11 Best Natural Dog Foods for Every Age and Size
Updated: Apr. 25, 2024
We only want the best for our pets, and that starts with the healthiest all-natural food, according to vets.
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Naturally good—in every way
When it comes to what to feed your fur babies, regardless of their age or breed, natural dog food is the way to go, according to veterinarians. But what does that mean, exactly? While there is no legal definition for this term, “if a pet food label claims to be natural, it will not have any ingredients that are ‘man-made,’ besides vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients,” explains veterinarian Laura Robinson, DVM, medical advisor for Pawp. “It [also] does not contain chemicals, preservatives or byproducts.”
And that’s just one of the things that makes natural dog food worth buying, despite its slightly higher price tag. “Natural dog food can be beneficial for a healthy weight, a healthy gastrointestinal tract, better skin and a better coat,” Dr. Robinson says. This makes it an especially good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin, though all dogs will benefit from the more readily bioavailable nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats. It can also lower the risk of allergic reactions and other adverse health effects in your pet, not to mention taste better because it has fewer processed ingredients.
How to pick the perfect dog food
Of course, all pet products sound great when you read their marketing claims—but which ones really are? We went straight to the source: veterinarians, who know exactly which foods deliver, in terms of health benefits and doggy obsession. Whether you’re looking for grain-free dog food, food for large breeds or small breeds, or want to know what vets feed their own dogs, you’ll find it on this list. These picks will have your pooches looking and feeling great in no time—and licking their bowls clean.
via chewy.com
Best dry food
Purina Beyond Simply White Meat
Looking for an all-natural dry food for your dog? You can’t go wrong with this chicken-and-barley Purina formulation. “Purina has been in the pet food space for many, many years,” says Dr. Robinson. “They are trusted, hire veterinary nutritionists to oversee their recipes and have lots of years of knowledge backing them up.”
Chicken is the main ingredient here, but this dry food is additionally infused with sunflower oil and its omega-6 fatty acids, which make a dog’s skin healthy and coat gorgeous. Natural probiotics also aid in digestion. Chicken, by the way, is one of the best cancer-fighting foods for dogs.
Highlights:
- Steroid-free white chicken meat is the first ingredient
- Contains probiotics
- Made in earth-friendly facilities in the United States
via chewy.com
Best for small dogs
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Pint-size pups might not eat all that much, but what they do eat should be packed with all sorts of nutritious goodness. This is why Stephanie Sheen, DVM, a veterinarian with Fuzzy pet telehealth, is a big fan of Royal Canin. Not only is their kibble incredibly nutrient-dense to support high energy levels, but it also promotes good digestive health. Also? Your pup is going to love it. “I find that picky small dogs like Royal Canin Kibble,” she says.
Highlights:
- For dogs under 22 pounds
- Nutrient-dense
- Good for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs
via chewy.com
Best budget-friendly option
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
All-natural pet food can cost a pretty penny, and while you don’t want to put a price tag on your dog’s health, you also don’t want to go bankrupt buying dog food. Luckily, you don’t have to. “One of the first to offer an affordable natural dog food option, Taste of the Wild has been offering high-quality, reasonably priced natural protein-based options for dogs ranging from bison to salmon since 2007,” says Dr. Butzer. Chewy reviewers rave that even the pickiest pups love this formulation and that it’s cured their dogs’ various health issues, from allergies to digestive issues.
But take note: The FDA is investigating the potential link between certain grain-free dog food and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a canine heart disease that can lead to heart failure and death for some dogs. According to Dr. Butzer, “more research is needed to fully understand this potential link and its implications,” making it important to work with your veterinarian to find the right diet for your individual dog’s needs. “If your dog is currently on a grain-free diet and has no history of heart issues, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring your dog’s heart health closely and considering a diet change if any concerns arise,” Dr. Butzer says. “If your dog has already been diagnosed with DCM or another heart condition, your veterinarian will likely recommend a diet change and appropriate treatment.”
Highlights:
- High in protein, with 32% real fish
- Support healthy bones, joints and lean muscles
via justfoodfordogs.com
Best overall
Just Food for Dogs Chicken & White Rice
For the best overall natural dog food, Dr. Robinson says Just Food for Dogs leads the pack. “I have, over and over, been continuously impressed by the effort this company puts into their food. They go above and beyond to ensure it is the best fresh food out there and their ingredients are human-grade,” she says. “They also have veterinary nutritionists overseeing their recipes and can advise you on which of their foods is best for your pet.”
This high-protein pick is the brand’s most popular offering. Get ready for your mouth to water: It contains chicken, long-grain white rice, spinach, carrots and apples, and it’s high in calcium and phosphorous. That means it’s particularly suited for growing puppies, but also great for adult dogs. Interested in making your own pet food? Try these simple homemade dog treats your pup will love.
Highlights:
- High in protein, with chicken thighs, liver and gizzards
- 43 calories per ounce
via amazon.com
Best wet food
Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken and Brown Rice
This wet dog food is as nutritious as it is tasty! Lindsay Butzer, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian and PetMeds partner, says it’s a good choice because it’s “packed with USDA-certified organic ingredients (chicken, brown rice, fruits and vegetables)” and “made in small batches.” It also leaves out unhealthy fillers such as corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors and preservatives. FYI, these are the fruits and vegetables dogs can (and can’t) eat.
Highlights:
- High in protein with organic, free-range chicken
- Includes flaxseed, blueberries and coconut flour
- Certified organic
via nutro.com
Best for large dogs
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Large Breed, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
Different dogs require different dog food, no matter how good and natural that food is. When it comes to large breeds, it’s particularly important to take certain health issues into consideration. Dr. Robinson is a fan of this natural dog food because it has a “tailored recipe for what larger dogs need, such as more healthy fats for their joints, natural ingredients of glucosamine and chondroitin for their joints, and good sources of antioxidants for aging health.”
Highlights:
- Supports joint health
- Includes antioxidants for immune system support
- Non-GMO
via wellnesspetfood.com
Best for puppies
Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppies
“Puppies have different nutritional needs than an adult dog,” Dr. Robinson says. “This company does just that and has great fresh ingredients like salmon and flax seeds to ensure your puppy gets started on the right foot.” If your pup gets hooked on these all-natural delicacies, you can choose from delectable options like chicken, turkey, duck or lamb with sweet potato when he’s all grown up. Here are more things you’ll need if you’re adopting a puppy.
Highlights:
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- DHA to promote brain growth
- Appetizing smooth pâté texture
via diamondpet.com
Best for seniors
Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Formula
When your four-legged BFF is getting older, you’ll want to look for formulations that help boost his energy. “Just like puppies, senior dogs require special formulations of nutrients,” says Dr. Robinson. “That’s why I always suggest buying a senior-specific dog food, as they have things like probiotics to ensure a healthy gut and healthy fats to help your older dog’s joints and skin.” Higher protein levels are also needed to maintain muscle mass.
This option from Diamond Naturals contains chicken, egg and oatmeal. It’s also packed with probiotics and fiber for better digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and selenium and vitamin E for a serious dose of antioxidants. The right food is just one of the things that can help your pet live longer.
Highlights:
- Optimal protein and fat levels for aging dogs
- Fiber and probiotics for easy digestion
- Supports healthy joints
via amazon.com
Best dehydrated food
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef
This dehydrated food from The Honest Kitchen looks good enough to eat! That’s because it’s minimally processed, made with human-grade ingredients and created with the help of veterinary nutritionists, Dr. Robinson explains. “They cold-press, slow-roast and then dehydrate their food,” she says. Plus, it’s easy to make: Just mix it with warm water and wait three minutes—then dinner is served! Aside from beef, you have a whole host of gourmet options to choose from, including chicken, turkey, salmon, duck and various combinations of those ingredients. Make sure you also check out these healthy dog treats.
Highlights:
- Low in calories and fat
- Easy to make
- Whole-food ingredients
via thefarmersdog.com
Best fresh food
The Farmer’s Dog Meal Plan
If you had an option between prepackaged food and fresh food, which would you pick? Exactly. That’s why vets love the Farmer’s Dog. The meals are made with “human-grade ingredients, and their food is very fresh,” says Dr. Robinson. Beyond having tons of different meal-plan options, “they also have veterinary nutritionists overseeing their recipes and can advise you on which of their foods is best for your pet,” she adds. For more health-conscious doggy entrees, check out the best probiotic dog foods.
Highlights:
- Pre-portioned, open-and-pour packs
- Human-grade food
- Meal-plan delivery service
via stellaandchewys.com
Best raw food
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
How this food is made is what makes it such a smart buy. “There are inherent risks with feeding your dog raw food, such as the risk of bacteria, viruses and parasites to you or your dog because it is not cooked. However, this company understands those risks and goes the extra mile to ensure their products are safe,” Dr. Robinson says. “They use HPP (high-pressure process) to all of their raw foods to effectively get rid of any harmful pathogens. They then send all their food to be tested for E. coli, salmonella and listeria and list these results on their website so you can look up your product lot number for peace of mind.”
And, of course, these freeze-dried foods are healthy—and dogs go completely wild over the flavor. They’re made with raw, cage-free chicken, as well as fruits and vegetables, and fortified with added vitamins and minerals. It’s truly the whole package in one little patty. Now, whether it’s with a new natural dog food or a delectable table scrap, find out why your dog brings his food somewhere else to eat it.
Highlights:
- Strict safety measures are followed
- High in protein, with 95% chicken, organs and bone
- Enhanced with probiotics, antioxidants and necessary vitamins and minerals
About the experts
- Laura Robinson, DVM, is a veterinarian and medical advisor for Pawp.
- Lindsay Butzer, DVM, is a small-animal veterinarian and PetMeds partner.
- Stephanie Sheen, DVM, is a veterinarian with Fuzzy, a pet telehealth service.
Source:
- FDA: “FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease”
Originally Published: August 25, 2021
