Best Natural Dog Food

What Is Natural Dog Food?

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, we want to make sure we’re giving them the best possible nutrition. That’s why many pet parents are turning to natural dog food. But what is natural dog food, and what are the benefits? Keep reading for everything you need to know about feeding your pup a healthy, natural diet.

Natural dog food is made with ingredients that are minimally processed and free from artificial additives. The goal is to provide dogs with a diet that closely resembles what they would eat in the wild. This means lots of fresh, whole ingredients like meat, vegetables, and fruits.

Natural is defined by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to mean that only natural plant, animal, or mineral sources are used. AAFCO is a voluntary membership association of local, state, and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds (including dog and cat foods) and animal drug remedies. The organization defines and establishes regulations for pet food and feed ingredients, as well as sets standards for nutritional adequacy.

 

Table of Contents

Dog Lovers Pup - Best Dog Food reviews

Benefits of Natural Dog Food

There are many benefits of feeding your pup a natural diet. For starters, it provides them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.

In most cases, natural dog food 

  • is free from grain such as corn, wheat, soy by-products  – Although grains are a good source of carbohydrates, it is a known fact that dogs do not have the anatomy to digest if there is too much of these. Specifically, dogs cannot digest the cellulose in fiber. Grain-free dog food is popular because the processed grains in commercial dog foods may have high levels of gluten thereby causing discomfort in dogs. In most cases, wheat gluten, which is a by-product of the grain wheat causes various medical issues with sensitive dogs. Other grains such as corn also can also upset the stomachs and skin of some dogs.
  • does not have any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors – Artificial colors, flavor, preservatives can also lead to allergies and health problems, so a natural dog food should not have these as ingredients. That is the food cannot contain such chemicals or chemically synthesized ingredients and additives. 
 

Natural Dog Food Nutrients

With the above understanding, it is still important to ensure that your natural dog food has the following to meet the nutritional needs for your dog’s growth and development:

  • Protein – this is essential for good organ and tissue health, strong immune systems, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.  Studies have shown that protein is necessary for dogs of all ages from growing puppies to senior dogs. Puppies always need high-quality protein to grow up healthy and strong. For older and senior dogs, a diet rich in protein is especially important. Senior dogs are less efficient at making use of protein, so they need more of it to help compensate. Protein choices for your dog could come from red meat, organ meat, poultry.
  • Carbohydrates – contains grain-free ingredients such as potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes.
  • Fats – every dog needs fats for good health.  Fats are important as they provide protection from the cold, protect the heart, liver, and kidney function, protect the nerve fibers in the body, help reduce inflammation, and are an excellent source of essential fatty acids. The two most important fatty acids for your dog are Omega-3 and Omega-6. Deficiencies of essential fatty acids can cause poor coat quality and skin conditions and these include pruritus (itching), seborrhoea (flaky skin), and dermatitis (skin inflammation).
  • Vitamins – includes water-soluble vitamins like B and C; and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.  B vitamins assist with nerve development, help maintain kidney function, support the eyes and skin, and support healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract.  Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps strengthen the immunity system.
  • Minerals – dogs need minerals to stay healthy and strong. The main minerals needed are Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, and others. Calcium assists to build healthy teeth and strong bones. Phosphorus assists with bone hardness. Zinc helps with boosting the immune system.
 

With the above understanding, we have selected a list of best natural dog food from good quality brands such as BLUE BUFFALO, WHOLE EARTH, MERRICK, WELLNESS CORE, AVODERM, CANIDAE, EAGLE PACK, NATURAL BALANCE, DIAMOND NATURAL here for your review and selection.

At A Glance: Top 10 Best Natural Dog Food Brands

Our Top Pick of Natural Dog Food By Life Stage

If you want a quick recommendation on the best natural dog food for each life stage, check out the following:

10 Best Natural Dog Food Brands

Key Ingredients

Deboned chicken, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, flaxseed, etc.

 

Highlights

 

  • BLUE BUFFALO FREEDOM Grain-Free Dog Food
  • Real meat with chicken providing high quality protein for building your dog’s muscles
  • Vegetables and fruits for a holistic meal
  • Antioxidant-rich for strong immune system with special LIFESOURCE BITS formula
  • Vitamin and minerals like calcium for strong bones and teeth.
  • Glucosamine ingredient helps joint function and your dog’s mobility
  • Omega fatty acids from flaxseed added for a healthy dog’s skin and coat.
  • 24 lb. bag.

