower than premium brands, making it accessible for owners feeding multiple dogs or working with a tight budget. For what you’re paying, the protein and fat levels are acceptable, and the food meets basic nutritional standards.
However, value isn’t just about the price tag—it’s about what you’re actually getting for your money. When you factor in the high carbohydrate content, reliance on fillers like rice hulls, lack of ingredient transparency, and recent safety recall, the value proposition becomes murkier. Yes, it’s cheaper than premium brands, but it’s also a step down in quality and accountability.
If you compare Pro Balance to other budget brands like Pedigree or Kibbles ‘n Bits, it holds up reasonably well—better protein sources, fewer artificial colors and flavors. But if you’re comparing it to mid-range brands that offer better ingredient quality and transparency at a slightly higher price, Pro Balance starts to look less appealing. Sometimes spending an extra dollar per pound gets you significantly better ingredients and peace of mind, which is worth considering.
For owners who truly need the lowest possible cost and are willing to accept trade-offs in quality and transparency, Pro Balance can work. But if you have any flexibility in your budget, I’d encourage looking at brands with better track records and clearer sourcing practices. Not sure whether Pro Balance is the right fit? Check out our Gravy Train review to see how another budget brand stacks up—it might help you weigh your options more clearly.
Pro Balance is manufactured by Mid America Pet Food in Mount Pleasant, Texas. This facility also produces other brands like Victor, Eagle Mountain, and Member’s Mark. On the surface, having a dedicated manufacturing partner isn’t a red flag—many reputable brands use contract manufacturers. The problem is what happened in 2024.
Eagle Mountain Pro Balance was recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination linked to the Mid America Pet Food facility. Salmonella is a serious pathogen that can sicken both dogs and the humans who handle contaminated food. While recalls do happen across the industry, they’re often a sign of lapses in quality control, sanitation, or ingredient sourcing.
What makes this more concerning is the complete lack of transparency about what corrective actions were taken after the recall. Was the contamination traced to a specific ingredient supplier? Were new sanitation protocols implemented? Was third-party testing increased? We have no way of knowing, because Pro Balance and Mid America Pet Food haven’t publicly shared that information.
There’s also no evidence of third-party certifications like HACCP, SQF, or ISO 22000, which are industry standards for food safety and quality management. No mention of independent lab testing, no audit results, no quality assurance reports. For a brand selling food that goes into your dog’s bowl every day, that’s a significant gap.
This is another area where Pro Balance is essentially silent. There are no public statements about environmental practices, no sustainability goals, and no information about how ingredients are sourced or whether suppliers meet ethical standards. There’s no discussion of animal welfare, worker safety, or community impact.
For some owners, this might not be a dealbreaker—if the food is affordable and your dog eats it, that’s enough. But for those who care about supporting companies with responsible practices, the lack of information is frustrating. In 2025, many pet food brands are making real efforts to improve sustainability—using renewable energy, reducing packaging waste, sourcing proteins responsibly. Pro Balance isn’t participating in that conversation, at least not publicly.
The packaging itself is standard plastic bags, with no mention of recyclability or reduced environmental impact. Again, this isn’t unusual for budget brands, but it’s worth noting if sustainability is part of your purchasing decision.
I work at a local dog shelter, and we occasionally test new foods with dogs in our care to see how they respond before deciding whether to add them to our rotation. For Pro Balance, I tested it with a dog named Murphy, a four-year-old mixed breed who came to us after his owner passed away. Murphy’s a mellow guy—part Labrador, part something else we can’t quite identify—with a calm temperament and no known health issues. He’s not picky, but he’s also not the type to get overly excited about food. He just eats what’s in front of him and gets on with his day.
When we first switched Murphy to Pro Balance, he didn’t seem to notice much of a difference. He approached his bowl at mealtime, sniffed briefly, and ate at his usual steady pace. No hesitation, but also no tail-wagging enthusiasm. Over the first few days, his appetite stayed consistent—he cleaned his bowl each time, but it was more dutiful than eager.
In terms of digestion, Murphy handled the transition well. His stools remained firm and regular, with no signs of upset stomach or diarrhea. His energy level stayed the same—he’s a moderate-energy dog who enjoys a good walk but is just as happy napping in a sunny spot. I didn’t notice any changes in his coat condition or skin, but he also didn’t have any issues to begin with, so there wasn’t much room for improvement.
By the end of two weeks, Murphy was still eating the food without complaint, but there was nothing remarkable to report. He didn’t seem to love it or hate it—it was just food. For a shelter environment where we need reliable, affordable nutrition that most dogs will accept, Pro Balance did the job. But it didn’t stand out in any meaningful way, and given the recent recall and lack of transparency, I’d probably lean toward other options if I had more flexibility in the budget.
