Best Natural Dry Dog Food Brands for a Healthier Lifestyle

Natural dry dog food is an increasingly popular choice among pet owners. With concerns about the quality of ingredients in traditional dog food, many people are turning to natural options to ensure their furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. Dry dog food is particularly convenient, as it can be left out for the dog to eat at their leisure and is easy to store. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best natural dry dog food options on the market.

When it comes to choosing the best natural dry dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to look for products that use high-quality, natural ingredients. This means avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as any ingredients that are difficult to pronounce or understand. Secondly, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your dog. Different breeds and sizes of dogs have different nutritional requirements, so it’s important to choose a product that is tailored to your pet’s needs.

After researching and testing various options, we’ve identified the top natural dry dog food products on the market. These products use high-quality ingredients and are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of different types of dogs. Whether you have a small dog with a sensitive stomach or a large breed dog with high energy needs, there is a natural dry dog food option that will work for you. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each of our top picks and what makes them stand out from the competition.

Best Natural Dry Dog Food

As dog owners, we all want to provide our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. One way to do that is by choosing a natural dry dog food that is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Not only is natural dog food better for your pup’s health, but it can also improve their overall wellbeing and energy levels.

After conducting extensive research and consulting with veterinarians, we have compiled a list of the best natural dry dog food options on the market. Each of these products has been carefully selected based on their high-quality ingredients, nutritional value, and overall customer satisfaction. We are confident that you will find a great option for your beloved canine companion on this list.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for natural dry dog food with added vitamins and minerals, then Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef -amp; Brown Recipe is a great choice.

Pros

• The number one ingredient is real U.S. farm-raised beef.
• The natural dog food contains real meat, veggies, and fruit you can see.
• There are no poultry by-product meal, fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors.

Cons

• The size of the bag is only 3.75 pounds, which may not be enough for larger dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the beef and brown rice recipe.
• The price is slightly higher than other brands.

We have been using Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef -amp; Brown Recipe for a few months now, and our dog loves it. The natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals give us peace of mind that we are feeding our dog a healthy diet. We love that the number one ingredient is real U.S. farm-raised beef, and we can see real pieces of slow-roasted chicken, carrots, peas, and apples in the food.

One downside is that the size of the bag is only 3.75 pounds, which may not be enough for larger dogs. Also, some dogs may not like the taste of the beef and brown rice recipe. However, we have not experienced any issues with our dog not liking the food. The price is slightly higher than other brands, but we believe it is worth it for the quality of the ingredients.

Overall, we highly recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef -amp; Brown Recipe for anyone looking for natural dry dog food with added vitamins and minerals.

Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food, Wholesome And Natural Kibble, Real Texas Beef And Sweet Potato – 4.0 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality, natural, and grain-free dry dog food, Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made with real deboned beef as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for healthy muscle tissue and energy levels.
• Contains a holistic blend of 63% protein and healthy fat ingredients, and 37% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients for a complete and balanced diet.
• Contains no corn, wheat, soy, gluten, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food options.
• The bag size may not be suitable for larger dogs or households with multiple dogs.

We have been using Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food for our furry friend for a few months now, and we are very happy with the results. Our dog’s coat is shinier and softer, and he seems to have more energy throughout the day.

The real deboned beef in the recipe is a great source of protein, and we appreciate that the food is grain-free and made with natural ingredients. We also like that the kibble is small and easy for our dog to chew.

One thing to note is that the bag size may not be suitable for larger dogs or households with multiple dogs, as it only comes in a 4.0 lb. bag. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble, so it may take some trial and error to find out if this food is right for your pet.

Overall, we highly recommend Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, natural, and grain-free dog food option.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 40 Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that’s packed with nutrients and flavor, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is a great option.

Pros

• Real beef is the number one ingredient, which helps support healthy organs and maintain lean muscle mass.
• Includes Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend, which provides omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to help support an active mind, antioxidants like those found in superfoods to help support a healthy body, and whole grains to help maintain balanced energy levels.
• A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the beef and pea flavor.
• The kibble may be too large for smaller dogs to chew comfortably.
• The price point may be higher than other natural dry dog food options.

