We all want the best for our dogs. We want to give them the best life with long walks, plenty of attention, and more toys that one dog has the time to play with. But what about their food?
Their diet plays a large role in their life, and it’s shocking how many artificial ingredients can be found in dog food. But what if I told you that there’s a better way to feed your dog?
Natural dog food is taking the market by storm, and the best part? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These dog foods are rich in nutrients, healthy, and provide them with rough energy to get through the day.
There are loads of great natural dog food options on the market, and we have taken the time to gather some of the best brands so that you can find the perfect dog food for your pup.
1. Editors Pick
Beco Cod and Haddock Complete
2. Budget Pick
Wagg Complete Sensitive
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. Beco Cod and Haddock Complete
- 2. Autarky Adult
- 3. Lily’s Kitchen Homestyle Chicken and Turkey (Tin)
- 4. Forthglade Complete Wet Dog Food
- 5. Arden Grange Lamb and Rice Adult
- 6. Pooch and Mutt Calm and Relaxed
- 7. Barking Heads Puppy Days
- 8. AATU Puppy Food
- 9. Burns Senior Dog Food
- 10. Nature’s Menu Senior Pouches
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
Before you decide on the best natural dog food, there are a few things that you will want to take into consideration first. The list below will help expand your knowledge on the topic while also giving you a checklist to follow as you browse through our selection.
Age. Even with natural dog food, the age of your dog is an important factor to consider. Puppy food contains way more calories and fat to help them grow, which makes it unsuitable for adult and senior dogs. Not only that, but different age groups require different nutrients.
Size. The size of your dog may also impact the dog food that they are eating. For example, large and giant breeds of dog will tend to require bigger chunks of kibble. Similarly, small breeds will have much tinier kibble pieces.
This is because it is easier to eat according to their size. Additionally, large breed dog food often have a different nutritional balance when compared to smaller breeds.
Ingredients. You should always keep an eye on the ingredients being used in the natural dog food that you choose. You want to avoid artificial inclusions and stick with ingredients that are purely natural.
However, you will also want to check that they don’t use too many filler ingredients like wheat, grains, cereals, and sweet potatoes. While these are often fine in small amounts, you need to ensure they do not outweigh the amount of protein in the dog food.
Protein Content. This is what gives your dog the energy they need to zoom around and enjoy themselves. Natural dog food tend to have more protein in them, but you will want to make sure that there is a good 20% in dry dog food and 10% in wet dog food to be at ideal levels. Lower is acceptable, but not as good as the figures we just mentioned.
Allergies and Intolerances. Always check to ensure that your chosen dog food doesn’t include ingredients that will trigger allergies and intolerances. Common ones include wheat and grain, as well as soya and beef. Most natural dog food will be quite low in these ingredients, but always take the time to check before you buy.
1. Beco Cod and Haddock Complete
Editor’s Pick
This delicious natural dog food is one of the best on the market, and your dog is sure to enjoy every mouthful. It’s made with fresh and organic ingredients, balancing protein and vegetables expertly to provide a healthy and beneficial diet that strengthens bones, joints, and muscles.
It’s suitable for all breeds of dog, and there is even puppy food available. It contains an excellent amount of protein at 22%, as well as 10% and a very low 3.5% ash. This will leave your dog feeling energised and ready to handle the day, while also helping them keep excess weight off.
- Key Ingredients: Freshly Prepared MSC Cod & Haddock, Potato, Peas, Chickpeas, Potato Protein
- Texture: Dry Food
- Type: Sensitive, gastric health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: All-rounder
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a fantastic dry dog food that’s packed with natural goodness to help your dog thrive. Plus, it comes in three flavours as well as a puppy food.
Sample Buyer Review
— Ms Madeleine Grinyer
2. Autarky Adult
Budget Pick
This fantastic kibble is available at a budget price to spare your bank account, while also being rich in nutrients and flavour for your pup. It’s hypoallergenic, which means it won’t cause your dog any allergies or discomfort after eating, and the natural ingredients used enhance this.
It is rich in protein at 23%, with 12% fat and an acceptable 6% ash. This particular dry dog food has been designed to maintain your dog’s energy levels and weight, while also being gentle on the digestive system and free from the most common allergens and boosting the immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Maize, Poultry meal, Rice, Chicken fat, Linseed
- Texture: Dry Food
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Budget, natural
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a brilliant dry dog food that not only comes at an affordable price, but it is also hypoallergenic for their comfort.
