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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3
Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $24 on Chewy
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4
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog FoodPurina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food $26 on Chewy
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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
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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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Size of packaging!
Normally purchase at Kroger but they don't carry big bags. Have 3 huskies so having to buy kibble every few days sux. Much better to get bigger bag!
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Only food my girls approve of
What a great deal and super fast shipping. All arrived no problem and I love it when I can save a little change to feed my 3 girls. That’s why I chose Chewy
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Ooh, Nature's Recipe!
So yummy. In the morning, LeRoy has them topped with Pedigree Choice cuts in gravy. In the evening, he loves them topped with whipped cream.
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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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.
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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Birdie approved!
These have been a great addition to Birdie’s kibble! We also break them up and use them to work on our training!
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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.
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
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Dog treats
They big enough where he only needs one to meet his needs. He really enjoyed the taste of the patties and they were convenient and they were large enough, but he doesn’t need a whole lot of them
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Our dog, Lucy loves it
Easy to fix, she eats two pucks mixed with 1/4 cup or less of Hill’s Science diet nuggets
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Thoughts on Freeze-Dried Pattys
I transitioned our Malshi 4-year-old from the Purina Pro Plan to this, and it was easy. She is about 7 pounds and eats 1.5 patties in the morning and 1.5 patties at dinner. She loves them, and her no. 2 has been so much better.
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
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Great topper and food.
My dogs love this food as it is closest to real food. Just add water. I put this at the bottom of the bowl to get them to eat their food. They kick the bowl clean.
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Licked Her Bowl Clean
My GSD puppy would not be thrilled with her old food. When we switched to Honest Kitchen she would not stop eating until her bowl was empty!
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Excellent food!
My friend has a farm and told me about Honest Kitchen. She feeds it to her dogs, cats, goats, horses, etc. I tried it and my chihuahuas love it! My vet is very happy with their coats, skin, and they've maintained their healthy weight since being on this food.
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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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.
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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!
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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.
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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