Natural dog food has gained significant popularity in recent years as more pet owners seek healthier, more wholesome options for their dogs. This type of dog food is made from high-quality, minimally processed ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers commonly found in conventional pet foods. The goal is to mimic the kind of diet that a dog’s ancestors would have eaten in the wild, using real meat, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to provide balanced nutrition.

Defining Natural Dog Food

The term “natural” in pet food can have different interpretations, but generally, it refers to food that contains ingredients derived from animal, plant, or mineral sources. It excludes synthetic ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and often avoids heavily processed grains or by-products. Instead, the ingredients are whole and minimally processed to retain their nutritional value.

While the term “natural” is regulated by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), it’s important for pet owners to read labels carefully, as there can still be variation in the quality of ingredients used in different natural dog food brands.

Key Characteristics of Natural Dog Food

1. High-Quality Protein Sources: Natural dog food typically includes high-quality proteins from real meat sources like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Some natural foods also incorporate novel proteins such as venison, duck, or bison to provide a greater variety of amino acids and to cater to dogs with sensitivities to common protein sources.
2. Whole Grains and Carbohydrates: Many formulas include whole grains such as brown rice, oats, or barley, which provide essential carbohydrates and fiber. These grains are less processed and more nutritious than refined grains, offering sustained energy and promoting digestive health.
3. Fruits and Vegetables: Natural dog food often includes a variety of fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, and blueberries. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function, skin health, and overall vitality.
4. No Artificial Additives: One of the most important aspects of natural dog food is that it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Synthetic additives are commonly used in cheaper dog food to enhance flavor or extend shelf life, but they offer no nutritional benefits and can potentially cause health issues, especially in sensitive dogs.
5. No Fillers or By-Products: Natural dog food avoids using fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which are often included in lower-quality dog foods to bulk up the product without providing significant nutritional value. Similarly, by-products—leftover parts of animals such as beaks, feet, and organs—are typically excluded from natural formulas in favor of whole meat sources.
6. Preserved Naturally: Instead of artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT, natural dog foods use natural preservatives such as mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), rosemary extract, or ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to keep the food fresh.
7. Omega Fatty Acids: Many natural dog foods include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, derived from sources like fish oil, flaxseed, or sunflower oil. These healthy fats are crucial for promoting a shiny coat, healthy skin, and reducing inflammation in the body.

Types of Natural Dog Food

1. Dry Kibble: Dry kibble is the most convenient and commonly used form of dog food. Natural kibble options often include high-quality proteins, whole grains, and natural preservatives. While kibble is processed to some extent to ensure shelf stability, many brands of natural dog food aim to keep processing to a minimum to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
2. Canned/Wet Food: Wet food can be a great option for dogs who need more hydration or prefer a softer texture. Natural wet dog food typically contains higher moisture content, real chunks of meat, and vegetables, with no artificial flavors or thickeners. It can be served on its own or mixed with dry food.
3. Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Food: Freeze-dried or dehydrated dog food is another natural option that involves minimal processing. These foods are made by removing moisture from raw ingredients while preserving their nutrients. They can be rehydrated with water and offer the benefits of raw feeding without the mess or need for refrigeration.
4. Raw Food: Raw food diets consist of uncooked meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. Advocates of raw feeding believe that this approach is closer to what dogs’ ancestors would have eaten and therefore offers superior nutrition. However, raw feeding requires careful handling to avoid contamination and ensure a balanced diet.
5. Grain-Free Natural Food: Some natural dog foods are formulated to be grain-free, using alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils. Grain-free diets have become popular for dogs with grain sensitivities, but it’s important to ensure that they still provide a balanced nutritional profile.

Benefits of Feeding Natural Dog Food

1. Improved Digestion: Many dogs experience better digestion when switched to natural dog food due to the absence of artificial additives and fillers. Whole grains, high-quality proteins, and fiber-rich vegetables support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
2. Healthier Skin and Coat: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with the absence of artificial additives, can significantly improve the condition of a dog’s skin and coat. Dogs fed natural diets often have shinier, softer coats and experience fewer issues with dry skin or dandruff.
3. Enhanced Immune System: The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables included in natural dog food help support a dog’s immune system. Antioxidants, in particular, protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and can reduce inflammation.
4. Weight Management: Natural dog foods often contain higher-quality ingredients that provide better nutrient absorption. This can help dogs maintain a healthy weight, as they are likely to feel more satisfied with less food compared to highly processed dog foods full of empty calories from fillers.
5. Fewer Allergies and Sensitivities: Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities often benefit from it, especially when it includes limited ingredients or novel proteins. Natural diets that exclude common allergens like corn, soy, and artificial additives can reduce the occurrence of food-related allergic reactions.
6. Increased Energy Levels: High-quality proteins, healthy fats, and wholesome carbohydrates provide dogs with the energy they need to stay active and healthy. Natural dog food offers better fuel for daily activities and can improve a dog’s overall stamina and energy levels.
7. Better Long-Term Health: Feeding your dog a natural diet from an early age can contribute to better long-term health. High-quality ingredients can support a strong immune system, healthy digestion, joint health, and cognitive function as dogs age.

Popular Natural Dog Food Brands

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula: Blue Buffalo offers a range of natural dog food formulas with high-quality protein, whole grains, and LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health.
2. Wellness CORE: Wellness CORE is known for its high-protein, grain-free formulas that include wholesome vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Their foods are free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives.
3. Merrick Grain-Free: Merrick’s grain-free dog food focuses on real deboned meat as the primary ingredient, with added fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition. Their recipes are designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.
4. Canidae PURE: Canidae PURE offers limited ingredient diets with simple, natural recipes featuring high-quality protein sources like salmon, bison, or lamb. Their formulas are grain-free and include probiotics for digestive health.
5. The Honest Kitchen: The Honest Kitchen produces human-grade, dehydrated dog food made from minimally processed whole foods. Their recipes focus on real meat, organic grains, and vegetables for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Transitioning to Natural Dog Food

When switching, it’s important to transition gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food, gradually increasing the ratio of natural food over 7-10 days. Monitor your dog for any signs of allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues during the transition.