The Best List of Natural Dog Foods

Dog lovers have become increasingly concerned with providing a natural diet for their canine companions. It is a misconception that dogs are carnivores and prefer meat above other food groups. According to Texas A&M University, canines are omnivorous (eat plants and animals) and eat meat when the opportunity presents itself or when no other food source is available. When choosing the best natural dog food for your canine, look for dog foods that contain both natural meats and vegetables.

  1. AvoDerm Natural

    • AvoDerm Natural dog food promotes a healthy skin and coat in dogs.

      The AvoDerm Natural line of dog foods is best for dogs with skin and coat disorders. The use of avocado in the food is good for the health of a dog's skin and coat, because the fruit is high in vitamins A, C and E as well as essential fatty acids. Reports about avocado being toxic for dogs have circulated the Internet; however, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that avocados cause only gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. In addition, some consumer reviews advise that dogs that eat avocados pass gas more frequently. AvoDerm Natural dog foods come in different varieties, such as chicken, lamb and vegetarian, that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. AvoDerm Natural dog food is available online and at national pet food stores such as PetSmart, Petco and Animal World Network.

    Grandma Lucy's

    • Grandma Lucy's Artisan dog foods contain USDA grade meats.

      Grandma Lucy's Artisan dog food varieties use U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grade lamb, venison (deer), chicken, pork or bison. This natural dog food is one of the best because it also mixes fruits and vegetables with meat to provide a nutritionally balanced dog food. To comply with the standards set by the AAFCO, Grandma Lucy's Artisan dog foods incorporate the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals in each variety of food. Grandma Lucy's Artisan dog foods can be purchased directly from the company's Web site or at national pet food retailers such as Petco and PetSmart.

    Artemis Maximal Dog

    • Artemis Maximal meets AAFCO nutritional standards to provide your dog a balanced diet.

      Artemis Maximal Dog is a grainless natural dog food that contains a good amount of meat and quality ingredients, according to Dog Food Analysis.com. The other quality ingredients in Artemis Maximal include dry skim milk, various vegetables, probiotics (considered good bacteria that aid in digestion), vitamins and minerals. All ingredients in Artemis Maximal Dog meet AAFCO standards. Unlike AvoDerm and Granny Lucy's, Artemis Maximal is not sold at major pet food stores but it is sold online at sites such as Animal World Network and Adam's Horse and Pet Supply.