When you think of the best holistic dog foods, most people often assume that these types of foods are expensive.
While that can be true in some cases, there are plenty of healthy holistic dog foods that you can find to fit within your budget. Throughout this list, you will discover 10 of the best holistic dog food brands on the market today. Each food has undergone quality inspection and all of the ingredients have been thoroughly examined prior to being added to this list. This list of holistic dog foods are the best of the best, at least by PetFoodio’s standards.
Our Top Picks : Best Holistic Dog Foods
CRAVE
Crave Dog Food is gaining recognition in the holistic pet food market for its high-protein recipes that closely align with the ancestral diets of dogs.
With an emphasis on quality animal proteins as the primary ingredient, Crave’s formulas cater to a dog’s natural preference for meat. This brand stands out as a great holistic option due to its avoidance of artificial additives, by-product meals, soy, corn, and wheat, which can be common allergens for pets.
By focusing on the natural dietary needs of dogs, Crave Dog Food supports lean bodies, healthy energy levels, and overall wellness. Furthermore, the inclusion of a variety of proteins such as beef, chicken, lamb, and salmon not only satisfies the canine palate but also provides a range of amino acids that are essential for a dog’s health, making Crave a strong contender in the holistic dog food category.
Acana
This award-winning pet food is designed to benefit your dog in two ways: with a meat and protein enriched diet and using sustainable ingredients by local suppliers. The Acana line of dog food is made with ingredients that are fit for human consumption, low in carbohydrates, comprised of 40% to 65% protein and contains natural and unprocessed ingredients compared to other dog food brands.
While this food may be a bit on the pricey side, considering you feed less than most brands on the market, you end up saving money in the long run. It is a high-quality kibble perfect for pet parents looking for a diet that is grain free. It is perfect for dogs with food sensitives or allergies, making it perfect for dogs of all ages.
Acana is a solid brand of dog food, made with high quality protein sources, beneficial Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and healthy fiber sources, making this a brand of food that will do nothing but benefit your dog for many years to come. With rave reviews from various pet parents, this is a line of food that has shown time and time again, that it pleases dogs and their owners alike.
Wellness Core
Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food
Pros
- High-quality proteins
- Grain-free recipes ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Probiotics and prebiotics to aid in digestive health.
- No artificial additives added
- Variety of formulas to cater to different life stages, sizes, and specific health needs.
Cons
- High cost
- Some pets might find the food too rich, which could potentially lead to digestive upset
- Has had recalls in the past
When people think of grain-free dog friendly diets, this is perhaps one of the most popular brands people think of. Wellness Core is mostly known for its high protein content, perfect for young dogs or highly active dogs. Wellness Core is an all-natural pet food that is 100% grain free and made with hearty animal proteins such as chicken liver and deboned turkey. Made with high quality protein sources to help build lean muscle and packed with plenty of fiber and probiotics to promote optimal digestive health, this is a line of holistic dog food that is incredibly beneficial.
Wellness Core prides itself on being made up of up high levels of protein sources. Each bag of Wellness Core features ingredients that are 100% grain free, being packed with omega fatty acids, loaded with fiber and probiotics and containing glucosamine and chondroitin, each bite is loaded with the nutrition your dog needs for a long and healthy life.
However, because of the high levels of protein and quality ingredients used, Wellness Core has a high price tag compared to other holistic dog food brands.
Blue Buffalo Freedom
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free
Pros
- Grain-free formulas available
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- LifeSource bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- No by-product meals used
- Variety of recipes available
Cons
- High cost
- Some formulas may be higher in calories
- Some recipes may contain other ingredients that can cause sensitivities in certain dogs
- Has had recalls in the past
If there is one thing Blue Buffalo does well, it is come up with formulas that dogs with all sorts of ailments will be able to eat without any issues. Blue Buffalo Freedom is a food without any of those pesky grains that dogs seems to have an issue with. Blue Buffalo Freedom is made without any grain or gluten sources which have a tendency to trigger allergic reactions in dogs. As with any product from Blue Buffalo, Blue Buffalo Freedom is made with only all-natural ingredients that are designed to feed your dog\’s inner wild side.
Each bag of Blue Buffalo Freedom dog food is packed full of delicious and protein rich protein sources such as deboned chicken, deboned beef or ranch raised lamb. You will never find by-product meal, corn, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives or wheat. Each formula contains life-source bits, small bunches of antioxidant rich pieces unique to Blue Buffalo formulas. These bits are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and a blend of antioxidants that can help support immune system health and maintain a healthy oxidative balance.
While a bit expensive than most holistic dog food brands on the market, this is a formula that you can feed your dog to as close to an all-natural diet they would encounter in the wild.
Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Recipe
Pros
- Quality ingredients used
- Grain-free formulas available
- Species-specific probiotics
- Unique protein sources used
Cons
- Has experienced recalls in the past
- Cost can be higher than some other dog food brands
- Strong odor
- Some dogs might experience digestive upset
This is one brand of dog food, I cannot speak any more highly of. After feeding it to my own dogs for many years, I can tell you from experience how beneficial it can be for your own dogs. This Taste of the Wild dog food is made with a select group of vegetables, fruits and high-quality protein sources that dogs would naturally enjoy in the wild. Best of all, this brand of dog food is grain free and provides dogs with digestible energy, food packed with natural antioxidants and a flavor that every dog loves.
This food is made from high quality protein sources and fiber rich carbs, which can provide dogs with energy that lasts and will keep your dog full throughout the entire day. This food is also packed with natural probiotics that can be found naturally within your dog’s own body, making it one of the few foods on the market that actually support a healthy digestive tract.
There are a few mixed reviews regarding this line of food, from pet parents whose dogs’ stomachs were sensitive to this food, while other pet parents rave about it. Regardless, this is the perfect brand of food to feed your dog if you are looking for something grain-free, packed full of high quality protein sources and is relatively affordable.
Orijen
This is an award-winning brand of dog food that pet parents around the country rave about! Orijen dog food that makes high quality and grain free food formulas that are all packed with various sources of protein, making it one of the few foods on the market that are made just as nature intended. Comprised of 80% protein, eggs and up to 15% fruits and vegetables, this is the perfect brand of food for those looking for a grain-free alternative.
In my professional and honest opinion, this is perhaps one of the best foods on the market today. Made using the highest quality protein and organ meats, important nutrients and free of any preservatives, this is a food for pet parents who are looking for the absolute best for their dogs. While it may be on the pricey side, considering you feed your dog less of this food, it makes it more sustainable in the long run.
Instinct Raw
Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Pros
- High-quality ingredients used
- Grain-free recipes available
- Raw coated nibble, which can enhance flavor and nutritional value
- Variety of formulas available
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Not suitable for all dogs
- Quality control issues
- Some dogs might not enjoy the taste or texture of the food
This is a perfect brand of dog food for pet parents who are looking to give their dogs a variety of flavors to enjoy. The Instinct line of dog food prides itself on variety and the ability to feed your dog with an ancestral diet that would be found naturally in the wild. This brand of dog food is made with 70% real animal ingredients and made up of 30% natural vegetables and fruit ingredients. Best of all this food is made without any grain ingredients, corn, by-product meals or artificial preservatives.
Made from a company that believes in raw food for pets, each diet is made with the highest quality protein such as cage free chicken, beef or rabbit. On top of that, each piece of kibble from this food is made alongside freeze dried raw food from Instinct, boosting the flavor of each formula into a diet even the pickiest of eaters will gobble up.
This is a food that is completely balanced for all life stages, so dogs of all ages, ranging from puppy to senior can enjoy a variety of high quality flavors to enjoy a nutrient rich and digestible meal every night with a variety every dog naturally craves.
Merrick
Merrick Premium Adult Dry Dog Food
Pros
- Uses locally sourced, real whole foods
- Variety of recipes available
- Manufactured in the USA
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors used
Cons
- Comes with a higher price tag compared to some other brands.
- Caloric density
- Some might experience digestive upset or allergies
- Recent acquisition concerns
Merrick is one of the brands of dog food that is synonymous with quality. Merrick works tirelessly to create dog food formulas that help dogs to thrive on an all-natural diet, made with a balance of nutrients that will help fuel dogs with the energy they need. Each of their recipes use ingredients that are locally sourced from neighboring farms, with each of their recipes crafted in five star kitchens and manufacturing facilities that follow strict FDA guidelines.
Each of Merrick’s grain free recipes are made without grains or gluten sources which can cause food sensitivities in dogs. Most of their formulas feature 70% of meat and fish protein sources that can help contribute to a lean and healthy muscle mass. These formulas also feature the use of glucosamine which can help support joint health. With the use of 30% fresh produce from various fruit and vegetable sources and digestible carbohydrates that can help sustain energy without upsetting a dogs sensitive system in the process.
Stella and Chewy’s Wild Red
Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Dog Food is renowned for its holistic approach to canine nutrition, emphasizing high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients to support the overall health and well-being of dogs. This brand stands out due to its inclusion of a variety of novel proteins, organic fruits, and vegetables, catering to a dog’s natural dietary needs with nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods. The recipes are crafted to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, offering a blend of raw, kibble, and baked components that provide comprehensive nutrition and enhanced flavor.
Additionally, Stella & Chewy’s commitment to excluding grains, gluten, and artificial additives resonates with pet owners seeking a pure, whole-food-based diet for their pets.
By focusing on nutrient density, ingredient integrity, and manufacturing quality, Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Dog Food is a top choice for those prioritizing holistic pet nutrition, aiming to support everything from digestive health to skin and coat vitality.
The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Dry Dog
Pros
- Human-grade ingredients used
- Whole food recipes
- Transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes
- A range of formulas to cater to different dietary needs
Cons
- Tend to be more expensive than many conventional dog foods
- Preparation time
- Some dogs may not immediately take to the texture or flavor of dehydrated food
- Short shelf life
If there is one thing that The Honest Kitchen is known for, it is how honest it is with its signature recipes. Starting out of the company owners kitchen, The Honest Kitchen line of dog food has always been about feeding dogs the highest quality diets possible. Each formula is made with ingredients that every pet owner will recognize such as free range chicken, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, honey and apples. With The Honest Kitchen, less is always more, but never in terms of nutrition.
This is perhaps the most expensive of holistic dog foods you have found on this list. However, as expensive as the food may be, considering that all of the food is dehydrated, it can last you for weeks, making the price justified.
Hopefully by the end of this list, you have found plenty of healthy and holistic dog food brands to feed your pups. Each of these foods will range in price, but in my honest opinion, most of the time these quality of the food justifies the price you will have to pay in the end.
Still unsure of what food is best for your dog? Check out our comprehensive list of dog food reviews here to find the best brand of food for your dog and your wallet.