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.
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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 -
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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 -
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Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $24 on Chewy -
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Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog FoodPurina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food $26 on Chewy -
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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
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Digestible
My little white dog is very fussy & he discolors & itches with many foods. He does not like his hydrolyzed veggie protein prescription food so I mix it with this & it causes no issues. He likes it! That & filtered water & he is a happy camper with no runny eyes & itchy skin.
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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.
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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.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
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Ingredients are good
I’ve use this for years. Price not bad. Have one dog digestive problems. This one makes her stool nice and firm. Where some dry food gives her diarrhea.
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My dogs love this food
I have three dogs, and all of them love this dog food. I wanted to ensure they were fed food that doesn’t contain unnecessary ingredients harmful to their health. One of my dogs is a very picky eater, so it speaks volumes when he enjoys something. The food is always fresh and has a delightful aroma of fresh salmon, sweet potato, and pumpkin. Although it is a bit pricey, I believe it's worth it for the quality. I have tried more expensive brands, but all three dogs turned their noses up at them. This dog food is grain-free, so my dogs don't experience any stomach issues when eating it, which is a significant plus.
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Fast Delivery and great product
Our dog loves the flavour of this food. He’s a fussy eater and we’re happy we have finally found something he actually likes.
Best Natural Wet Dog Food
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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.
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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 :)
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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
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Dogs love it
I buy good quality canned food to top their science Diet/Blue Buffalo dry food. I chop it into the dry and they love this new one quickly devouring it! Glad I’ve tried it and they definitely are too
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What leftovers?
My dogs love this the most as do I. When it's feeding time, I have to keep them outside of the kennel so I can fairly give each their share. About half way thru the can(s) I mix in some water so they have it all thru their kibble too.
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My little Dorkie Martha, loves the variety this dog food comes in.
I really like this dog food and Martha does too! I like that it comes in an assortment of different kinds of foods & vegies. Also, the cans wash out good for recycling. Martha has a variety of tastes. My order from Chewy came quickly and no damaged bent cans.
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
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Really Wish This Wasn't Discontinued
My dog was on this her whole life. Then Purina quit making it a year and a half ago, claiming "low sales". It has been a pain trying to find something comparable, ingredients-wise. It's not easy changing a 12-year old dog's food. I really appreciated the limited ingredient formula. Purina doesn't have many others that are truly limited ingredients, not even Pro-Plan.
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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
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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.
Best Natural Dog Food Topper
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Thanksgiving
Gave this as a treat for thanksgiving and it was gone before I could even dispose the package! Dog loved it.
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Senior loves it!
My senior cocker spaniel has a sensitive stomach and not only does he love it, it’s sits well with him!
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Lola loves them
I have an extremely picky eater. She gets bored with her meals. So far so good with these toppers. It helps that I can switch between flavors. I also put a pack of these in our emergency go bag.
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
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Lola has 2 a day and loves them. We add veggies to her diet.
She doesn't ever seem to get tired of this - wakes me up every morning at 5 to get her first patty. It used to be 6 am but she can't seem to get used to the new time!
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Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties
Of all the Stella & Chewy products I have bought this puppy, this is her favorite. Sometimes I break it in half, and other times I just give her the whole piece. She runs away to eat it.
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A great part of healthy meal.
My dog loves these! They are easy to prepare with some fresh veggies on the side, like broccoli or sweet potatoes.
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
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Fantastic food
It’s great for meals and also to put in a Kong and freeze it. The dogs love the food and I love the natural and fresh nature of the food.
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My dogs LOVE Honest Kitchen!
I have fed Honest Kitchen for over 20 years! My Rottweilers and my Frenchies! I have shown dogs for 40 years and I am a stickler on coat and condition and proper nutrition for my dogs. Honest kitchen fits the bill!! .
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Works wonders!
I have a 15 year old Sheltie and a 7 year old Chihuahua. This food has worked wonders for both of them! Because the older Sheltie started having trouble eating dried food I switched them from Blue Buffalo dry food to Fresh Pet. Fresh Pet was quite expensive and inconvenient due to having to keep refrigerated and short expiration dates. Sheltie has always had issues with anxiety and occasional stomach upset. For the last year she was having undesirable stool texture. Because of her age, she also has arthritis and mobility issues. Because of all of this, I tried all sorts of expensive medications to keep her comfortable. After having...
Best Natural Senior Dog Food
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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!
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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:-)
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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
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Expensive Puppy Food
This brand was suggested by the breeder of our new wire fox terrier puppy. They were feeding all their puppies this food. Winnie loved it and I didn’t want to change brands in the beginning. I got a second bag because she’s still in that puppy stage. I will be changing to Blue buffalo wilderness mixed with Fresh pet.
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Quality dog food that my picky dog will eat
My Lapponian Herder is very picky about his food but he will eat this food with no problem. We break up the soft bits and sprinkle them on the dry kibble and he thinks we are giving him a real treat.
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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.
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.
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