Let’s face it – Britain is a nation of dog lovers. From doggy day spas to designer canine coats, more and more people are investing in luxury products to spoil their four-legged friends. But how often do we go back to the basics of pet care? Every dog deserves to be happy and well-fed, and with more food options than ever, we’re here to help you understand the pros and cons of natural dog food. Read our guide if you want to move your dog onto a natural diet and learn everything you need to know.
You may have seen the term “natural” being added to an ever-growing food list for humans and dogs, but what does it actually mean? In short, natural dog food refers to food that contains ingredients in their purest form and is subjected to only minimal processing to make them suitable for pet food.
In the UK, interest in natural dog food has grown significantly, driven mainly by a greater awareness of pet health and nutrition. In the same way that many people are embracing healthier food options, owners prioritise health-focused products such as organic, grain-free, and high-protein diets for their dogs. A high meat content and natural ingredients are the top two things owners look for when choosing a dog food, according to a recent survey*. As the demand for specialised pet nutrition increases, manufacturers are responding with tailored dog food that is nutritionally specific to breed types, health conditions, and age.
In this guide, we will examine the benefits of natural dog food, provide a step-by-step guide to transitioning to a natural diet, and offer tips for navigating potential challenges.
What Makes Dog Food “Natural”?
“Natural” dog food consists of ingredients that are not produced by or subjected to chemically synthetic processes and do not contain synthetic additives. Natural dog foods avoid artificial preservatives, flavours, and colours, focusing instead on whole food ingredients processed through cooking or fermentation but not chemically altered. Vitamins and minerals necessary to provide essential nutritional value may be added. These are ideally naturally sourced, but synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted with a clear disclaimer added to labels.
Ingredient transparency is key when it comes to natural dog food. Owners want to know what their dogs are eating from a clear list of ingredients (ideally, the fewer, the better) and a transparent explanation of any additives like vitamins. The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) has strict guidelines for manufacturers to meet when labelling natural dog food. These include not only ingredients but also processing methods and nutrient additions. According to the FEDIAF, dog food can only be marketed as “natural” if its ingredients are exclusively derived from plants, animals, microorganisms or minerals – essentially, anything sourced from the natural world. Ingredients cannot be altered by artificial substances and should be subjected to only minimal physical processing that makes them suitable for pet food. Acceptable chemical-free processing includes things such as freezing, drying and smoking.
Manufacturers must also adhere to the FEDAIF’s definition of what constitutes nutritionally adequate food for dogs. Like humans, dogs need a certain amount of essential nutrients to be healthy, and food cannot be labelled “complete and balanced” unless these benchmarks are met. To be marketed as a natural dog food, a product must be nutritionally balanced and free from artificial additives.
Benefits of a Natural Diet for Dogs
Many artificial additives are commonly found in dog foods to prolong shelf life, some of which pose potential health risks to pets. Artificial colours are also frequently used to make dog food look more appealing to owners because let’s face it, does your dog care what colour its food is? As in humans, artificial colours can be linked to behavioural issues and potential cancer risk. In the same vein, added sugar like corn syrup can lead to diabetes, obesity and dental issues. Opting for a natural dog food ensures these additives are reassuringly absent.
When we remove the “nasties” from our diet and increase our consumption of natural wholefoods, there can only be health benefits, and the same is true for our dogs. One of the main reasons owners are initially drawn to a natural dog food is to support their pet’s digestion. Highly processed foods are hard on the digestive system and can lead to issues including bloating or diarrhoea. On the other hand, whole grains, vegetables and quality protein sources encourage regular bowel movements and maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Many artificial additives and preservatives trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in dogs, including skin, stomach, and even ear infections. Common allergens also include soy and wheat, and allergic reactions can be minimised by opting for natural food that avoids these.
Many artificial additives and preservatives trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in dogs, including skin, stomach, and even ear infections. Common allergens also include soy and wheat, and allergic reactions can be minimised by opting for natural food that avoids these.
Natural dog food isn’t just a short-term investment - feeding your dog a well-balanced natural diet supports their long-term health. Foods containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants help to strengthen their immune system, reduce inflammation and hopefully reduce the risk of serious illnesses later down the line, including chronic health problems like heart disease and cancer.
“A lot of dog owners will wonder what natural dog food is, if it’s safe or if it’s even sustainable”, says Animed vet Jess Simmonds. “The reality is that most owners aren’t going to feed their dog raw meat for every meal, either because it’s not financially viable or they have limited accessibility to quality food, so I always recommend looking at all the forms natural dog food can take. This can include everyday vegetables, unprocessed plant and animal proteins, aka chicken, fish, lamb or duck and whole grains. Dogs whose owners have switched them to a diet containing natural foods may have more balanced energy levels, improved body condition, better digestion and even glossier coats!”
Natural Food Formats Explained
If your dog turns their nose up at big-brand dry food, rejects supermarket wet food or shies away from supplements, you may wonder if there’s a natural option for them. The truth is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when tailoring dogs’ diets, but it should be a relief to know that natural dog food comes in various forms to suit your dog’s needs, preferences, and health profile. Here we’ll briefly overview the most common and what makes them unique.
Freeze-dried foods are produced by first freezing and then slowly reheating the ingredients. This minimises any damage to the nutrients and, therefore, makes it one of the most natural forms of dry dog food. Some freeze-dried foods require water to be added to them when feeding, but not all. In short, freeze-dried food locks in the goodness of raw food but makes it highly convenient.
Cold-pressed foods are growing in popularity due to the minimal physical processing involved in their production. Cold-pressed natural food has had very little done to it apart from gently pressing together the ingredients at a low temperature to lock in the natural flavours and nutrients.
Wet dog food vs Dry dog food – is one better than the other? The quick answer is that both have pros and cons, and it much depends on your dog’s needs. Wet food, as the name suggests, contains more water - between 60% and 84% compared to just 3% to 12% in dry food. This can be helpful for dogs who tend to not drink enough. Wet food is also often a good choice for young puppies or senior dogs as it is gentle on the digestive system and easier to chew. It is often the food of choice for fussy eaters! On the downside, it doesn’t last as long as dry food and is often more expensive. Dry dog food is often chosen for its convenience and long shelf life, but is also more calorie-dense. This means your dog consumes more calories in a smaller quantity than the amount of wet food required to reach the same calorie intake. Dry food can also help keep your dog’s teeth clean as they crunch away.
Raw feeding has become a hot topic in recent years, with many owners switching their dogs onto the diet. However, it comes with its critics too, who question the nutritional balance of a raw food diet. Many pre-prepared raw dog foods do not contain added vitamins or minerals. While it’s true that raw meat and fish contain natural levels of essential nutrients, it’s hard to quantify the right amount for your dog. There is also growing concern about potentially harmful bacteria in undercooked meat. While it may seem that a raw diet is closer to what nature intended, there is no significant scientific evidence to say it is superior to traditional dog food.
“Taking the natural approach and moving to a raw diet can be a healthy and effective way to keep dogs satisfied but only if it’s done correctly”, says Jess. “Unfortunately, unlike with pre-prepared food, owners don’t have the benefit of knowing for certain what a meal contains. A raw diet requires balance and planning to keep dogs healthy; for dogs with certain illnesses or health requirements, it may not be recommended. Having said that, as long as you maintain a suitable balance between the major whole foods and consult your veterinarian before making the switch and regularly throughout, it may be a viable option for your pet”.
Natural Diets for Different Needs
As previously noted, there have never been more options available on the dog market to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs. Here, we look at a few nutritionally specific foods and their benefits.
Hypoallergenic foods typically contain fewer ingredients and are free from the most common allergens that trigger reactions in your dog. These include grains like wheat or barley, milk and soy. A hypoallergenic diet is suitable for dogs prone to digestive or skin sensitivity caused by an intolerance to one or more allergens in their food. Many owners replace grains with carbohydrate and fibre sources that are easier on the digestive tract.
Grain free food excludes all grains, making it ideal for dogs who commonly experience sensitivities, particularly to wheat and barley.
There is a difference between allergies and intolerances, so it is important to speak to your vet if you find your dog reacting to many different foods. You may need to follow an exclusion diet in collaboration with your vet to try to pinpoint the problem ingredients.
80/20 dog food contains 80% animal protein combined with 20% fruits, vegetables and botanicals. These foods are always free from grains. The 80/20 dog food diet is growing in popularity as many owners believe it is closer to a dog’s natural diet in the wild. It removes the potential complications from a raw diet but packs high-quality nutrients in a convenient dry food formula. 80/20 is more suited to an adult diet rather than for young puppies.
How to Transition to a Natural Dog Food Diet
“Transitioning from conventional dog food to a natural diet can be overwhelming for owners given the number of options out there, and it’s common to encounter some challenges when you’re just starting out”, continues Jess. “Introducing too many new and different foods at once and/or introducing them too quickly can be a common challenge, as this doesn’t give your dog’s digestive system enough time to adjust to changes. Speak to your vet about introducing new foods and transitioning your dog’s diet.
Unfortunately, it’s also easy to go the other way and not have enough variety. Dog owners should be trying to recreate the balanced nutrition found in regular dog food, which might mean experimenting with different brands, types of meat and even forms of proteins to find the food that works for your dog and provides sustainable nutrition. Always consult with your vet to ensure you are offering a complete and balanced diet that meets your pet's needs”.
Vet-Approved Natural Brands
Brands such as Edgard & Cooper, Barking Heads, Harringtons and Forthglade offer a range of natural meals for your dog. For dog owners wanting to feed their dog natural food, we provide a great selection of products including grain-free diets, hypoallergenic options, and a variety of irresistible flavours that’ll leave your pup wanting more.
Developed by nutritionists and vets, Butcher’s dog food is made of natural ingredients, without artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. Their dog food is 100% nutritionally balanced and comes in ranges to suit different ages and health needs, including sensitive stomachs, joint and heart health, grain-free and low-fat diets.
Conclusion & Resources
Dog owners across the nation are making the switch to raw and natural diets in search of a healthier meal routine for their four-legged friends, but there are still a lot of factors you may want to consider before trying it yourself. If you’re curious about moving to a natural diet but don’t have the time or resources to build your own raw dog food from scratch, you can always leave it to the experts and try preprepared natural dog food as an alternative. Whether your dog has specific dietary needs or you want to improve their overall nutrition, shop our full range of natural dog food or talk to a vet about your dog’s nutritional requirements.
