If you wouldn’t eat highly processed, artificial food every day, why should your dog? Many commercial dog foods— even ones labeled as “natural” — are packed with questionable ingredients, from low-quality meat by-products to artificial preservatives that extend shelf life but do little for your pup’s health. Natural dog food isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a crucial shift toward better digestion, shinier coats, stronger immunity, and fewer vet visits. In this guide, we’ll break down the best natural dog food brands, what to look for on an ingredient label, and how to find the right formula for your pup’s unique needs.
What Is Natural Dog Food?
Natural dog food refers to a diet made from whole, minimally processed, or human-grade ingredients. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines natural dog food as containing ingredients derived only from plant, animal, or mined sources, with minimal processing and no artificial additives.
According to the latest research, natural dog food can benefit dogs in the following ways:
Improved digestibility: Better fiber and mineral absorption.[1]
Enhancesantioxidant response: Promotes higher antioxidant levels and reduced oxidative stress.[2]
Immune function: Improves immune markers (IgA, IgG) and reduces inflammation versus dogs on extruded kibble.[3]
Positive shifts in gut bacteria: Natural diets increased beneficial bacterial species and pathways associated with gut health in the gut microbiome.[4]
Reduced harmful metabolites: Diets rich in polyphenols (citrus pulp, carrot, and spinach) and fish oil (omega-3s) improved gut bacteria and reduced blood levels of metabolites linked to anxiety and poor health.[5]
Owners of dogs on natural diets also report benefits, including shinier coats, better muscle tone, cleaner teeth, and overall well-being.
How to Choose the Best Natural Dog Food
It’s important to note that some pet food brands may use “natural” as a marketing term, even if their products still contain synthetic vitamins, heavily processed meats, or questionable preservatives. So, it’s important for you to learn the top characteristic of the best natural dog food.
Key qualities of the best natural dog food to look for:
Criteria
What to Look For
Whole Food Ingredients
Choose foods with real meat, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats—avoid meals and by-products.
Human-Grade Quality
Look for labels indicating the food is made with ingredients safe for human consumption.
Minimal Processing
Opt for freeze-dried, dehydrated, or gently cooked formulas to preserve nutrients.
No Artificial Additives
Avoid foods with synthetic preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Transparent Sourcing
Brands should clearly state where their ingredients come from, especially meat sources.
AAFCO Statement
Ensure the product meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
Tailored to Your Dog
Consider your dog’s age, size, activity level, and health needs when choosing a formula.
Veterinarian Approved
Bonus points for recipes developed or reviewed by veterinary nutritionists.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs. Similarly, an at-home dog gut health test can provide valuable insights by analyzing your dog’s microbiome, helping you determine which nutrients their diet should contain. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can help identify which ingredients may not be suitable for your dog. This information enables you to make informed choices about the right diet and care plan to support optimal digestion and nutrition.
Best Natural Dog Foods
Here are the best natural dog foods of the year.
Best Overall Natural Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Ideal for those seeking the most natural and optimal nutrition with potential health benefits.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best natural dog food in the fresh dog food category. This brand uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portioned recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog The Farmer’s Dog comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, The Farmer’s Dog is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your dog will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmer’s Dog stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but The Farmer’s Dog takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, health, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs.
Key Features
Caters to health-specific. Recipes are formulated to address your dog’s health concerns, such as food allergies, tear stains, bad breath, joint issues, and more.
Vet-designed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Excellent sourcing. Ingredients are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Pros
The level of customization is unmatched
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Never use feed-grade ingredients
Cooked in human-grade kitchens
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
Get 50% OFF their first The Farmer’s Dog order with Canine Bible’s link.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Clusters stand is the best natural dry dog food due to their human-grade quality, whole-food ingredients, and gentle processing methods. The Honest Kitchen Clusters use 100% human-grade ingredients, ensuring safety and higher nutritional value. This makes them a superior choice compared to conventional kibble. The Honest Kitchen’s whole food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor, maximizing nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble featuring functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin, and coat health, immunity, heart health, weight management, and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade. Their food is made in a facility that produces human food.
Key Features
Vet recommended. Their human-grade dog food kibble is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, Director of Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York, who also recommends their human-grade dog food kibble.
Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring prebiotics and probiotics to help regulate the dog microbiome.
FDA human-grade. First pet food company to obtain approval from the FDA to use the term “human grade” on its products.
Pros
Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits
Exceeds industry standards
No artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINE— Just use thislink to get started.