User feedback on Pro Balance is mixed, with a noticeable divide between those who used the product before and after the recent formula changes. Older reviews tend to be more positive, with owners praising the affordable price, decent ingredient list, and good acceptance from their dogs. Many noted improvements in coat shine, stool quality, and overall health when switching from lower-quality brands.
However, reviews from 2024 and 2025 tell a different story. The removal of vegetables and fruit from the formula, along with the addition of rice hulls and poultry tallow, has sparked frustration among loyal customers. Several owners specifically mentioned they chose Pro Balance for its probiotic benefits and whole-food ingredients, and they feel the brand has moved away from what made it appealing in the first place.
Some dogs have refused to eat the new formula, while others experienced digestive upset during the transition. One owner reported their Border Collie developed loose stools within a week of switching to a new bag, prompting them to look for alternatives. Another mentioned their dog, who had eaten Pro Balance for years, suddenly lost interest in mealtime—something they attributed directly to the formula change.
On the positive side, there are still owners who report their dogs are doing well on Pro Balance. Dogs with no specific sensitivities and average activity levels seem to tolerate the food without issue, and the lower price point remains a strong selling point for families feeding multiple pets or working with limited budgets.
The 2024 Salmonella recall also appears in user discussions, with some owners expressing concern about safety and quality control. While recalls can happen to any brand, the lack of follow-up communication from Pro Balance has left many wondering whether the underlying issues have been resolved.
When you place Pro Balance next to other budget and mid-range brands, the differences become clear. Let’s start with Gravy Train, another budget option that targets cost-conscious owners. Gravy Train is even cheaper than Pro Balance, but the ingredient quality is significantly lower—think unnamed meat and bone meal, heavy reliance on corn and soy, and multiple artificial colors and preservatives. Pro Balance edges out Gravy Train with better protein sources and fewer artificial additives, but the gap isn’t as wide as you’d hope.
If you’re looking at mid-range brands like Purina Pro Plan or Hill’s Science Diet, Pro Balance falls short. These brands offer more transparent sourcing, extensive feeding trials, veterinary backing, and specialized formulas for different life stages and health conditions. Yes, they cost more per pound, but you’re getting proven results and accountability. Pro Balance can’t compete on those fronts.
Compared to premium brands like Orijen or Acana, Pro Balance isn’t even in the same conversation. Premium brands use high-quality, regionally sourced proteins, avoid fillers entirely, and invest heavily in research and quality control. The price difference reflects that—you’re paying for ingredients you can trace and trust. Pro Balance is designed for a completely different market segment, so it’s not a fair comparison, but it’s worth understanding what you’re giving up when you choose a budget option.
Within the budget category, Pro Balance sits somewhere in the middle. It’s better than the absolute cheapest brands that rely heavily on by-products and fillers, but it doesn’t offer the transparency or quality assurance of slightly more expensive options. If you can stretch your budget even a little, there are better choices available. If you’re genuinely limited to the lowest price point, Pro Balance is acceptable but comes with trade-offs you need to accept.
The most significant recent development for Pro Balance is the 2024 formula change that removed vegetables and fruit while adding rice hulls and poultry tallow. This shift was not proactively announced to customers, leading to frustration and a sense of betrayal among loyal buyers. Many owners felt the brand had downgraded the formula to cut costs without being transparent about the changes.
The 2024 Salmonella recall is another major concern. While the recall was limited to specific production dates, the lack of follow-up communication about corrective actions is troubling. Customers deserve to know what caused the contamination and what steps have been taken to prevent it from happening again. The silence from Pro Balance and Mid America Pet Food on this front does not inspire confidence.
There’s also ongoing confusion about the brand’s marketing claims. The “68% protein from meat” statement on packaging has led some owners to believe the food contains 68% meat, when in reality it means that 68% of the protein content comes from meat sources—a much less impressive claim when you do the math. This kind of misleading language, even if technically accurate, erodes trust and makes it harder to evaluate the product honestly.
Pro Balance is best suited for healthy adult dogs with average activity levels and no specific dietary needs. If your dog is a medium-sized, moderately active pet with no grain sensitivities or digestive issues, this food will likely meet basic nutritional requirements without causing problems.
It’s also a reasonable option for multi-dog households where budget is a primary concern and the dogs don’t have special health conditions. The cost savings can add up when you’re feeding several animals, and the food is formulated to meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance.
However, I would not recommend Pro Balance for puppies, senior dogs, highly active or working breeds, or any dog with health sensitivities. Puppies need higher protein and fat for growth, seniors benefit from targeted joint support and lower calories, and active dogs require more energy-dense nutrition than this food provides. Dogs with grain allergies, digestive sensitivities, or a history of food-related issues should avoid Pro Balance due to the high grain content and less digestible ingredients like rice hulls.
If you value transparency, ingredient traceability, and proven safety records, Pro Balance will disappoint. The lack of corporate presence and recent recall raise legitimate concerns that should factor into your decision.