We’ve been feeding our dog Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for a few months now, and we’ve been really impressed with the results. Our dog has more energy, a shinier coat, and seems to be maintaining a healthy weight. We appreciate that the ingredients are natural and that there are no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of the beef and pea flavor. Our dog enjoys it, but we’ve heard from other pet owners that their dogs were not fans. Additionally, the kibble may be too large for smaller dogs to chew comfortably.

Overall, we would recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe to other pet owners who are looking for a high-quality natural dry dog food. The added nutrients and whole health blend make it a great choice for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Chicken 28 lb bag

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that is packed with protein and wholesome grains, Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Chicken might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• Made with real, high-quality deboned chicken for a protein-rich meal
• Includes complex carbohydrates from wholesome grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice for a balanced diet
• Enhanced with antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the food
• The price point may be higher than other dry dog food options
• The bag size may be too large for some pet owners

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Chicken for our furry friend and were pleased with the results. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and texture of the food, and we felt good knowing that it was made with real, high-quality deboned chicken and wholesome grains.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the inclusion of antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are designed to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance. We appreciated the added nutritional benefits that this provided for our dog.

However, we did notice that the price point for this dog food was higher than other dry dog food options on the market. Additionally, the bag size may be too large for some pet owners who have smaller dogs or limited storage space.

Overall, we would recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Chicken for pet owners who are looking for a natural dry dog food that is packed with protein and wholesome grains.

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

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that’s high in quality and made with real meat, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Real meat is always the first ingredient
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system support
• Made with the finest natural ingredients

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit more expensive than other brands
• Packaging may vary

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo for our dog for a while now and have noticed a significant difference in his overall health and energy levels. The fact that real meat is always the first ingredient is a huge plus, as it ensures that our dog is getting the protein he needs to build and maintain healthy muscles. The antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits are also a great addition, as they help support our dog’s immune system and overall health.

While the price may be a bit higher than other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health make it worth the extra cost. We also appreciate that Blue Buffalo is made with the finest natural ingredients and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this particular formula, so it may take some trial and error to find the right food for your pup. Additionally, the packaging may vary, so be sure to check the label carefully before purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, natural dry dog food that’s made with real meat and provides essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice 15-lb

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food option for your adult dog, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food could be a great choice.

Pros

• Real meat as the first ingredient
• Contains essential proteins and carbohydrates
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits

Cons

• Formula adjustments may occur
• Chicken meal has replaced fish meal in Life Protection Formula Lamb diets
• Price may be higher than other brands

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog and have been impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real lamb as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein to help maintain healthy muscles. We’ve also noticed that our dog’s coat is shinier and healthier since switching to this food.

The LifeSource Bits are a unique feature of this dog food, providing a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance. We appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

While we’ve been happy with this dog food, it’s important to note that formula adjustments may occur from time to time. Also, chicken meal has replaced fish meal in Life Protection Formula Lamb diets, which may be a concern for some pet owners. The price point may be higher than some other brands, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we would recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for pet owners looking for a high-quality, natural dry dog food option for their adult dog.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice 34-lb

If you’re looking for a high-quality natural dry dog food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for healthy muscles.
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support a healthy immune system.
• Contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• The price point is higher compared to other dry dog foods.
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs.

We recently tried this dry dog food for our adult dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The lamb and brown rice formula provided a balanced nutrition that helped our dog maintain a healthy weight and a shiny coat.

One thing we appreciated about this dog food was that it contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This made us feel good about feeding our dog a natural and wholesome diet.

Another great feature of this dog food is the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. 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.

However, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food. Additionally, the price point is higher compared to other dry dog foods on the market. Lastly, the kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs.

Overall, we recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice to dog owners who are looking for a high-quality natural dry dog food that provides balanced nutrition and supports a healthy immune system.

IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that supports your dog’s digestive health, IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Complete and balanced meal that contains 0% fillers, and supports whole body health with essential nutrients
• Highly digestible formula supports regularity and healthy stools with a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics
• Made with real farm-raised chicken as the #1 ingredient and is formulated without wheat, artificial flavors or preservatives*

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs

We’ve been using IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for our dog for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her digestion. The natural fiber and prebiotics in the food have helped regulate her bowel movements and she seems to enjoy the taste of the food.

