Pet Circle

    Last Updated: 19/01/2026

    Best Natural Dog Food: Vet Picks

    What makes a pet food 'natural'? Learn what the benefits of a natural diet is for your dog, and find out our Vet's top picks.

    Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)

    Reading Time: 16 minutes - medium read

    image of tan and white dog running through grass

    The idea of natural nutrition for pets has well and truly taken off in the pet food industry. Pet owners are seeing the benefits of natural eating for themselves, and are starting to recognise the benefits for their furry family members too.

    While home cooking your pet's food is a sure-fire way to ensure all ingredients are fresh, natural, and wholesome, it is notoriously difficult to ensure you are meeting all nutritional requirements. And let's be honest, cooking for your pet is also fairly costly and time consuming!

    Thankfully, there are plenty of premium-quality, ready-made natural diets which take the hard work out for you.

    4 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Natural Food for your Dog

    1. Complete & Balanced: Even the most "natural" ingredients won't help if the food isn't nutritionally balanced. Look for a statement on the bag that says the food is "complete and balanced" according to AAFCO standards. If you find a diet that doesn't contain this disclaimer, or that is labelled 'for intermittent or occasional feeding' we recommend that you proceed with caution and ask your vet for their opinion.
    2. Age & Lifestage: Dogs of different ages have very different nutritional requirements. Puppies require energy-dense food which meets their intense growth rates, while senior dogs are often less active and have a slower metabolism which means that they require fewer calories and less fat, but an easily digestible diet, to help them maintain good body condition. Ensure that whatever natural food you choose is suitable for your dog's age and lifestage.
    3. Sensitivities & Health Conditions: "Natural" does not automatically mean "hypoallergenic." Your treating veterinarian should be your first port of call when it comes to dietary advice is your dog has any underlying sensitivities or health conditions. In many cases, there may be retail or prescription diets which are the best option to help manage their condition.
    4. Breed & Size: Choose a formula tailored to your dog's size to ensure they are getting the right balance of minerals and ingredients for their skeletal structure and a kibble size that is safe and easy for them to chew.

    In this article

    How We Review Our Products

    Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.

    Where included, the customer reviews relate to the featured product.

    Top Recommended Natural Dog Foods in Australia [Vet Reviewed]

    Best overall: Vet-recommended natural dog food brand

    Instinctive Bite

    Pros

    • Australian made: The food is produced in New South Wales using locally sourced ingredients
    • High meat content: Most recipes feature a minimum of 50% meat and oils
    • Excellent value for money: Compared to other premium "natural" or grain-free brands, Instinctive Bite is very competitively priced, making high-quality nutrition more accessible for everyday pet parents.
    • Wide range: With a range of premium, puppy, single-protein, air-dried and grain-free options (like kangaroo or duck), there's an option to suit every dog.
    • Added functional superfoods: Ingredients like green-lipped mussel for joints, chicory root for gut health, and salmon oil for a shiny coat are integrated directly into the formulas.

    Cons

    • Limited grain-inclusive options: While Instinctive Bite does offer a "Chicken and Brown Rice" variety, the majority of the range is grain-free.

    When looking for a high-quality, Australian-made natural diet that doesn't break the bank, Instinctive Bite is a standout choice for many pet parents. Exclusively available through Pet Circle, this brand focuses on natural, wholesome nutrition by prioritising meat as the primary ingredient.

    This brand tops the vet-recommended list, because whether you are looking for a standard dry kibble, a single-protein option for sensitive tummies, or nutrient-dense air-dried recipes, Instinctive Bite offers a variety of textures and formulas. Many of the recipes are grain-free and loaded with "superfoods" like blueberries, sweet potato, and chia seeds to support overall vitality. In addition, the range is Australian made and budget-friendly (especially on Autodelivery), ticking all the boxes!

    What our customers say: "My American staffy suffered from horrible red itchy flare ups all over her belly with blistering sores. She also had issues with sloppy poop. Since changing to this food we have ditched all the creams and shampoos and haven’t had a single flare up! I recommend this brand to everyone!!!"

    Shop Instinctive Bite

    Best Australian-made natural dog food

    Black Hawk

    Pros

    • Locally sourced and manufactured: Black Hawk is proudly Australian-made (except for their wet pouch range), sourcing ingredients from local farmers.
    • The inclusion of emu oil provides a rich source of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
    • Their recipes are free from wheat, corn, and soy. Instead, they use high-quality carbohydrates like oats, rice, or sweet potato to provide sustained energy.
    • Excellent price to quality: Black Hawk sits in the "sweet spot" for many pet parents - it offers premium, vet-developed nutrition at a more accessible price point than many brands.
    • Specialised life-stage options: From small-breed puppy kibble to specific "Mature" formulas for dogs over 7 years old, the range is highly tailored to meet the changing nutritional needs of a dog throughout their life.

    Cons

    • While they have excellent single-protein grain-free options, some of their original recipes contain mixed protein sources (like fish meal in a chicken recipe).

    Black Hawk is a household name in Australia, often credited with helping to pioneer the "real food" movement in the premium kibble market. Originally founded by a passionate breeder and now manufactured at a state-of-the-art facility in Parkes, New South Wales, the brand's philosophy is simple: every ingredient must have a nutritional purpose.

    They are well-known for their "Original" range, which includes their famous emu oil - a unique ingredient prized for its omega fatty acids and skin-soothing properties. Today, Black Hawk offers an extensive selection including Grain-Free, "High Meat" for active dogs, and specific "Health Benefits" formulas designed for dental, joint, or weight support.

    What our customers say: "I switched to this product from the cheaper supermarket brands as my large dog is over 10 years and I was worried about her joints. She loves the taste, the changeover was trouble free and I notice she is much more active now. Very happy with this Australian made product which was also a decider."

    Shop Black Hawk

    Best natural grain-free dog food

    Wellness

    Pros

    • Scientifically proven recipes: Wellness employs a team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists to ensure their food is not only "balanced" on paper but actually performs well in real-world dogs.
    • Focus on digestive health: Most Wellness recipes are fortified with prebiotics and probiotics (the "good bacteria") as well as fibre-rich ingredients like chicory root and beet pulp.
    • High-quality protein sources: Meat is always the first ingredient. They use "named" meat meals (like chicken meal or turkey meal), which are concentrated sources of protein, rather than "meat by-products."
    • Range of specialised formulas: Whether you have a small-breed puppy, a senior dog needing joint support, or a pet that needs to shed a few kilograms, Wellness has a specific formula tailored to those unique life stages and needs.
    • Skin and coat support: The inclusion of guaranteed levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from sources like salmon oil and flaxseed support skin and coat health.

    Cons

    • Not Australian-made: All Wellness dry food is manufactured in their company-owned facility in Indiana, USA.
    • Premium pricing
    • As an imported brand, it can sometimes be subject to international shipping delays. 

    Wellness is a veteran in the natural pet food space, having been a pioneer in holistic nutrition since the late 1990s. The brand is built on the "5 Signs of Wellbeing," focusing on visible indicators of health like a shiny coat, strong immunity, and high energy levels. While Wellness is a US-based brand, it has long been a favourite for Australian pet parents who are looking for a scientifically backed, natural alternative.

    The brand offers two main lines: Wellness Complete Health, which provides a balanced approach with grains like oatmeal and barley, and Wellness CORE, a high-protein, grain-free range designed to mimic a protein-rich ancestral diet.

    What our customers say: "My two dogs are absolutely OBSESSED with this food! They stick their heads straight into the bag as soon as I open it and it actually smells good enough for me to eat too! Will definitely be recommending to my friend for her fussy dogs!"

    Shop Wellness

    Best fresh natural dog food

    Bonnodog

    Pros

    • Highly palatable for fussy eaters
    • Australian made in NSW
    • Gently cooked for nutrient density: The lower-temperature cooking process helps preserve essential vitamins and minerals while ensuring the food is safe from harmful pathogens.
    • Complete and balanced for all life stages: Formulated by vets and pet nutritionists, Bonnodog provides all the necessary nutrients for all breeds and life stages.
    • Clean-bowl guarantee: They offer a money-back guarantee if your dog doesn't enjoy the food, which reduces the risk for pet parents wanting to try a fresh food diet for the first time.

    Cons

    • Premium price point: As with most premium fresh dog foods, Bonnodog sits at a higher price bracket than standard supermarket kibble.
    • Storage and handling needs: Since it is a fresh/frozen product, it requires dedicated space in your freezer or fridge. You also need to remember to thaw the portions ahead of time.

    As we learn more about human and pet nutrition and the way what we eat works with our bodies, it's only natural that pet parents are keen to understand more about whether fresh or raw food might be a good fit for their dog. The shift towards fresh, natural dog food is one of the most significant changes in how we care for our four-legged family members.

    Bonnodog is a fresh, "gently cooked" dog food brand that focuses on providing a whole-food alternative to traditional kibble and canned diets. Produced in New South Wales, Australia, their recipes are crafted with approximately 98% Australian-sourced ingredients, including visible chunks of meat and vegetables.

    By cooking the food at lower temperatures, Bonnodog aims to retain the natural nutrients and enzymes that can often be lost during high-heat processing. Their range is designed to be fed either as a "complete and balanced" standalone meal or as a high-quality topper to add excitement and nutrition to a dog's existing diet.

    Learn more about the Benefits of Fresh Dog Food.

    Shop Bonnodog

    Best natural food for sensitive stomachs and skin

    Instinctive Bite Single Protein Range

    Pros

    • Single protein: Because each bag contains only one animal protein, it is much easier to avoid known triggers like chicken or beef.
    • Gentle on the gut: These formulas are enriched with natural prebiotics like chicory root and beet pulp.
    • Skin and coat nourishment: The range is loaded with fish oil, providing essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Novel protein options: The inclusion of proteins like kangaroo and pork provides "novel" options - proteins your dog likely hasn't been exposed to before. This significantly reduces the chance of an immune system flare-up compared to more common protein sources.
    • Accessible premium nutrition: While many "hypoallergenic" or single-protein diets from international brands carry a hefty price tag, this range remains very competitively priced for Australian pet parents without sacrificing the quality of ingredients.

    Cons

    • Specific life-stage focus: While they have an excellent Senior Chicken option, much of the Single Protein range is formulated specifically for Adult dogs. Puppy owners may need to look at the brand's broader range before moving onto these specific sensitivity formulas as their dog matures.

    As vets, we often see pet parents struggling to identify exactly which ingredient is causing their dog's itchy skin or tummy upsets. The Instinctive Bite Single Protein range was developed specifically for these sensitive souls. By using only one animal protein source - such as kangaroo, lamb, or pork - these recipes take the guesswork out of feeding and help simplify the "elimination" process many vets recommend.

    Like the rest of the brand, this range is Australian-made and is also grain-free. It focuses on clean nutrition, combining high-quality meat with "superfoods" and prebiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is often the first line of defence for a sensitive dog.

    Learn more about the Instinctive Bite Single Protein Range.

    Shop Instinctive Bite Single Protein Range

    Prime 100

    Pros

    • Local ingredients: Proteins are sourced right here in Australia.
    • Low-temperature cooking: Their Air Dried range is processed at low heat, preserving the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in the food.
    • Functional "Superfoods": Beyond just meat, they include targeted ingredients like green-lipped mussel for joints, turmeric for inflammation, and bamboo fibre for digestive tract support.
    • Variety of textures: Prime100 caters to all preferences, offering fresh rolls, slow-cooked "stews", and air-dried pieces.
    • Range includes a number of all-life-stage foods.

    Cons

    • Premium price point
    • While many of their recipes are labelled "All Life Stages," others are formulated specifically for adults or puppies, so it's important to read the label closely to choose the most appropriate food.

    Prime100 has earned a reputation as a heavy hitter in the world of veterinary nutrition, particularly for dogs dealing with complex skin and digestive issues. This 100% Australian-owned and made brand is famous for its Single Protein Diet (SPD™) philosophy. By using just one animal protein per recipe (often "novel" proteins like kangaroo, wild boar, or duck), Prime100 removes the complexity from your dog's bowl, making it a go-to for elimination diets and long-term allergy management.

    While many know them for their iconic fresh rolls found in the fridge, they have expanded into slow-cooked wet meals and nutrient-dense air-dried kibble. Their focus is on functional nutrition - where every ingredient, from bamboo fibre to algae oil, serves a specific health purpose.

    What our customers say: "It took months of sensitive tummy issues to find a food that works for our retriever boy. We give him the SPD 100 chicken loaf for his main meals and it's great to finally have a dry food for training and giving on the run when we need it, now with this new air dried version of the loaf. He loves the variety and we love the solid poops! hehe. Thanks."

    Shop Prime100

    Best budget-friendly natural dog food

    Savourlife Essentials

    Pros

    • Supports a great cause: Knowing that half of the profits from your purchase go directly toward saving rescue dogs is a huge draw. Each bag even comes with a unique "See Who You Helped" code that lets you see a specific rescue dog your purchase is supporting.
    • Proudly Australian-made and owned: The food is made in Australia using locally sourced meats (like beef, chicken, or lamb). This ensures high standards of food safety and supports our local farming communities.
    • Excellent value for money: The Essentials range is specifically formulated to be "premium yet affordable." It provides a significant step up from supermarket brands in terms of ingredient quality while remaining cheaper than many grain-free alternatives.
    • Skin and coat health: Every bag is enriched with fish oil, which is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids.
    • No artificial "nasties": Despite the lower price point, SavourLife refuses to use artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. They also include natural prebiotics (like chicory root) to help support healthy digestion.

    Cons

    • Includes grains: Unlike SavourLife’s flagship range, the Essentials line contains grains like wheat, oats, and rice. While most dogs thrive on these, it may not be suitable for dogs with rare grain sensitivities or if you're looking for a grain-free diet.

    SavourLife is an Australian-owned family business with a truly unique mission: they donate 50% of their profits to pet rescue organisations across Australia. Since their launch, they have donated over $10 million to help rehome abandoned dogs.

    The Essentials range is designed to be their most accessible line, offering high-quality, natural nutrition at a price point that suits the everyday budget. While their other ranges are strictly grain-free or focused on "ancient grains," the Essentials range includes healthy rice and vegetables alongside Australian-sourced meats, providing a complete and balanced diet for pet parents who want premium quality without the ultra-premium price tag.

    What our customers say: "I always buy this brand from Pet Circle. My dogs love the flavours of Savourlife dry dog food. We buy 3 different flavours. Great quality and love how 50% of profits are donated by the Savourlife company."

    Shop Savourlife

    Best air-dried and freeze-dried natural dog food

    Ziwi Peak Air-dried Range

    Pros

    • Very high meat content: With 96% of the recipe consisting of fresh meat, organs, bone, and green-lipped mussels, Ziwi Peak offers one of the highest animal-protein profiles on the market.
    • Gentle air-drying technology: Their unique Z-TWINTECH® process slowly removes moisture while protecting the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients. This results in a "raw-equivalent" diet that is safe, clean to handle, and does not require refrigeration.
    • Natural joint and skin support: Every recipe includes New Zealand green-lipped mussels, a powerhouse of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
    • Highly concentrated nutrition: Because the food is so nutrient-dense, you actually feed significantly less than you would with standard kibble (sometimes up to 25–30% less).
    • Superior palatability: The jerky-like texture and intense natural aroma make it almost irresistible. Even the most "picky" dogs who have turned their noses up at every other premium brand often find Ziwi Peak impossible to resist.

