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
-
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.
-
My dog loves the treats.
My dog has allergies and my vet suggested I try her on a Lamb dog food. I liked that the first 2 items were both lamb. It was a little high but I liked the ingredients. My dog is also over weight. I am still incorporating the food with her other dog food. She loves the food and licks the bowl clean. I have already noticed that her energy level is getting better and she is feeling more like herself again. Cheyanne is 9 1/2 years old. And has recently had surgery on a corneal ulcer. She is also over weight and I can see some of the bloating is going down.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
-
Nutrition done right
I switched to Natures Recipe because my Labrador had been throwing up quiet a bit. So I did ALOT of research & that led me to try Nature's Recipe & 3 months later no more vomiting & his coat is super shiny & he's got alot more energy !
-
Natures Recipe
My Golden loves this healthy food. He is suciptble to ear infections due to allergies but Since he has been on this food he has not had allergies. I can’t afford the prescription dog food.,
-
Dog approved!
I bought this for my 2 dogs ( Beagle & a Bulldog) both of them love it!! My bulldog actually tried eating it right out of the bag!
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
-
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
-
Good Stuff!
We have two fur babies — one who will eat anything and one who is super picky. Miss Super Picky prefers the beef Beyond over the fish and chicken.
-
It is a yes from my dog!
My little Henry was excited to try this. He normally eats Freshpet so he isn't used to having canned food in gravy. I think that was a treat for him. He loved it but the real test was seeing if it would affect his sensitive tummy. It didn't!! Him and I were happy about that. I would buy this for him to switch up his dinner. I broke the 1 can into about 4 servings for him since he's only about 11lbs and I wasn't sure any bigger portion would sit well with him. A good review from both of us.
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
-
Availability and shipping
Recently my food not available in large size bags, and shipping was a little longer this time BUT I excuse you because I know you’re only trying to do your best with what you have
-
Simple dry food is simply good
My 7 yr old plotty is prone to allergies so thought I'd try some limited ingredient dry food. She likes it just fine! Haven't had it long enough to really determine if it helps with her allergies but it certainly can't hurt since it's nutritious and she digs right in.
-
Purina Beyond is the Best!
I’ve been using this food for my dogs for a few years now, and it is the only dog food I will buy for them going forward. Both my dogs are said to be “some of the healthiest looking dogs” my vet has seen. Their coats are soft and thick, their weight and muscle mass are in the perfect range, and their poops are perfect! When I originally put them on this food I didn’t have any of their old food left for the transition and was anticipating the usual GI issues dogs get from food changes… they had zero issues! In fact when I watch my friend’s dogs, if they run out of food unexpectedly, I can also give them a serving of this food...
Best Natural Dog Food Topper
-
Love Stella and Chewy
My guys have tried all the flavors of these meal mixers through a small local pet shop, this was the first time ordering through chewy and they did not disappoint! All 4 of my dogs are fans of Stella and Chewy!
-
Happy dogs means happy owner!
As with my 3 cats, my 2 dogs love Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers. I use it as a topper for their Acana kibble and they do not leave one morsel behind. It is a small part of their diet but I was amazed at how well they received the freeze dried topper. One of my dogs was raw fed for years until he developed an allergy to chicken and it happened to be half of my recipe so I switched him to low cooked, quality kibble. This gives my conscience a break and both of them are quite happy with the switch from using canned meat as the topper.
-
great for picky eaters
my dog will sometimes eat his food and then some days he does not, but if i add a little of this in, he eats it up.
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
-
freeze dried foods rock
These are great for traveling. The dogs find them irresistable. One of my dogs is a 15+ year old Whippet who was losing weight - feeding her these has stabilized her weight because she loves them!
-
My dog loves these, but
Originally Chewy sent us a bag in error. My dog was instantly hooked on them! The only problem is the price, approximately $32.00 per pound! Since my dog seemed addicted to them, I ordered another bag, but only dole them out on special occasions!
-
Great dog food; great seller
We adopted a 1 year old Corgi mix almost 11 years ago. He has had digestive issues, including pancreatis. This is the only food that he does well on, and the only meats that he can process are chicken and turkey. Our local pet store cannot get it right now. It was easy to order on Chewy, and it was delivered promptly and in good condition. r
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
-
Dog loves this
My dog loves this food (Chihuahua mix). We do a mix of the wet dehydrated food with dry kibble. This one is more finely ground (except for oat pieces) then other brands we've used. He loves this one because there aren't big veggie pieces in it which he never eats. He licks the bowl clean.
-
My Corgis love it!
We recently switched to this from Purina Bright Minds, wanting to give our dogs something a bit healthier as they are getting older. One of them is a pretty grumpy old man who only gets excited for dinner time and now he finishes every meal with a big smile! The only thing to note is that the water-to-food ratio is a bit off. We do about 1:1 so that the food isn’t too watery. I also love that you can prepare in advance and refrigerate it. That will make prepping for a dog sitter to come so much easier.
-
Our dog really likes this
Chewy sells The Honest Kitchen brand and our dog really likes it. It's high quality dog food, just add warm water. Chewy shipped quickly, arrived as said in great condition. I just put in another order to try a different beef flavor for our sweet furry family member!
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:
