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 $91 at Chewy.comFREE 1-3 day shipping$91 at Chewy.comFREE 1-3 day shipping
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Best Natural Grain-Free Dog FoodNature's Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe $50 at Chewy.comFREE 1-3 day shipping$50 at Chewy.comFREE 1-3 day shipping
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3
Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $22 at Chewy.com
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4
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog FoodPurina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food $22 at Chewy.com
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5
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog FoodPurina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food $44 at Chewy.com
Best Natural Dry Dog Food
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Thanks "Mom" - We LOVE this Flavor
A couple months ago both of our Chiweenies were suffering with allergies. There was a time when only our male (Scooter) had issues of persistent licking, but then our female (Paris) began scratching and licking. I felt a visit to our veterinarian was in order and quite possibly a change in food. Decided to try the LAMB & PUMPKIN within the Wholesome Grains variety. Both of our little ones love it. I have also fed the Beef and they liked that, but this really got them excited. In addition to the allergy medication, their licking and itching has calmed down 95%. I am so happy they are more comfortable. I do wish ACANA would offer this...
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Solid food
I have 2 Frenchies very sensitive to a lot of food and this one works great with them so far!
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Great food!
Our GSD absolutely loves this food, and it's great for her sensitive tummy. We tried a few different brands of kibble, and this seems to be the best one for her. I did a LOT of reading about dog food ingredients, and Acana was one of the few brands that I feel comfortable with. I only wish they had a medium size bag - the only options are 4lb or 22lb.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
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Healthy ingredients
I adopted a rescue, and she came with this food. I have continued to use it. It has good ingredients, and she likes it so much. She loves fish, and this has Salmon, real salmon is the #1 ingredient. So I will continue to use it. Makes her coat so shiny too.
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Awesome value
Our girl, Bella has allergies and I have come to find out Salmon dog food is good for her. The pumpkin in this food is also great for her stomach and intestines. She eats this brand of dog food better than any other and believe me we have tried them all. The other awesome thing is the price is reasonable. She is so precious to us and I am glad I have found this brand of dog food. I recommend this food because she is so picky and she eats this food every day unlike any other food.
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Excellent Dry Food
Our dogs LOVE this food and have been eating it for years. We have NEVER seen a "fish bone" in this food. Ridiculous. Thank you, Nature's Recipe! :)
Best Natural Wet Dog Food
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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!
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Great food
Our dogs love this food. I pair it with Instinct kibble and the bowls are licked clean. Also they don’t poop as much as they used to on other food.
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog Food
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Dogs love it
Adding a spoonful of this food is the only way my dogs will eat their kibble. It smells fresh and seems to be healthy
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Seems to be tasty to my boys, the only thing...
Tasting for my dogs, doesn't look too bad for mush, even my cats try to get to it. The only thing I don't approve of is the beautiful cow on the label.
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Our pups love Purina Beyond grain-free dog food
Our dogs love Purina Beyond canned grain-free dog food - all flavors are excellent!! It looks and smells quality - our dogs can't wait for us to set their bowls down! They lick them absolutely clean 😄 I wish they had coupons/discounts for loyal customers, as their dinners cost more than ours 🤔
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
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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.
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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
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Great for the Dogs
Super product, have been feeding since my Shar Pei was 11 weeks old. My dog loves the food, other than being more expensive than dry food would be the only downside so far. The double size bag seems to have a lot of shake in it. I’m hoping this was a one time thing.
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Puppy loves this...
This is an excellent supplement to puppy's kibble...it crumbles easily and adds lots of interest to the puppy's meal. I can also use a tiny bit of it as a treat if necessary.
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My Most favorite treat
This is my favorite treat! My mom taught me a bunch of tricks using these. I can find them if my mom has any in her pockets!
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
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Great for your dog!
I used to get Primal but for some reason they were upsetting my senior dogs stomach. He never has a problem with stella and chewys! I find it easier to blend up in a blender and use a scooper so I dont have to break them up each time.
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The Best - My Bordoodle Loves It
For some background - we have a mini bordoodle. I wish others included their dog breed in reviews, so starting with that. She is SO SO SO SO picky about food, and on top of that, her little tummy is so sensitive. She had no interest in kibble and if we did find one she liked okay, it inevitably would give her diarrhea for 1-2weeks which was an obvious nightmare. I had been cooking for her for many months when it was just becoming too much. I set out to find a packaged food with good ingredients that wasn’t kibble or wet food. We tried this and few other foods and she liked 2 we tried. This is BY FAR her favorite. She absolutely loves it...
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Chewy Freeze Dried Dog Food
My dog loves these and has liked every flavor I have ordered for him. My cats love the food too and sometimes I give them some to keep them out of his food. May consider ordering some for my cats.
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
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The best food out there!
We love the honest kitchen. Have been feeding this food now for 6 years. Our 4 dogs Health have improved so much and it is all thanks to this food. After switching to this we make far less trips to the vet now. It’s definitely price especially when you are feeding 4 large dogs, but it is worth every penny.
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honest kitchen
My mini goldendoodle loves this food. We have tried other foods but she would end up with gastrointestinal issues (blue Buffalo) or not eat at all (Hills). My mother also feeds this to her 3 dogs. They all have beautiful shiny coats and no issues with itchy skin. I also feed the clusters in the evening, which she also loves. If she gets into something she shouldn’t and gets stomach upset, I give her a bit of their Perfect Form supplement. When she had an ear infection, she got some of their goats milk supplement and Dr Golds ear cleaner. Saved me trips to the vet. Enthusiastically recommend this brand.
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Great food
My little shipoo has mouth problems now that she is almost . He jaw was broken as a puppy and not all her teeth came in. Anyhow she loves this food.
Best Natural Senior Dog Food
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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.
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Farmina products are great!
Finally I found a dog food with healthy grains and none of the "junk" additives found in other brands. I highly recommend Farmina.
Best Natural Puppy Food
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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.
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chewy.com rocks
I have always had dogs in my life and have never considered ordering pet supplies online. I recently adopted a puppy and found I did not have the time to go to the pet supply store in my area. I went online to chewy.com and also arranged to have the puppy food put on auto re-order. the puppy loves it.
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LOVE this for our dog!
Our dog loves this food, I was a little concerned he would only eat the raw bits but he isn't very picky about food so it wasn't a problem for us!
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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