Does your dog gobble down their dinner, only to scratch and itch later? You love your furry best friend, and you want them to have the best life possible. That means feeding them great food! But stepping into the dog food aisle can feel like entering a confusing maze. So many bags claim to be “natural,” but what does that really mean for your dog’s health?
It is frustrating trying to figure out which ingredients truly benefit your pup and which ones just sound good on the label. You worry about fillers, artificial colors, and things you cannot even pronounce. Finding a truly nutritious, natural diet should not feel like homework.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a dog food “natural” and show you simple steps to choose high-quality meals your dog will thrive on. Get ready to unlock the secrets to better energy, shinier coats, and happier tummies for your companion.
Top Natural Dog Foods Recommendations
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD: Contains one (1) 12-pound bag of Nature's Recipe grain free dry dog food
- SALMON DOG FOOD: #1 ingredient is real salmon, a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength
- HEALTHY DIGESTION: Dog food with fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support digestion and immune system health
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients — no poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and no added corn, wheat or soy
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Dog food with omega-6 fatty acids from chicken and chicken fat help support skin and coat health
- Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Lamb Meal and Rice dry dog food; REAL PASTURE-RAISED LAMB PROTEIN is the #1 ingredient; protein helps support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Lamb protein and moderate levels of fat provide the nutrients your dog needs to stay active; vitamins and minerals from SUPERFOOD fruits like blueberries and oranges; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and prebiotics — to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
- SALMON IS THE FIRST ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCE providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health; Contains (1) 4-Pound Bag
- WITH SENSITIVE PETS IN MIND we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin & digestive system; made with a single animal protein source, and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR SMALL DOGS Made with the same balanced nutritional philosophy, our Small Breed recipes are tailored to your dog. Every bite is packed with flavor! Smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating
- NUTRITION FOR EVERY TYPE OF DOG Any dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
- SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Blue Buffalo's premium dog food features high quality deboned chicken as the primary ingredient; brown rice, cranberries and vegetables for a balanced diet; and high quality protein that promotes strong muscles
- HIGH QUALITY NATURAL FOOD: BLUE's natural dry dog food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy
- THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FLAVOR AND NUTRITION: Formulated with essential proteins and carbs for energy needs and Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
- CONTAINS IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESOURCE BITS: LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- Contains: One (1) 5-lbs bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken and Brown Rice Flavor
- DRY DOG FOOD FOR ADULT DOGS: Contains one (1) 40-pound bag of dry dog food for small, medium and large breed adult dogs
- REAL BEEF #1 INGREDIENT: This beef dog food is made with real beef as the #1 ingredient, providing a good source of protein to help support your dog's lean muscle mass and support healthy organs
- WHOLE HEALTH BLEND: Dog food formulated with omega-3 fatty acids to support an active mind; vitamin C and other antioxidants to support immune health; lean proteins and whole grains for balanced energy
- NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES OR FLAVORS: Keep meal time simple and wholesome with dog food recipes you can feel good about
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals, and Taurine—no poultry by-product meal, just high-quality ingredients
- SALMON IS THE FIRST ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCE providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health; Contains (1) 24-Pound Bag
- WITH SENSITIVE PETS IN MIND we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin & digestive system; made with limited animal protein source, and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors
- NUTRIENTS FROM OUR SALMON & SWEET POTATO RECIPE crafted with nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes and flaxseed; Complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog's healthy immune system
- NUTRITION FOR EVERY TYPE OF DOG Any dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
- SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians
- CHICKEN IS THE SINGLE ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCE providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Sweet potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health; Contains (1) 4-Pound Bag
- WITH SENSITIVE PETS IN MIND we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin & digestive system; made with a single animal protein source, and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR SMALL DOGS Made with the same balanced nutritional philosophy, our Small Breed recipes are tailored to your dog. Every bite is packed with flavor! Smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating
- NUTRITION FOR EVERY TYPE OF DOG Any dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
- SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians
- Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat All Life Stages Salmon and Potato dry dog food; REAL SALMON is the #1 ingredient; from puppy to senior, this formula helps maintain healthy skin and coat
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from VEGETABLES and SUPERFOODS; energy-rich carbohydrates and immune-system-supporting antioxidants; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS - plus antioxidants and prebiotics - to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Natural Dog Foods
Choosing the right food for your dog is important. Natural dog food uses ingredients found in nature. It avoids artificial stuff. This guide helps you pick the best natural food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
1. Ingredient Transparency
Good brands clearly list every ingredient. You should know exactly what your dog is eating. Look for clear labels. They show where the meat or vegetables come from.
2. Real Meat as the First Ingredient
The very first ingredient should be a named meat source. This means chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. This shows the food has plenty of real protein. Avoid foods where “meat by-products” are listed first.
3. Whole Grains and Vegetables
Natural food includes healthy carbohydrates and fiber. Look for brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, carrots, or peas. These give your dog energy and help digestion.
4. Added Supplements
Check for added vitamins and minerals. Good natural foods often include omega fatty acids (from fish oil) for healthy skin and coat. Probiotics also help a happy tummy.
Important Materials: What’s In and What’s Out
Ingredients to Seek Out
- Named Meat Sources (e.g., Deboned Chicken, Lamb Meal)
- Whole Fruits and Vegetables (e.g., Blueberries, Spinach)
- Natural Preservatives (like Vitamin E/Tocopherols)
- Healthy Fats (e.g., Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil)
Ingredients to Avoid (Red Flags)
Artificial ingredients lower the quality significantly. These offer no real nutrition.
- Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5)
- Artificial Flavors
- Chemical Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin)
- Corn, Wheat, or Soy fillers (if your dog is sensitive)
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the food is made matters a lot. High-quality manufacturing keeps nutrients intact.
Quality Boosters
Look for words like “human-grade” or “gently cooked.” Slow cooking or freeze-drying often preserves more natural nutrients than harsh high-heat processing.
Quality Reducers
If the protein source is vague, the quality drops. For example, “Meat Meal” is less specific than “Chicken Meal.” Also, heavy processing that strips away natural vitamins requires heavy synthetic supplementation later, which is not ideal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Natural food fits many dogs. Think about your dog’s specific needs when choosing a formula.
For Puppies
Puppies need higher protein and fat for fast growth. Choose a formula labeled specifically for “Growth” or “All Life Stages.”
For Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog often has loose stools or itchy skin, try limited-ingredient diets (LID). These use fewer, simpler ingredients, making it easier to find the source of irritation.
For Active Dogs
Sporting or working dogs need more calories and protein. Look for formulas with higher percentages of animal protein to fuel their long days.
Overall, reading the label carefully helps you make the best choice for your dog’s long-term health.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Dog Foods
Q: What is the main difference between “natural” and “regular” dog food?
A: Natural dog food avoids artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives. Regular food often uses these synthetic additives.
Q: Does natural food cost more?
A: Yes, generally it costs more. Higher quality, traceable ingredients cost more to source and process.
Q: How quickly should I switch my dog to a new natural food?
A: Switch slowly over seven to ten days. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the new food amount. This prevents stomach upset.
Q: Are grain-free natural foods always better?
A: Not necessarily. Many dogs thrive on healthy grains like oats or brown rice. Grain-free is only necessary if your dog has a specific grain allergy.
Q: What does “human-grade” mean on a label?
A: It means the ingredients meet the same safety standards as food made for people. It shows a high commitment to ingredient quality.
Q: How can I tell if my dog is actually benefiting from the natural food?
A: You should see better results! Look for a shinier coat, higher energy levels, smaller, firmer stools, and less itching.
Q: Are prescription diets the same as natural foods?
A: No. Prescription diets are specialized for specific medical conditions (like kidney disease). Natural food is for general, healthy maintenance.
Q: Should I worry about the protein percentage?
A: Yes. For adult dogs, aim for around 20-30% crude protein. Puppies need slightly more.
Q: Can I store natural food differently?
A: Because natural food lacks strong chemical preservatives, it can go stale faster once opened. Keep it sealed in a cool, dark place, or use it within about six weeks of opening.
Q: If the first ingredient is “Chicken Meal,” is that bad?
A: No, Chicken Meal is often a concentrated source of protein. It means the water has been removed, leaving mostly protein, which is a good thing.