32 Best Natural Dog Food Brands for Vibrant Health – Expert Picks That Truly Nourish

32 best Natural Dog Food brands options are transforming how we look after our dogs. With greater awareness about clean eating and wellness, natural dog food is no longer just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice for your pet.

Having assisted many pet owners in switching away from synthetic fillers and low-grade by-products, I can assure you that choosing your best natural dog food can make a big difference in your dog’s energy levels, digestion, and overall health. You’re not just filling a bowl—you’re investing in your dog’s long-term health.

In this ultimate guide, we’re going to explore 32 top natural dog food brands that are dog-approved and vet-recommended. From minimally processed, whole-food recipes to grain-free diets, there’s something here for every breed, every age, and every unique nutritional need.

Want to ensure you’re not feeding the wrong food? Check out our updated list of Dog Food Brands to Avoid.

The 32 Best Natural Dog Food Brands for Health-Conscious Pet Parents

1. The Farmer’s Dog – Fresh & Natural Dog Food Delivered

As someone who encourages fresh feeding, I often suggest The Farmer’s Dog as one of the best natural dog food options for long-term health. It’s human-grade, vet-developed, and shipped fresh to your door.

Pros:

• Whole, gently cooked ingredients
• Personalized for your dog’s age and weight
• No preservatives or fillers

Cons:

• Requires refrigeration
• Premium price

External Link: AKC – Why Fresh Food is on the Rise

2. Ollie – Customized Fresh Natural Dog Food

If you want a subscription-based natural dog food that adapts to your pup’s needs, Ollie is an easy top pick. I’ve recommended it to clients with allergy-prone and picky eaters alike.

Pros:

• Made with gently cooked, real meats and veggies
• No by-products or artificial preservatives
• High in omega-3s and taurine

Cons:

• Subscription model only
• Can be too rich for some small dogs

Related: Best Fresh Dog Foods

3. Spot & Tango – UnKibble & Fresh Recipes

For pet owners wanting dry-style feeding with fresh-food benefits, I love recommending Spot & Tango’s UnKibble. It’s clean, complete, and stored like kibble.

Pros:

• Fresh or air-dried recipes
• No additives or meat meals
• Great for transitioning from kibble

Cons:

• Fewer flavor options
• UnKibble texture may not suit all dogs

4. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dog Food

If you’re looking for a protein-rich, natural dog food with a solid reputation, Wellness CORE is one I’ve trusted for years.

Pros:

• High protein from turkey and chicken
• Grain-free and antioxidant-rich
• No artificial preservatives

Cons:

• May be too rich for small dogs
• Higher calorie count

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

When I get asked about the best natural dog food at retail stores, Blue Buffalo is often the first name I give. It’s clean, consistent, and well-balanced.

Pros:

• Real meat first ingredient
• Includes LifeSource Bits – vitamins and minerals
• No corn, wheat, or soy

Cons:

• Some dogs avoid the LifeSource Bits
• Can be pricey per pound

Also check: Best Dry Dog Foods Guide

6. Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Dog Food

For sensitive dogs needing fewer ingredients without sacrificing nutrition, Canidae PURE is a must-have on this list.

Pros:

• Single-source proteins
• Grain-free and filler-free
• Excellent for allergies and digestive issues

Cons:

• Limited flavor range
• Slightly oily texture

7. Open Farm – Ethically Sourced Natural Dog Food

If you value transparency and sustainability, I strongly recommend Open Farm. Their natural dog food comes with full traceability of every ingredient.

Pros:

• Humanely raised proteins
• Non-GMO veggies
• Excellent transparency (scan every bag)

Cons:

• Premium price
• Not available in all retail stores

Related: Dog Hygiene Tips to complement a clean diet.

8. Nature’s Logic Canine Natural Dry Dog Food

When a pet parent wants synthetic-free feeding, I always bring up Nature’s Logic. It relies only on whole food nutrients—no added vitamins or minerals.

Pros:

• 100% natural, no synthetic additives
• Highly digestible millet base
• Great for holistic feeding

Cons:

• Grain-inclusive only
• May take time to adjust

9. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dog Food

If USDA organic is your priority, Organix by Castor & Pollux is hands-down one of the best natural dog foods available today.

Pros:

• Organic meat and produce
• Cooked in a certified organic USA kitchen
• Free from chemical pesticides and antibiotics

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited availability in some regions

10. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

For dogs with big appetites and bold taste preferences, I confidently recommend Merrick’s natural grain-free recipes.

Pros:

• Real beef is the first ingredient
• High in protein and omega-6
• Excellent for active breeds

Cons:

• May be too rich for small or senior dogs
• Short shelf life after opening

11. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Dog Food

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, easy-to-find option, I frequently recommend Nutro Wholesome Essentials. It’s clean, tasty, and great for everyday feeding.

Pros:

• Non-GMO ingredients
• No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy
• Farm-raised meat and whole grains

Cons:

• Not grain-free
• Limited exotic protein options

Explore related insights: Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods

12. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets

For dogs with serious food sensitivities, I often suggest Natural Balance L.I.D. It uses minimal ingredients to reduce allergic reactions.

Pros:

• Single-source animal protein
• Grain-free and gentle on digestion
• Trusted for elimination diets

Cons:

• Flavor variety is limited
• Less protein than other premium brands

13. Tender & True Organic Dog Food

When pet parents want certified organic meat in every bite, I always bring up Tender & True. It’s one of the few USDA Organic-certified dog food brands.

Pros:

• Organic and antibiotic-free meats
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Sustainable seafood options

Cons:

• On the pricier side
• May not appeal to picky eaters

14. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Grain-Free Dog Food

For dogs with tummy troubles, I frequently recommend Solid Gold’s grain-free formulas. This brand also supports long-term digestive health.

Pros:

• Salmon and veggies for skin & coat
• Prebiotics and probiotics included
• Grain- and gluten-free

Cons:

• The fishy smell may not suit all dogs
• Fat content is a bit high

15. Earthborn Holistic Natural Dog Food

For holistic-minded pet owners, Earthborn Holistic is a long-time favorite of mine. It blends natural nutrition with sustainability.

Pros:

• Earth-conscious packaging
• Balanced protein and grain-free formulas
• Includes fruits, veggies, and omega-rich oils

Cons:

• May be hard to find locally
• The rich formula may need a gradual transition

16. Halo Holistic Natural Dog Food

If your dog thrives on whole food nutrition, Halo Holistic is a great natural choice I’ve seen work wonders.

Pros:

• Whole meat (never rendered meals)
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives
• Supports healthy weight and energy

Cons:

• More expensive than standard kibble
• May be too rich for dogs with lower activity levels

17. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet

When clients come to me with dogs suffering from chronic allergies or IBS, I suggest Wellness Simple. It’s a stripped-back, reliable option.

Pros:

• Limited ingredients for sensitive systems
• Grain-free and easily digestible
• Single animal protein per recipe

Cons:

• Bland for picky eaters
• May need topping or rotation for flavor

18. Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula

For dogs that react to everything, Zignature offers exotic protein options that have helped several of my clients.

Pros:

• Kangaroo, trout, duck, and lamb formulas
• No corn, wheat, soy, or chicken
• Great for food elimination trials

Cons:

• Expensive
• Some recipes are higher in fat

19. Essence Air & Gamefowl Dry Dog Food

For adventurous feeders who want a truly novel diet, I’ve had great results with Essence’s natural blend of duck, turkey, and guinea fowl.

Pros:

• Unique proteins not often found elsewhere
• Grain-free, high-protein formula
• Packed with natural vitamins

Cons:

• Less familiar flavors may require a transition
• Premium cost

20. Nature’s Variety Instinct Original

For raw-inspired feeding, I often turn to Instinct Original as a natural option that combines kibble with freeze-dried raw bites.

Pros:

• Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient
• Grain-free and boosted with probiotics
• Includes raw freeze-dried pieces

Cons:

• Some dogs may pick around the raw bits
• Requires slow transition for sensitive tummies

Learn how to combine fresh and dry with Wet Dog Foods insights.

21. Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain (Costco)

When affordability meets quality, Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain is a natural brand I’m not shy to recommend—especially for multi-dog households.

Pros:

• Salmon meal and sweet potato recipe
• Grain-free with antioxidants
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Costco exclusive
• Not tailored to breed or size

22. Wysong Epigen 90 Natural Dog Food

If you’re feeding a working breed or a high-protein dog, Wysong is one of the most natural, meat-dense brands I’ve used.

Pros:

• 90% meat content
• Starch-free and GMO-free
• Great for athletic dogs

Cons:

• Not suitable for all-day indoor pets
• Higher price tag

If you own a working dog, explore: Belgian Malinois Training Guide

23. Now Fresh Grain-Free Dog Food

For small breeds and seniors who need gentle but natural food, Now Fresh is a brand I trust completely.

Pros:

• 100% fresh turkey, salmon, and duck
• No rendered meals
• Excellent for small and aging dogs

Cons:

• Low protein for working dogs
• Some may find it too bland

24. Victor Purpose Nutra Pro

If performance and gut health are top priorities, Victor’s Nutra Pro formula gives a high-protein, natural edge.

Pros:

• 92% meat protein
• Probiotic fortified
• Gluten-free

Cons:

• Not ideal for low-activity dogs
• Strong meat scent

25. American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato

I’ve recommended American Journey countless times to pet parents looking for affordable, natural nutrition with novel proteins.

Pros:

• High in omega-3s
• No poultry, grain, or by-products
• Budget-friendly grain-free

Cons:

• Only available online (Chewy)
• Basic formula, fewer added superfoods

26. Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Food Clusters

When I want dogs to enjoy whole-food nutrition without wet food mess, I point toward Honest Kitchen’s human-grade clusters.

Pros:

• 100% human-grade, gently roasted
• No GMOs or artificial ingredients
• Vet-formulated

Cons:

• Pricier than kibble
• Requires careful storage

27. Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Base Mix

For pet parents who like to prepare their dog’s meals but want support, Dr. Harvey’s is my go-to natural base mix.

Pros:

• Customizable with your own protein
• Dehydrated veggies, grains, and herbs
• Holistic and clean

Cons:

• Requires meal prep
• Not a stand-alone food

28. Tuffy’s NutriSource Natural Dog Food

If you need a trustworthy mid-tier option with strong nutritional value, I often recommend NutriSource.

Pros:

• Natural formula with added minerals
• Great taste and kibble texture
• Digestive support blend

Cons:

• May contain rice or oats (not ideal for all)
• Less known than premium brands

29. Life’s Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food

For pet parents who love direct-to-door service and consistent quality, Life’s Abundance is a strong natural brand.

Pros:

• Made in small batches
• No artificial preservatives
• Suitable for all breeds and life stages

Cons:

• Only available online
• Mid to high price range

30. Halo Elevate Natural Dog Food

As a newer product line, Halo Elevate has quickly impressed me for its whole-meat, antioxidant-rich recipes.

Pros:

• No rendered meat meals
• High in taurine, omega-3s, and probiotics
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options

Cons:

• Limited reviews due to newer status
• Not available in all stores

31. V-Dog Kind Kibble (Plant-Based Natural Dog Food)

For vegan pet owners seeking clean feeding, I recommend V-Dog. It’s plant-based and surprisingly complete.

Pros:

• Pea protein-based formula
• Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly
• Great for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Not suitable for high-protein needs
• Vet consultation recommended before switching

32. Annamaet Sustain Dog Food

If you want sustainability and performance in one bowl, Annamaet Sustain is a natural food I trust.

Pros:

• MSC-certified fish protein
• Non-GMO and antibiotic-free
• Great for skin and coat health

Cons:

• More niche availability
• Mid-range in calories

Final Thoughts: Pick the Best Natural Dog Food with Confidence

As someone who’s guided pet owners through countless feeding choices, I truly believe that natural dog food is one of the most transformative decisions you can make for your pup’s wellness. The 32 best natural dog food brands on this list offer clean, transparent, and nutrient-rich solutions for every kind of dog.

From raw-style meals to air-dried or whole-food kibble, there’s no reason to settle for synthetic fillers or low-quality protein anymore. Whether your dog is battling allergies, needs joint support, or you’re simply upgrading their lifestyle—natural nutrition is the way forward.

Discover more about food-inspired names with Food Names for Dogs, and keep learning with trusted sources like the American Veterinary Medical Association for feeding guidelines.