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In this report, our editors take an in-depth look at the best natural dog foods on the market.
And we’ll share the recipe rating and a brief summary for each of our top picks.
But first…
What Is Natural Dog Food?
Based on industry guidelines…
Natural dog foods must be made only from plant, animal or mined sources. And they cannot contain artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
In addition…
Longer lasting chemical preservatives are banned from use in natural dog food. So, short-term antioxidants, like vitamin E, must be used to keep kibbles fresh.
Which Food Types Are Most Natural?
The industry’s official definition of ‘natural dog food’ is weak and doesn’t go far enough. Yet it’s far better to also think of natural foods as those made with ingredients that look more like they do in nature.
After all, there’s a big difference between a factory-made dry food pellet and a wet or fresh recipe… which is easy to see in this comparison:
Since wet foods are far less processed, contain more moisture and are made at lower temperatures, they’re considered “more natural” than dry kibbles. And why you’ll find more wet recipes on our best natural dog food list below.
In the next section…
You’ll find The Advisor’s most recommended natural dog foods. And we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding these healthy, whole food brands.
Best Natural Dog Food November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best natural dog food brands for November 2024
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1. Best Natural Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
This whole grain recipe is made with uncompromising quality control standards using real, whole food ingredients, like free-range chicken that is gently dehydrated to maintain nutrients and taste.
Whole Grain Chicken is one of eight dehydrated recipes included in our review of The Honest Kitchen product line.
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken acquires much of its animal protein from dehydrated chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 15% fat and 50% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Made with real human-grade (not feed-grade) ingredients. The Honest Kitchen makes complete and fully balanced nutrition for adults and puppies of all breed sizes.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Things we like
- Gently dehydrated
- Whole food ingredients
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats Texture Dehydrated Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen.com"This is a great product that my dog loves. She sees the box and gets excited. Great nutritional value and my dog loves it."
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2. Best Natural Wet Dog Food: The Farmer's Dog Beef Recipe
The Farmer’s Dog Beef is one of four natural recipes included in our review of the product line. This recipe offers the second-highest protein level in the range and is an excellent choice for dogs that prefer a wet food option.
The majority of the protein in this recipe comes from beef, along with sweet potatoes and lentils, which provide excellent sources of dietary fiber. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 29% fat and 24% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.
The full product line has been designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and each recipe includes human-grade ingredients.
Every Farmer’s Dog formula is 100% complete and balanced and suitable for All Life Stages. A healthy feeding option for those who can afford the brand’s premium price.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- High in protein
- Human-grade ingredients
- High in fiber
Main Ingredients USDA Beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at The Farmer's Dog"I love this company. They truly care about their customers and have a great product. My dog has lost weight and is more energetic."
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3. Best Natural Dog Food for Large Breeds: Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Formula
This recipe is one of 13 dry formulas evaluated in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice obtains the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
The recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joints as well as Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat. This makes it a great dog food for larger dogs, and it’s budget-friendly too. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Originally recommended by his breeder for our large Akita, this food has never caused digestive problems and does not lead to unwanted weight gain. He still loves it."
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4. Best Natural Dog Food for Small Breeds: Orijen Grain-Free Small Breed
Orijen Grain-Free Small Breed is one of nine dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Orijen product line.
Receiving the majority of its meat from turkey, this is a high-protein recipe with a notable amount of named meats. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
This grain-free kibble provides the protein-powered nutrition your growing small dog needs to support peak development. The unique kibble shape and size make it easier for small dogs to chew.
An ever-popular brand made in the USA. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Made in the USA
- High protein
- Small kibble size
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, salmon Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dog and puppies (specifically small breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This dry food has healthy ingredients for my three pups. They love the taste of it and the kernel size is perfect for the small breed selection. It was also recommended by my veterinarian. "
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5. Best Natural Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Canidae Pure Grain Free Real Chicken, Sweet Potato and Garbanzo Bean for Senior Dogs
Real Chicken, Sweet Potato and Garbanzo Bean is one of 11 dry recipes rated in our review of the Canidae product line.
This Canidae recipe receives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. This high-quality recipe uses hormone and antibiotic-free chicken, an excellent lean protein source. Sweet potatoes are full of carotene and vitamin A and chickpeas are a slow-burning carb for all-day energy, making this premium dog food a complete and balanced source of digestive fiber for your senior dog.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 11% fat and 49% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 36%.
This is a low-fat, limited-ingredient recipe suitable for senior dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Limited ingredients
- Low fat
- High fiber
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, garbanzo beans Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31.1% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only (including senior dogs) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have an 11 year old Akita and a 14 year old Shiba Inu and both of them have been on Canidae their entire lives. As they have aged we have converted to the senior formula. A few times we tried taking them off Canidae for other foods, but every time, their coats got noticeably duller and dried out. "
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6. Best Natural Dog Food for Puppies: Open Farm Grain & Legume Free Puppy Chicken and Salmon
Open Farm’s Chicken and Salmon pate is a highly palatable choice for your dog. Made from 100% traceable, human-grade ingredients, this food contains high-quality protein and non-GMO vegetables.
