If you’ve spent any time in the pet aisle lately, you’ve probably noticed that “natural” is no longer a buzzword—it’s a baseline expectation. Yet as we move deeper into 2025, the definition of “natural” keeps evolving. Modern dog parents want recipes that are clean-label, planet-friendly, and scientifically balanced to support everything from joint mobility to cognitive longevity. In short, we’re no longer just feeding dogs; we’re optimizing their entire well-being, one bowl at a time.
That’s where holistic, only-natural dog food comes in. Think of it as the intersection between whole-food nutrition and functional medicine: every ingredient is chosen for its bio-availability, synergy with other nutrients, and minimal processing. Below, we’ll unpack what truly separates the best from the rest, how to decode marketing jargon, and the nuanced choices you’ll face when curating a diet that honors both your dog’s biology and your own ethical standards.
Top 10 Only Natural Pet Dog Food
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Only Natural Pet Dry Dog Food Canine PowerFood Formula – Paleo Inspired Formula with No Grain, Soy, Corn, Wheat or Oats – Red Meat Feast 20 lb Bag
Overview: Only Natural Pet’s 20-lb “Red Meat Feast” positions itself as a grain-free, paleo-style kibble that replaces corn, soy, wheat and oats with beef, pork and venison plus peas, lentils and chickpeas. Designed for owners who want ancestral nutrition in a shelf-stable, scoop-and-serve format.
What Makes It Stand Out: The macronutrient split (32% protein, 16% fat) is unusually meat-heavy for the price tier, while added probiotics, glucosamine and omega-3s address digestion and joint support in the same recipe—features typically found only in boutique brands.
Value for Money: At $0.17/oz it undercuts most premium grain-free bags by 20-30%, yet still delivers hormone-free red-meat proteins and chelated minerals. For multi-dog homes or large breeds, the 20-lb size keeps cost per feeding comfortably below freeze-dried or raw alternatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: high animal-protein content, no cheap fillers, resealable bag, clearly labeled amino-acid levels.
Cons: kibble size is small for giant breeds, contains pea starch that some dogs find gas-inducing, and the venison aroma can be polarizing for picky eaters.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly way to feed a meat-forward, grain-free diet without sacrificing convenience. Ideal for active adolescents and budget-minded owners who still want ingredient integrity.
2. Only Natural Pet Raw Blends Infused Grain Dog Food, High Protein All-Natural Whole Ingredients & 100% Raw Meat Bites, Red Meat Feast, Low Phosphorus, Dehydrated Mix for Large Breed & Picky Eaters, 4lb
Overview: This 4-lb bag marries high-protein kibble with 100% raw beef bites to create a “best-of-both-worlds” meal that stays shelf-stable. The low-phosphorus recipe targets dogs with early kidney concerns while remaining complete for all life stages.
What Makes It Stand Out: Raw meat is freeze-dried in-house then folded into the kibble, so every scoop delivers intact enzymes and amino acids without the freezer aisle hassle. The phosphorus ceiling (0.9%) is rare in retail foods and welcomed by vets managing renal workload.
Value for Money: At $0.45/oz it costs more than straight kibble but far less than a 100% freeze-dried diet; one 4-lb bag stretches to 16 lb of rehydrated food, landing mid-pack versus prescription renal diets.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: enticing texture contrast, single red-meat protein for allergy control, rehydrates in three minutes, low ash content.
Cons: bag is small for large dogs, raw nuggets settle—shake before scooping, calorie-dense—measure carefully to avoid weight gain.
Bottom Line: A smart compromise for guardians who crave raw nutrition yet need controlled minerals. Excellent topper or standalone for picky seniors, large breeds and renal-watch diets.
3. Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Air Dried Dry Dog Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free and Limited Ingredient – Made with Real Meat – Beef with Pumpkin & Parsley 5.5 lb
Overview: MaxMeat is an air-dried, jerky-style food from New Zealand that looks like oversized pepperoni chips. Made with 90% beef, organs and bone, it delivers ancestral ratios while remaining shelf-stable for months.
What Makes It Stand Out: Gentle 160°F air drying pasteurizes without high-pressure extrusion, preserving collagen, taurine and natural enzymes. The result is a 46% protein, 34% fat powerhouse that can be fed as full meal, high-value treat or topper.
Value for Money: At $15.09/lb it rivals fresh-frozen raw on cost, yet travels without ice packs and wastes zero freezer space. One 5.5-lb bag rehydrates to ~14 lb of fresh equivalence, softening the sticker shock.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-dense nutrition, crisp slices break easily for training, single protein for elimination diets, no synthetic K3.
Cons: premium price, strong organ aroma, calorie count (525 kcal/cup) demands precise measurement, not suitable for pancreatitis-prone dogs.
Bottom Line: If budget allows, MaxMeat is the closest legal equivalent to homemade raw—minus pathogens and prep time. Outstanding for performance dogs, allergy cases and travel.
4. Only Natural Pet Raw Blends Infused Grain Free Dog Food, High Protein All-Natural Whole, Fresh Ingredients & 100% Raw Meat Bites 4lb (18 Pound (Pack of 1), Digestion)
Overview: Marketed as an 18-lb “Digestion” bundle, this offering simply ships four 4.5-lb bags of the Raw Blends line reviewed above. The formula remains identical—high-protein kibble studded with freeze-dried raw beef—and the larger pack size caters to multi-dog households.
What Makes It Stand Out: Buying in bulk knocks the per-pound price to $4.15, a 25% savings versus single 4-lb bags. The portion-controlled inner bags also stay fresher than one giant sack, reducing oxidation of the raw pieces.
Value for Money: At $18.70/lb delivered it still sits above conventional kibble, but the 72-ounce rehydrated yield per pound brings real-world cost in line with mid-tier canned food while offering superior ingredient quality.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: bulk discount, individually sealed packs maintain aroma, same low-phosphorus merits, ships free via Subscribe & Save.
Cons: up-front outlay is steep, cardboard outer box arrives beat-up, no flavor variety—beef only.
Bottom Line: A sensible stock-up option for households already committed to the Raw Blends concept. Store in a cool closet and you’ll feed two large dogs for six weeks without reordering.
5. Only Natural Pet MaxBlends Grain Free Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food Formula – High Protein Homemade Stew, Nutrient-Dense Meal for Canine Health – Beef RecipeFlavor – 2 lb Bag (Makes 8 lbs)
Overview: This 2-lb dehydrated base mixes with warm water to create 8 lb of stew-like, grain-free beef dinner. Carrots, potatoes, pumpkin and spinach round out the recipe, yielding a chunky texture reminiscent of homemade chili.
What Makes It Stand Out: Dehydration occurs below 120°F, keeping vitamins intact while eliminating pathogens. The finished stew smells like human beef stew, making it a powerful appetite trigger for convalescing or finicky dogs.
Value for Money: $1.12/oz dry converts to $0.28/oz rehydrated—cheaper than most refrigerated fresh foods and competitive with high-end cans, yet you control the final moisture and portion size.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: lightweight for camping, no synthetic colors, suitable for puppies through seniors, 10-minute prep, bag is recyclable.
Cons: potato content may spike glycemic load, prep requires measuring cup and timer, strong smell lingers on dishes, not calorie-dense enough for working dogs without added fat.
Bottom Line: A convenient “homemade” hack for owners who want whole-food visuals without the knife work. Ideal rotation meal, travel food, or enticing topper for chronically picky eaters.
6. Only Natural Pet RawMeals Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food – High-Protein, Grain-Free, with Organ Meat, Fruits & Veggies – Complete Meal, Topper or Treat for All Breeds & Picky Eaters – 9.5 oz
Overview: Only Natural Pet RawMeals Beef Recipe is a freeze-dried, grain-free dog food that combines beef, organ meat, fruits, and vegetables into a complete meal or topper. Priced at $2.84 per ounce, this 9.5 oz bag offers a convenient way to feed raw without refrigeration or prep work.