Honestly, Pro Balance is a hard one to recommend with confidence. It’s not the worst option out there—it beats rock-bottom brands like Gravy Train on ingredient quality, and it meets basic AAFCO standards for adult dogs. For owners facing genuine budget constraints with healthy, non-picky dogs, it can get the job done without causing obvious harm.
But here’s my real opinion: I wouldn’t buy this for my own dog, and I’d hesitate to recommend it to a friend. The 2024 Salmonella recall, lack of transparency about sourcing and quality control, recent formula downgrade, and reliance on low-value fillers like rice hulls add up to too many red flags. When I’m choosing dog food, I want to know who’s making it, where the ingredients come from, and that the company stands behind its product. Pro Balance offers none of that reassurance.
If you’re considering Pro Balance purely because of the price, I’d encourage you to look at mid-range brands that cost just a bit more per pound but offer significantly better ingredient quality, transparency, and safety records. Brands like Purina Pro Plan or even store brands from retailers with strong quality control often provide better value when you factor in digestibility, nutrient density, and peace of mind.
For those who absolutely need the lowest cost and are willing to accept the trade-offs, Pro Balance is functional. But “functional” isn’t the same as “good,” and I think most dogs—and most owners—deserve better. There are simply too many question marks here for me to feel comfortable giving it a strong endorsement. If transparency, safety, and ingredient quality matter to you, keep looking.
Pro Balance had a Salmonella recall in 2024 that raised legitimate safety concerns. The problem is, there’s been virtually no communication about what corrective actions were taken or whether the underlying contamination issues have been resolved. Without transparency about improved safety protocols or third-party testing, I can’t confidently say the safety issues have been addressed. If you’re considering this brand, that lack of follow-up communication should factor into your decision.
The recent formula change removed vegetables and fruit that were previously included and added rice hulls and poultry tallow instead. Many longtime customers feel this was a downgrade—rice hulls are essentially cheap filler with minimal nutritional value, while the previous formula included ingredients that actually provided vitamins and antioxidants. The change wasn’t proactively communicated to customers, which has understandably frustrated loyal buyers who chose the brand for its previous ingredient profile.
No, and this is where the marketing gets misleading. The claim means that 68% of the total protein content comes from meat sources, not that the food itself is 68% meat. When you do the actual math based on the guaranteed analysis, the food is around 26% protein overall—so you’re looking at roughly 17-18% of the total recipe being meat protein. It’s technically accurate marketing, but it’s designed to sound more impressive than it actually is.
I wouldn’t recommend it. While Pro Balance claims to be suitable for all life stages, puppies need higher protein and fat levels for proper growth and development, and seniors often benefit from targeted nutrition for joint health and weight management. The moderate protein (26%) and fat (16%) levels are adequate for average adult dogs, but they’re not optimal for the specific needs of very young or older animals. You’d be better off choosing a food specifically formulated for your dog’s life stage.
Pro Balance is manufactured by Mid America Pet Food in Mount Pleasant, Texas—the same facility that produces Victor, Eagle Mountain, and Member’s Mark brands. But here’s the frustrating part: there’s no clear information about who actually owns the Pro Balance brand itself. It appears to be a private-label product sold primarily through Petsense, but the lack of corporate transparency makes it impossible to know who’s ultimately responsible for quality control and product decisions.
Absolutely not. Pro Balance contains multiple grain sources including sorghum, rice, rice bran, and rice hulls. If your dog has grain sensitivities or allergies, this food will likely trigger symptoms. The formula is heavily grain-based, so dogs who need grain-free nutrition should look elsewhere. Even dogs with mild grain sensitivities might struggle with the high carbohydrate content from all the grain ingredients.
Pro Balance sits in the middle of the budget category. It’s better than rock-bottom brands like Gravy Train because it uses named meat as the first ingredient and avoids some of the worst artificial additives. But it’s not as good as mid-range options that cost just slightly more. If you can stretch your budget even a little, brands like Purina Pro Plan offer better ingredient transparency, feeding trials, and quality control. Pro Balance is functional if you’re truly budget-constrained, but “functional” isn’t the same as “good.”
Most dogs seem to accept Pro Balance without major issues—it’s not particularly exciting, but it’s not offensive either. However, some owners have reported that their dogs were less enthusiastic about the newer formula compared to the previous recipe that included vegetables and fruit. If your dog is picky or gets bored with food easily, the limited flavor options could be a problem. It’s decent for non-fussy eaters, but don’t expect tail-wagging enthusiasm at mealtime.
That’s one of the biggest red flags—there’s no mention of third-party certifications like HACCP, SQF, or ISO 22000, which are industry standards for food safety and quality management. There’s also no evidence of independent lab testing or quality assurance reports being made public. For a brand that’s asking you to trust them with your dog’s daily nutrition, the lack of verified quality standards is concerning, especially given the recent recall history.
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