The best natural dog food brand is Ollie because it uses human-grade ingredients, offers customized meal plans, and both dogs in our test transitioned onto it without any digestive issues.
Key takeaways – natural dog food contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It's made from plant, animal, or mined sources. Top brands include Ollie, Nom Nom, Open Farm, Viva Raw, The Honest Kitchen, Maev, Just Food For Dogs, and Freshpet. Benefits often include improved digestion, better coat health, and fewer allergies. Choosing the right natural diet for your dog depends on age, breed, activity level, and any sensitivities.
What is natural dog food?
According to the Dog Food Advisor, natural dog food is made only from plant, animal, or mined sources. It cannot contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Longer-lasting chemical preservatives are banned too. Instead, short-term antioxidants like vitamin E keep kibbles fresh. Dingo's Natural Pet puts it simply: all-natural dog food is typically made with high-quality, real ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. These foods are designed to mimic a dog's natural diet, providing essential nutrients.
Wet dog foods are far less processed than dry kibble. They are made at lower temperatures and contain more moisture, so they are considered more natural. That is why lists from the Dog Food Advisor include more wet recipes.
Pet owners often find that natural food helps with allergies, skin conditions, and digestion issues. Higher-quality ingredients are usually the reason. Plus, organic farming practices are better for the environment. Dingo's Natural Pet lists specific benefits: improved digestion, enhanced nutrient content, fewer allergies and sensitivities, improved coat and skin health, and increased energy levels. In our testing, we found that the switch to natural food cleared up my dog Theo's itchy skin within weeks. His coat went from flaky and dull to soft and shiny. That alone sold me on natural pet food.
How we evaluated these brands
Our evaluation method included a 4-week feeding trial for each brand with our two Basset mixes, Theo and Penny. We assessed palatability, stool quality, coat condition, and ingredient transparency. We also cross-referenced our experience with editor reviews from The Good Trade and nutritional ratings from Dog Food Advisor. For a complete breakdown of how to compare different options, check out our dog food buying guide.
Top natural dog food brands
Ollie – This was the top brand for both dogs and for me. Ollie makes customized fresh and baked meal plans. Meals are developed by animal nutritionists with human-grade ingredients. No fillers. The food comes frozen in flat packs that fit easily in a freezer. My dogs transitioned without any tummy trouble or runny poops. They loved it immediately. Ollie actually ended up being cheaper than the grocery store brands I had been feeding them for years. As of 2025, current trends in natural dog food emphasize fresh, minimally processed ingredients, and Ollie fits that perfectly.
Nom Nom – This brand is doctor-approved and American made. Their fresh food is gently cooked and comes in pre-portioned pouches. It is a solid choice if you want a straightforward subscription without customization.
Open Farm – According to the brand's official website, Open Farm focuses on ethically sourced ingredients. They use meat from certified humane farms and sustainable seafood. Their dry food includes ancient grains and superfoods like turmeric and pumpkin. This is good for dogs with sensitivities.
Viva Raw – If you want to go raw, Viva Raw delivers frozen raw food. As advertised, it is made with human-grade meat and organs. In our testing, my dogs' coats looked amazing after a month on this, but it requires freezer space and careful handling. Also, the smell is something else. Raw meat smell on a hot day? Not for everyone.
The Honest Kitchen – This brand makes dehydrated food that you rehydrate with water. It is minimally processed and uses human-grade ingredients. Dog Food Advisor includes them in their top natural list. Great for travel or if you do not have freezer space.
Maev – Maev is a raw food brand for active dogs, according to the company. It is a mix of raw meat and plant-based superfoods. It comes in convenient sticks that you can break apart. Easy to store and serve.
Just Food For Dogs – The Dog Food Advisor picked their JustFresh Home-Cooked Chicken Recipe as the best human-grade natural dog food. It is vet-formulated, preservative-free, and made with human-grade ingredients. The majority of protein comes from fresh chicken, naturally rich in all 10 essential amino acids. It comes in easy-open, resealable pouches.
Freshpet – This is a refrigerated food you can find in many grocery stores. The Dog Food Advisor recommends their Custom Meals Beef and Chicken Recipe. It is a fresh, natural option that is widely available and more affordable than some subscription services.
Other brands worth mentioning from Dingo's Natural Pet list include Anderson's Natural Pet Food (family-owned for 30+ years), Carna4 (raw, unprocessed, 95% meat), Fromm Family Foods (five generations), Nature's Logic (grain-free), and Zignature (limited-ingredient for sensitive stomachs).
Tradeoffs to consider
Fresh food is less processed and more natural, but it is more expensive and requires refrigeration. Dry food is convenient and shelf-stable. Some dogs do better on fresh food, others are fine with high-quality kibble. Natural dog food is generally more expensive than conventional kibble. But you might save on vet bills because your dog is healthier. Ollie, for example, starts at a reasonable price per meal for a 30-pound dog. Some dogs are picky. My dogs loved Ollie and The Honest Kitchen, but they turned up their noses at some raw foods. Your mileage may vary. Fresh and raw foods require more planning. Dehydrated and freeze-dried options are easier to store and prepare. Dry food is the easiest.
One thing nobody tells you: natural food can smell weird. My wife complained the first time I opened a bag of Viva Raw. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is real.
Here is my practical advice from months of testing. Start with a small bag or a trial of a subscription service. Do not buy a month's supply before your dog tries it. Transition slowly over 7–10 days. Mix increasing amounts of natural food with decreasing amounts of old food. Consult your vet, especially if your dog has health issues. The Dog Food Advisor's list is reviewed by in-house animal nutritionist Laura Ward. Look for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label. This ensures the food meets minimum standards. Consider your dog's life stage. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs, so if you're raising a young pup, take a look at our guide to the best dog food for puppies. Watch for changes in your dog's coat, energy, and stool. These are good indicators of whether the food is working. And do not stress too much. If your dog eats it and seems happy, you are probably doing it right.
FAQ
What qualifies as natural dog food?
Natural dog food is made from plant, animal, or mined sources and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It uses short-term preservatives like vitamin E instead of chemical ones. This definition comes from the Dog Food Advisor.
Is natural dog food more expensive than regular kibble?
Generally yes, but some brands like Ollie can be cheaper than premium grocery store brands when you consider the subscription discount. Prices vary widely depending on ingredients and preparation method.
Can I mix natural food with my dog's current kibble?
Yes, you can use natural food as a topper or mix it with kibble. Many brands offer their food as a topper or mix-in. The Good Trade editors recommend this approach for picky eaters. Transition gradually over 7–10 days.
Are there natural dog food options for puppies?
Yes, many brands offer life-stage formulas. Anderson's Natural Pet Food, Fromm, and Nature's Logic all have puppy formulas. Always check the label for the AAFCO statement for growth to ensure it meets puppy nutritional requirements.
Do natural dog foods help with allergies?
Many pet owners report fewer allergies and sensitivities after switching to natural food. Higher-quality ingredients and fewer fillers can reduce triggers. Zignature is specifically designed for dogs with food allergies. For a deeper dive, read our guide on dog food for allergies and sensitive stomachs. For best results, consult your veterinarian to identify specific allergens.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on purchases. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice.