    Cons

    • Very expensive
    • Not made in Australia
    • High calorie and fat levels: Very easy to overfeedand may not be suitable for very sensitive "fat-intolerant" stomachs.

    Ziwi Peak is often described as the "gold standard" of air-dried nutrition. Hailing from New Zealand, this brand is built on a "whole-prey" philosophy, meaning their recipes mimic what a dog would eat in the wild. By using a gentle, twin-stage air-drying process, Ziwi Peak manages to bridge the gap between the convenience of dry kibble and the high nutritional integrity of a raw diet.

    Every bag is packed with a staggering 96% meat, organs, and seafood, with no room for cheap fillers like grain, potato, or peas. It is nutrient-dense, shelf-stable, and highly palatable, making it a favourite for small breeds, fussy eaters, or those looking for the ultimate high-protein meal topper.

    What our customers say: "The product is high quality and my dogs really enjoy eating it. You can tell it's high quality dog food and although it's on the more pricier side, it is much better and healthier for my dogs than a lot of the other alternatives."

    Shop Ziwi

    K9 Natural Freeze-dried Food

    Pros

    • Exceptional meat content: Most recipes consist of 90% meat, organs, and ground bone. This provides a highly bioavailable source of protein and essential amino acids that support lean muscle development and overall vitality.
    • Nutrient retention via freeze-drying: Unlike traditional kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures, K9 Natural's freeze-drying process locks in vitamins and minerals in their natural state.
    • Loaded with New Zealand superfoods: Every recipe includes nutrient-dense additions like New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels (for joint health), kelp (for minerals), and cage-free eggs. These provide natural sources of Omega-3s and antioxidants without the need for synthetic additives.
    • Grain-free and "clean" label: Free of wheat, corn, soy, rice, and potatoes. It is also free from artificial gelling agents (like carrageenan or guar gum) often found in canned foods.
    • Complete and balanced for all life stages: Most of their core range meets AAFCO standards for all breeds and life stages. This makes it a versatile option that can grow with your dog from puppyhood through to their senior years.

    Cons

    • Very expensive
    • Preparation time: To get the most out of the freeze-dried range, it should ideally be rehydrated with warm water. This adds a few extra minutes to meal prep compared to simply scooping kibble into a bowl.

    K9 Natural is a New Zealand-based powerhouse that has become a favourite for Australian pet parents seeking the closest thing to a raw, "ancestral" diet with the convenience of a shelf-stable product. Their philosophy is simple: dogs are biologically designed to thrive on meat. By using a gentle freeze-drying process, they remove moisture without high-heat cooking, which keeps the natural enzymes and nutrients intact.

    Whether you use their freeze-dried "feasts," their moisture-rich canned range, or their famous Green Tripe boosters, K9 Natural focuses on high-quality, human-grade ingredients sourced from the pristine farms and oceans of New Zealand.

    What our customers say: "Best food for my pups, used to use it just as a topper to kibble but now this is their regular food. Always having good poops, great for training and so many health benefits to the minimal processing and it being closer to their natural diet"

    Shop K9 Natural

    Best sustainable and eco-friendly natural dog food

    Open Farm

    Pros

    • Unmatched ingredient traceability
    • Certified humane sourcing: Open Farm only uses meats from farms that meet strict third-party animal welfare standards. This ensures the animals are raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones and in environments that allow for natural behaviours.
    • Premium ingredient profile: The recipes prioritise high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient, supplemented with non-GMO "superfoods" like turmeric, coconut oil, and leafy greens to support immune and digestive health.
    • Diverse range of formats: Their range includes dry foods, wet rustic style stews, as well as broths
    • Sustainability leadership: From partnering with TerraCycle for packaging recycling to sourcing Ocean Wise® certified seafood, the brand is a top choice for eco-conscious pet parents looking to reduce their dog's environmental paw-print.