Best Natural Wet Dog Food
4.5
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Excellent for dogs who prefer the rich aroma, soft texture, and taste of wet food or those with sensitive teeth or dental issues.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our pick for the best natural dog foods because it offers fresh, whole-food nutrition in a shelf-stable, preservative-free format. Unlike traditional wet dog food, Pantry Fresh meals are made with 100% human-grade ingredients and are lightly cooked to retain nutrients while ensuring safety, digestibility, and optimal nutrition. Its high moisture keeps dogs hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Additionally, they employ a unique cooking process to preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients in Pantry Fresh, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Aside from traditional flavors, they offer specialized wet food for addressing specific health issues, including joint problems, skin issues, sensitive stomach, renal problems, appetite loss, metabolism issues, and liver function concerns.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel-friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
Pros
USDA-certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Best Dehydrated Natural Dog Food
4.7
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: A great pick for dogs with digestion or chewing problems. The soft and moist texture favors easy digestion and offers optimal flavor. It’s also great for traveling.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food takes first place in this category. Unlike most conventional kibble, which is highly processed through extrusion, The Honest Kitchen’s gently dehydrated meals retain more natural nutrients, flavors, and enzymes, making them closer to a fresh or raw diet but in a shelf-stable form. Instead of boring chunks of kibble or smelly old pâté, this food is made with dehydrated, human-grade ingredients. Add warm water and wait three minutes for a tasty, homemade meal you and your pets will love.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made using real, whole food ingredients, like free-range chicken, that are gently dehydrated to maintain nutrients and taste.
Key Features
Convenient. The packaging and dehydrated nature make it easy to transport and store anywhere, making it ideal for on-the-go dog parents.
100% human-grade standards. Use the same whole food ingredients you’d recognize in your kitchen, and make this recipe in a human food facility.
Pros
Exceeds industry quality standards
Much more affordable than competitors on this list
A wide variety of recipes are available
Grain-inclusive and grain-free options
Cons
Not as fresh as some other human-grade dog foods
Preparation is required before serving, but it’s not bad at all
Re-hydrated leftovers would need to be refrigerated
Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINE— Just use thislink to get started.
Best Natural Raw Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
We Feed Raw
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want the highest-quality raw meats and ingredients packed in perfectly balanced raw meals for optimal nutrition.
Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for the most natural raw dog food, We Feed Raw formula is our top pick for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed, featuring 80% meat and organs, and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to provide your dog with a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. You can pick between a personalized plan or buying the box. The personalized plan might be the better choice if you want convenience and a long-term solution. Buying the box is a great option if you prefer flexibility and want to try the meals first.
What sets it apart from competitors: We Feed Raw stands out because it offers the best bulk raw dog food delivery option. This allows dog owners to save a significant amount of money while helping to reduce their carbon footprint. Another unique feature of this food is that it includes a high-quality vitamin and mineral premix, providing an added boost of nutrition.
Key Features
Human-grade meats: USDA meats sourced from free-range cattle and poultry that are humanely raised without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.
HPP (High-Pressure Processing): This all-natural technology utilizes high water pressure to neutralize foodborne pathogens, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Because this process uses pressure rather than heat, the nutritional value of the food remains unaffected.
Pre-portioned meals. Meals are portioned to your dog’s daily needs for easy serving and to reduce food waste.
Pros
Great for adults, puppies, and senior dogs
Free and flexible shipping. Easily change addresses, delay, cancel, or skip an order, or edit your pup’s portions and recipe selection
Only the lamb and venison are sourced from New Zealand. Everything else is sourced within the USA
Stacks and stores easily in a standard freezer
Six animal protein options, more flavors than most competitors, including novel proteins. You can mix and match in any plan
Sustainable dog food company practices. Delivers food in an insulated, eco-friendly, compostable cooler with dry ice.
Cons
It does not offer other raw dog products, such as treats
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw
It’s slightly more expensive than traditional kibble, but you can buy raw food budget
Get 25% OFF your order with the code CB25. Use Canine Bible’s link to get started.
Best Canned Natural Dog Food Brand
4.6
★★★★★
Pet Plate
Who It’s For: Ideal for dog owners who prefer the convenience of easy storage, serving, and avoiding doing extra dishes.
Why we recommended it:PetPlate is the best canned natural dog food brand because it delivers chef-crafted meals using real, whole-food natural ingredients in a versatile plastic container. Pet Plate meals come in pre-portioned, easy-to-serve microwavable plastic containers, which can also be used as a bowl if needed. PetPlate appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank in 2016; since then, they’ve become one of the most popular natural canned dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: PetPlate is designed to be highly convenient to store and use. The food container can easily be sealed back and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use.
Key Features
Personalization. Each meal plan is customized to suit your dog’s size and age.
Long storage.It can be stored in your freezer for up to one year
Pros
Crafted in a human-grade kitchen
Novel protein recipes
Flexible subscriptions
Super tasty
Cons
Slightly lower protein content than other, comparable foods
Get 61% OFF your PetPlate order. Just use this link to get started!