Summary:

This BLUE BUFFALO FREEDOM GRAIN FREE NATURAL ADULT DRY DOG FOOD is made in USA by BLUE BUFFALO Company. It has real chicken for healthy muscle development. With no corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives or flavors, this is a grain free food for your adult dog.

Key Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Chicken, Turkey, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Apples, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights

  • WHOLE EARTH FARMS – Naturally Complete Grain Free Recipe
  • Protein Rich nutrition from chicken and turkey.
  • Vegetables with sweet potatoes, peas and others
  • Wholesome Harvest Blend provides Omega Fatty Acids and Antioxidants.
  • Natural with no corn, no wheat, no soy, no by-products
  • No artificial preservatives and no colors.
  • Cooked in the USA
  • 25 lb bag.

Summary:

This WHOLE EARTH GRAIN FREE dog food is made in USA by WHOLE EARTH FARMS using natural, high quality ingredients.   Its All-Natural ingredients helps in digestion, increased energy and healthier skin.  With no corn, no wheat, no soy, no by-products, no artificial colors, and no artificial preservatives make this a great choice for dogs of all breeds at all life stages.

Key Ingredients

Buffalo, Beef, Chicken, Duck, Lamb, Rabbit, Salmon, Turkey, Venison – Depending on Flavors;  Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Flaxseed,  etc.

 

Highlights

  • MERRICK Grain Free Real Texas Beef and Sweet Pototo Recipe.
  • Grain Free recipe with no corn, wheat, gluten.
  • Whole foods like sweet potatoes, peas, apples for holistic nutrition.
  • Omega-3 and 6 fatty for healthy dog’s skin and coat
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for joints and bones.
  • Antioxidants for a healthy immune system
  • Package size: 22 lb.

Summary:

The healthy dog food is made in USA by MERRICK PET CARE with a desire to craft the best pet food possible.  The real whole foods and high quality ingredients make this one of our featured good healthy dog food for adult dogs of all breeds.

Key Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lentils, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Ground Potatoes, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights

  • WELLNESS Core Puppy Grain Free Dog Food.
  • Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal and Turkey Meal Recipe.
  • Natural and Grain-Free, with no wheat, soy, meat by-products; no fillers, no preservatives, colors or flavors.
  • Vitamins and minerals fortified promoting for a stronger immunity system for your puppy.
  • Salmon oil with DHA for healthy development of brain and eyes.
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids providing a healthy skin and coat.
  • 26 lb bag.

Summary:

This WELLNESS CORE GRAIN FREE DRY DOG FOOD PUPPY is made in the USA. It is specially formulated for your puppy to support a leaner body, healthy skin and coat, and overall whole-body health. With no added grains, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, this makes this an ideal dog food for your puppy.

5. AVODERM Grain Free, Small Breed Natural Dog Food

Key Ingredients

Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Pea Flour, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Avocado, Natural Flavor, Alfalfa Meal, Flax Seed (Source of Omega 3), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Kelp Meal, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights

  • AVODERM Grain Free, LID Small Breed Natural Dog Food
  • Lamb Recipe made for small breed Adults dogs
  • Avocado providing healthy skin and coat
  • Grain Free making thie food easily digestible
  • All Natural with only high quality natural ingredients
  • No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
  • Balanced Nutrition with proteins and ingredients.
  • 4 lb bag.

Summary:

AVODERM NATURAL SMALL BREED dog food is made in the USA.  It comes with Bite-Size Kibble suitable for your small breed adult dog. Its also Grain Free with only Lamb as the single animal protein which helps to reduce the chances of food sensitivities.  Enhanced with Omega Rich Avocados for Healthy skin,  this is a high-quality natural dog food indeed.

Key Ingredients

Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, potatoes, suncured alfalfa, chicken fat, natural flavor, taurine, others, vitamins, minerals.

Highlights

  • CANIDAE Pure Senior Dog food
  • Real chicken, sweet potato and garbanzo bean recipe.
  • High in animal protein
  • No corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives or flavors
  • Grain-Free for sensitivities, probiotics added, antioxidants added
  • Vitamins and minerals enriched
  • Probiotics included for better digestion system
  • Size: comes in 24 lbz

Summary:

This CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food is for Senior dogs. With real food ingredients, your dog gets real chicken meat for lean muscles; added probiotics for ease of digestion; fatty acids for healthy skin and coat; vitamins and minerals for overall health.  With no corn, wheat, or soy, this is great dog food for your senior dog.

