Best Natural Dog Food: 6 Premium Recipes Made with Real Meat

Pet owners on the lookout for quality dog food would most likely end up buying dog food that is made with all-natural ingredients, and it’s easy to see why.

Natural dog food, after all, is known for its chemical-free content with ingredients that come from natural resources. 

Unfortunately, the dog food options are limitless. And so we ask: which among them is the best natural dog food?

You’d most likely find yourself in a pickle when it comes to choosing the best natural and organic dog food out there, given the thousands of dog food options. But don’t worry. Help is here. 

Apart from providing you with a list of tried-and-tested natural and organic dog foods for your pup, we are also here to give you everything there is to know about natural dog foods, including the real deal behind natural dog food and if they’re really the best choice for your pets.

Organic Dog Food Vs. Natural Dog Food 

While labels are supposed to make things easier, it’s like a math problem that you need to decipher. That’s why we are here to give you the deets about the most confusing of them all – Natural and Organic food.

If you think about it, the words “natural” and “organic” food are so synonymous that it’s hard to tell one from the other. Both are derived from nature and are not man-made. So, what’s the difference?

When it comes to “Natural,” this dog food label is more of a marketing term thrown around to say that their product is free of meat byproducts, artificial colors and flavors, and other additives. At this point, there are still no regulations or criteria in place to clearly define this label when it comes to dog food. 

The dog food label “Organic,” on the one hand, is subject to US federal standards for manufacturing and handling. With organic dog food, you can be assured the food only uses USDA-certified organic ingredients. 

Organic food carries the “USDA Organic” seal. By law, organic food contains 95% organic ingredients. Since it’s not easy to pass this certification, certified organic foods are harder to come by.

Your next question would probably be: How much does organic dog food cost? Given the complex process involved to be “Organic” certified, you can expect dog food and organic food, in general, of an organic variety to cost more than regular dog food. 

 

Best Natural Dog Food

1. Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice 

This veterinarian-recommended kibble is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to help support strong muscles and overall vitality in adult dogs.

It features a delicious combination of tender, protein-rich meaty morsels and crunchy kibble for added texture and taste. The formula includes four antioxidant sources to help support a healthy immune system, along with natural sources of glucosamine to promote joint health and mobility. Omega-6 fatty acids, essential vitamins and minerals work together to nourish healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Free from fillers and crafted for optimal digestibility, every ingredient serves a purpose, delivering complete and balanced nutrition to help your dog thrive each day.

This recipe is produced by Nestlé Purina PetCare, a trusted pet food manufacturer also known for popular dog food brands such as Alpo, Beyond and Dog Chow.

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2. The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Woof Wild Brushtail

Crafted in small batches in New Zealand, this grain-free freeze-dried raw dog food features ethically sourced wild brushtail as its star ingredient.

Designed as a limited-ingredient recipe, it delivers a protein-rich diet with over 90% meat, organs, and ground bone, providing biologically appropriate nutrition for dogs.

Premium inclusions such as lamb heart, lamb green tripe, lamb liver, and lamb kidney offer natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals, while fresh produce like bok choy, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries adds beneficial fiber and antioxidants for overall wellness.

The formula is enhanced with nutrient-dense superfoods, including kelp for natural trace minerals, New Zealand green-lipped mussel for joint support, Manuka honey for natural wellness benefits, organic virgin coconut oil for healthy fats and hoki oil for omega fatty acids that promote skin and coat health.

Gently freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor, this thoughtfully balanced recipe offers a convenient way to feed a raw-inspired diet while supporting your dog’s vitality, digestion and overall wellbeing.

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3. Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe

As the name suggests, Wellness aims to improve pets’ overall wellness through their thoughtfully-prepared recipes crafted with natural ingredients.

The company started in the 1990s and has been developing yummy protein-focused, grained, or grain-free dry and wet food, mixers, toppers, and treats for both cats and dogs ever since.

If you’re looking for a natural grain-free dry dog food option that’s made of natural ingredients and high amounts of animal protein, check this out. Despite being somewhat pricey, a lot agree that this dry food is value for money. 

A recipe specially made for small breed adult dogs, this treat is approved by dogs and recommended by 89% of its reviewers. In fact, most dogs enjoy its meaty taste – from picky eaters to food-lovingsShi Tzus, Boston Terriers to Dachshunds.

Transitioning to this grain-free food is seamless, as mentioned by a good number of reviewers. Health-wise, this natural dry dog food got a two thumbs up.

Dogs who ate this became more active and looked healthier. One even added that their dog’s fur went from “pretty to spectacular.” 

Besides that, this grain-free food also did not cause any tummy problems (even for sensitive eaters). It also helped one diabetic dog lower its blood sugar.

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4. Nature’s Logic Pure Naturals Sardine Recipe

This synthetic-free dry dog food features sardine and sardine meal as its primary ingredients, delivering high-quality animal protein to help support strong muscles and sustained energy.

With 90% of its protein sourced from premium animal ingredients, the formula is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for puppies, adults, and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Wholesome additions such as millet, dried kale, dried carrot, dried apple, dried pumpkin, dried apricot, dried blueberry, and dried broccoli offer natural sources of fiber and phytonutrients, while spray-dried porcine plasma and dried chicory root help support digestion and nutrient absorption.

All nutrients in this recipe come from real food ingredients, with no synthetic vitamins or minerals, and it contains no artificial flavors, colors, dyes or additives.

Free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, gluten, peas, potatoes, lentils, seed oils, chicken and beef, it is especially gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics, this thoughtfully crafted formula promotes heart health, digestive balance and healthy skin and coat—providing clean, whole-food nutrition in every bowl.

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5. Purina Beyond Beef, Potato & Green Bean Recipe

This grain-free wet dog food features real Texas beef as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support strong muscles and overall vitality.

Wholesome additions like potatoes and green beans deliver natural fiber and essential nutrients for balanced nutrition. Crafted without poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, this recipe offers a clean and natural option for dogs.

Its high-protein, grain-free formulation makes it suitable for adult dogs who need nutrient-rich, easily digestible meals while enjoying the savory taste and texture of a premium wet entree.

Pet parents love how this wet food nourished their pet dogs who have allergies and digestive problems. One even added that it’s also a good dog food option for pups with tooth problems since it’s soft and easy to chew. 

A common complaint, however, is its pate-like consistency. Since this is a ground entrée, expect to see mashed meat in the mixture instead of chunks.

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6. Instinct Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken

Guided by raw nutrition, Instinct aims to provide pet parents with real, whole, and minimally processed pet food for their pals.

Their excellent rating in the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety says it all. With Instinct, expect their raw food to be free of pathogens and to offer life-changing pet benefits.

Made for all life stages, this grain-free raw meat recipe is a hit among many dogs and dog owners alike. If you wish to give your dog a raw meat diet but have limited time up your sleeve, you might want to consider buying this food for your dog.

According to a good number of reviewers, this dog food worked great for dogs with weight issues and skin sensitivities. Feeding this to their dogs was also easy. Dogs especially liked the freeze-dried raw or fresh chicken bits. 

In addition, pet owners were also pleased that this food gave their pals the energy they need for the whole day and considered the shinier, smoother coats a plus.

Unfortunately, not all dogs were able to adjust to this food. Despite transitioning slowly, some experienced gas and diarrhea.

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How To Choose The Best Natural & Organic Dog Food

Whether you’re looking for the best natural dog foods or the best organic dog food, figuring out which one delivers can be downright confusing.

Good thing, there are a couple of things you can check to ensure that the dog food you’re planning to buy (whether it is dry food, wet food, or raw food) is indeed good for your dog’s health.

So, before you add that dog food product to your cart, make sure to get everything below checked. This will help put your worries aside because you know that what you’re buying is excellent value for money and the best food for your dog.

Check The Labels & Ingredients

While the labels can be confusing, knowing which specific dog food label to find can help narrow down your search. Dog foods labeled “Natural” are still a good choice. However, make sure to keep an eye on products with “100% organic” labeling.

And while you’re at it, look for products that are AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approved. Dog foods with this label offer complete and balanced nutrition for a particular life stage according to AAFCO’s requirements.

Apart from the labels, it’s also a must for pet owners to check the ingredients. As a rule of thumb, foods with fewer ingredients are often a better choice. 

Quality dog food would list animal protein as part of the first three ingredients. The first ingredients show the food’s major components. Those with loads of fillers are potentially problematic, so it’s best to stay away from those. 

When checking the ingredients, take time to check for ingredients that may trigger food allergies. 

Some dogs are allergic to proteins like beef, chicken, and eggs. Other dogs are allergic to wheat. If this is the case, your dog is better off munching on salmon or natural grain-free dog food.

Make Sure It’s Made For Your Dog’s Size, Breed, & Age

Different dog breeds have various requirements. Also, the nutritional needs of a 10-pound dog would differ from those of a 100-pound dog. 

Besides that, dogs also have different amounts of calorie requirements at different ages. Younger dogs or puppies’ dietary needs often include additional caloric content compared to senior dogs. 

So, when looking for the best dog foods, always consider your pet’s dog breed, size, and life stage. This way, you’re assured that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Pick Reasonably Priced Products

While many natural and organic dog foods are somewhat expensive, some are still reasonably priced. As such, look for dog foods that are quality yet still affordable (don’t worry, they exist). This way, you’d be able to feed your dog natural food for longer.

Is Organic Food Better For Dogs?

Organic foods have higher-quality nutrition and contain natural nutrients which can help improve your dog’s overall health. However, there is still no scientific evidence available to show that they’re indeed better. 

A Final Word

Natural dog food is great for dogs, but finding the best dog food that matches your dog’s taste and needs is pretty hard.

If you’ve tried all the foods on the list (including premium dog food and the best organic dog food) but failed, don’t be disheartened. Fact is, even the best organic foods will not work for all types of dogs.

Just be extra patient and try again. Keep your options open and ask around. You might want to consider having fresh food delivered for your dog. Among the best fresh food service providers is Ollie. Check them out if you’re interested.

Apart from that, it’s also great to talk to your local vet and co-dog lovers. Chances are the healthy meal and the RIGHT food for your dogs are just waiting close by.