Sample Buyer Review
— David Walsh
3. Lily’s Kitchen Homestyle Chicken and Turkey (Tin)
For Fussy Dogs
Having a fussy dog can be frustrating, but this might just be the wet dog food that answers all of your prayers. Made with delicious fresh meat, it’s rich in nutrients that will benefit your dog while also having a healthy balance of good vegetables to ensure they are getting everything they need.
For wet dog food, the protein content is great at 10%, alongside 5% fat and only 2.5% ash. Each of the ingredients has been carefully chosen to lower the fat and calorie content, while also promoting healthy joints, muscles, and a stronger immune system to help fight off illnesses.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, Freshly Prepared Turkey, Carrots, Squash, Pearl Barley
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Low-fat, high protein
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Natural, fussy eaters
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. This is a brilliant wet foo for dogs who are a little fussy about what they eat. The ingredients are high-quality, and your dog will feel like royalty.
Sample Buyer Review
— Kay Flower
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. Forthglade Complete Wet Dog Food
Best Grain Free Pick
These delicious wet dog food trays are the perfect option for dogs that need a grain free diet, and it’s loaded with good natural ingredients for a healthier coat, as well as improved joints, muscles, and bones. You may even find that your dog has more energy after starting them on this.
In fact, it contains 11% protein alongside an excellent 7% fat and 3% ash. Additionally, this dog food is free from fattening sugars and artificial ingredients, which should help your dog to maintain a healthy weight. As a variety pack, there are several great flavours included in the box.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Peas, Minerals
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain free
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Natural
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should definitely pick this dog food up. It’s delicious, doesn’t have that strong wet dog food odour, and also packed with natural ingredients for one happy dog.
Sample Buyer Review
— Miss Sandie Harris
5. Arden Grange Lamb and Rice Adult
Best Allergen Pick
This tasty kibble is reasonably priced, but also designed for dogs who have allergies. It is completely free from gluten for better digestion, as well as packed with good natural ingredients to help your dog thrive and support an active lifestyle. Working dogs could certainly benefit.
The protein levels are excellent at 25%, and 16% fat is brilliant for helping provide energy and maintain a good weight. The ash level is getting a little high at 9%, but the nutritional value of this dry dog food makes up for that. It’s easy to digest, delicious, and sure to help your dog thrive.
- Key Ingredients: Lamb, rice, maize, refined chicken oil, beet pulp
- Texture: Dry Foods
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Natural, working dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes. This hypoallergenic dog food is perfect for those that need to avoid specific ingredients while also providing the with a totally natural diet.
Sample Buyer Review
— Mr. Michael Latham
6. Pooch and Mutt Calm and Relaxed
For Anxious and Excitable Pups
This kibble isn’t just natural, it has also been designed for dogs who are more anxious or excitable than most. They even come in a treat form so that you can use them during a stressful situation. The active ingredient chamomile helps to soothe and calm their minds.
In addition to the calming benefits, it is also nutritionally balanced to offer them a healthy diet that promotes strong bones and joints. The protein content is 24%, which is fantastic, and it is comparatively low in fat at only 12%. You also get a relatively low ash content at 7%.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey Sweet Potato, B-Vitamins, Beet Pulp, Chamomile
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Calming, anxiety
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Natural
Should You Buy it?
Yes. This is a great dry dog food to buy. It’s one of the few that acts naturally to help calm your dog and ease their minds. What better way to make them feel safer and more relaxed?
Sample Buyer Review
— Jean Robson
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Barking Heads Puppy Days
Best Natural Puppy Pick
This kibble also has a wet dog food alternative that can be bought in a bundle if you want to mix things up for your puppy. It is loaded with meaty goodness to keep the protein levels up, while also ensuring a perfectly balanced diet that will help your pup grow strong and healthy.
The protein levels are at an excellent 28%, with 17.5% fat to ensure they get all the energy they need to run and explore. The ash levels are acceptable at 8%, but these are easy to ignore once you consider the great benefits to their joints, coat, and immune system when on this dog food.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon, Dried Chicken, Sweet Potato, Potato, Chicken
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain free
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Natural
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy this dry dog food. It is a great natural choice for any growing puppy, providing them with everything they need in order to grow and thrive. There is even an additional choice for large breed puppies.