Key Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Dehulled Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Glucosamine, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights

  • EAGLE PACK Natural Dog Food for Large and Giant Breed dog
  • Formulation with balanced amount of protein, fats and carbohydrates
  • Chicken and Pork recipe for healthy muscle.
  • Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones
  • Glucosamine for hip and joint support.
  • Antioxidants fortified to healthy immunity system
  • 30 lb bag 

Summary:

EAGLE PACK NATURAL Large and Giant Breed dog food are made by EAGLE PETS in the USA which has been operating for over 25 years. Being Natural, it does not contain any corn, wheat, meat by-products, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals, this Large Breed Natural Dog Food is proven delicious dog food.

8. NATURAL BALANCE Limited Ingredient Diets, Grain Free

Key Ingredients

Beef, Pea Protein, Peas, Chickpeas, Beef Meal, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-methionine, Menhaden Fish Oil, Folic Acid, Biotin, Niacin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights

  • NATURAL BALANCE Limited Ingredient Diets Grain Free Dog Food
  • Presents a strong beef flavor that encourages your dog to consume more
  • Comes with an easy-to-read chart on how to transition your dog into this formula
  • Made with 52% beef and 45% plant-based ingredients
  • Features a limited ingredient diet, which can prevent your dog from negatively reacting to certain element
  • Comes with a high fiber content that can support a healthy digestive system
  • Doesn’t contain any harmful substances, like grain, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
  • 24 lb bag.

Summary:

This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food contains all-natural ingredients and is limited to the variety contained within the product. Additionally, it features beef as the main ingredient that’s sourced from real beef, which can make your dog look forward to its meal.

Key Ingredients

Salmon, Fish Meal, Potatoes, Lentils, Peas, Pea Flour, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights

  • DIAMONDS Naturals Grain Free Dog Food
  • Wild Caught Salomon as high-quality protein
  • Grain-Free with no corn, wheat, filler; No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
  • Omega fatty acids richness for healthy dog’s coat and skin.
  • Antioxidants also contribute to better skin and coat health
  • Probiotics to support healthy digestive system
  • 30 lb bag.

Summary:

DIAMOND NATURALS Skin & Coat Dog Food is a Wild Caught Salmon dog food specially formulated for their skin and coat. Made by Diamond Pets Foods in the USA, it is suitable for dogs in all life stages.

Using real salmon as its key ingredient, enhanced antioxidants, and being grain-free makes this high-quality natural dog food for dogs that may have food-related skin sensitivities or allergies.

10. BLUE BUFFALO Wilderness Grain Free, Wet Dog Food

Key Ingredients

Real beef and chicken, chicken liver, potatoes, flaxseed, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Minerals, etc.

Highlights

  • BLUE BUFFALO WILDERNESS Grain Free Dog Food
  • Protein-rich with delicious beef and tasty chicken
  • Grain-free made with no wheat, corn, soy, artificial preservatives or flavors.
  • Vitamin E for added immunity support
  • Vitamins and minerals enhanced
  • Package contains 12 cans, each can size is 12.5 oz.

Summary:

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free is made in USA. With real beef and chicken, enhanced with vitamins and minerals, your dog will get the energy needed. Plus being 100% grain-free, the wet dog food is a great nutritious and delicious treat for your dog.

Fresh, healthy dog food delivered to your door.

Give your pups more energy, less allergies, shinier coat, and healthier weight.

Vet-Formulated.
Freshly Cooked Recipies.
Personalized For Your Pup.
Delivered To Your Door.

Natural Dog Food Reviews Conclusion

It is important for you to know the ingredients of the food you are giving to your dog.  For Natural dog food, it should not contains cereal grains such as wheat, corn, rice.  To reiterate, wheat due to its commercial production has wheat gluten which cause allergic woes to your dog.  Thus, you need to be observant for the occurrence of these sensitivities and allergies. 

Grain-free dog food could be answer for you as it has been shown that many ear, skin, and digestive problems are solved when dogs are given a grain-free diet. Also, for Natural dog food, make sure there is no preservatives, colors or favors included.

The 10 best natural dog food recommended here include brands such as BLUE BUFFALO, WHOLE EARTH FARMS, MERRICK, WELLNESS, AVODERM, CANIDAE and others which are good quality dog food choices at affordable prices. As such, you’re highly encouraged to select from any of these products.

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