One thing to note is that the kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs, so it’s important to consider your dog’s size and chewing ability before purchasing. Additionally, if your dog has any dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s important to check the ingredients list before feeding them this food.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Healthy Digestion Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for dogs who need support for their digestive health.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food option, Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice. We’ve used this product with our own dogs and found it to be a reliable and affordable option.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, providing a good source of protein for healthy organs and lean muscle mass
• Fiber sources including peas and brown rice help support healthy digestion
• No artificial flavors or preservatives, and no fillers or added wheat or wheat gluten ingredients

Cons

• Some dogs may take longer to transition to this food, resulting in loose stools during the adjustment period
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller breeds
• The packaging may vary during the transition period

In our experience, Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food has been a great choice for our dogs. The real chicken as the #1 ingredient provides a good source of protein for healthy organs and lean muscle mass, and the fiber sources help support healthy digestion. We also appreciate that there are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and no fillers or added wheat or wheat gluten ingredients.

However, we did notice that during the transition period, some dogs may experience loose stools as they adjust to the new food. Additionally, the kibble size may be too large for some smaller breeds. Finally, the packaging may vary during the transition period, but this does not affect the quality of the product.

Overall, we recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for those looking for a natural dry dog food option that is affordable and reliable.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe, 6 Pounds (Packaging May Vary)

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that is both nutritious and delicious, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe is the perfect choice for your furry friend. With real chicken as the number one ingredient, this dry dog food is packed with protein to help support healthy organs and maintain lean muscle mass.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient
• Includes Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend which helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level
• A portion of the proceeds from this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs
• May be more expensive than other dry dog food brands

We’ve been using Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe for our dog for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil has helped support his active mind, while antioxidants from superfoods have helped support his healthy body.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste of this dry dog food. However, we’ve found that mixing it with wet dog food or adding a little bit of chicken broth can help entice picky eaters.

Another potential downside is that the kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs. We have a medium-sized dog and haven’t had any issues, but it’s something to consider if you have a toy breed.

Overall, we highly recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe for anyone looking for a natural dry dog food that is both nutritious and delicious. Plus, the fact that a portion of the proceeds goes to help animals in need makes us feel good about our purchase.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best natural dry dog food for your furry friend, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a product:

Ingredients

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a natural dry dog food is the ingredients. Look for products that contain high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Nutritional Value

Make sure the product you choose provides the necessary nutritional value for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Look for products that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition.

Grain-Free

Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to grains, so consider choosing a grain-free product. Grain-free options typically use alternative sources of carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils.

Price

Natural dry dog food can be more expensive than traditional dog food, so consider your budget when making a purchase. Keep in mind that higher-priced products may contain higher quality ingredients and provide better nutrition for your dog.

Brand Reputation

Research the brand and read reviews from other pet owners to ensure that the product is reputable and has a good track record for quality and safety.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best natural dry dog food for your furry friend that provides optimal nutrition and meets their dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended natural dry dog foods?

There are several natural dry dog food brands that are highly recommended by veterinarians. Some of the top brands include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Merrick. These brands use high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid fillers and artificial preservatives.

Which natural dry dog foods are best for small breed dogs?

Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs, so it’s important to choose a natural dry dog food that is specifically formulated for their size. Some of the best natural dry dog food options for small breed dogs include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed, Wellness Small Breed Complete Health, and Merrick Lil’ Plates.

How do I choose a dry dog food without fillers or artificial preservatives?

When choosing a natural dry dog food, it’s important to read the label carefully. Look for brands that use high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid fillers and artificial preservatives. Some common fillers to watch out for include corn, wheat, and soy.

What ingredients should I look for in the healthiest dry dog food options?

The healthiest dry dog food options will include high-quality, natural ingredients such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Look for brands that use whole foods and avoid by-products and artificial preservatives.

Are there any dry dog foods that exclude meal or by-products while remaining nutritionally complete?

Yes, there are several natural dry dog food brands that exclude meal or by-products while still providing complete nutrition. Some of these brands include Orijen, Acana, and Taste of the Wild.

Can you recommend natural dry dog food brands that avoid synthetic vitamins and minerals?

Yes, there are several natural dry dog food brands that avoid synthetic vitamins and minerals. Some of these brands include Dr. Harvey’s, The Honest Kitchen, and Ziwi Peak. These brands use whole foods to provide essential vitamins and minerals, rather than relying on synthetic supplements.