Sample Buyer Review
— Amy Campbell
8. AATU Puppy Food
For High Protein Pups
This kibble was made for puppies that love to run around and enjoy life. The high levels of protein mean that they are getting loads of energy, as well as helping to strengthen their bones and joints as they grow into adults. Additionally, it includes a healthy blend of beneficial veggies.
The protein content is 35%, which is incredibly high. It also benefits from 18% fat to keep them growing strong, and the ash level is acceptable at 8%. Free from grains and common allergens, this dry dog food is crafted in small batches using only the finest ingredients for your little pup.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas, Peas, Lucerne
- Texture: Dry
- Type: High-protein
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Natural
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should definitely buy this natural dog food. It’s completely natural and full of beneficial nutrients. Furthermore, it is free from common allergens for better digestion.
Sample Buyer Review
— Michael Bilsbury
9. Burns Senior Dog Food
Best Senior Dog Pick
This delicious kibble has been designed to be kind to the delicate digestive system that many senior dogs have. The chicken and brown rice provide a delicious and nutritious meal that helps to support their joints and bones, as well as keep their immune system strong as they get older.
Additionally, it contains 18.5% protein as well as 7.5% fat and 7% ash. It is completely natural, with no artificial ingredients that might cause an upset stomach or itchy skin. It also helps to prevent waxy ears, a common condition in older dogs. Not to mention all the friendly bacteria.
- Key Ingredients: Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Oats, Peas, Chicken Oil
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable For: Natural
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This kibble is gentle on senior stomachs, providing them with a tasty meal that won’t leave them feeling unwell or uncomfortable afterwards.
Sample Buyer Review
— Leslie Carter
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Nature’s Menu Senior Pouches
Best Senior Wet Food
These yummy wet dog food pouches are more than enough to tempt even the pickiest senior to come and try a little. Gentle on the stomach and loaded with goodness, this wet dog food will help to support their bodies as they age, boosting joints to help them fight conditions like arthritis.
The protein content is excellent for wet dog food at 10%, and it is low in fat with only 4% as well as 2.5% ash. The vegetable and meat content is perfectly balanced to create a nutritious diet that sees them getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay active, happy, and healthy.
- Key Ingredients: Lamb, Rice, Chicken, Peas, Carrots
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Low-fat,gluten-free
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable For: Natural, fussy eaters
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This wet dog food is perfect for senior dogs that might struggle with kibble, as well as being perfectly enticing for those that might be a little fussier than most.
Sample Buyer Review
— Mary Sanders
FAQs
Is Grain Free Really Better for Dogs?
Yes, grain free is usually a lot better for dogs. Aside from the fact that grains can cause bloating and stomach upsets, the removal of grain often means the inclusion of more protein. This is good for your dog’s body and joints, as well as increasing their energy levels.
Do Dogs Need Grains in Their Diet?
No, dogs do not need grains in their diet. Unless you dog is allergic or intolerant to grains, it won’t impact their health in any way. It is used as a filler ingredient, which means it is there to help your dog feel fuller without having to add extra protein to the natural dog food.
What Vegetables are Bad for Dogs?
There are several vegetables that you should never give your dog because they can be toxic. This includes onions, garlic, wild mushrooms, avocado, raisins, grapes, and rhubarb. Corn is also a common allergy, but not toxic like the above vegetables are.
Is Rice Good for Dogs?
White rice can be really good for dogs that have a sensitive stomach or are suffering from diarrhoea. You will find that a lot of foods that are made to be gentle on the digestive system contain white rice because it is a bland dog food that is highly unlikely to cause any stomach upsets.
Final Thoughts
Natural dog food is one of the best options out there if you want to provide your dog with a diet that is as close to nature as possible. They are nutritionally rich, providing plenty of support in terms of their physical health and ensuring that they are always ready to go.
Each of the dog foods that we have taken the time to select represent a wide range of brands and prices, ensuring that every budget is able to accommodate a natural choice.
Out of all the brands we have highlighted today, Beco is definitely one of our favourites, alongside Forthglade and AATU. Each of these is highly nutritious as well as packed with protein.
What did you think of our guide to the best natural dog food? Were you able to get your dog’s diet back on track with nature, or are you still trying to find something that they love? We appreciate your feedback and experiences, so make sure to leave us a comment below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.