The 8 Best Natural Dog Foods of 2023

Best Dry

Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food

Their ingredients are sourced from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Belgium, ensuring a nutritionally balanced product. Featuring antioxidants such as blueberries, spinach, and flaxseed, along with vitamin E, their recipes also include taurine for a healthy heart and probiotics for efficient digestion. Additionally, omega fatty acids are beneficial for enhancing your dog’s coat. The lamb and barley option, which is known to be suitable for dogs with potential allergies to other protein sources, was greatly enjoyed by our own dog.

Wellness Complete Health is available in formulations for small and large breeds, puppies and seniors, and those that need to lose weight, in addition to its adult dry food line.

Best for Large Breeds

DIAMOND NATURALS Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

This dry food, which is made in the United States, contains cage-free chicken or pasture-raised lamb along with whole grain brown rice. It is combined with a selection of superfood fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, oranges, kale, chia seeds, and pumpkin. The formula also includes papaya to aid digestion and Yucca Schidigera extract, which helps reduce the odor of the feces. Additionally, the recipes include several strains of probiotics. Overall, the ingredients in this food sound delicious and nutritious, suitable for anyone’s consumption, not limited to dogs.

Tailored to suit the needs of a large-breed dog, this dog food contains high levels of protein and rich nutrients, and it does not contain any fillers or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It naturally contains substantial amounts of chondroitin and glucosamine, which are essential for maintaining long-term joint health. By choosing this food, you can be assured that your large breed dog will gracefully age with good health.

Best for Small Breeds

Merrick Healthy Grains Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Dr. Richardson suggests Merrick as a suitable brand for natural dog food, as smaller dogs require food that is smaller in size to ensure comfortable chewing and swallowing. It is important to address the nutritional needs specific to small breed dogs.

On the front of the packaging, Merrick reveals the initial five ingredients, indicating the presence of high-quality ingredients. Additionally, whole grains like brown rice and quinoa are incorporated to aid digestion. If your little dog has a tendency for skin issues, this option is ideal as it contains no corn, wheat, or soy. Furthermore, it is devoid of potatoes, peas, and lentils.

Best Budget

Rachael Ray Nutrish Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutrish is an excellent affordable choice that incorporates actual chicken meat, rather than animal byproducts. The formula also includes prebiotics, which are nourishing for the beneficial bacteria in your pet’s digestive system. The brand values its wholesome ingredients and provides information about the crucial role the top ingredients play in your pet’s nutrition. Artificial flavors and preservatives are not included in the formula.

You can also take satisfaction in your purchase as a percentage of the sales goes towards supporting animals in need through The Rachael Ray Foundation.

Best Dehydrated

Sundays Food for Dogs

If you’re looking for something truly unique, here’s the process of dehydrating food: Once the food is prepared, it undergoes air drying, which effectively retains all the nutrients but eliminates any harmful organisms. This is particularly beneficial for pet owners interested in raw food diets but concerned about potential harmful bacteria found in raw meat.

All the ingredients in the food are human-grade, ensuring that it is safe for human consumption without any undesirable fillers or meat byproducts. Moreover, it is carefully formulated to exclude common allergens such as chicken and wheat, while including digestion-supporting ingredients such as pumpkin.

Because the food is dehydrated, there is no need to store it in the fridge or freezer, heat it up, or clean up after your dog eats it.

Best Fresh Food

PetPlate Fresh Cooked Dog Food

By following a step-by-step thought process, the following text can be rephrased without altering the meaning or introducing new information. No information will be omitted. “Our fresh frozen food will make your dog feel and appear like royalty. These recipes, designed by veterinarians, are exclusively tailored to your dog’s specifications, including age, size, breed, activity level, current and desired weight, and various other factors. All the ingredients used are of human-grade quality, and the food is prepared in a USDA-Certified kitchen. To ensure safety, it is lightly cooked and then rapidly frozen before being delivered straight to your door.”

You can thaw and serve individual portions in BPA-free, microwave-safe, recyclable containers, either warm or cold. They provide a full meal plan and a topper only plan, allowing flexibility to modify plans, recipes, and delivery frequency based on your dog’s changing needs.

Best Raw

Darwin’s Natural Selections Dog Food

Feeding your dog a raw food diet has both advantages and disadvantages. By adopting a partially or completely raw food diet, you can address several bothersome health issues.

Darwin’s Natural Selections Raw Dog Food Service is highly rated and dedicated to the use of ethically-raised and grain-free ingredients. The cost per week for a small dog breed ranges from $20 to $25, depending on the dog’s size and age. Their food consists of minimally processed, human-grade meats and organic vegetables. This wholesome and healthy dog food does not contain antibiotics, steroids, preservatives, or artificial hormones.

Darwin’s provides a variety of poultry flavors that your dog will enjoy, and they also offer lamb options for dogs with poultry sensitivities. On their website, you can find a pet food volume calculator. By signing up, you can participate in a quiz to create a personalized feeding plan tailored to your needs and your dog’s requirements.

If you are new to raw food diets, you have the option to make a phone call and receive a free consultation regarding your menu and the safe process of transitioning your pet to a raw diet.

At any time, you have the flexibility to select the frequency and size of your shipments, as well as the option to cancel or make modifications. Additionally, Darwin’s provides Intelligent Design Veterinary Formulas, which necessitate a prescription from a veterinarian and are intended for dogs with specific health conditions like food allergies and kidney disease.

What Are The Benefits of Organic Dog Food? What Qualifies As Organic?

Below are a few key benefits that organic dog food can offer, similar to the way organic food benefits human health, enhancing the health and overall well-being of your beloved canine companion.

1. Nutrient-Rich : Organic dog food often has a higher nutritional value than conventional dog food because it typically contains higher-quality ingredients. It’s generally made from whole foods that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are crucial for your pet’s health.
2. No Harmful Additives : Organic food doesn’t contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors, which can sometimes cause allergic reactions in dogs. Organic foods also typically lack synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can be harmful in the long term.
3. Promotes a Healthy Coat and Skin : High-quality proteins and nutrients in organic foods can contribute to a healthier, shinier coat and healthier skin.
4. Better Digestion : Because organic food usually consists of high-quality ingredients, it can be easier for dogs to digest. This can result in less gastrointestinal upset and firmer, smaller stools.
5. Promotes Overall Health : Organic foods can boost your pet’s immunity, promote better weight management, and improve heart health.
6. Environmentally Friendly : Choosing organic food for your dog also means you’re contributing to a healthier environment because organic farming practices tend to be more sustainable and cause less pollution than conventional farming methods.

To understand what is considered organic, it is crucial to note that not all dog food labeled as “organic” adheres to the same standards. In the United States, dog food can only be labeled as “organic” if it meets specific requirements set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). As per the USDA guidelines, organic food production prohibits the use of typical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering (GMOs), or ionizing radiation.

If a product does not include water and salt, it can be categorized as “100% organic” when it consists solely of organically produced ingredients. If a product contains a minimum of 95% organic ingredients, it can be classified as “organic.” When a product contains at least 70% organic ingredients, its label may indicate that it is “made with organic ingredients.”

It is important to keep in mind that every dog is individual and may have distinct dietary requirements depending on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and health condition. Consequently, it is crucial to seek advice from your veterinarian prior to implementing any significant alterations to your dog’s eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Dog Food

1. What does “organic” mean in dog food? Organic dog food refers to dog food made from ingredients that were grown or raised without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. In the U.S., the term is regulated by the USDA, and products labeled “organic” must meet specific requirements.
2. Is organic dog food healthier than regular dog food? Organic dog food often contains higher quality ingredients and avoids artificial additives, which can be healthier in some ways. However, “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean the food is nutritionally balanced. Always ensure the food meets all your dog’s nutritional needs.
3. Why is organic dog food more expensive? Organic farming practices are often more labor-intensive and yield less product than conventional methods. The use of higher quality, organic ingredients also adds to the cost.
4. Where can I buy organic dog food? Organic dog food can be purchased at pet stores, some grocery stores, and online. Availability might depend on your location, and specialized pet stores or online retailers often have the best selection.
5. Is organic dog food better for my dog’s coat and skin? Organic dog food is often rich in high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids, which can promote healthier skin and a shinier coat. However, individual results may vary based on your dog’s specific nutritional needs and overall health.
6. Does organic dog food have a shorter shelf life? Because it lacks artificial preservatives, organic dog food can sometimes have a shorter shelf life than conventional dog food. Always check the expiration date and store the food as directed to maintain its freshness.
7. Will my dog like the taste of organic dog food? Taste preferences can vary greatly from dog to dog. Some dogs might enjoy the taste of organic food, while others might need a gradual transition from their current diet.
8. Can puppies eat organic dog food? Puppies can eat organic dog food as long as it’s formulated for their specific nutritional needs. Puppies need more protein and certain nutrients for growth, so look for organic puppy food or all-life-stage food.
9. Is organic dog food good for dogs with allergies? Organic dog food, especially varieties with limited ingredients, might benefit dogs with certain food allergies or sensitivities, as it avoids artificial additives. However, if your dog has a specific dietary restriction or allergy, it’s best to consult with a vet.
10. Does organic dog food help with weight management? Organic dog food can contribute to weight management due to its high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers, but the key is the overall nutritional balance and calorie control. An appropriate feeding routine and regular exercise are also crucial for healthy weight management.