Last Updated: 15/09/2026
Best Natural Dog Food in Australia: Vet Picks 2026
Vet-reviewed: our top picks for the best natural dog food in Australia, from Instinctive Bite to air-dried and freeze-dried options.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 9 minutes - short read
The idea of natural nutrition for pets has well and truly taken off, and it's easy to see why, owners want to know exactly what's going into their dog's bowl. Natural pet foods are defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as those made from only natural ingredients derived from plant, animal or mined sources with no chemical alterations or synthetic additives, including ingredients like artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
The best natural dog food uses specific, named animal proteins as the first ingredient, natural preservatives like tocopherols instead of artificial ones, and carries a certified complete and balanced nutritional statement. Vet-recommended Australian options include Instinctive Bite, Black Hawk and Wellness, chosen for ingredient quality, life-stage suitability and value.
What should I look for in a natural dog food?
Look for named animal proteins in the first few ingredients (think "deboned chicken" or "salmon meal", not vague "meat and meat by-products"), natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract or citric acid instead of synthetic ones like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, and either whole grains (brown rice, oats, barley) or good quality grain-free alternatives like sweet potato or chickpeas rather than cheaper carbohydrates.
Beyond the ingredient list, check the food is labelled "complete and balanced" under AAFCO or FEDIAF standards. If a diet says "for intermittent or occasional feeding" or skips this statement altogether, do not rely on it as the majority of your dog's diet.
Life stage and breed size matter too. Puppies need energy-dense food to support rapid growth, while senior dogs often do better on an easily digestible diet with fewer calories and less fat. And "natural" doesn't mean "hypoallergenic", if your dog has a food sensitivity or health condition, your vet is still your best first port of call, since a specific retail or prescription diet may be the safer option.
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.
Looking for something outside the mainstream picks below? Browse our full guide to specialty and alternative dog food.
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!!!"
What our vets say: "We recommend Instinctive Bite often for pet parents who want a genuinely natural diet without the premium price tag. The single-protein range in particular makes it easy to trial for dogs with tummy or skin sensitivities." - Dr Gill
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!"
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.
Best air-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."
What our vets say: "Ziwi Peak's palatability is genuinely unmatched in our experience, it's often our go-to recommendation for fussy eaters who've turned their nose up at everything else." - Dr Angie
Best freeze-dried natural dog food
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"
Other options, depending on your priorities
- Australian-made: for more locally made picks like Black Hawk, see the Australian-Made Dog Food guide
- Budget-friendly: want quality nutrition without the premium price tag? Check out Best Affordable Dog Food
- Fresh: for more gently cooked options like Bonnodog, see The Benefits of Fresh Pet Food
- Sensitive stomachs and skin: dealing with tummy troubles or itchy skin? Read through Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs and Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies for specific picks.
- Sustainable and ethical: for eco-conscious options like Open Farm, see Ethical and Sustainable Pet Food
- Grain-free: for dedicated grain-free picks, see the Best Grain-Free Dog Food guide
Want to boost palatability or add a bit of extra hydration to any of these? A natural bone broth topper is a great add-on for fussy eaters or dogs who need a bit of encouragement at mealtimes.
What are the benefits of natural nutrition for dogs?
High meat content. Natural pet foods tend to have a much higher meat content than diets that lean on corn, wheat or soy to bolster protein levels. Those ingredients can still be digested just fine, but many pet parents feel more confident with meat as the primary protein source.
Quality ingredients, not just nutrients. Most commercial pet food, natural or otherwise, is formulated to hit macronutrient targets (protein, fat, carbohydrate) set by AAFCO or FEDIAF guidelines. But these guidelines don't account for micronutrients, the beneficial extras that are often missing from cheaper, lower-quality diets. Look out for:
- Omega fatty acids: marine sources like green-lipped mussel or oily fish are more potent for skin, coat, joint and heart health than plant-based sources like flaxseed
- Antioxidants: found in blueberries, cranberries and spinach, these help protect cells from free-radical damage and support a healthy immune system
- Pre and probiotics: support the gut microbiome, helping digestion and immune function
Novel and single-protein options. Premium natural brands tend to stick to one protein source per recipe, limiting the risk of triggering a food sensitivity. Many also lead the way on novel proteins, meats like venison, kangaroo or duck that your dog likely hasn't been exposed to before, useful if you're managing a suspected food allergy.
FAQs
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 15 Sep 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)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.