    Cons

    • Premium price point
    • International sourcing: Many of their primary proteins (like turkey and chicken) are sourced from North American farms rather than local Australian ones, which may be a consideration for those preferring locally produced Australian pet food.

    As a pet parent, no doubt, you're an animal lover. Pet lovers are more likely to select free range eggs and humanely raised meat when given the option - and one study also found that pet owners are more likely to be vegetarian or vegan.

    It makes sense, therefore, that most pet owners will also select a pet food brand that ensures humane production animal welfare if given the choice. But until now, it has generally been difficult - if not impossible - to find a pet food company which prioritises or even mentions the welfare of meat production animals.

    Natural pet food brands such as Open Farm, Ziwi Peak and K9 Natural source their ingredients from free range, grass fed farms, free from antibiotics and hormones.

    Open Farm go one step further, sourcing their fish using only sustainable fishing practices and offer customers complete transparency in regards to ingredients by offering the option to trace the origin of any ingredient contained in their pet's diet via a unique lot code on the packaging.

    Open Farm recipes focus on high-protein, human-grade ingredients, avoiding common fillers and artificial additives. Whether your dog thrives on grain-free kibble, ancient grains, or gently cooked wet toppers, Open Farm provides a variety of nutrient-dense options designed for all life stages.

    Shop Open Farm

    Best for multi-dog families

    Canidae All Life Stages range

    Pros

    • Simplifies multi-dog households: This is the biggest drawcard. Because it is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of puppies, adults, and seniors simultaneously, you only need one bag.
    • Premium protein-first approach: The range prioritises high-quality meat meals (like chicken, turkey, and lamb) as the primary ingredients. Because meat meals are concentrated, they provide a dense source of protein to support muscle maintenance across all ages.
    • HealthPLUS Solutions®: After the cooking process, Canidae applies a unique blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to the outside of the kibble. This ensures these sensitive nutrients stay active to support gut health and a shiny coat.

    Cons

    • One-size-fits-all kibble: While the nutrition fits all ages, the physical size of the kibble might not. It is typically a medium-sized biscuit, which can be a bit large for toy breed puppies or difficult for very senior dogs with dental issues to chew.
    • Not Australian-made: Canidae is a US-based brand manufactured in their own facility in Texas.
    • Calorie management for seniors: Because the food must be nutrient-dense enough for puppies, it is naturally quite calorie-rich. If you have a dog prone to weight gain, you have to be very strict with portion control to avoid obesity.

    Canidae is a pioneer in the natural pet food industry, having been founded in the mid-90s with a focus on simple, wholesome ingredients. Their All Life Stages range is one of the most iconic product lines in the pet food world. The philosophy behind it is "one bag to feed them all" - designed to provide a universal nutritional profile that supports everyone from a growing puppy to a senior dog.

    In my clinical experience, this brand is a lifesaver for households with a "pack" of different ages and sizes, as it removes the stress of managing multiple bags of food and prevents "bowl swapping" issues at mealtime.

    Shop Canidae

    What to Look for in a Natural Dog Food

    When looking for a high-quality natural dog food, here are the key elements to look for:

    1. Specific, Named Proteins

    The first three ingredients on the label are the most critical, as they represent the bulk of the food. You want to see specific sources, not vague categories.

    What to look for: "Deboned Chicken," "Lamb," or "Salmon Meal."

    Red Flag: Vague terms like "Meat And Meat By-Products", "Chicken and/or Beef and/or Lamb". If the brand won't name the animal, they are likely using low-quality, inconsistent leftovers.

    2. Natural Preservatives and Colours

    A truly natural food should avoid synthetic chemicals that extend shelf life or change the food's appearance. Dogs do not care what colour their kibble is - dyes are added solely for human appeal.

