New Zealand Petfoods Ltd Smart Balance Grass-Fed New Zealand Beef
Dry Extruded · complete
Our verdict
Is New Zealand Petfoods Ltd Smart Balance Grass-Fed New Zealand Beef a good dog food?
We score it 43/100 (Poor). The main reasons are set out in "Why you might not" below, and every step of the calculation is shown under "How we calculated this score".
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for all lifestages
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list lamb, venison, pork as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists dried chicken protein
- Your dog avoids beef: the label lists beef
- Your dog avoids turkey: the label lists dehydrated turkey protein
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists green-lipped mussel
- Your dog avoids duck: the label lists dried duck protein
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Ingredients (49)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 41.8%
- meat 14.9%
- veg 12.4%
- additive 8.8%
- carb 7.9%
- oil 5.0%
- mineral 3.6%
- unknown 3.3%
- fibre 2.4%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beef Meat | Beef | meat · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 2 | Chicken Meal | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.7 |
| 3 | Faba Beans | Faba Beans | carb · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 4 | Tapioca Starch | Tapioca Starch | carb · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 5 | Pea Protein | Pea protein | carb · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 6 | Peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 7 | Canola Meal | Rapeseed | veg · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 8 | Poultry Fat | Poultry Fat | oil · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 9 | Fish Oil | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 2.5 |
| 10 | Beef Digest | Digest | meat · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 11 | Sugar Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 12 | Monocalcium Phosphate | Monocalcium phosphate | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 13 | Sodium Chloride | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 14 | Duck Meal | Dried Duck Protein | meat · good | - | 2.3 |
| 15 | Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Carbonate | supplement · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 16 | Green Lipped Mussel | Green-Lipped Mussel | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 17 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 18 | Citric Acid | Citric Acid | additive · medium | - | 2.2 |
| 19 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.2 |
| 20 | Turkey Meal | Dehydrated turkey protein | meat · good | - | 2.2 |
| 21 | Chicory Root | Chicory root | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 22 | Acetic Acid | Acetic acid | additive · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 23 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 24 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 25 | Yeast Extract | Hydrolysed Yeast | additive · medium | - | 2.0 |
| 26 | Ground Parsley | Parsley | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 27 | Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 28 | Kiwifruit Pulp | Kiwifruit Pulp | veg · medium | - | 2.0 |
| 29 | DL-Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 30 | L-Ascorbyl-2-Phosphate | Phosphorus | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 31 | Zinc Amino Acid Complex | Zinc Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 32 | Mixed Tocopherols | Tocopherols | additive · good | - | 1.8 |
| 33 | Copper Amino Acid Complex | Copper | mineral · good | - | 1.8 |
| 34 | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | supplement · medium | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | Iron Amino Acid Complex | Iron | mineral · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 37 | Rosemary Extract | Rosemary | veg · good | - | 1.7 |
| 38 | Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | D-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Vitamin A | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 44 | D-Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Vitamin D-3 | Vitamin D | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
| 47 | Menadione Nicotinamide Bisulphate | unmatched | - | - | 1.4 |
| 48 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 49 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.4 |
- 1. Beef Meat2.7% estimated
- 2. Chicken Meal2.7% estimated
- 3. Faba Beans2.6% estimated
- 4. Tapioca Starch2.6% estimated
- 5. Pea Protein2.6% estimated
- 6. Peas2.6% estimated
- 7. Canola Meal2.5% estimated
- 8. Poultry Fat2.5% estimated
- 9. Fish Oil2.5% estimated
- 10. Beef Digest2.5% estimated
- 11. Sugar Beet Pulp2.4% estimated
- 12. Monocalcium Phosphate2.4% estimated
- 13. Sodium Chloride2.4% estimated
- 14. Duck Meal2.3% estimated
- 15. Calcium Carbonate2.3% estimated
- 16. Green Lipped Mussel2.3% estimated
- 17. Choline Chloride2.3% estimated
- 18. Citric Acid2.2% estimated
- 19. Potassium Chloride2.2% estimated
- 20. Turkey Meal2.2% estimated
- 21. Chicory Root2.2% estimated
- 22. Acetic Acid2.1% estimated
- 23. DL-Methionine2.1% estimated
- 24. Taurine2.1% estimated
- 25. Yeast Extract2.0% estimated
- 26. Ground Parsley2.0% estimated
- 27. Blueberries2.0% estimated
- 28. Kiwifruit Pulp2.0% estimated
- 29. DL-Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate1.9% estimated
- 30. L-Ascorbyl-2-Phosphate1.9% estimated
- 31. Zinc Amino Acid Complex1.9% estimated
- 32. Mixed Tocopherols1.8% estimated
- 33. Copper Amino Acid Complex1.8% estimated
- 34. Niacinamide1.8% estimated
- 35. Iron Amino Acid Complex1.8% estimated
