When it comes to your dog’s health, choosing the best natural dog food can make all the difference. Natural dog foods skip synthetic additives and focus on whole, nourishing ingredients like real meat, vegetables, and digestible grains. In this guide, we’ll explore the top natural dog food options, what to look for, and how to feed and transition your dog safely—plus a bonus on how to support your dog’s brain and behavior health too.
What Makes Dog Food “Natural”?
Natural dog food must be made from plant, animal, or mineral ingredients, without synthetic chemicals, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. That means no BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, or fake colors—just real food that supports real health.
Common features of top-quality natural dog food include:
- Named animal proteins: Like chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey.
- Wholesome carbohydrates: Brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, lentils.
- Natural preservatives: Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract.
- Added vitamins and minerals: For complete and balanced nutrition.
- No artificial flavors or dyes: Only naturally sourced color and taste.
Top 10 Best Natural Dog Food Brands
1. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken
This human-grade formula uses dehydrated free-range chicken, organic oats, and flaxseed. It’s vet-recommended and meets AAFCO standards. Just add water for a warm, hearty meal.
2. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Food
Delivered fresh and customized to your dog’s needs, The Farmer’s Dog uses real, human-grade beef, turkey, or chicken with sweet potatoes and lentils. No fillers, no preservatives—just clean nutrition.
3. Nom Nom Turkey Fare
This fresh recipe includes ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, and spinach. Vet-designed and cooked in small batches, it’s ideal for picky eaters and dogs with sensitivities.
4. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice
A highly digestible kibble with cage-free chicken, brown rice, and pumpkin. It also includes probiotics and antioxidants. A great budget-friendly natural food.
5. Orijen Original
Biologically appropriate and grain-free, Orijen uses 85% animal ingredients and whole-prey nutrition—meat, organs, cartilage, and bone—alongside fruits and veggies.
6. Open Farm Dry Dog Food
Ethically sourced meats, non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and no artificial preservatives. Open Farm is transparent about sourcing and offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes.
7. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Made with real chicken, brown rice, and antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. This popular brand avoids artificial additives and includes Omega-3s for coat health.
8. Natural Balance L.I.D. Chicken & Brown Rice
Limited-ingredient dry dog food for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Contains no fillers or artificial preservatives, just simple, clean nutrition.
9. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free
High-protein and grain-free, Wellness CORE includes real meat, flaxseed, spinach, and blueberries. No meat by-products, no artificial preservatives, and includes probiotics for gut health.
10. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains
Cooked in the USA with deboned meat and whole grains like quinoa and barley. Includes omega fatty acids and glucosamine for joint health.
Choosing the Right Natural Food for Your Dog
Here’s how to narrow down your options:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Dog’s Age | Puppy, adult, or senior-specific formulas with proper protein and fat ratios. |
| Allergies or Sensitivities | Choose limited-ingredient diets or grain-free recipes with novel proteins. |
| Activity Level | High-protein foods for active dogs; moderate calories for less active ones. |
| Budget | Diamond Naturals and Natural Balance offer great value; fresh foods cost more but offer premium quality. |
Transitioning to a Natural Diet
Switching your dog to a new food should always be gradual to prevent digestive upset. Use this 10-day schedule:
- Days 1-3: 25% new food, 75% old food
- Days 4-6: 50% new food, 50% old food
- Days 7-9: 75% new food, 25% old food
- Day 10: 100% new food
If your dog has loose stool, gas, or reduced appetite, slow down the transition or consult your vet.
Signs of a Good Fit
Once your dog is fully on their new natural food, look for these signs of improvement:
- Bright eyes and alertness
- Healthy, shiny coat with minimal shedding
- Consistent, firm stools
- Stable energy levels and healthy weight
Complete Wellness: Mental & Behavioral Enrichment
Feeding your dog the best natural diet is just one part of the health puzzle. For well-rounded wellness, mental stimulation is essential. That’s why I recommend:
Brain Training for Dogs
This fun, science-based program is designed to sharpen your dog’s focus, reduce hyperactivity, and eliminate behavioral issues using quick, engaging games.
👉 Get Brain Training for Dogs now and unlock your dog’s full potential
Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar
If your dog is anxious, reactive, or fearful—especially on walks—this step-by-step webinar offers expert solutions to restore calm, connection, and confidence.
👉 Watch the Solve Dog Reactivity Webinar and transform your dog’s behavior today
Conclusion
Feeding your dog a natural diet free from artificial junk is a powerful way to promote health, longevity, and happiness. From top-rated brands like The Honest Kitchen, Orijen, and The Farmer’s Dog to budget-conscious options like Diamond Naturals and Natural Balance—you’ve got choices that support your pup inside and out.
But don’t stop with diet. Mental enrichment through brain training and behavior support helps your dog thrive emotionally and socially, too. Ready to make your dog’s health journey complete?
- Choose a natural food that fits your dog’s needs and lifestyle.
- Transition gradually and monitor for improvements.
- Start brain training to nurture calm, smart behavior.
- Join the reactivity webinar if walks and interactions are stressful.
Natural food fuels their body—now fuel their mind and behavior, too.