This recipe receives the majority of its protein from chicken and includes chicken broth and chicken liver which are rich in vitamins. The salmon in the recipe is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which boost the development of puppies’ immune systems as well as supporting their skin and coat.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 25% fat and 31% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 31%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Pate Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- 100% traceable ingredients
- High-quality protein
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, potatoes, salmon Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36.4% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"Yummy product. We have a new puppy and was looking for food that was healthy and clean. Love the ingredients and sourcing of this company and my puppy loves the flavor. She gobbles it up."
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7. Best Natural Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Raised Right Fresh Pork Recipe
Raised Right Adult Pork is one of 11 fresh recipes evaluated in our review of the Raised Right product line.
This Raised Right recipe obtains most of its meat protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 57% protein, 23% fat and 12% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
Each limited-ingredient diet is created from a single source of animal protein. This makes it easy to discover possible food sensitivities. The entire product line is safety tested for disease-causing bacteria before shipping.
The company posts full test results for each batch, which makes it simple for pet parents to verify before purchasing.
One of the best fresh, high-protein dog foods on the market. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Wide range of recipes
- Limited ingredient
Main Ingredients Pork, pork heart, pork liver, carrots, blueberries Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 57% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"Our Papillon has had a sensitive stomach since his youth. This is the first time he has had firm stools in nearly nine years! We can’t recommend this food enough! He gobbles it up with gusto! Thank you for providing a solution for sensitive tummies!"
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8. Best Natural Dog Food for Picky Eaters: A Pup Above Turkey Pawella
Turkey Pawella is a high-protein, fresh food formula that’s formulated by veterinary nutritionists. It’s one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the A Pup Above product line.
The main meat in this recipe is fresh turkey. However, the inclusion of organ meats makes the food even more palatable for dogs as well as providing an extra boost of nutrition for picky eaters. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
A top natural dog food selection. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Includes organ meat
- High in protein
- Highly palatable
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey hearts, turkey livers, turkey gizzards, tomatoes Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove.com"Mealtime is so much more fun with A Pup Above! Grizzly can sometimes be a picky eater, but watching him chow down his food when I add this to his meal is just so satisfying. Thanks for making mealtime so easy and delicious for us!"
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9. Best Affordable Natural Dog Food: Nom Nom Fresh Turkey Fare
Nom Nom Turkey Fare is one of four natural recipes analyzed in our review of the vet-formulated Nom Nom Fresh product line.
This Nom Nom recipe draws much of its animal protein from ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note the inclusion of zinc gluconate and three other chelated minerals, which are easier for dogs to absorb and are usually seen in more expensive dog foods.
An affordable (but not cheap) fresh-made option. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Includes chelated minerals
- Vet formulated
- Fresh ingredients
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Texture Fresh Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have 3 Labrador Retrievers and 1 fostered Labrador Retriever and they ALL gobbled this food right up! I highly recommend!! I chose the turkey and will be ordering more! "
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10. Best Natural Dog Food for Allergies: Ollie Lamb Dish with Cranberries
Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, Ollie is a vet-formulated and high-quality dog food company.
Ollie’s recipes feature single animal proteins so if your dog has a food allergy, they can be accommodated. Lamb is the meat source in this recipe and is a solid option for dogs allergic to common meats such as chicken or beef. This recipe is one of five natural recipes covered in our review of the Ollie product line.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 27% fat and 27% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 82%.
A complete and fully balanced formula. Fresh-made and recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Single meat
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- Vet formulated
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Leia has a sensitive tummy and used to not eat (or throw up) her dry kibble. She literally jumps for joy when we pull Ollie out of the fridge. What a huge difference Ollie has made in our dog's life."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
For similar dog food choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a natural food without making my dog sick?
In the following video…
Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your dog’s risk of digestive upset when you switch to a more natural diet.
It’s best to switch your dog to a natural or fresh food gradually.
Start by mixing 20% “new” with 80% “old” food. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100% over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Schedule | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
Why do some natural dog foods contain zero preservatives?
Keep in mind, canned foods do not need preservatives. And most fresh cooked and raw dog foods are refrigerated. So many of these types of natural recipes contain (by default) no preservatives.
What factors define the best natural dog foods?
To claim a product is natural, the FDA requires only that a food be free of artificial ingredients.
So, it’s important to add a few more requirements to this weak definition to find the best natural dog food for your dog. These stronger guidelines include:
- No artificial ingredients
- No controversial preservatives
- Natural moisture content (over 70%)
- Minimally processed at lower temperature
- Looks more like real food and less like dry pellets
Keep in mind, dry dog foods almost never meet all of these requirements.
Is natural dog food grain-free?
Not necessarily. ‘Natural’ simply means that the ingredients come from minimally processed plant, animal, or mined sources without using chemicals.
Some natural dog foods are grain-free, while others are made with grain. Neither type can be considered natural if they contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Visit The Advisor’s Best Grain-Free Dog Food and Best Dog Food with Grain pages for our most recommended brands.
Are natural dog foods also considered organic?
A limited number of natural recipes can also be organic. But keep in mind, organic dog foods are far more tightly regulated. Certified organic products must meet strict standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture.
And since they tend to be more costly, the best organic dog foods can be more difficult to find in stores.
How do fresh dog food subscription programs work?
Most fresh dog food subscription programs work the same way. First, you’ll answer a few questions about your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and allergies. This creates a customized feeding profile for your pet.
Finally, you’ll create a delivery schedule. And soon after, fresh-made pet food arrives at your home, packed in dry ice.
View The Advisor’s best fresh dog food brands here.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
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