Skip to content
i Still Love Dogs
i Still Love Dogs

…Dog news, tips & fun stuff

  • News
  • Awww
  • Heroes
  • Grrr
  • Tips
  • Pittie Party
  • About
i Still Love Dogs

…Dog news, tips & fun stuff

Dick Van Patten Natural Balance Pet Food

R.I.P. Dick Van Patten, Founder of Natural Balance and National Guide Dog Month

Laura Goldman, June 23, 2015August 19, 2019

Dick Van Patten Natural Balance Pet Food

While most people remember actor Dick Van Patten, who died today at age 86, as the dad in “Eight Is Enough,” his career didn’t end when that TV series went off the air in 1981.

Eight years after “Eight Is Enough,” Van Patten co-founded Natural Balance Pet Foods. His idea for pet food made with high-quality, natural ingredients was years ahead of its time. Since its inception in 1989, the company has donated a portion of its profits to animal charities, and has donated food to shelters.

“We wanted a pet food based on sound scientific principles and truth, not marketing hype,” Van Patten wrote on the Natural Balance Facebook page. “We did it!”

In September 2008, after paying a visit to the Guide Dogs of the Desert training center in Palm Desert, Calif., Van Patten was so impressed that he launched National Guide Dog Month to raise awareness and appreciation for these dogs. The funds raised during this month help cover the cost of training a guide dog, which can be more than $40,000.

“Dick’s time with Natural Balance leaves a lasting and powerful impression on those who were fortunate to meet him or share a conversation with him,” the company said in a statement today.

“His kind heart and passion extended to people and pets, alike. The impact of his work helping animals will be felt for many years to come.”

Photo via Instagram

Related

News

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Recent Posts

  • Dogs—Not Cats—May Prevent Babies from Developing Asthma
  • Rest in Paradise, Patrick the Miracle Dog
  • Guide Dog Terrified by Thunder Led Blind Owner to Safety on 9/11
  • Once Again, Adopted Dogs Featured in 2025 Rose Parade
  • 7 Examples That Prove Trump Is Clueless About Dogs

Most “Paw”pular Posts

  • Due to 'Pit Bulls and Parolees' Lawsuit, New Villalobos Sanctuary Planned
  • 5 Reasons Why Jon Stewart Is So Doggone Awesome
  • Frank Sinatra Loved the Ladies...and the Dogs
  • Rape Charges Dropped Against Toney Converse of 'Pit Bulls and Parolees'
  • Leonard Nimoy's L.A. Pet Store Did Not Live Long or Prosper

Like i Still Love Dogs on Facebook

Like i Still Love Dogs on Facebook

Follow @iStillLoveDogs on BlueSky

Follow @iStillLoveDogs on BlueSky

Subscribe to i Still Love Dogs

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts. I respect your privacy and will never sell your information.

Privacy Policy

about Laura Goldman
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
©2025 i Still Love Dogs | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish.Got it! Reject Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT