Best Natural Dog Food Brands for Optimal Canine Health

Dog owners want the best for their furry friends, and that includes their diet. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which food is the healthiest and most nutritious for your pup. One popular choice among pet owners is natural dog food.

Natural dog food is made with whole, minimally processed ingredients and is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It aims to provide a balanced and complete diet for dogs, just as nature intended. Natural dog food can come in various forms, including dry kibble, wet food, freeze-dried, and dehydrated.

When choosing the best natural dog food for your pet, it’s essential to consider their specific dietary needs. Factors such as age, breed, and activity level can influence the type of food that will be most beneficial for your dog. Additionally, it’s crucial to look for natural dog food that is free from common allergens, such as wheat, soy, and corn.

In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing various natural dog foods to identify the ones that provide the most nutritional value for your furry friend. We’ll cover the critical factors to consider when selecting natural dog food and provide recommendations for the best options on the market.

Best Natural Dog Food

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. One of the most important aspects of their health is their diet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best natural dog food options available on Amazon. These products are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. We’ve done the research so you can feel confident in your choice of natural dog food for your beloved companion. Check out our top picks below.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that is perfect for small breeds, then Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice for you. We highly recommend this product because of its premium ingredients that are carefully chosen to support a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system.

Pros

• The first animal protein source is salmon which is rich in 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.
• Smaller size accommodates smaller jaw sizes for easier eating.

Cons

• The price point is a bit higher than other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste as much as other brands.
• The size of the bag may not be enough for larger dog breeds.

We love that this dog food is specially formulated for small dogs. It contains a simplified list of premium ingredients that are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies. The formula reduces the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

The salmon and sweet potato recipe is perfect for dogs who love a tasty meal. We love that the kibble is small enough for small breeds to eat easily. The natural ingredients make us feel confident about feeding it to our furry friends.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for its premium ingredients, tailored formula for small breeds, and delicious taste.

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Beef 24-lb Beef 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality natural dog food that is grain-free, Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. It is made with real beef, and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Pros

• Made with real beef as the first ingredient
• Grain-free and gluten-free
• Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for immune system health

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fact that it is grain-free and gluten-free is a huge plus, as many dogs have allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste, and we noticed an improvement in his coat and overall health after switching to this food.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is more expensive than some other brands on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the higher price point. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that is free from grains and other harmful ingredients.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Lamb -amp; Brown Rice 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) for pet owners looking for a premium dog food that is both delicious and nutritious.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real lamb, providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Brown rice is included as a healthy and rich source of fiber for digestive health.
• The simplified list of premium ingredients helps support a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb.
• The kibble is quite hard, which may be difficult for some dogs to chew.
• The 4-pound bag size may not be suitable for households with multiple dogs or larger breeds.

We recently tried the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) with our furry friend and were impressed with the results. The first thing we noticed was the high-quality ingredients, with real lamb as the first ingredient and no added soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors.

Our dog seemed to really enjoy the taste of the lamb and brown rice kibble, and we appreciated that it helped support his digestive health with its healthy fiber content. We also liked that the formula was complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain our dog’s healthy immune system.

One potential downside is that some dogs may not like the taste of lamb, so it may not be suitable for all pets. Additionally, the kibble is quite hard, which may be difficult for some dogs to chew. Lastly, the 4-pound bag size may not be suitable for households with multiple dogs or larger breeds.

Overall, we were very pleased with the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) and would highly recommend it to other pet owners looking for a premium dog food that is both delicious and nutritious.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag

We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice for its high-quality, natural ingredients that help maintain a healthy immune system, muscles, and skin.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein for healthy muscles
• Contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to meet the energy needs of adult dogs
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Formula adjustments may be made from time to time
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs

We recently tried out the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice in the 5-lb trial size bag. We were impressed with the natural ingredients and the fact that it contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. The real chicken as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein for healthy muscles, and the essential proteins and carbohydrates meet the energy needs of adult dogs. We also appreciate the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits that support immune system health.

The packaging may vary, but it is resealable, making it easy to store. Formula adjustments may be made from time to time, but these do not impact the Guaranteed Analysis nor introduce new allergens, and as such, no transition period between formulas is necessary. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice for its high-quality, natural ingredients that help maintain a healthy immune system, muscles, and skin.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a high-quality, natural, and healthy diet.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein and helping to maintain healthy muscles.
• Formulated with reduced calories from fat, making it an ideal choice for dogs who need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• The price of this product may be higher than other dog food brands.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs.

We have been using this product for our dog for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and well-being. The natural ingredients and reduced calories have helped him lose weight, and he seems to have more energy and vitality. We also appreciate that this product contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is easy to digest, and our dog seems to enjoy the taste. We also like that it comes in a 30-pound bag, which means we don’t have to purchase dog food as frequently.

Overall, we believe that the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy and nutritious diet.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice 15-lb Lamb -amp; Brown Rice 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that’s both healthy and delicious, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option. With real lamb as the first ingredient and a blend of wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit, this formula is designed to help your dog thrive.

Pros

• Real meat first
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
• No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

• Formula adjustments
• Packaging may vary
• Chicken meal has replaced fish meal in Life Protection Formula Lamb diets

We love that Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is made with the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives. The antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

One thing to note is that from time to time, Blue Buffalo makes slight adjustments to their formulas that do not impact their Guaranteed Analysis nor introduce new allergens. As such, no transition period between formulas is necessary. Also, the packaging may vary, so be sure to check that you’re getting the right product. Finally, chicken meal has replaced fish meal in Life Protection Formula Lamb diets, but these diets already included chicken ingredients, so there has been no addition of new allergens.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for its high-quality, balanced recipe and natural ingredients. Give your dog the balanced nutrition of BLUE Life Protection Formula today!

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30 lb Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that is formulated specifically for large breed dogs, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a great choice. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this high-quality, balanced recipe is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It’s a delicious, natural choice your dog will love.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient helps build and maintain healthy muscles.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin help support joint health and overall mobility of bigger dogs.
• Exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.
• The packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some customers.

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re impressed with the results. Our dog seems to enjoy the taste and texture of the food, and we’ve noticed an improvement in his overall health and energy levels.

One thing we appreciate about this dog food is that it contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. We feel good about feeding our dog a natural, high-quality food that is free from unnecessary additives.

Another great feature of this dog food is the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support joint health and overall mobility of bigger dogs. Our dog is a large breed, so this is an important consideration for us.

Finally, we appreciate the exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits that are included in this dog food. These bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a natural, high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for larger breeds.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag

If you’re looking for a natural dog food for your furry friend, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a great choice. It is formulated with high-quality ingredients that support your dog’s health and well-being.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, which helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles
• Contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit
• Includes exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are “cold-formed” to retain their potency

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too small for some larger dogs
• Can be more expensive than other dog food brands

We recently tried this dog food for our small breed dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and had no issues with digestion. The small kibble size was perfect for our dog’s small jaw, but it may not be ideal for larger dogs.

One thing we really like about Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is that it contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This makes it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

The antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits are also a great feature of this dog food. They are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Overall, we would recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, natural dog food for their furry friend. While it may be more expensive than other brands, the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits make it worth the investment.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that’s both delicious and nutritious, then Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great option. We highly recommend this product for its high-quality ingredients and great taste.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient, providing a quality protein source for optimal muscle strength.
• Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat, which helps support healthy digestion and immune system health.
• Contains antioxidants zinc and vitamin E, which help support a healthy immune system and a healthy heart.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the kibble looks and smells different than previous purchases.
• A few customers have mentioned that the price is a bit high compared to other natural dog food brands.
• While most dogs love the taste of this food, a few picky eaters may not be as enthusiastic.

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great choice for dogs who need a high-quality protein source and a grain-free diet. The real salmon provides a delicious and nutritious source of protein, while the sweet potato and pumpkin provide fiber to support healthy digestion. Additionally, the antioxidants zinc and vitamin E help support a healthy immune system and a healthy heart.

We love that this dog food is made with natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any added corn or wheat. While the price may be a bit higher than other natural dog food brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients is worth it. Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for dogs who need a high-quality, natural diet.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Sweet Potato -amp; Venison Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Sweet Potato -amp; Venison 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality natural dog food for your furry friend, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. We’ve been using this product for a while now and have found it to be a great choice for our dog’s nutritional needs.

Pros

• The single animal protein source, venison, provides 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.
• The carefully crafted ingredients list contains no fillers, added corn, wheat or soy, or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Cons

• The price point is a bit higher than some other natural dog food options.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of venison.
• The 4-pound bag may not last very long for larger dogs.

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with a single animal protein source and gluten-free carbohydrate sources to help provide your dog with energy and a complete and balanced diet that helps support the nutritional needs of adult dogs big and small. We appreciate that it is crafted with purposefully selected ingredients and does not contain any fillers, added corn, wheat or soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Our dog has a sensitive stomach, and we’ve found that this food is easy on his digestive system. The sweet potatoes provide a grain-free source of fiber that helps support his digestive health, and the venison provides essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles. We also appreciate that the formula is complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain our dog’s healthy immune system.

One thing to keep in mind is that the price point for this dog food is a bit higher than some other natural dog food options. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of venison, so it may take some time to get them used to it. Finally, the 4-pound bag may not last very long for larger dogs, so you may need to purchase it more frequently.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality natural dog food option that is made with carefully selected ingredients and provides a complete and balanced diet for their furry friend.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best natural dog food for your furry friend, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a high-quality dog food:

Ingredients

Ingredients are the most important factor when it comes to selecting a natural dog food. Look for foods that are made with whole, natural ingredients such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.

Nutritional Value

Make sure the dog food you choose provides your pet with a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Look for foods that contain high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. You may want to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional needs of your dog.

Quality

Choose a natural dog food brand that has a good reputation and uses high-quality ingredients. Look for brands that have undergone rigorous testing and have been certified by reputable organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Price

While price is not always an indicator of quality, it is important to choose a natural dog food that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced foods may contain higher-quality ingredients, but this is not always the case. Look for a balance between quality and affordability.

By considering these key factors, you can choose the best natural dog food for your furry friend and ensure they are getting the nutrition they need to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated natural dog foods for optimal canine health?

There are several natural dog foods available in the market that are highly rated for optimal canine health. Some of the top-rated brands include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Taste of the Wild, and Orijen. These brands use high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

How do I choose the best all-natural dry dog food for my pet?

When choosing the best all-natural dry dog food for your pet, it is important to consider your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Look for dog food that contains high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. It is also important to choose a dog food that is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Which natural dog food brands are recommended by veterinarians?

Many veterinarians recommend natural dog food brands that use high-quality, whole-food ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Some of the top natural dog food brands recommended by veterinarians include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan.

What should I look for in natural dog food ingredients to ensure quality?

When looking for natural dog food ingredients to ensure quality, it is important to choose ingredients that are whole-food based and free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. It is also important to choose dog food that contains vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.

Are there any specific natural dog food options that are best for small breed dogs?

There are several natural dog food options that are best for small breed dogs. Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs and contains high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. It is also important to choose dog food that is free from fillers like corn, wheat, and soy and contains vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.

How can I compare natural dog food recipes for homemade diets?

When comparing natural dog food recipes for homemade diets, it is important to choose recipes that are balanced and provide all the necessary nutrients your dog needs. Look for recipes that contain high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. It is also important to choose recipes that contain vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health. Consider consulting with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced.