The 12 Best Natural and Organic Dog Foods for Healthier Pets
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Best Natural and Organic Dog Food: A Comprehensive Guide
Natural and organic dog foods are gaining in popularity as pet owners strive to provide higher-quality, more wholesome meals for their dogs. Choosing the best diet for your dog can be a complicated process, given the range of options available and the various terms used on labels. This article explores what makes a dog food ‘natural’ or ‘organic’, the benefits of choosing these kinds of foods, common ingredients to look for, and our top expert-recommended picks across different categories.
Table of Contents
- Natural Dog Food vs. Organic Dog Food
- How to Choose the Right Natural & Organic Dog Food
- Top 12 Natural & Organic Dog Foods
- Essential Ingredients in Quality Dog Foods
- Frequently Asked Questions
Natural Dog Food vs. Organic Dog Food
Natural dog food means the ingredients are derived from plant, animal, or mined sources, minimally processed, and free of synthetic additives. Organic dog food, on the other hand, adheres to strict standardsâincluding no use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs)âand is certified by bodies such as the USDA. While all organic foods are natural, not all natural foods meet organic certification requirements.
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Understanding these definitions helps ensure you are buying the type of food that matches your values and meets your dogâs dietary needs.
How to Choose the Right Natural & Organic Dog Food
Finding the best food for your pet involves reading labels carefully and considering your dogâs unique nutritional needs, age, and sensitivities.
- Check for complete nutrition: Look for foods that meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for your dogâs life stage.
- Prioritize protein: Real meat or quality meat meal should be listed as the first ingredient.
- Review ingredient lists: Shorter lists with real, recognizable ingredients often indicate higher quality.
- Avoid certain fillers: Artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers like corn, soy, and wheat are often absent from high-quality natural and organic foods.
- Consider your dogâs allergies: If your dog has known allergies, seek out foods that exclude those ingredients.
- Consult your veterinarian: Always discuss transitions to a new food or special dietary concerns with your vet.
Top 12 Natural and Organic Dog Foods
The following list highlights some of the best expert-reviewed natural and organic dog foods, including dry, wet, and raw options to accommodate dogs with different preferences and dietary needs:
1. Castor and Pollux Organix Chicken and Oatmeal
This USDA-certified organic formula includes organic chicken, organic oatmeal, and organic barley as core components. Itâs free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, offers organic fruits and vegetables, and is among the rare truly organic dog foods available in the U.S.
- Protein: Organic chicken
- Grains: Organic oatmeal, organic barley
- Highlights: Wholesome veggies, fruits, oils, and herbs
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2. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream
Popular for its high-quality protein sources and grain-free recipe, Taste of the Wild offers salmon as a main ingredient. The formula is ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grains, and includes potent antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables.
- Protein: Salmon and ocean fish
- Special Features: Free of artificial additives
- Variety: Multiple protein options, including bison, venison, lamb, and wild boar
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
This widely available brand features real meat as the first ingredient, along with garden veggies, fruits, and wholesome grains. Blue Buffaloâs proprietary âLifeSource Bitsâ offer a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Protein: Real lamb
- Grains: Brown rice
- Feature: LifeSource Bits for enhanced nutrition
4. Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient Recipe
Available in many grocery stores, this food features chicken raised without steroids and whole barley, with no corn, wheat, or soy. The formula excludes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it a strong natural choice on a budget.
- Protein: Chicken
- Grains: Whole barley
- Highlights: No unnecessary additives
5. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces
This grain-free dry food combines high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw chicken pieces to provide an extra nutrient boost. Itâs popular for its taste and high protein content, and is suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities.
- Protein: Chicken and fish
- Special Features: Freeze-dried raw inclusions
- Suitable For: Dogs needing extra energy
6. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Designed for high protein and fiber, Wellness Core features deboned turkey and chicken, salmon oil, and vegetables like carrots and broccoli. The line also includes prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health and skips grains for dogs on special diets.
- Protein: Turkey, chicken
- Fiber: 13.3%
- Extras: Prebiotics & probiotics
7. ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Dog Cuisine
Offering a nutrient-dense recipe with 98% fresh free-range, grass-fed lamb, organs, and New Zealand green mussels, ZiwiPeak avoids all grains, potatoes, fillers, and preservatives. The food is suitable for those seeking a high-protein, low-carb natural diet.
- Protein: Grass-fed lamb
- Unique Ingredient: New Zealand green mussels
8. Orijen Dog Food
Orijenâs biologically appropriate recipes boast up to 85% animal ingredients, including free-range chicken, turkey, liver, whole eggs, fish, and more. The food is low in carbohydrates and contains both prebiotics and probiotics for optimal digestive support.
- Protein: Poultry, wild-caught fish, eggs
- Carbs: Limited
- Digestive Support: Prebiotics, probiotics
9. Forthglade Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Made in Devon, England, this wet food is 100% natural and grain-free, with 90% chicken in its âJust Chickenâ recipe. Hypoallergenic and low in fat, itâs ideal for dogs needing a simple, gently cooked canned option.
- Protein: Fresh chicken
- Features: Hypoallergenic, low fat
10. BARF World Meat Eater Diet Raw Frozen Chubs
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) pioneered commercial raw diets. These chubs are made with 80% meat, organs, and bones, plus 20% produce. The food comes in a variety of flavors and contains no antibiotics or hormones.
- Protein: Muscle meat, organ meat, raw bones
- Produce: Carrots, apples, greens
- Format: Raw frozen rolls
11. Viva Single-Protein Raw Dog Food Patties
These raw patties are made of single, humanely raised, USDA-inspected protein sources. Choices include chicken, turkey, beef, duck, rabbit, and bison. Each recipe is 90% meat, 8% non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and 2% natural supplements.
- Protein: Multiple single-animal options
- Produce: Non-GMO fruits and veggies
12. Other Recommended Brands
- Acana â Known for regional ingredient sourcing.
- Merrick â Offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive options.
- Canidae â Simplified recipes for sensitive dogs.
Essential Ingredients in Quality Dog Foods
When evaluating natural or organic dog food, prioritize key ingredients that contribute to overall health, longevity, and energy:
- Real protein sources: Such as chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or fish.
- Whole grains or grain-free alternatives: Like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, sweet potatoes, or lentils.
- Healthy fats: Salmon oil, flaxseed, chicken fat, or sunflower oil for skin and coat health.
- Vegetables and fruits: Sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; popular choices include carrots, peas, spinach, cranberries, blueberries, and apples.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: For digestion and immune system support.
Ingredients to avoid include artificial colors, chemical preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), unnamed “meat meal” or “animal by-product meal,” and excessive sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Whatâs the difference between natural and organic dog food?
A: “Natural” denotes minimally processed food without synthetic additives. “Organic” requires certified organic ingredients, produced without pesticides, and is generally considered more strictly regulated.
Q: Is organic dog food always better for dogs?
A: Organic dog food eliminates pesticides and synthetic ingredients, but suitability depends on your dogâs health, dietary restrictions, and preferences. Always look for complete, balanced nutrition and choose a reputable brand.
Q: Are grain-free dog foods healthier?
A: Grain-free foods are ideal for dogs with specific grain allergies or sensitivities. However, not all dogs need a grain-free diet, and whole grains like brown rice and barley can be healthy sources of energy.
Q: How should I transition my dog to a new food?
A: Gradually mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old over 7-10 days, watching for digestive upset or food sensitivity as you introduce the new formula.
Q: Is homemade food better than natural or organic commercial foods?
A: Homemade diets can be beneficial if formulated under veterinary guidance to ensure balance. Many high-quality commercial foods offer nutritious, convenient, and balanced options that meet or exceed industry standards.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a natural or organic diet for your dog can offer enhanced nutritional benefits, fewer additives, and potential reductions in food sensitivities. Carefully evaluate ingredients, certifications, and your dogâs unique needsâand consult your veterinarian if you are ever unsure. Providing high-quality food is a critical factor in your dogâs long-term well-being, energy, and happiness.
References
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