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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Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $24 at Chewy.com -
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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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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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Sensitive Stomach Win
My GSD has a super sensitive tummy.. and this limited ingredient kibble has been helpful to keep his stomach issues in check. Definitely recommend.
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Was hesitant but dog is doing great
4 yo Belgian Malinois with a sensitive stomach. Originally bought a small bag for training treats to use with his raw food but now we’re mostly using this and some raw. Was hesitant to try acana WG given the issues with the grain free variety but this stuff is exceeding all of my expectations. My dog is not getting bloated after every meal and his acid reflux is really manageable on this food.
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Topping Free
My Weimaraner has struggled to eat since we have had her. Two years I have tried multiple dry dog foods. Ultimately the only way she will eat is if I add wet food to the top and she still won’t eat her full serving. She loves the dog treats so I decided to give the food a try and she is eating. She is eating the whole bowel in one sitting. She also suffers from a sensitive stomach and we have had no problems. A happy Weimaraner mommy.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
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My dogs love it!
I mixed a small portion of the previous dog food in with the new. My dogs pick through it to get to Nature’s Recipe!!
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Excellent food
My dogs ate victor dry food for years until the recall, then i tried the salmon Nature's recipe and they love it, i have to get another bag. Great fot sensitive stomach
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surprisingly helpful for pet with food allergies
We have a lab mix with several allergies that create rashy tummy or upset tummy. We've had a hard time with food that doesn't make his tummy break out in a rash and risk infection. I was using blue buffalo for most of his 4 years... but this seems to both him far less. Both dogs enjoy it and it doesn't stay in their dish long.
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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Jack Sparrow's Favorite
Jack doesn't like chicken at all. Most stores in my area are all stocked with chicken dog food. So i was happy to see this Beef one on chewy. For at least a week, i won't have to run to many stores trying to find a non chicken option. I will be buying it again. Chewy please do not stop carrying this. Thanks
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Doodle approved
The pups enjoyed it! I like that it’s a nice pairing with their grain free food. We only give them a few tablespoons per day so the cans last a bit longer. It was nice to order this along with one of the sales - made it cheaper than the per can price in stores.
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An excellent product
A great food that my dogs love. Contains no grains, no alfalfa and no beet pulp, only quality meats and a veg or two, plus vitamins and minerals. Simple, healthy and highly palatable. Beyond canned food is the best product Purina has ever created.
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 noon time small meal
we have a 14 year old lab who is enjoying old age, slower walking, always hungry which is typical for a lab, so I cut the topper cubes in half and mix a bit of homemade bone broth to moisten the food chunks. She wants to eat too fast so by cutting them smaller and moisturizing them makes it easy to eat. She is on a special diet for vintage old dogs and has put weight back on and is moving about great without so much stiffness. We love using stella & Chewy's for noon meal and some snacks.
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Best product and employees
Chewy has treated me and my dog well! Products are excellent and competitive with pricing. If something is wrong let them know and it will be taken care of!
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Stella & Chewy product
Chewy was so helpful finding a product for my golden doodle who was refusing to eat after the loss of our retriever and so quick in getting it to us. The product and customer service was tremendous!!! Thank you!!
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
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My dog loves Stella and Chewy's
My dachshund has renal issues and it's hard to get her to eat certain food or any. I bought Stella and Chewy's and she loves the chicken patties, she eats them dry.
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My dogs love these patties
My dogs love these patties! I crumble a little bit on top of their regular kibble, and they eat it all up.
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Stella and Chewy dinner patties
A small amount crumbled on top of my puppy’s kibble seems to be the incentive she needs to to eat.
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
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Puppy yum
Our Morty was having trouble liking food. We tried about 10 different types. He was not Interested. We tried Honest Kitchen and he started eaten no again. Wonderful result.
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Big Box
This little box of powder packs a ton of nutrients for my dogs and costs half the price of Farmers Dog! It makes around 40lbs of food. It's easy to make and store and the best part is when my babies go absolutley crazy over it!
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Great quality and price
Great quality food for our older dog with stomach issues, and very easy to prep. Price point here is better than in store pricing.
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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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.
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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.
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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