The 8 Best Natural Dog Foods of 2023

Best Overall

Castor & Pollux Organix Butcher and Bushel Organic Adult Canned Dog Food

5

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Organix Grain Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Adult Canned Dog Food uses organic sweet potato instead of grains, plus organic blueberries, chicken, carrots, coconut flour, flaxseed, and pea protein. All together, the wet dog food from Castor & Pollux is GMO-free and contains 95% USDA-certified organic ingredients. That means no artificial preservatives or chemical pesticides.  

The Organix line of canned wet dog food has a variety of flavors and formulations, including "Chicken & Potato Stew," "Turkey & Vegetable," and "Organic Chicken & Brown Rice." Don't be surprised if you find bones in some cans. Select flavors, including the "Organic Chicken Wing & Thigh Dinner" include bones, which have been cooked until they are soft and safe for dogs to eat.

Organix Organic wet dog food is also available in "Tiny Feasts" trays more appropriate for the appetites of small breed dogs, in addition to a dry food version.

Best Dry

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Original Recipe Dry Dog Food

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Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a nutrient-dense combination of turkey and chicken meal, for a high protein option that leaves out wheat, gluten, corn, soy, eggs, and artificial preservatives. It also includes omega fatty acids, which benefits your dog's coat.

In addition to its grain free version, Wellness CORE dry dog food is also available in raw meat, digestive health, wholesome grains, and weight management formulations.

Best for Large Breeds

DIAMOND NATURALS Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

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What’s the best natural food for your large dog? Consider Diamond Naturals. Made in the USA, this dry food has cage-free chicken, whole grain brown rice, and fruits and vegetables. (Honestly, the ingredient list sounds tasty for anyone—not just dogs.) 

It’s full of nutrient-rich ingredients tailored for a large-breed dog, and does not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives—nor does it have any filler ingredients. This food is also high in glucosamine, a nutrient that’s key for joint health, particularly as dogs mature.

Best for Small Breeds

Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

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Smaller dogs need food that comes in smaller pieces, so they can comfortably chew and swallow it. But it’s not just size that matters—small breed dogs have different nutritional needs, as well. To serve those needs, Merrick is one of the brands that Dr. Richardson recommends when it comes to natural dog foods. 

Merrick lists the first five ingredients on the front of the packaging—a tip-off that you're getting good-quality ingredients. Whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, are included as well to help with digestion. 

Best Budget

Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Premium Dry Dog Food Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe

4.8

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Nutrish is a fantastic budget option that uses real chicken meat, not animal byproduct. Also included in the formula are prebiotics—the kind of food that feeds the good bacteria in your pet's gut—for digestion. The brand prides itself on its “wholesome” ingredients, and explains what purpose the top ingredients serve in your pet's nutrition. Not on that list? Artificial flavors and artificial preservatives.

Best Dehydrated

Sundays Food for Dogs

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Want something truly different? Here’s how dehydrated food works: After it’s made, the food is air dried. This preserves all the nutrients, while killing off germs. It's a good option for pet owners who are intrigued by the idea of raw food diets, but are worried about potential bacteria in raw meat.

Everything in the food is 100 percent human-grade. That means it’s also safe for humans to eat (no gross fillers or meat byproducts included). It’s also formulated without common allergens (like chicken or wheat) and with ingredients that support digestion (like pumpkin). 

Because it’s dehydrated, the food doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge or freezer, and it also doesn’t need to be heated up or cleaned up carefully after your dog eats.

Best Fresh Food

JustFoodForDogs Daily Diets Fish & Sweet Potato Frozen Dog Food

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Dr. Richardson recommends JustFoodForDogs frozen dog food because it's “nutritionally well-balanced, adheres to strict quality controls, and is developed under the care of veterinary nutritionists.” 

The food is cooked in California, frozen, then shipped. All of the ingredients in Just Food recipes are suitable for human consumption. The meal is low in calories, and the manufacturer notes it’s a good fit for dogs with skin-related allergies.