The Best Natural Dog Food
We always want to give our dogs everything they need to live their best lives. We give them lots of chew toys, supportive beds, and the highest-quality vet and grooming care. And of course, their diet has to be as healthy as possible, too. The best options are as close to what they'd eat in nature as possible, and that means eating food with premium ingredients formulated in a way that keeps all of the nutrients intact. It can be tough to figure out which options are the best, though, which is why we've taken the time to research and create this list of the best natural dog foods. Keep reading to find the right one for your pooch.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Complete nutrition
When you choose natural foods for your dog, you can help them live longer, healthier lives. However, many of the options aren’t convenient, and that’s why we turn to Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula. It’s made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including meats, grains, veggies, and supplements, all of which work together to keep your pup feeling their best. On top of that, there are a few different flavor combos to choose from, which makes it much easier to find one they love.
Pros:
- Fish oil helps keep your dog’s skin and coat soft and shiny
- The included Lifesource bits boost your dog’s immune system
- It’s easy to measure the right portion every time
Cons:
- Pups with sensitive tummies might not do well on this food
- There are no grain-free options
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food
Some dogs are picky, especially when it comes to kibble. If this is a struggle you’re having at home, Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In addition to having a taste and smell that most dogs love, this wet dog food is packed full of healthy, all-natural ingredients. Premium meats are always the first ingredient. After that, you’ll find fresh veggies and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Pros:
- Available in a few different flavor profiles, making it easy to find one for almost any dog
- Wet food adds extra hydration to your furry friend’s diet
- It’s affordable, especially for canned food
Cons:
- There are no variety pack options, so if you have a dog that won’t eat the same food for long, you can mix it up
- Dogs may love the smell, but we don’t
Purina One SmartBlend Naturals
If you’re on a tight budget, you may feel that high-quality food is out of your price range. But that’s not the case, especially if you choose Purina One SmartBlend Naturals. It’s an affordable option that’s ideal for anyone looking to provide their dogs with the best nutrition on a tight budget. It’s formulated with real, high-quality chicken, a unique antioxidant blend, and extra meaty bites to help add flavors and textures. There are no fillers in it, either, so your dog will get everything they need and nothing they don’t.
Pros:
- This food is super affordable
- You can add water to it to add hydration and help make it taste better
Cons:
- There aren’t many flavor options
- It doesn’t have any added oils, so it probably won’t improve the sheen of your dog’s coat
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
For a naturally healthy diet without the long prep time, you can’t beat these freeze-dried dinner patties from Stella & Chewy’s. Each one starts with 95 percent natural raw meat. More than that, it’s a specialized blend of grass-fed muscle meat, organs, and ground bones. Everything is ground, formed into patties, and quickly freeze-dried. We really love that it’s super easy to take them with you when you’re out and about. You can bring a couple to have on hand for lunch, or you can take a whole bag on your next camping trip. Either way, they’re ultra-convenient.
Pros:
- The wide variety of flavor options ensures you can find the right one for your pooch
- You can add water to turn these patties into a complete wet food or feed them dry as a quick meal on the run
- Made in small batches to ensure the quality is always high
Cons:
- This is a pricey option
- Dry patties can fall apart, which makes a mess
Sojos Complete Natural Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Balanced health
This freeze-dried raw dog food from Sojos is a wholly balanced option that uses the best raw meats, fresh fruits, veggies, and premium supplements that help your dog thrive. It comes carefully freeze-dried and dehydrated to minimize its size and preserve all of the nutrients. From there, you just add water. Just one pound of freeze-dried Sojos makes a whopping five pounds of flavor-rich food for your pooch. Though it may sound hard to imagine, seeing is believing.
Pros:
- It’s easier to digest than many kibbles and other pre-made foods
- Serving sizes and directions are clearly written on the bag
- This freeze-dried food is a fantastic choice for dogs with allergies and other issues
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- This food takes a lot more prep work than most
Frequently Asked Questions
What form of natural dog food is best?
Choosing which dog food is best for your dog is simple once you figure out the specific needs of both you and your dog. For example, if your budget isn’t too tight, you have plenty of time, and you want to get as close to natural as possible, freeze-dried food may be best. On the other hand, a busy person who is often on the go may prefer a kibble or canned option.
Why do so many natural dog foods contain added supplements?
Many diets lack the nutrients our bodies need to be healthy, and supplementing those nutrients and vitamins can help address that.
About the Author
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Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.