What Makes It Stand Out: The freeze-drying process preserves raw nutrition while maintaining kibble-like convenience. The inclusion of organ meats provides natural vitamins and minerals often missing in processed foods. The grain-free and legume-free formula makes it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Value for Money: At $26.99 for 9.5 oz, this premium option costs significantly more than traditional kibble. However, the high-quality ingredients and nutritional density mean smaller serving sizes, potentially offsetting the higher per-meal cost for health-conscious pet owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include excellent ingredient quality, versatile serving options (dry or rehydrated), and suitability for picky eaters. The shelf-stable format is perfect for travel. Weaknesses include the high price point and the small bag size, which may not last long for larger dogs. Some dogs might need time to adjust to the rich organ meat content.
Bottom Line: RawMeals Beef Recipe delivers premium nutrition with unmatched convenience. While expensive, it’s worth the investment for dogs with dietary sensitivities or owners seeking raw diet benefits without the hassle. Best suited as a topper or occasional meal rather than daily feeding for budget-conscious owners.
7. Only Natural Pet MaxBlends Grain Free Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food Formula – High Protein Homemade Stew, Nutrient-Dense Meal for Canine Health – Beef RecipeFlavor – 7 lb Bag (Makes 28 lbs)
Overview: Only Natural Pet MaxBlends Beef Recipe is a dehydrated dog food that transforms into 28 lbs of fresh food from just 7 lbs of dry mix. At $0.83 per ounce, this grass-fed beef formula offers a cost-effective way to serve homemade-quality meals without cooking.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 4:1 rehydration ratio provides exceptional value, making 28 lbs of food from the compact 7 lb bag. The grass-fed beef sourcing ensures higher nutrient levels compared to conventional beef. The versatile preparation allows owners to create either a hearty stew or soup consistency based on their dog’s preference.
Value for Money: At $93.48 for the large bag, the initial investment seems high, but the cost per serving is reasonable at approximately $3.34 per pound of prepared food. This makes it competitive with premium wet foods while offering superior ingredient quality.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Major strengths include the large volume yield, high-quality grass-fed beef, and grain-free formula ideal for sensitive dogs. The dehydrated format ensures long shelf life without preservatives. Weaknesses include the 5-10 minute prep time required for rehydration and the need to prepare larger batches. The formula may be too rich for dogs transitioning from kibble.
Bottom Line: MaxBlends Beef Recipe offers excellent value for large dog owners or multi-dog households. The quality ingredients and convenient preparation make it ideal for those wanting to upgrade from kibble without the full commitment of raw feeding. The large bag size ensures you’ll always have nutritious meals ready.
8. Only Natural Pet Raw Toppers Freeze Dried Beef and Tripe Recipe – Protein Packed, Great Tasting Freeze Dried Raw Food Topper for Dogs – 5.5 OZ Bag 2 Pack (B)
Overview: Only Natural Pet Raw Toppers Beef and Tripe Recipe comes in a convenient 2-pack (5.5 oz each) designed to enhance any dog food with raw nutrition. At $2.73 per ounce, these freeze-dried toppers add premium protein and probiotics through beef tripe to your dog’s regular meals.
What Makes It Stand Out: The inclusion of beef tripe provides natural probiotics and digestive enzymes often missing in processed foods. The addition of pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and salmon oil creates a nutritional powerhouse that supports skin, coat, and digestive health. The 2-pack format ensures you won’t run out quickly.
Value for Money: While $2.73 per ounce seems expensive, toppers are used sparingly—a little goes a long way. Each 5.5 oz bag can enhance numerous meals, making the actual cost per serving quite reasonable for the nutritional boost provided.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the palatability factor that entices picky eaters, the digestive benefits from tripe, and the omega-rich ingredients for skin and coat health. The USA-made quality ensures safety standards. Weaknesses include the strong odor from tripe (though dogs love it) and the need to experiment with the right amount for your dog’s size and preferences.
Bottom Line: These Raw Toppers are an excellent investment for improving any dog’s diet incrementally. Perfect for picky eaters, dogs with dull coats, or those needing digestive support. The 2-pack offers good value and convenience for regular use across multiple meals.
9. Only Natural Pet MaxBlends Grain Free Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food Formula – High Protein Homemade Stew, Nutrient-Dense Meal for Canine Health – Chicken RecipeFlavor – 2 lb Bag (Makes 8 lbs)
Overview: Only Natural Pet MaxBlends Chicken Recipe is a dehydrated dog food that creates 8 lbs of fresh food from a 2 lb bag. At $18 per pound, this grain-free chicken formula provides a smaller, trial-sized option for owners wanting to test dehydrated feeding before committing to larger bags.
What Makes It Stand Out: The chicken recipe offers a leaner protein option compared to beef formulas, making it ideal for weight management or dogs with lower fat requirements. The smaller 2 lb bag size reduces waste and allows for easy rotation between different proteins. Like other MaxBlends, it rehydrates into a hearty stew consistency.
Value for Money: At $35.99 for 2 lbs, the per-ounce cost is higher than the larger beef bag, but this size is perfect for trying the product or for small dogs. The yield of 8 lbs prepared food brings the cost to about $4.50 per pound—reasonable for premium dehydrated food.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the convenient trial size, lean chicken protein for weight-conscious dogs, and the same high-quality preparation as larger bags. The grain-free formula suits sensitive dogs. Weaknesses include the higher per-pound cost compared to larger sizes and limited availability of chicken recipe in bigger bags. Some dogs might prefer the richer beef flavor.
Bottom Line: This chicken recipe MaxBlends is perfect for small dogs, trial periods, or rotational feeding programs. While not the most economical size, it offers a lower-risk way to experience dehydrated food benefits. The lean protein profile makes it especially suitable for senior dogs or those needing weight management.
10. Only Natural Pet Raw Toppers – Freeze Dried Meal Topper, High Protein and Grain Free, Whole Food Nutrition for Dogs, Grass-Fed Beef & Tripe Recipe Flavored – 10 Ounce Bag
Overview: Only Natural Pet Raw Toppers in the 10 oz “RawNibs” format delivers grass-fed beef and tripe nutrition in bite-sized nibblets. At $3 per ounce, these versatile pieces function as both meal toppers and high-value training treats, offering maximum flexibility in feeding routines.
What Makes It Stand Out: The niblet format bridges the gap between powder toppers and treat formats, allowing precise portion control. The combination of grass-fed beef and tripe provides both premium protein and natural probiotics. The 10 oz size offers better value than smaller bags while maintaining freshness.
Value for Money: At $3 per ounce, this represents the highest per-ounce cost in the topper line, but the versatility justifies the premium. The ability to use as both food enhancer and training treats provides dual functionality that other products don’t offer.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the versatile niblet size, USA-sourced ingredients, and the palatability that makes dogs work enthusiastically for training rewards. The grain-free, all-natural formula suits dogs with sensitivities. Weaknesses include the premium pricing and the fact that it’s designed for supplemental feeding only, not as a complete meal. The rich tripe content might be too much for dogs with sensitive stomachs if overfed.
Bottom Line: RawNibs offer premium versatility for devoted pet owners. While expensive, the dual-purpose functionality as both topper and treat provides good value for those who invest in training and nutrition. Best for committed owners who prioritize quality over cost and want maximum flexibility in their feeding routine.
Understanding the “Only Natural” Movement in 2025
From Clean Labels to Climate Labels
Regulatory agencies have tightened definitions, but brands are now voluntarily adding climate-impact scores next to calorie counts. Learn how to read both.
Functional Ingredients vs. Filler Ingredients
Beware of “natural” that simply replaces corn with pea starch. Functional ingredients—think organic turmeric or MSC-certified krill—deliver measurable health outcomes.
The Rise of Biotype-Specific Formulas
Genetic testing kits for dogs have gone mainstream, and manufacturers are responding with recipes calibrated for herding breeds, brachycephalic breeds, and even mixed-breed metabolic profiles.
Core Nutritional Philosophy for Holistic Canine Diets
Species-Appropriate Macronutrient Ratios
Despite the popularity of high-protein trends, holistic nutritionists still reference the ancestral whole-prey model: 56 % protein, 25–30 % fat, and the remainder from low-glycemic carbs and fermentable fibers.
The Micronutrient Symphony
Zinc, manganese, and magnesium must dance together. Discover why over-fortifying one can create a cascade of deficiencies in others.
Moisture Density & Digestive Enzymes
Kibble loyalists often overlook hydration. We’ll explore how air-dried and gently cooked options preserve intrinsic enzymes that reduce pancreatic stress.
Decoding Label Language: What “Natural” Really Means
AAFCO 2025 Updates on “Human-Grade” Claims
The fine print changed in March—find out why “human-grade” no longer guarantees identical supply-chain auditing.
Synthetic Vitamin Loopholes
“Natural with added vitamins” can still include lab-synthesized tocopherols. We’ll show you the one suffix that outs them every time.
Rendering vs. Dehydrating Proteins
A single verb on an ingredient panel can indicate whether your “natural chicken” was heat-treated at 280 °F or air-dried at 120 °F—huge implications for amino-acin integrity.
Protein Sources: Quality Over Quantity
Muscle Meat vs. Organ Ratios
Holistic formulators mimic whole-prey consumption. Discover why heart, spleen, and green tripe should appear before generic “meat meal.”
Rotational Proteins for Immune Resilience
Feeding the same novel protein for years can backfire. Learn safe rotation schedules that minimize inflammatory markers.
Ethical Harvesting & Traceability
Blockchain-enabled lot numbers now let you scan a bag and view the ranch, feed type, and even the abattoir audit date.
Carbohydrates: Necessary Evil or Functional Fuel?
Grain-Inclusive Renaissance
Oats, millet, and quinoa are staging a comeback thanks to new research on microbiome diversity. Find out how to gauge gluten load for sensitive dogs.
Low-Glycemic Legumes
Chickpeas aren’t created equal. We’ll compare desi vs. kabuli varieties and their respective starch gelatinization points.
Resistant Starches for Gut Health
Cooked-then-cooled sweet potato can triple its resistant starch content, feeding beneficial colonic bacteria without spiking blood glucose.
Healthy Fats & the Omega-3-to-6 Balance
Marine vs. Plant-Based Omega-3s
Algal DHA is now price-competitive with fish oil, minus the ocean contaminants. Understand conversion rates and why EPA still matters for joints.
Stability Testing & Oxidation Markers
“Best by” dates are guesses unless the brand publishes peroxide values. We’ll teach you how to request a COA (Certificate of Analysis) and interpret it.
Grass-Fed Tallow & CLA Benefits
When sourced ethically, tallow provides conjugated linoleic acid that may support lean muscle mass—plus it’s a sustainable palatant for picky eaters.
Superfoods, Adaptogens & Functional Herbs
Turmeric Curcuminoids & Bioavailability
Piperine isn’t the only absorption booster; new nano-emulsification techniques increase serum levels four-fold without black pepper irritants.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Beta-Glucan Powerhouses
From reishi to turkey tail, each strain offers unique polysaccharides. We’ll map which correlate with improved NK-cell activity in peer-reviewed trials.
Prebiotic Botanicals
Chicory root is old news. Meet burdock, yacon, and larch arabinogalactan—prebiotics that also chelate heavy metals.
Avoiding Common Allergens & Sensitizers
Delayed-Onset Food Intolerances
Unlike true allergies, intolerances can surface 72 hours post ingestion. Learn elimination-diet protocols that don’t starve vital gut flora.
Histamine Liberators
Spinach, tomato, and krill can spike histamine in sensitive dogs. Discover low-histamine alternatives that still deliver phytonutrients.
Cross-Contamination in “Top-14 Free” Facilities
Even dedicated lines can share pneumatic air systems. We’ll show you what questions to ask plant managers.
Sustainable Packaging & Supply Chain Ethics
Compostable vs. Recyclable vs. Biodegradable
PLA-lined kibble bags degrade only in industrial composters—rarely found curbside. We’ll compare lifecycle analyses.
Carbon-Neutral Manufacturing
Scope 3 emissions now include customer commutes. Learn which brands incentivize bulk buying to cut car trips.
Upcycled Ingredients
Okara, spent grain, and imperfect produce reduce landfill waste while adding fiber. Find out how to verify nutritional adequacy.
Price-Per-Nutrient Calculations: Getting True Value
Dry-Matter Math
A $90 bag at 5 % moisture can be cheaper per gram of protein than a $60 bag at 12 % moisture. We’ll walk you through the formula.
Cost of Supplementation
Sometimes a lower-priced base diet plus targeted toppers beats an all-in-one premium. We’ll model scenarios for joint, skin, and cognitive support.
Subscription Services & Price Volatility
Ingredient spot markets spike after climate events. Learn how forward-contract subscriptions lock prices without locking you into stale stock.
Transitioning Safely: Week-by-Week Protocols
Microbiome Acclimation Windows
Sudden swaps can drop fecal butyrate by 30 %. Discover the 10-day gradient that keeps stool scores perfect.
Enzyme Supplements During Switch
Should you add powdered porcine pancreas or fungal bromelain? We’ll compare efficacy and ethical considerations.
Monitoring Biomarkers at Home
From litter-matched urine strips to at-home CRP kits, track inflammation without vet visits—plus when to escalate professionally.
Vet & Nutritionist red Flags to Watch For
When “Feed Trials” Last 6 Weeks
AAFCO feeding trials can still pass with subclinical deficiencies. We’ll explain why cardiac DCM cases often surface at month 8.
Influencer Endorsements Without DACVN Credentials
A million followers doesn’t equal board certification. Learn the three questions that expose arm-chair experts.
Boutique, Exotic, Grain-Free Hysteria
Post-2018 DCM headlines still spook owners. We’ll review the latest peer-reviewed data separating causation from correlation.
Customizing for Life Stages, Breeds & Activity Levels
Large-Breed Puppy Calcium Ceiling
Too much calcium is worse than too little for mastiffs and shepherds. Discover the 0.8 % dry-matter threshold and how to stay under it.
Senior Dogs: Protein Paradox
Kidney values may rise on low protein, but muscle wasting kills more seniors. We’ll explore phosphorus-reduced yet protein-rich formulations.
Working Dogs: Fat Adaptation Strategies
Sled dogs burn free fatty acids at 2.5× the rate of family pets. Learn MCT timing protocols that prevent gastric distress mid-run.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is “only natural” dog food automatically grain-free?
No—many holistic formulas now include ancient grains for microbiome benefits; always read the full ingredient panel. -
How long should I wait before judging a new recipe’s impact on my dog’s coat?
Allow at least 6–8 weeks; hair follicles need two full growth cycles to reflect dietary omega changes. -
Are air-dried foods safer than raw yet healthier than kibble?
Generally yes, if the brand validates water activity below 0.65 and employs high-pressure processing for pathogen reduction. -
Can I rotate proteins within the same brand line without a transition period?
If the base formula and fiber sources are identical, a 3-day 50/50 mix is usually safe—monitor stool quality. -
What’s the most overlooked micronutrient in homemade “natural” diets?
Manganese; deficiencies manifest as torn cruciate ligaments. Add blue mussels or certified supplement blends. -
Do plant-based omega-3 sources meet EPA needs for joint health?
Algal oil provides DHA but little EPA; combine with green-lipped mussel or small amounts of anchovy oil for full-spectrum support. -
Is compostable packaging worth the extra cost?
Only if you have access to industrial composting; otherwise, choose recyclable #4 LDPE bags that store drop-off programs accept. -
How can I verify a brand’s carbon-neutral claim?
Download its third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD); scope 1–3 emissions should sum to zero with retirement certificates. -
My dog has yeast issues—should I avoid all starches?
Focus on lowering overall glycemic load rather than zero starch; incorporate resistant-starches like cooled millet to feed beneficial bacteria. -
Can I trust feeding trials conducted by the manufacturer?
Look for peer-reviewed publication in journals such as Journal of Animal Science and transparency of raw data—absence of both is a red flag.