Best Grain-Free Natural Dog Food
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best dog grain-free natural kibble. We picked it because of its high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, superior nutrition, and commitment to sustainability. Unlike many grain-free kibbles that rely on fillers like peas, soya, legumes, or corn in excess, Open Farm uses premium animal proteins, nutrient-dense vegetables, and science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens, and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support dog’s nutritional needs.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient through the QR code on the bag.
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies.
Ethically sourced protein. Only ethically sourced and humanely raised meats are used.
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
Why we recommended it:Wild Earth Dog Food stands out as the best vegan natural dog foodbecause it provides a balanced, nutrient-rich, and cruelty-free recipe using plant-based, sustainable ingredients without compromising protein quality or essential nutrients. Wild Earth is vet-developed and formulated to meet AAFCO standards, ensuring it provides all the essential nutrients dogs need to thrive.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses only clean, sustainable, and tasty plant proteins that offer more protein by weight than traditional dog foods. It’s boosted with superfood ingredients, including chickpeas, sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin, oats, and more.
Pros
Has the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the primary protein source
High-quality brown rice, oatmeal, and highly digestible potatoes
Balanced omega fatty acids help support healthy skin and a shiny coat
No artificial flavors or colors
Highly digestible, energizing, and rejuvenating
Backed by science
Cons
One flavor is available. We wish they had more options for picky eaters
A bit pricey, but offers discounts with a subscription
Get 25% OFF your first order. Just use this link to get this offer.
Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best natural dog food for puppies. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development in puppies, including prebiotic fiber such as pumpkin and chicory root, which supports healthy digestion. Additionally, it contains calcium iodate as a source of energy production and promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed, and other wholesome ingredients.
Who It’s For: Owners of senior dogs who want a formula with the appropriate nutrients to support their pets in their older years and promote healthy aging.
Why we recommended it: We chose JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food as the best natural senior dog food because of its high protein and fat content, designed to meet the needs of senior dog breeds. The formula supports lean muscle mass and optimal fat metabolism, which are essential for the vitality of aging dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: JustFoodForDogs is made with only the highest quality, natural, and fresh ingredients and is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
Bones and joint support. It incorporates type II collagen to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Pros
85% quality animal ingredients.
Great feedback from senior dog parent
Certified humane for animal welfare.
Cons
A bit expensive.
Best Natural Food For Dogs With Allergies
4.7
★★★★★
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking an affordable yet effective option to manage their dog’s allergies or sensitivities.
Why we recommended it: Natural Balance’s LID formulas focus on novel protein sources such as duck, bison, salmon, or lamb, combined with easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and other high-quality ingredients to reduce the risk of triggering allergic reactions. Despite its premium-quality ingredients, it remains budget-friendly compared to other limited-ingredient diets.
What sets it apart from competitors: Designed for dogs with specific sensitivities, the formulas avoid common allergens like beef, or grains. By using a short list of carefully selected ingredients, LID dog food minimizes the risk of exposure to allergens. Simple recipes are gentle on sensitive stomachs, helping to reduce symptoms of allergies such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Other Natural Dog Foods
Best natural dog food topper.Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty, natural, fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best naturalhealth-specific custom diet food.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom natural recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Bestnaturaldog food to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your dog gain lean muscle mass.
Best naturaldog brand for small dogs.Ollie’s bake recipes are our pick for this category. The kibble size is ideal for the small mouths of small breeds.
Best naturalbulk dog food. Even though Evermore is not as popular as The Farmer’s Dog, NomNomNow, Pet Plate, and Ollie, it delivers high-quality, lightly cooked dog food. What we love most about this company is that you can buy their food in bulk and save money. You can opt for the 16 or 32-case option. Each case comes with 1lb of food. They also offer a subscription option.
Best naturalholistic dog food. Chi Dog takes a unique approach to feeding dogs fresh food—its food is based on the Eastern Medicine principle “Food Is Medicine.”
Best naturaldog food for large dogs.The Pets Table has a great recipe designed for large dogs, and their low pricing is ideal because larger dogs tend to eat more and cost more.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best natural dog food is one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog. With many brands claiming to offer “natural” ingredients, it’s essential to look beyond the label and prioritize high-quality, wholesome nutrition that aligns with your dog’s unique needs. From grain-free options and limited-ingredient diets to organic and sustainably sourced formulas, the best natural dog food brands focus on transparency, quality, and nutritional balance. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog, The Honest Kitchen, and Open Farm have set the standard for providing meals that are delicious and packed with the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.
Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Consider your dog’s age, size, activity level, and any dietary sensitivities when choosing. By investing in natural, high-quality dog food, you’re not just feeding your pet—you’re supporting their overall well-being, energy, and longevity. So, take the time to explore your options, consult with your veterinarian, and choose a brand that reflects your commitment to your dog’s health.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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