    What to look for: Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosemary extract, or Citric acid as preservatives.

    Red Flag: BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, or artificial colours like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which have been linked to health issues in some studies.

    3. Whole Grains or Complex Carbs

    Carbohydrates provide energy and fibre, but the quality of the source matters. Premium natural foods should avoid cheap carbohydrate alternatives.

    What to look for: Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley, or grain-free alternatives like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and lentils.

    4. Added "Superfoods" and Nutrients

    High-quality natural brands often include functional ingredients that provide antioxidants and essential fatty acids to support long-term health.

    What to look for: Omega-3 and 6: From fish oil or flaxseed for skin and coat health.

    Antioxidants: From blueberries, cranberries, or spinach.

    Glucosamine: Often found in natural sources like New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels for joint support.

    Top 4 Benefits of Natural Nutrition for Dogs

    Many high quality natural dog foods are formulated with a holistic approach to your dog's health, using wholesome, natural ingredients with known beneficial properties.

    1. High Meat Content

    High quality natural pet foods contain a much higher meat content than other commercial pet foods, which may use other ingredients such as corn, wheat and soy to bolster the protein levels of their foods. While this protein may well be absorbed and digested by your pet, many pet owners feel feeding a diet with meat as the primary protein source just makes better sense.

    Learn more about reading pet food labels? Check out How to Read the Label on a Bag of Dog Food.

    2. More Grain Free Options

    While grains like brown rice offer great nutritional value, many pet parents choose grain-free diets for various reasons. When making this switch, it is important to look past marketing claims and evaluate the alternative carbohydrate sources used.

    In some grain-free recipes, nutrient-dense grains are replaced with lower-value starches like tapioca. High-quality natural brands instead prioritise slow-release energy sources, such as sweet potato or chickpeas, to ensure the diet remains nutritionally balanced and supportive of long-term health.

    To read more, take a look at our article on Exploring Grain Free Dog Food.

    3. Quality Ingredients, not just nutrients

    Most commercial pet food, natural or otherwise, is formulated to meet international nutritional guidelines. These guidelines are generally focused on the macronutrients, (such as protein, fat, or carbohydrates), rather than the ingredients.

    But ingredients do matter. High quality, less-processed ingredients contain necessary macronutrients as well as beneficial micronutrients, which are not included in pet food guidelines and are therefore often missing in cheaper, poor quality diets.

    Valuable micronutrients to look out for

    Omega Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are widely utilised due to their array of health benefits. Marine-based sources, such as green lipped mussel or oily fish, are highly potent and support skin, coat, joint, kidney, and heart health. While plant-based sources like flaxseed offer some benefits, they are generally less effective for dogs than marine alternatives. When selecting a natural food for skin and coat health, always check the ingredient list to identify the specific source of these fatty acids.

    Antioxidants: Antioxidants, found naturally in ingredients like blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes, carrots, and spinach, protect cells from free radical damage. By neutralising these unstable molecules, antioxidants support a robust immune system and help combat premature ageing in pets.

    Pre and Probiotics: These nutrients help support the microbiome or 'good' bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The right balance of beneficial bacteria can help to improve digestion, help fight infection and strengthen the immune system.

    4. Novel and Single Protein Recipes

    Premium natural food brands tend to keep to just one protein source per recipe - this limited ingredient approach helps to reduce the risk of any dietary sensitivities being triggered.

    As well as offering single protein options, natural dog foods lead the way in novel protein sources. A novel protein source is a meat that a pet has not been exposed to previously. For a dog with a sensitivity to one or more commonly used protein sources, feeding a novel protein source such as venison, fish, duck, or kangaroo may be helpful.

    For more information, take a look at our article on Signs Your Dog May Have a Food Allergy.

    FAQs

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    6. History

    Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

    Mon 19 Jan 2026

    Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
    View less history

    About the Author

    vet holding a toy poodle

    Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)

    Veterinarian

    Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.