- 36. Manganese Proteinate1.7% estimated
- 37. Rosemary Extract1.7% estimated
- 38. Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)1.7% estimated
- 39. D-Calcium Pantothenate1.7% estimated
- 40. Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)1.6% estimated
- 41. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)1.6% estimated
- 42. Vitamin A1.6% estimated
- 43. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)1.5% estimated
- 44. D-Biotin1.5% estimated
- 45. Vitamin D-31.5% estimated
- 46. Calcium Iodate1.5% estimated
- 47. Menadione Nicotinamide Bisulphate1.4% estimated
- 48. Folic Acid1.4% estimated
- 49. Sodium Selenite1.4% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 30% · Fat 13%
Guaranteed analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Directory average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 30% | 34.10% | - |
| Fat | 13% | 14.80% | - |
| Fibre | 5% | 5.70% | - |
| Ash | 10% | 11.40% | - |
| Moisture | 12% | - | - |
| Calcium | 1.20% | - | - |
| Phosphorus | 1% | - | - |
Energy: 320.5 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
No additives recorded yet.
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-19
Brand and contact: New Zealand Petfoods Ltd
- Website
- https://nzpetfoods.co.nz/
- [email protected]
- Phone
- 03 683 1084
- Address
- 32 Redruth St, Timaru NZ
- Contact page
- nzpetfoods.co.nz
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-19
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- nzpetfoods.co.nz
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall rating of 43 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +5.7 points to the total. However, ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -10.6, the processing format subtracted -6.7, and the additive load contributed -2.3 points.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.73 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 6.9% | -0.115 | -0.80 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 6.5% | -0.092 | -0.60 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 2.4% | -0.005 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 10.4% | 0.163 | +1.69 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 50.6% | -0.012 | -0.62 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 2.2% | -0.027 | -0.06 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.2% | -0.065 | -0.40 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 2.5% | -0.179 | -0.44 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 0.060 | +0.15 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -10.57 | 0.222 | -2.35 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.73 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 6.9% | -0.115 | -0.80 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 6.5% | -0.092 | -0.60 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 2.4% | -0.005 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 10.4% | 0.163 | +1.69 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 50.6% | -0.012 | -0.62 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 2.2% | -0.027 | -0.06 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.2% | -0.065 | -0.40 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 2.5% | -0.179 | -0.44 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 0.060 | +0.15 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | no | 2.294 | +0.00 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -10.57 | 0.222 | -2.35 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Subtotal
- 43.3
- Final score
- 43/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 30 | 33.1 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 13 | 14.4 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 5 | 5.5 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.2 | 1.3 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 94.8 |
| Phosphorus | 1 | 1.1 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.2 | 1.2 (band 1 to 2%) | 82 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 320.5 | 354.1 | 100 |
Scored over 7 declared nutrients (combined weight 90); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
No nutritional additives section declared on the label.
Medium confidence: the full five-part analysis is on file; where moisture was not declared it was estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) | 15/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) | 5/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Additives declared, Feeding guidance given, Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
Claims on file; none we can check against the label
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| complete and balanced nutrition for everyday health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| high-quality protein to support lean muscle maintenance (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| natural prebiotics help promote digestive health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a glossy coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with real beef (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| premium grain-free dry dog food featuring New Zealand grass-fed beef as the first ingredient (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Filler Free (on pack) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Artificial Colours No (on pack) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| No artificial colours or preservatives (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, excluding the growth of large-sized dogs (32kg or more as an adult) (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
Alternatives to Smart Balance Grass-Fed New Zealand Beef
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