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.
In This Guide
Best Natural Dry Dog Food
-
A new favorite!
My 2 adult dogs love this, we tried it by chance when their favorite food (Acana Lamb and Apples) was unavailable for a little while so I bought the Acana Lamb and Pumpkin and they love it too so now I switch from one to the other after they finish a bag of food.
-
Excellent food!
I’m a vet tech with a dog who is extremely finicky with IBD and she is doing great on this. Perfect stools and she cleans her bowl. I can’t recommend it enough!
-
My dog loves Acana
I am writing this review because I was trying to pick another flavor, and I check ratings and comments. I saw someone mentioned they had a Golden Doodle and they didn’t like it. Thought I should mention I also have one, and Acana is the only brand he has eaten the food when it’s served and doesn’t leave any behind. Including this flavor. I think that all dogs are different, doesn’t matter the breed. But in case you had any doubts and consider this, I wanted to write a positive review.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
-
Miracle food
This food is expensive but amazing. My Chiweenie just turned a year old. She had a sparce coat and patches missing, she didn't look well, I bought her this 3 weeks ago and she's had a remarkable transformation. Her coat is full and shiny. Beautiful.
-
Very good dog food
I love it and have had no stomach issues since adding this to my diet. My owner is pleased. I have a very sensitive stomach and am a picky eater. I am an elderly Lab.
-
Expensive but she loves it
She eats it all up as soon as I serve it. Seems to help her poop better and more firm too!
Best Natural Wet Dog Food
-
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!
-
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 wet dog food
I love how it has all the juice in with the food. My dog who wouldn't eat just any wet food loved this food. I absolutely love it
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog Food
-
Beyond LID can dog food
I have fed my dog Lucy Natural Balance can food for years. It is out of stock, so I did my research and tried Beyond. My bulldog Lucy loved it.
-
great food, dog loves it
I was looking for an alternative to the can food that I was buying because the price just kept going up. I have 3 giant breed dogs that can consume a lot. The ingredients looked good and my dogs seem to love it and it is reasonably priced.
-
Wonderful service great food
Our senior dog is a picky golden and has a sensitive belly but this food has worked wonders for him, he not only loves it but doesn’t upset his belly. And it took a day to ship to our home so we have plenty of food
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
-
Good for them, Good for me
Finally found a dry food that appeals to all my dogs. It is very small morsels for small dachshund mouths. Also, I love it that it is "corn, soy and wheat free". There are grains, but the good kind. Nothing artificial. It is good for them so that makes me happy so good for me!
-
Best food for our Wheaten
We started our Wheaten on this food when the food we had been using was not carried any more in our area. It is very similar. We try not to give her wheat, corn or processed meats. This food met our needs. She likes it and it is easy to add anything else to for incentives. I only wish that Chewy had the larger sizes on a more consistent basis.
-
tasty treat
Needed to try something new for my old guy, been cooking barley to add to his food. This saves me some time and he is not vomiting as much . The canned stuff seems to be ok with it in small amounts to entice him a bit.
Best Natural Dog Food Topper
-
loved in our home!
I have a very picky St. Bernard. I crumble this up and add it to her food and it makes the biggest difference! She’ll sometimes turn her nose up at meal time, so I’ll pick these pieces out and feed them to her, which she gobbles up, then gets her to eat the rest. I’m amazed at how she notices if this is missing!
-
Great for senior dogs!
My senior dog loves her tantalizing Turkey. I feed her these as her main course and not as a topper. Once re-hydrated, they are soft enough and small enough for her to chow down, even with several teeth missing.
-
For my reluctant eater
Our trainer suggested this topper of our Vizsla, a reluctant eater. It works very well to get her attention and once she starts eating she’ll finish her meal. YAY! Our other dog, a Vizsla cross, has no difficulty eating but he gets Meal Mixer too. We pet moms can’t play favorites. The thing that really surprised me is our kitty. Kitty would crawl into the bag to get his share. the kitty usually explores the dog’s food but turns his nose and tail up and stomps off. Not with this enhancement, in fact, kitty is up on the counter wanting his portion first; he’s so pushy. These are easy to crumble and mix into my slow eater’s meals....
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
-
this one is for God
I just wanted to order something for my God… I couldn’t sleep and Chewy the online store front has been in my heart because I love Chewy… I wanted to order something for God… for the next one I’m waiting
-
Great for picky eater!
I have a rescue Beagle who is extremely picky! She LOVED these and can't get enough of them! Love the fact that they are 100% fresh. No additives.
-
Another Winner!
Since both my dogs love all of the brand’s chicken, I decided to try the patties! Another great product! They will devour the patties over their kibble dry or with a little water.
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
-
No teeth Full Belly
My 14 year old rescue terrier has no teeth left but eats this twice a day like a champ! I have even tasted it, and it's pretty good. Being dehydrated it's so easy to store and he gets to enjoy a warm meal 😍 Also makes giving him medicine soooooo easy! I wish you could see how happy this food makes him 🐾❤️
-
Heart Healthy
I was looking for a low sodium food alternatives from the rx cardiac food which is too expensive for me. My dog loves it. Way more food for the money as I cut it in with her normal kibble.
-
No More Acid Reflux
My dogs LOVE The Honest Kitchen dog food. I switched to it for my older chihuahua who is missing some teeth. My son highly recommended it. Not only does my finicky eater LOVE this food, he can eat it with no problem, and better yet, for the first time since I adopted him, I have found the cure for his acid reflux. My other dog loves it as well. I add some to her regular dog food, and both pups enjoy every last bite.
Best Natural Senior Dog Food
-
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.
-
Dogs love this!
This food has been great for my senior lab mix. She loves it, has regular stools and no vomiting! Well worth the price
-
Coat and meal time changing!!
Sasha has slowed down and become a bit picky in her older years and was a bit of a struggle to get to eat 2 meals a day, even with wet food on top to entice. Switch her over to this food and she's much more interested in eating and her coat is noticably softer with more sheen. She was getting decent food before, but this is what she wants!
Best Natural Puppy Food
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Share:
