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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Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $24 on Chewy -
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Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog FoodPurina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food $26 on Chewy -
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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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So far so good!
My little guy seems to like it!! he has skin issues and I was trying to find something with limited ingredients
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My dog liked it a lot
My golden likes variety so he lost interest in this after a week but i plan to keep it as part of his food rotation because he was so enthusiastic at first. Didn't realize it was a diet formula.
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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.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
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Gifted
Gifted to a local rescue, haven't heard any negative feedback but I've bought it before for my dog and she loved it.
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healthy and tasty
Our lab LOVEs Nature Recipe grain free dog food, so I must it tastes really good, because she eats it right away, and finishes every time.
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Great Dry Food
Cooper stopped eating and I switched to this food. He loves this food and will eat just the dry food alone or when I add in the wet food in.
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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Dogs love it
I buy good quality canned food to top their science Diet/Blue Buffalo dry food. I chop it into the dry and they love this new one quickly devouring it! Glad I’ve tried it and they definitely are too
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What leftovers?
My dogs love this the most as do I. When it's feeding time, I have to keep them outside of the kennel so I can fairly give each their share. About half way thru the can(s) I mix in some water so they have it all thru their kibble too.
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My little Dorkie Martha, loves the variety this dog food comes in.
I really like this dog food and Martha does too! I like that it comes in an assortment of different kinds of foods & vegies. Also, the cans wash out good for recycling. Martha has a variety of tastes. My order from Chewy came quickly and no damaged bent cans.
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
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Really Wish This Wasn't Discontinued
My dog was on this her whole life. Then Purina quit making it a year and a half ago, claiming "low sales". It has been a pain trying to find something comparable, ingredients-wise. It's not easy changing a 12-year old dog's food. I really appreciated the limited ingredient formula. Purina doesn't have many others that are truly limited ingredients, not even Pro-Plan.
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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.
Best Natural Dog Food Topper
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Senior loves it!
My senior cocker spaniel has a sensitive stomach and not only does he love it, it’s sits well with him!
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Lola loves them
I have an extremely picky eater. She gets bored with her meals. So far so good with these toppers. It helps that I can switch between flavors. I also put a pack of these in our emergency go bag.
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She EATS!
Chipper loves all foods human & disdains “dog food”. We tried highest dollar to low of dry dog kibble. Nope, until Stella & Chewys Turkey topper! Such a relief to us; 3 nuggets flaked over her quality kibbles and away she goes!
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
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My Pups love this
My pups were eating Tylees; however, this became unavailable. I tried Stella & Chewy's patties and this was an instant hit. They love them and they are very convenient to have on hand.
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Lola has 2 a day and loves them. We add veggies to her diet.
She doesn't ever seem to get tired of this - wakes me up every morning at 5 to get her first patty. It used to be 6 am but she can't seem to get used to the new time!
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Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties
Of all the Stella & Chewy products I have bought this puppy, this is her favorite. Sometimes I break it in half, and other times I just give her the whole piece. She runs away to eat it.
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
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My dogs love it
My dogs sit and whine for the few minutes that it takes to rehydrate this food - they like it so much that they can't stand the wait when they see me start the process! I top it off with organ meats.
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Pricey but worth it
When I have extra room in my budget, I buy this to add as a topper. Because it's food, I can also cut down on the normal kibble I buy to balance out the calories. My dog turns into Kirby and vacuums her food when I put this on as a topper, so I need to feed her in a slow feeder when she gets this. My dog is VERY picky but she loves this.
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Healthy
I started feeding my dog The Honest Kitchen because she had several teeth pulled. When I add water to the food, it’s like an oatmeal consistency. Works well for her. She’s a pretty healthy 12 year old King Charles.
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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Expensive Puppy Food
This brand was suggested by the breeder of our new wire fox terrier puppy. They were feeding all their puppies this food. Winnie loved it and I didn’t want to change brands in the beginning. I got a second bag because she’s still in that puppy stage. I will be changing to Blue buffalo wilderness mixed with Fresh pet.
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Quality dog food that my picky dog will eat
My Lapponian Herder is very picky about his food but he will eat this food with no problem. We break up the soft bits and sprinkle them on the dry kibble and he thinks we are giving him a real treat.
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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.
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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