Top 10 Natural Dog Foods Listed in NO particular order::
- GO TO: ORIJEN
- GO TO: ACANA
- GO TO: WELLNESS
- GO TO: HONEST KITCHEN
- GO TO: EVANGER’S ORGANIC
- GO TO: BLUE BUFFALO WILDERNESS
- GO TO: WYSONG EPIGEN
- GO TO: STELLA AND CHEWY’S FREEZE DRIED RAW
- GO TO: ADDICTION
- GO TO: NATURE’S VARIETY
HERE IS A LIST OF THE WORST DOG FOODS, SHOWN WITH THEIR INGREDIENTS FOR COMPARISON
There are many excellent choices of dog food available today also. Choose by process of elimination and decide by personal preference.
Relaxing on the deck.
These are my picks, after doing a lot of reading, research and comparisons, and are my top ranked dog foods.
That is not to say these are the only top 10 rated dog foods available, but more a personal choice of 10 of the best out of many.
This also may change due to further recalls, changes in production or other criteria and I will change the list at those times.
ORIJEN SEE MY COMPLETE ORIJEN FOOD REVIEW HERE (THIS IS MY # 1 DOG FOOD PICK). Orijen is made by CHAMPION PET FOODS, in Canada, and consistently wins awards for their quality products. Read the MISSION STATEMENT FROM CHAMPION PET FOODS about making ORIJEN, and what their overall philosophy is for our pets. In my opinion, ORIJEN ORIJEN The first five ingredients are meat: Fresh Boneless Chicken, Chicken Meal, Fresh Boneless Salmon, Turkey Meal, and Herring Meal. All meat and fish are from fresh local sources, never frozen. They are obtained from either free range animals or game birds. This ensures a strict and excellent quality controlled product. – This high protein philosophy follows the Whole Prey diet of our dogs and cats ancestors natural diets. Free of grains and preservatives, this food is cooked at low temperatures to seal in the fresh taste of its regionally harvested ingredients. NOTHING OUTSOURCED -Local farm raised ingredients that are delivered fresh daily. NOTHING FROM CHINA Chicken, flax, sunflower, salmon and anchovy oils provide the essential fatty acids that dogs cannot produce themselves (including DHA and EPA) and are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune systems and a vibrant skin and hair coat. Where you can buy ORIJEN online: ORIJEN DOG FOOD ALSO SOLD HERE AT AMAZON.CA (CANADA)
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ACANA SEE MY COMPLETE ACANA FOOD REVIEW – CLICK HERE ACANA GRAIN FREE MISSION STATEMENT FROM THE PRODUCERS OF ACANA . Features: High protein, low carbohydrate formulas for optimal canine nutrition, each made exclusively from wholesome protein sources passed as fit for human consumption. Essential fatty acids from fresh wild-caught fish – fresh regional fish and Pacific salmon oil are premium sources of omega-3 EFAs (EPA, DHA) that are important in the natural diet of all dogs Prairie botanicals, regional produce & Pacific sea vegetables – hand-harvested organic kelp, dulse and bladderwrack combined with prairie-grown botanicals and produce provide a natural source of phytonutrients and antioxidant vitamins With NO grain, NO corn or glutens, NO inappropriate oils or vegetable protein sources, Acana formulas are also ethoxyquin-free, with NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and absolutely NO genetically modified ingredients. ACANA IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: | |||
WELLNESS SEE MY COMPLETE WELLNESS PET FOOD REVIEW   INGREDIENTS: Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potato, Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Canola Oil, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries AND THAT IS IT! A simple to read and understand list of ingredients, and every one on this list is something I would eat.
WHERE TO BUY WELLNESS CORE: | |||
BLUE BUFFALO WILDERNESS SEE MY COMPLETE BLUE BUFFALO REVIEW HERE BLUE Wilderness is a high-protein, low carbohydrate food that contains a higher concentration of the delicious PROTEIN you know your dog will love. Inspired by the diet of wolves, true omnivores whose endurance is legendary, BLUE Wilderness is specially formulated by animal nutritionists. Made with the finest natural ingredients – and no grains, this is a sensible alternative to raw diets. | |||
STELLA AND CHEWY’S   STELLA AND CHEWY’S FREEZE DRIED RAW DOG FOOD 100% complete and balanced nutrition that feature raw, USDA-inspected, naturally-raised poultry and meat, organic fruits and vegetables, comes in Raw Freeze Dried or Raw Frozen. Available in Beef, Duck, Chicken, Lamb, Surf and Turf. When you check the list of ingredients in Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinners, you’ll see it reads like a who’s who of wholesome, healthy stuff. Like raw, naturally-raised meat, poultry or fish, sourced from USDA-inspected facilities. Organic fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, carrots, apples, spinach, broccoli and beets. Healthful, direct-fed microorganisms (probiotics), natural tocopherols, chelated trace minerals and taurine. Plus essential vitamins and minerals. Every ingredient is sourced from reputable suppliers. NO grain, NO fillers, NO artificial preservatives, NO colorings, NO added hormones, NO antibiotics AND NO sugar or salt! | |||
ADDICTION Addiction Raw Dehydrated Dog Food Highly digestible, specializes in Premium Proteins and Game Meats such as Kangaroo, Brushtail, Venison and Unagi, from New Zealand.
Addiction gently air-dries raw meat, fruits, and vegetables to keep ingredients fresh and retain vitamins and enzymes for maximum nutrition. Just add warm water to enjoy the benefits of raw food with the convenience of dry food. *NOTE: Wild Brushtail (Trichosurus vulpecula), a marsupial found in large numbers in New Zealand, contains the highest levels of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids of any red meat. Brushtail is not native to New Zealand and eats only the best berries and foliage, destroying forests and wildlife. Unlike farmed animals, Wild Brushtail is free from antibiotics and artificial hormones. By feeding this food, you are not only helping to conserve New Zealand’s plant and animal life but are also providing your pet with a nutritionally superior meal that promotes wellness and vitality. | |||
NATURE’S VARIETY   See MY COMPLETE REVIEW OF NATURE’S VARIETY Nature’s Variety Instinct Dry (In Chicken, Beef & Lamb, Duck & Turkey, Rabbit or Salmon ) Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain Free Canned (Venison, Rabbit, Lamb, Duck, Chicken or Beef) Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost in Chicken, Beef or Lamb Nature’s Variety Raw Beef, Venison, Duck or Lamb Patties Nature’s Variety Raw Venison, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Chubs Nature’s Variety LID Dog Food in Lamb or Turkey – Kibble or Canned Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Bites TREATS in Chicken , Beef, Lamb and Venison
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UniqueWYSONG EPIGEN
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Available in 8 formulas. This is a dehydrated product, and excellent choice for someone wanting to feed as close to homemade as possible, without the extra work. Some products do not have meat, and you can add your own organic protein to make the best homemade organic dog food. Some formulas have grains, if you prefer that, and some are grain free. All are top rated, and contain some organic ingredients.
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EVANGER’S ORGANIC DOG FOOD Made in the U.S.A. A family owned and operated company, with the only family-owned and operated pet food cannery in the United States.
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should be the base comparison standard for all other dog foods.
I would really like to know your opinion on Nutri Source. I am feeding their seafood select to all 5 of my dogs. They went from Blue Buffalo to Taste of the Wild, neither of which did they care for much. They do however love the Nutri Source! I just want to best for my babies. Thanks.
Amereta
Hi Amereta:
Thanks for visiting and you have 5 lucky pups.
Nutri Source is an excellent choice to feed your dogs.
It is a small family owned company, no know recalls, with high quallity local ingredients used in their production.
Jane
I’m used to getting the greatest of all dog foods when I’m home in the US. However, I’ve relocated and looking at a brand here called Ziwi Peak. What is the opinion on this food? I’m interested, so when I have to leave on business for a few days, I have something to leave the handler to feed them in my absence.
Ziwipeak is an excellent grain free air dried dog food. (Use water to reconstitute). Also available in canned formulas.
ZiwiPeak ingredients are sourced from livestock, ranch-raised (free of antibiotics and hormones) in New Zealand
HIgh Protein, (34%), using ingredients ‘passed fit for human consumption’ with no artificial colors, preservatives, fillers or grains.
All ingredients are from NZ except chicory which is from Europe. Ziwipeak audits all of their suppliers.
No gluten of any kind is used in any of their products.
No rice protein is used in any of their products.
Standard tests carried out in NZ show melamine, cyanuric acid, & acetaminophen are NOT present in the feeds given to animals that are used for their meat, fish and poultry products.
Comes in Venison, Venison & Fish, and Lamb Formulas.
Privately owned, with this one product being produced.
No known recalls.
Read more about ZIWIPEAK Here.
Jane
Please help we are so confused, when we first bought our golden Retriever “Levi” the breeder was feeding him puppy chow and even though we thought that was not great we kept him on it til he went to vet for shots for fear of upsetting his system, in that time we had trainer come and she said if that was her dog she would take him off that right away and showed us label where the first ingredient was corn then went on to advise food that had meat as first ingredient .
The next day we went to vet and he asked what Levi was eating as he was good weight etc. and told him what breeder said he flipped, told me that people are being brainwashed by media that dogs are NOT carnivores and that’s why so many dogs these days have such problems with gas and other medical problems he says corn is excellent for them and if you want proof just look at anyone who follows Atkins diet they won’t live long either body’s aren’t meant to process that much protrein if your a dog or human.
So we came home totally confused and he had recommended one of purinas better labels that’s hard to find and we couldn’t get so we just went with pet food stores recommendation that has meat as first ingredient and now he is so gassy and has diarrhea or just kind of soft bowel movements, so can any one recommend a good easily available puppy food.
Thanks Sandi
Hi Sandi
Wow – Poor Levi
First of all, suddenly switching from food to food will cause all sorts of problems. Slowly introduce the new food over a period of a few weeks to prevent tummy upsets. There are many websites that recommend and rate dog food according to their ingredients, (such as this one
) There are many lists of best dog foods.
These are all foods that I would consider “good enough for my dogs” from my site:
Here are other websites that have their best dog foods in lists and reviews:
This link is also a good reference on the Dog Food Chat’s forums – The Whole Dog Journal list for 2011. They put out an annual list of approved dog foods that can be also used as a guideline for knowing which dog food’s are better than others. You can get a subscription for all their important dog health info and articles Here:
Whole Dog Journal
Make your decision based on educating yourself on what you should and should not be feeding your dog, what you can afford.
Here are some of my articles about dog food ingredients and what to look for on dog food labels:
We, as consumers have to educate ourselves about what is best for our pets, and stop listening to the big corporations that are only out for the almighty dollar. Here are comments I received from a vet, Dr. John Symes about feeding corn to our dogs:
Here are a couple of comments from a vet, who might clarify the dangers of feeding these awful food to our dogs, and how going “healthy” will eliminate most of today’s know dietary caused medical issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies, asthma and more.
Dogs are carnivores – Here are a few references about dogs and their genetics:
Sorry for so much info to read, but it is not as simple as buying what your vet suggests, and certainly not what is on the grocery store shelves. Learn to read and interpret the labels and go from there.
Jane
Has there been any research done on Halo dog food?
we had good experience with Orijin but it’s too hard to find around here and it’s quite a bit pricier than the other brands we’ve tried. we’re somewhat more limited in choices because we prefer a fish-based food. she tends to be quite gassy and we find fish vs other meats makes a huge difference. also because of the gas issue, we can’t switch her food constantly so if the store is out of her usual and we have to make do with something else.. blech… and this is what was happening often with Orijin so we had to switch. we’re currently on Maxim, a Canadian brand, and it seems pretty decent but it doesn’t appeal to her as much. can you recommend something fish-based that is maybe a little more common in pet food stores?
Hi Sandra:
When I feed my girls commercial dog food, (when I’m too lazy to cook for them) I use Orijen, or Wellness.
My local pet store doesn’t carry Orijen either, so I usually order it online. Wellness seems to be always available here though, and I highly recommend it also. If I can get it in my small town, it should be available more readily everywhere. If not don’t forget you can order online.
Wellness Core has an Ocean Recipe. – It is in my TOP TEN best list above, as well as highlighted with it’s own review here.
Taste of the Wild, above also has a formula called Pacific Stream.
Fromm has a Whitefish in the Four Star Nutritional Formula.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness has a Salmon Formula.
These are all in my Top Ten list above.
Jane
thanks, maybe we’ll try one of those. i’ll write them all down and ask at the store we shop at which one they have in stock most reliably lol
Not crazy about taste of the wild , Its made by diamond and had many recalls same thing with Blue Buffalo
Orijen and Natures variety are great foods but the others listed are mostly mutiple protein sources .
Not good for dogs that have allergies . Raw is the best ..
I would rather see people feed the foods above than grocery store brands but its also wise to look into
the companys making the food . Fromm and diamond make lots of other companys foods in there factory and on there assembly lines . There has to be cross contamination and these other company’s are using not so great ingredients. I just started my Online business to help customers find the right foods at discount prices .
please check out http://www.aipetstore.com for more info . Also on FB .
Sandra – We fed our dog Taste of the Wild for awhile and our dog was incredibly gassy on it…we just figured she was a naturally gassy dog until a vet (not our normal vet) told us we might consider switching foods as that could’ve been the cause. Also, she had a very sensitive stomach while on Taste of the Wild, she had diarrhea at least a couple times a week. We tried different formulas of Taste of the Wild (we had been recommended to go more fish-based), but there was no change. We ended up switching her to Castor & Pollux (we switch between their Organix formula – which is the best, but more expensive, and their Ultramix formula) and her gassiness has since become completely normal AND her stomach doesn’t seem to be as sensitive anymore. The biggest bonus (for her, anyhow) is that she loves her new food. Her Taste of the Wild food would often be left in the bowl and she’d hold out for something better. Now, she gobbles down her food AND the cats even go after it (they are also on Castor & Pollux organix – cat version of course) when they get a chance. It’s not fish-based but it IS always available in our pet store, my dog loves it and it worked for us so I figured I’d throw it out there if you haven’t found a good fish-based food your dog enjoys. Of course every dog is different but I guess another suggestion can’t hurt.
Good luck!
Please give us your opinion on Nature’s Select products; other reference: Paul’s Pet Food.
Thank you!
I would like to know what your opinion is of the Earthborn Holistic dog & cat food, in particular, the Earthborn Primative Natural which I am to understand has a very high rating nationwhide. What do you think?
Earthborn Holistic® Primitive Natural™ Dog Food:
This is an excellent food, with high protein, and three different specific proteins. This is a product that I would feed my Girls, Lady and Lola.
Good Choice!
Jane