K9 Natural is an all-natural pet food brand specializing in free-range proteins from New Zealand. A lot of their foods contain high levels of protein and fats with low carbohydrates and no fillers.
All the food lines use real meat as the first ingredient with no by-products, GMO’s, or grain. The company offers freeze dried foods, canned, as well as dry.
The main thing that separates K9 Natural from a lot of other pet food brands is that their food contains 90% raw meat from a single source of protein. The goal of this company is to closely mimic what your pup would eat if they were still out in the wild.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at K9 Natural to pick apart everything about this food so you can make an educated decision about whether or not you want to feed this to your pup.
Read on for our comprehensive K9 Natural Dog Food Review.
Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: K9 Natural
- Founded in: 2006
- Made in: Christchurch, New Zealand
- Available at: Chewy and Amazon
- Types of Food: Raw Freeze-Dried, Dry, and Canned
- Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
- Recalled in Past? : Yes
Behind the Brand
K9 Naturals food line got inspired by its New Zealand upbringing. The company's goal is to provide the best blend of nature into nutrition for all its customers.
They use high-quality local ingredients to pack a high protein and fat content into all their foods.
Each of their lines contains sustainable, free-range, and grass-fed ingredients.
The manufacturer says that New Zealand is the best place to find healthy pet food ingredients because of its abundance of real natural resources.
They also claim to employ the highest standards of production and world-class research alongside animal nutritionists to make sure your pups get only the best of the best.
K9 Natural Dog Food Review
1. Grain-Free Raw Lamb Feast
First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Liver, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Blood
The goal of K9 Natural is to improve the quality of life of all dogs by helping their owners better understand their dietary needs. They believe that keeping food raw is the best way to get the most nutrients and benefits into your dog's bowl.
This is a grain-free dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of all dogs in all life stages. Made of 90% free range, grass-fed New Zealand lamb, organs, and ground bones – this food is packed with so much flavor and nutrition.
At 35% protein, this lamb feast has the essential amino acids that dogs need to support healthy muscle development. Aside from fresh lamb, fresh lamb heart, tripe, liver, spleen, kidney, and blood are also included to provide more nutrients and flavor to this meal. These fresh, raw ingredients are freeze-dried to retain its natural flavor and nutritional value.
The freeze-drying process allows pups to reap all the benefits of a raw diet, while their owners save time on food preparation. The minimal processing kills all the harmful bacteria, and extends the food’s shelf life without the need for preservatives.
It can be served to pups in many ways. It can be served dry on its own, or rehydrated with some water. As it is very nutrient-dense, dogs won’t need to eat as much as they would regular kibble. The high meat content keeps them satisfied until their next meal.
This lamb feast can also be used as a kibble topper or a meal enhancer to stimulate dogs’ appetites. It also works great as tasty treats or training rewards. The kibbles can be easily broken into smaller pieces.
This is also quite high in fat which makes it ideal for highly active dogs, or those with decreased appetites. The main source of essential fatty acids in this recipe is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is high in omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and glossy coats, as well as healthy heart function.
It also has New Zealand green lipped mussels. These mussels have eicosatetraenoic acid or ETA which help improve dogs’ inflammatory response. They also contain glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium, which support joint health.
Instead of wheat, corn, soy, or rice typically found in dog food, this recipe has low carb veggies and fruits. It contains flaxseed flakes, brown kelp, cauliflower, dried kelp, apples, and pears among others. These highly nutritious produce promote good overall health and boost the immune system.
It also has pumpkin. Pumpkin is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that improves digestion by helping food move through the digestive tract. It is also known to improve stool quality.
This recipe is free from grains, gluten, peas, potatoes, and legumes, making it ideal for very sensitive dogs. It has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 35.5% Protein
- 37% Fat
- 2.5% Fiber
The only type of dogs that should have this type of food is highly active, pregnant, or working dogs. If your pup does not have a large area to run around or if they are older eating food as this will result in weight gain.
It’s always important to consult with your vet before starting a diet high in protein and fat.
That said, you can’t go wrong in terms of feeding your dog the best of the best ingredients. Many customers are concerned by the high price, but we would recommend using this food as more of a supplement because of the high fat and high price.
If you add a little to the top of your dog's dry kibble, you’re giving them added nutrition without breaking the bank.
2. Lamb & King Salmon Freeze-Dried
First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Heart, Salmon, Lamb Kidney
Another zero grain, freeze-dried raw dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. This high-meat, high-fat formula is packed with flavor and nutrition, as only the water content is removed during the freeze-drying process.
This recipe combines the nutrition of a raw diet with the convenience and extended shelf life of kibbles. The freeze-dried raw kibbles are quite versatile. As it is nutritionally complete and balanced, it can be served on its own as a meal.
If your dog favors dry kibbles, this recipe can be served dry, or rehydrated with some water if your pup needs a softer diet. The nutrient-dense pieces can also be given as a meal topper, or even as treats. They are quite easy to break into smaller pieces if you want to give them to your pup as training rewards.
This dog food has grass-fed lamb as its most plentiful ingredient. At 38% protein, this freeze-dried dog food certainly helps dogs keep a lean and strong muscle mass.
As its first 10 ingredients are all high quality animal ingredients, there is no second guessing on the quality of the protein that it provides. No unnamed animal ingredients or by-products are used. All are sourced from lamb, with the exception of salmon, eggs, and New Zealand green mussels.
This K9 Natural recipe is quite high in fat at 38%, making it ideal for highly active dogs. As lamb and salmon can both be rich in fat, the main source of essential fatty acids in this recipe is sunflower oil.
It is high in omega 6 fatty acids that helps keep dogs’ skin healthy and moisturized. It also helps give pups energy and promotes a healthy heart. Salmon is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids, that also promotes healthy skin and lustrous coats. It also helps decrease inflammation, and supports the immune system.
This low carb recipe has nutritious vegetables and fruits as its sources of carbs, fiber, and natural nutrients. Unlike most grain-free dog food it has no potatoes, pea, or lentils. It has flaxseed flakes, brown kelp, broccoli, and apples among others. These plant-based ingredients are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals.
To help aid digestion, this lamb and salmon recipe also has pumpkin, which is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps move food along the digestive tract, and improves stool quality. Having a healthy digestive system allows dogs bodies to absorb more nutrients. It is also enriched with EPA and DHA to support cognitive function.
This nutrient-dense recipe is free from artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 38% Protein
- 38% Fat
- 2.5% Fiber
Dogs and their owners are all crazy for this mouthwatering dog food. Dogs love the intense lamb and salmon flavors in the freeze-dried pieces, while their pet parents love the multiple nutrients and health benefits that the food gives to their pups.
Even picky dogs who have been quite used to human food lick their bowls clean when served this recipe.
While a super premium food can be quite costly, many pet parents find good value in this high meat recipe. As the freeze-dried dog food has most of its moisture content removed, dogs get more nutrition out of every serving. They also do not need to eat as much as they would with regular kibbles.
Dog owners who want to give their pups this product without breaking the bank can also use it as a meal topper or as treats. You’d be surprised at the motivation your pup can muster with a few pieces of this freeze-dried recipe.
However, some pet parents find that this recipe smells too strongly of fish. You may need an airtight container for this dog food.
Overall, this is an excellent quality dog food. It has an impeccable list of ingredients, and is made mostly of New Zealand lamb and salmon.
With excellent ingredients, comes excellent nutritional value and health benefits. That being said, this recipe is not for every dog. It may not be the best for aging pups or those with lower activity levels as this is a high protein, high fat formula.
3. Hoki & Beef Freeze-Dried
First 5 ingredients: Hoki, Beef, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver, Beef Spleen
This is another fish-blend recipe from the brand. This is a grain-free, freeze-dried raw dog food formulated for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. It is made from high quality grass-fed, free-range New Zealand beef and sustainably caught hoki.
This recipe is a certified hit among canine fish fans. With hoki as the most plentiful ingredient, each freeze-dried raw piece is packed with the intense flavors of fish.
You can definitely smell it as soon as you open a bag, which is quickly followed by dogs running to get their meaty fish fix. With its first 9 ingredients all animal protein sources, this recipe serves a whopping 46% protein. It is packed with amino acids that dogs need to build lean and strong muscles.
Unlike some grain-free dog food brands, K9 Natural does not rely on peas and lentils to boost their dog foods’ protein content. Aside from hoki and beef, this recipe also has beef organs such as tripe, heart, spleen, liver, and even blood.
Eggs are also included as an additional source of protein. No unnamed animal ingredients or by-product meals are used in this recipe. This is high in fat as well at 35%. This recipe is ideal for dogs who are highly active. The main source of essential fatty acids is sunflower oil.
Sunflower oil is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids that give dogs more energy, and support heart, skin and coat health. Hoki is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to improve inflammatory response.
It helps to ease the pain and swelling of the skin, organs and joints, which is why fish-based recipes are usually recommended for dogs suffering from skin issues due to allergies.
This hoki and beef dog food also has New Zealand green lipped mussels. These mussels are not just high in omega 3 fatty acids, it also has eicosatetraenoic acid or ETA, which helps reduce inflammation. Green lipped mussels also have glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium, which are beneficial for joint health.
This is grain, gluten, potato, pea, and legume-free. It has fruits and vegetables as its main sources of carbs and fiber. This beef and fish recipe has flaxseed flakes, brown kelp, cauliflower, cabbage, pears, and others. It also has pumpkin to help support digestive health. These superfoods contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote a healthy immune system and good overall health.
This recipe is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and enhancers. The freeze-drying process preserves the food naturally by killing harmful bacteria, while retaining its flavor and nutrients.
This hoki and beef recipe can be served as a meal straight out of the bag, or rehydrated with some water. The nutrient-dense kibbles also make the perfect meal enhancer or tasty treats. You can feel good about giving this high quality food as snacks to your pup, due to its high quality and nutritional value.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 46% Protein
- 35% Fat
- 2.5% Fiber
This is another hit among pups. They get so excited as soon as you open a bag. The pups absolutely love the rich and meaty flavors of hoki and beef, which makes the pieces great training rewards as well. They can easily be broken into smaller bits, too.
It is a super high protein meal that offers intense flavors and high nutritional value. If you are looking for a high protein, high fat meal for your pup; or just want a convenient way to give your dog raw nutrition, this may be the perfect food for him or her.
4. Chicken Feast Raw
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Eggs, Flaxseed Flakes, Hoki Oil, Brown Kelp
This is a grain-free, single-source protein recipe that is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all breeds, sizes and life stages. If your dog is allergic to beef protein, this may be the right meat-rich recipe for him or her.
This zero grain meal is 90% chicken, making it a highly palatable meal that is also easy to digest. Compared to the brand’s other freeze-dried raw recipes, it does not contain organs such as liver or heart.
This chicken feast boasts 48% protein, making every serving packed with all the amino acids that pups need to keep a lean muscle mass. Eggs give this recipe even more protein, and adds richness to the kibbles.
Unlike the brand’s fish blend recipes which both have sunflower oil as the main source of healthy fat, this has hoki oil as the primary source of fat.
Sunflower oil is only a supplementary source of fat in this recipe. Hoki oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids that promotes healthy skin and glossy coats. It also improves dogs’ inflammatory response, easing pain and swelling of the skin, organs and joints.
New Zealand green lipped mussels are another ingredient in this recipe that helps support dogs’ joint health. Aside from being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, they also have eicosatetraenoic acid or ETA, which helps reduce inflammation. Green lipped mussels contain glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium, which all promote healthy joints.
This formula has healthy vegetables and fruits are the sources of carbohydrates and fiber. It features low carb produce such as flaxseed flakes, brown kelp, cabbage, dried kelp, broccoli, and apples among others.
These high fiber plant-based ingredients are naturally high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost the immune system. Soluble and insoluble fiber from pumpkin improves digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract. It also improves dogs’ stool quality.
This high protein recipe is free from peas, potato, legumes, and lentils. The natural nutrients in its ingredients are preserved through the freeze-drying process.
The minimal processing kills harmful bacteria and extends the food’s shelf life while retaining its flavor. It also enriched with vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced diet with every meal. No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors are used in this recipe.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 48% Protein
- 34% Fat
- 2.0% Fiber
According to feedback from pet parents, their picky pups love the rich chicken goodness of the this formula. Chicken is one of the most popular proteins among dogs. As this dog food is 90% chicken, it is no surprise that many pups enjoy having this recipe for their meals.
Pet parents love the quality of the ingredients that go into every bag of this brand. However, it has received comments that the bags they bought had mostly powder instead of meaty freeze-dried kibbles.
Based on quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and palatability, it is highly recommended for those looking for a high protein, high fat, low carb recipe for their dogs.
While it is also a versatile dog food that can be given as meals, treats, or training rewards, the pieces have a tendency to crumble and turn into food dust.
5. Beef Feast Raw
First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Kidney, Beef Heart
Another grain-free food formulated for the nutritional needs of all breeds and sizes of dogs in every life stage. This recipe is from the brand’s line of single-source protein freeze-dried dog foods.
This is a good food to try for pet parents who wish to switch their pups to a raw diet. It combines the high nutritional value of a raw diet with the convenience of dry kibble. This versatile recipe has all of the vitamins and minerals required by dogs for a complete and balanced diet. This means that it can be served on its own as meals.
The nutrient-dense pieces are 90% beef, organs, and ground bones, so dogs don't need a big serving to keep them sustained till their next meal. It can be served dry, or rehydrated with some water. This also make great treats and meal toppers. The flavorful pieces can be broken into smaller bits if you need training rewards.
This beef feast has grass-fed, free-range beef as the most plentiful ingredient. Beef liver, tripe, spleen, blood, kidney, and heart, as well as eggs makeup the rest of its 35% protein content. All of these ingredients give this recipe a rich and meaty flavor that dogs crave. It also has ground beef bone as a source of calcium and phosphorus.
It also contains beef tripe, which is the nutrient-rich stomach lining of cows – and dogs love its flavor. It is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, digestive enzymes and protein. It is beneficial to dogs who have gut issues. This superfood for dogs also helps boost their immune system.
The main source of fat in this recipe is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is high in omega 6 fatty acids that helps keep dogs’ skin healthy and moisturized. It fuels dogs’ energies, and promotes a healthy heart function.
This Beef Feast recipe is quite high in fat at 37%. This is recommended for picky, highly active pups, or even underweight pups. Higher fat content means a lot of flavor that can stimulate a dog’s appetite.
This is free from grains, such as corn, wheat, or rice. It has no soy, potatoes, peas, or legumes. This low carb recipe has fruits and vegetables such as non-GMO flaxseed flakes, broccoli, apples, cauliflower, brown and dried kelp.
These superfoods provide fiber that helps improve digestion and stool quality, as well as multiple nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
This recipe is naturally preserved, and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. The food is freeze-dried to remove water and harmful bacteria. This minimal processing extends its shelf life without stripping the flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 35% Protein
- 37% Fat
- 2.0% Fiber
It is another hit among picky pups. Its higher fat content seems to give the freeze-dried pieces a lot of rich, beefy flavor that dogs enjoy. Owners of the dogs love the high quality ingredients, and the health benefits that come with them. While some find it expensive to serve as meals, they still find good value in purchasing the product for its impeccable quality and nutritional value.
To save on costs, they give this recipe to their pups as treats, or as meal toppers. This way, the dogs still get the health benefits and get to enjoy the tasty pieces without breaking the bank. However, like the Chicken Feast, it has also received feedback about being too crumbly
Overall, it is a highly recommended dog food for pups who need a meat-rich, high fat diet. It has stellar quality and nutrition, and is also highly palatable.
6. Grass-Fed Beef Feast Canned Food
First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Kidney, Beef Heart
A grain-free wet food formulated for the nutritional needs of dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. This canned food is from the company's line of single source protein canned dog foods.
It is ideal for dogs sensitive to chicken or other proteins. However, this recipe does contain eggs. Many dogs sensitive to chicken are able to safely enjoy dog food that contains eggs. If you are unsure about what is safe for your sensitive pup, it’s always best to ask your vet.
This is basically pure whole foods in a can. It contains no gelling agents, thickeners, or any additives like carrageenan. Carrageenan is commonly found in wet pet foods. Some experts claim that it may potentially contribute to certain conditions in dogs. Only fresh New Zealand water is added to this recipe’s ingredients.
The most plentiful ingredient is free range, grass-fed beef. 90% of this recipe comes from beef. The rest of its protein content is made up of beef liver, kidney, heart, blood, and spleen. They all add more flavor and texture to this tasty pate. It also has beef tripe which is loaded with multiple health benefits for dogs, such as immune system, digestive, and muscular health.
To give dogs calcium and phosphorus that they need for strong bones and teeth, finely ground beef bones are also added to the pate. This also helps improve stool quality.
It has New Zealand green lipped mussels which are a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin that promote healthy joints in dogs. Green lipped mussels also have eicosatetraenoic acid, or ETA. ETA binds cyclooxygenase, which is an enzyme that causes inflammation.
The grain-free recipe does not make use of starchy veggies as sources of carbohydrates. Instead, K9 Natural Beef Feast wet dog food has brown kelp, flaxseed flakes, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, and dried kelp among others.
Kelp has 60 different vitamins, minerals, and trace elements as well as 21 amino acids. Flaxseed has omega fatty acids that help promote healthy skin and shiny coats. The rest of the fruits and veggies all have multiple nutrients and antioxidants that help fight free radicals and boost the immune system.
Aside from the fiber present in these plant-based ingredients, it also has pumpkin which is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. It improves digestion by helping food move through the digestive tract. Pumpkin also improves stool quality.
It also has sunflower oil, which is high in omega 6 fatty acids. It gives energy to pups, helps keep their skin healthy, and promotes a healthy heart function.
This hydrating pate made with fresh New Zealand water can be served on its own as a meal, or on top of kibble to incorporate more moisture into your pup’s diet.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 8.5% Protein
- 9.0% Fat
- 0.6% Fiber
This is heaven-sent for owners of numerous fussy pups. From puppies to senior dogs, this savory meal has been a smash hit. Most dogs start becoming pickier with their food as they reach their senior years.
They start preferring certain flavors and textures over others that they used to like. It is important that they are given food that stimulates their appetite to keep them happy and nourished.
The soft pate is easy for dogs to chew and digest. Even those who no longer have all of their teeth love to have Beef Feast canned food for dinner.
Pet parents don’t mind spending more on this formula for its high palatability and great quality natural ingredients. Their dogs are happy, healthy, and they feel good about feeding their pups this highly nutritious pate.
7. Lamb Green Tripe Booster Freeze-Dried Topper
Only ingredient: New Zealand Lamb Green Tripe
This is a grain-free nutrient booster that you can give your dogs for healthy digestion and overall wellness. Made of raw freeze-dried lamb green tripe, this nutrient-packed health booster makes the perfect food topper for pups sensitive to grains, gluten, poultry, and protein sources other than lamb.
This tasty food topper has only green tripe from free range, grass-fed lamb from New Zealand. The raw tripe is freeze-dried to preserve its natural flavor and nutrients without the use of any preservatives.
There are zero grains, veggies, or any additives in this supplement. Picky dogs who regularly spit out their vitamin chews won’t even know that this super tasty “treat” is actually a nutrition booster.
Simply open a bag of this topper and watch your dogs come running. Just remember to seal the bag again as its smell may be too strong for human members of the household.
Green tripe is the nutrient-rich stomach lining of an animal. This flavorful lamb tripe food topper is packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, digestive enzymes, and protein. Green tripe is known to strengthen the immune system, assist in building a healthy muscle mass, promotes healthy skin and lustrous coats and improves digestive health.
It is a great way to stimulate dogs’ appetites. Simply serve some of the pieces of this booster on top or mixed with their regular food. The pieces can also be easily broken or crushed then sprinkled on food. They are also great as treats. You can feel good about indulging your pup in a few more treats with these nutrition-packed toppers.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 62% Protein
- 18% Fat
- 2.4% Fiber
This is a certified hit! If you need an extra tasty training reward for those higher level tricks, this may be the one to motivate your pup. It is packed with so much flavor, and pet parents love its clean, single-ingredient list.
However, while dogs are completely happy with these nutritious food topper/ supplement/ treat, a few pet parents just couldn't take its strong smell.
The scent does linger on your hands so you may need to wash your hands right away, and make sure you don’t touch your clothes beforehand.
8. Healthy Bites Lamb Dog Treats
Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver
These are grain-free treats that are made with free range, grass-fed New Zealand lamb and organs. This flavor-packed bag of treats is ideal for dogs allergic to grain, gluten, poultry, and other protein sources. Many sensitive pups do well on lamb-based foods and treats.
The high quality treats have fresh lamb as its most plentiful ingredient. These high-protein treats also have lamb heart, kidney, and liver which give each piece a meaty lamb flavor and a rich texture.
At 40% protein, you can feel good about giving extra treats to your pup without worrying about their weight. Its high quality ingredients are freeze-dried raw to ensure maximum retention of their natural flavors and nutrients.
Lamb is packed with essential amino acids that dogs need to keep their muscles lean and strong.Its vitamins and minerals support muscle development, and promote optimum skin and coat health in dogs. It is also a good source of dietary fats, which help sustain energy.
They are cut in small pieces which make them highly motivating training rewards. They are just the right size for any size of dogs. They can be easily broken into smaller pieces for tiny toy breeds if preferred.
These treats are free from any artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. The low carb bites are grain, gluten, pea, legume, and potato-free.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- 40% Protein
- 38% Fat
- 2.0% Fiber
This is another highly rated product from the brand. Dogs of all ages, cats, and even some ferrets love these tasty lamb bites. Some pet parents use this as special rewards for their pups.
Dog owners are delighted to keep their pups happy and motivated with these training rewards. They also feel good about giving these treats as it is low carb and contains absolutely no harmful ingredients.
Overall, it is a highly recommended bag of treats for any dog. It is delicious, nutritious, and perfect for sensitive pups.
What Types of Dog Food Do They Offer?
K9 Natural offers raw freeze-dried and wet dog food; raw freeze dried and wet food toppers and supplements; and dog treats. All of their products are minimally processed and formulated to be packed with nutrition. They are also all grain, gluten, pea, potato, and legume-free.
K9 Natural’s canned foods are free from gelling agents or preservatives. The only thing they add to their wet foods is fresh, all-natural New Zealand water.
Freeze-Dried:
- Lamb Feast
- Beef Feast
- Chicken Feast
- Hoki and Grass Fed Beef
- Lamb and King Salmon Feast
- Beef Feast with Hoki Oil Puppy
Canned:
- Lamb Feast
- Beef Feast
- Chicken Feast
- Hoki and Grass Fed Beef
- Lamb and King Salmon Feast
Why a Raw Diet?
We wanted to touch briefly on something that makes this food different from many. Raw food diets for dogs has become a popular fad, and it has pros and cons.
Raw foods consist of muscle meat, ground bones, organs, raw eggs, and some dairy. Experts say this type of diet can help your dog maintain a shinier coat, healthier teeth, and higher energy. Some people also say this type of food is easier to digest.
Of course, when you’re dealing with raw food, there is the possibility of human contamination when you’re handling this food, but sometimes when there is ground bone in the foods, it can cause an internal puncture in your pup if everything does not get crushed well enough.
Many raw foods also contain an unnatural balance of protein and fat versus carbohydrates. A high-protein and fat diet is tough on dogs’ kidneys and can cause them to gain a lot of weight if they are not active. This diet is commonly used for working dogs and show pups.
If you wish to consider switching your pup to a raw diet, you can start with freeze-dried raw foods. Slowly transition the dogs according to the brand’s instruction.
Once they are used to this diet, you can also transition them to fresh raw food. If you are unsure about the best way to feed raw food to your pup, it is always best to consult your vet, especially if your dog has special dietary needs.
Recall History
- Currently, there is one recall of K9 Natural dog food from April of 2018.
- K9 Natural voluntarily recalled four batches of its Frozen Chicken Feast for possible Listeria contamination.
Customer Reviews
We find that the best way to know if a dog food will work for your pup is to try it for yourself and find out. Every dog has a different palette, and there is no one-size-fits-all for anyone. The next best thing you can do is read reviews from customers who have already tried the product.
Most of K9 Naturals foods have four stars or better on Chewy with many of the positive reviews stating that their dogs loved the flavor and that it works great for picky eaters. Some users also say that the formula helped their dogs dry and itchy skin.
Some of the critical reviews center around the price, but they are few and far in between.
Here are some reviews from real customers who tried K9 Naturals.
Positive
Bulldog approved
I got this for my bully in the hopes it would help with his skin issues, as I've read a lot about how a raw diet is best. It's only been a week or 2, and I'm only using it as a topper to his regular food at the moment, but I do see some improvement in his skin. Also, he appears to love it! His normal food will sit untouched most of the day, but he eats the Lamb Feast immediately. – Chewy Customer
It’s a hit with our picky eater.
As a picky mom, I love that the first six ingredients are all from the lamb. I'm also pleasantly surprised that blood is the second ingredient! I am starting to learn that blood is very important in a dog's diet. We feed fresh, but my tiny is a VERY picky eater. And she has been eating this no problem for the past few weeks with no complaints! Happy mom and happy dogs! Also, SUPER fast shipping! Pricey, but worth it. – Chewy Customer
Negative
Not as a primary food
The dogs like this product but it’s not cost-effective as a primary source of food or even as an addition to every day feeding. The product is bulky, so the amount supplied doesn’t last very long. Having 2 Golden Retrievers, there are more cost-effective options to supplement the kibble. I will buy this product once in a while as a treat. – Chewy Customer
High calorie
My toy poodle gained weight with this food, But I do think it's good quality just not for small dogs. – Chewy Customer
Just Add a Little on Top
We’ve said it throughout this article, and we’ll throw it in here one more time. K9 Natural is a high-quality food consisting of some of the best ingredients we have ever seen in freeze-dried dog food.
The downside to human-grade ingredients is, the food contains a high concentration of fat, and it comes at a hefty price tag.
The company recommends using the food as a topper for a more affordable, lower-quality, dry kibble and we would also suggest doing that.
If you’re concerned about the amount of nutrition your pup is getting every day, consider adding K9 Natural to their diet.