We’re all looking to lead healthier lives, and that usually includes eating a more natural diet with fewer processed foods. As pet parents, we want the same for our dogs, and feeding a natural diet can offer up similar benefits. But how do you pick the best natural dog food for your pup?
First, you need to know what constitutes natural pet food. Natural pet food should contain ingredients derived from plant, animal or naturally occurring mineral sources, in their natural state or without having been produced chemically, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officers, which sets forth pet food’s nutritional standards. Though the “natural” label isn’t currently regulated by the FDA, choosing a natural dog food should help eliminate ingredients like artificial colors and flavors and man-made preservatives from your pup’s diet, making sure they get more whole ingredients and fewer chemicals.
We spoke to the experts to narrow down the vet recommended dog food options and help you find the best natural dog food for your dog. Just remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pup’s diet.
-
1
Best Natural Dry Dog FoodACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe $95 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$95 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
-
2
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog FoodNature's Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe $50 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$50 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
-
3
Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $24 on Chewy
-
4
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog FoodPurina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food $22 on Chewy
-
5
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog FoodPurina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food $44 on Chewy
Best Natural Dry Dog Food
-
Picky eater approves!
My dog is a very picky eater, who has food allergies and a sensitive digestive system. I haven't yet found a kibble he can digest well (to yield healthy poops). Acana's Limited Ingredient Beef and Pumpkin comes close, and it must taste good to him, because he gobbles it up every evening.
-
one of the best dry dog foods
Have been feeding Acana for years and my 14 year old dog is the picture of health and acts young. Chewy was a good way to get it.
-
Reba's Acana Lamb and Pumpkin pet food
Our Golden is allergic to Chicken as a lot of Golden are. From the first but she fell in love with the Lamb and Pumpkin pet food ( we don't call it dog food as Reba gets upset when we call her a dog.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
-
Surprised Flavor
It’s got a different smell than all the others I’ve ever bought and this is because it’s all natural! My dog loves it!
-
great dog food
My dogs all have stomach issues and this food works wonderful for them! They have not had any problems since switching, thank you so much for all you do!
-
Dogs are liking it thus far
Dogs seem to be liking for now, but may not last as it seldom does with my 3 picky eaters
Best Natural Wet Dog Food
-
Not loaf as listed
Lot to lot can vary on the consistency, this case was more like soup. The lots that are loaf are a great product.
-
Happy with this food.
Im trying to pick the healthiest foods I can for my dog and cats. This is one of the foods that fit the bill for me. And he likes it :)
-
Instinct Can Food
I had to change food for my dog because her immune system is changing. This was recommended by a Naturalist that we see & our dog loves it & can't wait til I get it in the bowl. Within about 10 days she showed improvement. No additives, grains, wheat or corn. Our furry one is very happy!
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog Food
-
My dog's favorite.
My dog is such a fussy face when it comes to dog food. I had tried numerous brands & flavors to no avail. I am so happy to have tried this one as she loves it! I am so glad to not have to keep trying different brands.
-
Affordable Gourmet dog food
My dog loves this dog food and I like the ingredients. Compared to other brands with similar ingredients are almost double the cost.
-
The solicited review
I purchased this case of dog food along with 90 cans of fancy feast to donate to the Marine humane society/animal shelter. It was food that was requested by the shelter, and I’m sure that it is appreciated by those in need
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
-
Why is this dry food no longer available ?
My dogs loved this dry food and I would like to know the reason this was discontinued. I don't know which dry dog food to order now. Sad
-
Beyond Dry Dog Food
I rely on your company for my dogs needs. Grateful you provided me with 5 small packages. But hoping next time I can go back to the 24 lb bag.
-
Dogs loves it!
Dogs have been eatting the Purina Beyond for a few weeks, and they love it. They both have more energy, and my Zowie's allergy symptoms have improved.
Best Natural Dog Food Topper
-
Love Stella & Chewy's!
I've always purchased the patties, this time I thought I'd try the Meal Mixers. I like the mixers because there's more in the bag and it is a tad cheaper. Dog loves it too! Stellas & Chewy's food is so easy to crumble up and hydrate, its one if my favorite brands.
-
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers
I purchase the Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers as a healthy treat for my two dogs. One dog is 13 years old and can no longer chew on hard biscuits or kibble. The meal mixers are a healthy substitute and the dogs love them. I recently purchased the Tantalizing Turkey flavor which is also a big hit.
-
Yum
My fussy golden doodle loves these and now eats his food without fussing when I sprinkle some on his food
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
-
Good quality
These are very good quality, they do not crumble easily in the bag. I use as a topper for my puppy. She loves them.
-
My animals love most of their flavors!
They would get sick of kibble and freeze dried has been a winner in this house! Wet for the cat and my dog prefers dry. He drinks enough water, the cat, not so much, so that's how she stays hydrated!
-
Dog loves it
I buy this for my dog when she won’t eat (hunger strike). She loves it and so do my cats
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
-
Easy on the stomach
My dog was having diarrhea from various foods I would feed him. This product he was able to tolerate well and he loves it.
-
My dog has been eating Honest Kitchen for years!
We started Honest Kitchen with our first dog who had a sensitive stomach and continued when we got a puppy. The puppy is now 12 years old.
-
Honest Kitchen
I have fed my rescued labs Honest Kitchen for 8 1/2 years. I believe in the product and I believe in the company. My labs are family and they deserve the best to live the longest. They give us so much joy and laughter.
Best Natural Senior Dog Food
-
my dogs love Farmina!
both of my large dogs (ages 7 and 8) do great on this! i love farmina as a company and feel so comfortable feeding my dogs this food based on their ingredient sourcing and food processing. my dogs are getting a little older, plus one of them has somewhat of a sensitive stomach, so i like that the senior version has little bit lower protein and fat and more fiber. prior to switching to the senior version, we were just feeding the original chicken and pomegranate but my dogs do seem to do better with this formula at their age and with their current moderately active lifestyle!
-
Sam likes it
I've been feeding my Golden, Sam, this food for a few months now, he seems to like it a lot. I mix it with his "The Farmer's Dog" food and he seems to like that combination, he barks at me as I prepare this food:-)
-
Top Quality Dry Dog Food!
This is the highest quality dry dog food I have ever used. Our dog has maintained a healthy weight, coat, and general wellness. The impact was immediate once we switched. Of note, there is a senior option that has higher fiber for senior dogs, or a normal (non-senior) option.
Best Natural Puppy Food
-
My puppy loves this
He prefers this over everything, even useful as a healthy training treat. He loves this stuff way more than kibble and it much better for him as well.
-
Puppy loves it!
After doing lots of research on different dog foods, I ended up selecting this one. Although expensive, the reviews online were all incredible and it was recommended by so many people. My puppy is in LOVE with this food. She's very healthy, has solid stool, and is anything but lethargic! She gets so excited when I set down her freshly filled food bowl!
-
Great food
We love this food for our pup until we can transition him to a homemade raw diet when he's old enough. He has been very healthy and full of energy with this food.
When choosing the best natural dog food for your pet, there are more than a few good choices on the market, and your veterinarian can help you find the ideal diet for your pup. “Your veterinarian is going to know what sort of specific conditions, dietary needs and lifestyle your pet may have. Work very closely with them on choosing the right food,” says Dr. Nelson. With your vet’s guidance, you can transition your dog to one of the best natural dog foods for many years of health and happiness by your side.
Read More
Share: