Holistic dog food means more than just “natural”—it’s a whole-dog approach. These diets focus on high-quality proteins, real ingredients, and supportive nutrition that promotes gut health, skin & coat wellness, and overall vitality. In this guide, we’ll cover top holistic options—from dry and dehydrated to fresh and human-grade—share expert advice, and highlight tools to support behavior and emotional wellness.
What Makes a Food “Holistic”? 🧠
- Whole ingredients: Real meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains—no artificial colors or preservatives.
- Functional nutrition: Reviews probiotics, fibre, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- Ethical sourcing: Organic or sustainably farmed proteins and veggies.
- Balanced formulation: Meets AAFCO standards or is vet‑formulated for daily nutrition.
These features aim to support digestion, immunity, energy, and lifespan—all hallmarks of holistic care :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Top Holistic Dog Foods by Category
1. Only Natural Pet Raw Blends Digestive Care
This blend of kibble and freeze-dried raw offers turkey/chicken with ancient grains, beet pulp, chicory root, and salmon oil—specifically for gut health and sensitive digestion :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs who still eat kibble.
- Highlights: Prebiotics, omega-3s, superfood raw bites.
- Note: Grain-inclusive, holistic blend.
2. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
Customized, pre-portioned fresh meals made with real meats and produce. Chewy testers loved how dogs tolerated it—even digestion-sensitive ones :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Best for: Personalized, fresh holistic meals.
- Highlights: Gentle cooking, nutrient-dense, no fillers.
- Note: Requires freezer space and subscription.
3. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken
Organic, dehydrated, human-grade ingredients with free range chicken and quinoa. Reported gut health improvements in sensitive pups :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Best for: Earth-conscious owners seeking shelf-stable holistic meals.
- Highlights: Organic grains, easy to serve, nutritious.
4. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon + Ancient Grains
Sustainable salmon with ancient grains and superfoods. Ethical sourcing, third-party tested—perfect holistic kibble :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Best for: Large breeds & eco-minded households.
- Highlights: Fish-based protein, EPA/DHA, balanced carbs.
5. A Pup Above Turkey Human-Grade Recipe
Human-grade, non-GMO turkey with vegetables. High protein (43%) and lean fat; great for sensitive stomachs :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Best for: Small dogs and sensitive eaters.
- Highlights: Single-protein, human-grade ingredients.
6. AllProvide Holistic Fresh Diet
Holistically developed with vet Dr. Judy Morgan—this fresh, low-carb, high-protein diet supports full-body well-being, including digestion, skin, anxiety, and immune health :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Best for: Dogs needing a comprehensive holistic meal.
- Highlights: Fresh food therapy, biologically appropriate.
How to Choose the Right Holistic Food
1. Know Your Dog’s Needs
Stomach issues? Opt for gentle blends like Raw Blends or turkey human-grade diets. Sensitivities? Pick single-protein or limited-ingredient foods.
2. Fresh vs Dehydrated vs Kibble
Fresh meals offer full nutrition but need cold storage. Dehydrated foods (like Honest Kitchen) are shelf-stable and easier to store. Holistic kibble is convenient but may lack freshness.
3. Look for Digestive Aids
Prebiotics, fiber, omegas—and in fresh options, added vitamins and minerals—these support gut health and nutrient absorption :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
4. Ethical Sourcing Matters
Ingredients from humanely sourced farms—especially in holistic diets—support overall wellness and sustainability. Brands like Honest Kitchen, Open Farm, Nom Nom and AllProvide emphasize traceability :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
5. Vet-Formulated or AAFCO-Compliant
Ensure meals are balanced for your dog’s life stage. Prescription-style fresh foods (Nom Nom, AllProvide) or AAFCO-approved dry/dehydrated foods meet daily nutrition standards.
Transitioning Smoothly
- Mix slowly over 7–10 days, increasing new food gradually.
- Track digestion, energy, coat, mood.
- Introduce supplements or toppers like bone broth or pumpkin if needed :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Consult your vet—holistic diets still need monitoring.
User Reviews & Expert Notes
“Only Natural Pet Raw Blends is the only food my Newfoundland can digest without upset.” – Customer review
“Nom Nom improved energy and healthy stools in just weeks.” – The Customer Digest :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
“Honest Kitchen made my dog’s coat brighter and digestion smoother.” – The Good Trade :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Use Enrichment Tools Alongside Proper Nutrition
Holistic food is just one part of wellness. Mental stimulation and positive behavior support are equally vital.
- Brain Training for Dogs eBook – Builds calm, focused behavior to complement whole-body nutrition.
- Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar – Ideal if food sensitivities have caused stress-based reactions.
Final Takeaway
Holistic dog food nurtures the whole dog—body, skin, digestion, brain, and heart. Choose a food aligned with your pup’s needs: kibble blends like Only Natural or Open Farm, shelf-stable fresh options like Honest Kitchen, or fully fresh meals like Nom Nom. Monitor digestion and source ethically. For best results combine nutrition with mental enrichment via our Brain Training eBook and Reactivity Webinar.
Start today: Pick the right holistic formula, transition mindfully, and give your dog the gift of total wellness—inside and out.