The Best Natural Dog Foods of 2022, According to Veterinarians

This lamb and pumpkin combo is a winner, according to Dr. Katy Nelson, Chewy’s senior veterinarian. Pumpkin is great for pet digestion, and high-quality lamb makes up about 60 percent of the ingredients. Plus, this dry food contains whole grains like oats and sorghum to give your dog plenty of prolonged energy.

For a grain-free dry food option, Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, recommends this Nature’s Recipe diet. She likes that the first ingredient is salmon, a high-quality protein source that helps support muscle development. This natural food for dogs also contains sweet potatoes and pumpkin, good sources of carbohydrates for added energy and good digestion.

This canned dog food is made with real meat, fruits and vegetables. With cage-free chicken as the first ingredient, you can count on it being a good source of protein. It also has ​​natural sources of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Dr. Nelson says a grain-free wet dog food like this one can be used alongside a healthy kibble as part of a complete and balanced diet.

If you’re looking for low-cost, high-quality dog food, Dr. Coates recommends this beef, potato and green bean canned blend from Purina. It’s loaded with good stuff like vitamins, minerals and Texas-raised beef.

Dr. Coates recommends this high quality dog food as an excellent affordable choice, especially if you have a large dog who regularly goes through kibble. Made with steroid-free, white meat chicken, this limited ingredient food is rich in nutrients and full of natural probiotics for healthy digestion.

If you want an affordable way to incorporate natural dog food into your pet’s diet, Dr. Nelson says natural dog food toppers are a great option. She recommends these freeze-dried morsels which are made from cage-free turkey and organic fruits and vegetables. Bonus: You can feed these nuggets as a complete meal, too.

Natural freeze-dried dog foods like these chicken dinner patties are an easy way to feed your dog a raw diet. Serve as-is or rehydrate with water. They can also be used as a topper. Dr. Nelsons uses Stella and Chewy’s freeze-dried biscuits as a topper for her dogs’ diet of kibble and fresh foods.

This whole grain dehydrated healthy dog food has an ingredient list of words you can actually pronounce, starting with chicken. “The Honest Kitchen does a great job of creating human-grade meals for pets with healthy proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables—pets feel like they’re eating Thanksgiving dinner every day … but it’s good for them!” says Dr. Nelson. If you have a picky eater, add this to their meal for an extra flavor boost.

Dogs heading into their golden years may have some specific dietary needs for their all natural dog food. Dr. Nelson recommends this food for seniors because it’s made with high-quality animal protein. The formula also uses GMO-free spelt and oats to fuel your elder pup for plenty of steady energy.

Dr. Nelson recommends this whole grain kibble and raw freeze-dried blend for growing pups. Good for both their body and brain, the formula is made with all-natural, minimally processed chicken as well as natural DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid) from chicken eggs to help support brain and eye development.