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.
-
1
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
-
2
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
-
3
Best Natural Wet Dog FoodInstinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Natural Wet Canned Dog Food $24 on Chewy
-
4
Best Affordable Natural Wet Dog FoodPurina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food $22 on Chewy
-
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
-
Great
Our little guy has allergies to beef and chicken. This food fits the bill for him. He just gobbles it right up!
-
Drum loves it!
After 2 years on experimenting with food that agrees with our 4 year old Golden, we happily found Acana, limited ingredients, lamb and squash .
-
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.
Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
-
Easy Change
I was looking for something grain free for my dog. I wondered if he would like the change. He seems to love the food.
-
My Dog Loves This Food
They recently changed their formula it looks like (food looks different) so I was worried, but I think my dog likes it more than ever. Chewy is a god send with their ease of use and efficiency as always.
-
Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Salmon
Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin dry dog food was recommended to me by my vet. Getting the large sized ( 34 lb bag ) through Chewy is so much easier then going to the pet store which has it some times . Chewy is alot cheaper than the pet stores plus free delivery.
Best Natural Wet Dog Food
-
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 :)
-
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 Affordable Natural Wet Dog Food
-
Great Dog Food
Love that there is 98% real food not chemicals in Beyond ground pate. It is easy on my budget too, compared to other good dog food brands.
-
Wet food
Dogs like it. The driver left it at the end of the driveway and the driveway is long. I’m 80 and can’t move heavy stuff. Not happy
-
Happy Dogs, Happy Mom.
My old boys have to have wet food, but it’s been a challenge finding a brand that did not upset their GI systems. Even with gradual introductions, some changes just haven’t worked out. But this option is perfect. I’m almost tempted to try it myself.
Best Affordable Natural Dry Dog Food
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
These are great!
I love having these on hand when I run out of their food that I may not have defrosted. Delicious too!
-
PUPS LOVE AS TREATS
I FEEL THESE ARE TOO BIG AS A FOOD TOPPER (SIZE OF EACH PIECE) SO I GIVE IT TO THEM AS A TREAT AND THEY LOVE IT!
-
Dogs love, peace of mind for me
I add these to homemade food as a topper just to ensure dogs are getting enough calories and nutrition. They love it.
Best Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
-
Excellent pet food
My two dogs eat these chicken patties twice daily. They love the taste. Easy to give the correct portion size for their weight. Very high quality ingredients. Very digestible. Little lost in waste products.
-
Poor shipping
To start our dog loves this item, eats everything in his bowl no problem, however it arrived with most of all the patties broken already. We buy these specifically for portions and had a difficult time doing so.
-
Cooper’s favourite!!!
Cooper absolutely LOVES this food and devours every meal! He is such a picky eater, so this makes me very happy. Also, happy that I can travel with this food without refrigeration, and can buy it both in Canada and the US without the need to change his food. I also like that Stella & Chewy makes this food in many meat options so he never gets bored as I can vary his meals between chicken, beef, turkey & lamb. This is a wonderful product and I am a confident dog mom feeding this to my boy!
Best Natural Dehydrated Dog Food
-
Gracy loves her meals.
Gracy is a healthy 21 year old Chihuahua but often needs to be encouraged to eat. I am slowly introducing this new food to her present food and she now eats enthusiastically and as soon as her dish is in front of her. Now it will be easy to travel with her because the ease of preparation. We both are happy to have found this nourishing and delicious dog food
-
Healthy and My Dog Loves It
I want to feed my dog a healthy food that she loves - without breaking the bank. I reconstitute 1/2 of the recommended amount then mix it with Science Diet Kibble or Healthy Kitchen Freeze Dried. My dog has gone from a finnicky eater that would let her food sit all day to devouring the food in minutes. Check out their website. A lot a great info.
-
Chewy Stands By Reputation
I ordered this but though I didn't receive it. After 3 weeks, I called to report it missing. After I saw the delivery photo, I remembered putting it with the other chewy boxes. The sweet girl that was helping me offered to replace it. Then I found it! I just want to say I am VERY impressed with your service and willingness to make it right. Thankfully it was resolved and I didn't need it replaced. I really appreciate knowing you are there to help. Thank you so much!!!
Best Natural Senior Dog Food
-
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!
-
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:-)
-
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
-
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!
-
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.
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.
Read More
Share: