Best Organic Dog Foods
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Not all dog foods are created equal. In fact, some dog foods offer much higher-quality nutrition than others, so you need to be careful when shopping around.
Keep reading to learn more about your dog’s basic dietary needs and to receive some tips for picking the best dog food to meet those needs. You’ll also receive our top six picks for the best organic and natural dog food.
At a Glance: Best Organic (Natural) Dog Foods
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below, where we have highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Organic Dog Foods
OVERALL BEST
1. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food |
BEST FOR PUPPIES
3. Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Grains Organic Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR SENIORS
4. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Senior Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
5. Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food |
BEST WET FOOD
6. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Turkey, Carrot & Potato Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food |
|
Protein
24.5% Min |
Protein
21% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
38% Min |
Protein
7.5% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
13% Min |
Fat
38% Min |
Fat
6% Min |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Calories
485 kcal/cup |
Calories
397 kcal/cup |
Calories
408 kcal/cup |
Calories
377 kcal/cup |
Calories
60 kcal/patty |
Calories
kcal/12.7 oz can |
The Top 6 Best Organic Dog Foods
Finding an organic dog food is fairly easy because it will say “organic” right on the label. Keep in mind that there are specific requirements to use this term, so check the label for the important information discussed above to make sure the claim is accurate.
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 24.5% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 485 kcal/cup
- Made with organic whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Dehydrated not cooked to preserve nutritional integrity
- Chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
- Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs may be sensitive
- Very expensive to feed as a staple diet
Newman’s Own Adult Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 21% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 397 kcal/cup
- Affordable in comparison to other organic brands
- Made with organic grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Rich in animal protein and healthy fats
- Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs may be sensitive
- Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Grains Organic Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 408 kcal/cup
- Made with organic free-range chicken as first ingredient
- Supplemented with superfoods for a boost of nutrition
- Grain-free and highly digestible recipe
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Main source of fat is a plant-based fat
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Senior Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 377 kcal/cup
- Formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of senior dogs
- Organic, free-range chicken as the first ingredient
- Grain-free recipe made with organic fruits and vegetables
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Contains some plant proteins and fats
Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 38% Min
- Fat: 38% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 60 kcal/patty
- Dehydrated to preserve nutritional integrity
- Made with novel protein sources to prevent allergies
- Grain-free fruits and veggies for carbohydrates and nutrients
- Very expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Some dogs dislike the freeze-dried texture
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Turkey, Carrot & Potato Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 7.5% Min
- Fat: 6% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Calories: kcal/12.7 oz can
- Made with organic whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Cooked to preserve nutritional integrity
- Chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
- Expensive to feed as a staple diet
What is Organic Dog Food?
The term organic is closely regulated by the FDA, but “natural” is not. In order to be certified organic, a dog food must be made with organic ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and preservatives.
Organic dog food is all-natural by definition, but not all natural dog food is organic.
Here are some of the top things to look for in organic dog food:
- Organic Ingredients. If a product is labeled organic, you should see organic ingredients on the list. A “100% organic” product is made with all-organic ingredients, while a product made with at least 95% organic ingredients is simply labeled “organic.”
- Quality Protein. Protein is the most important nutrient for any dog and the foundation of quality organic dog food. Look for animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish.
- Digestible Carbohydrates. Not all organic dog foods are grain-free, but they certainly exist. Look for whole-grain carbohydrates or grain-free options like beans, legumes, peas, and vegetables.
- Supplements. Because the nutritional quality of organic ingredients is very high, organic dog food often doesn’t come with a long list of synthetic vitamins and minerals. Even so, you should look for beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best organic dog food. Here’s what you need to know:
How Do You Choose the Best Organic Dog Food?
Animal proteins are complete proteins, which means that they contain all 10 essential amino acids that your dog needs. Animal fats are also easier for your dog’s body to metabolize than plant-based fats.
In addition to high-quality protein and fats, your dog needs healthy carbohydrates as well. Organic whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and cracked pearled barley are all good options.
If your dog is allergic or sensitive to grains, however, you might try organic vegetables like peas and sweet potatoes or beans and legumes. Make sure your dog gets at least 3% dietary fiber, but no more than 5%.
To ensure that your dog’s nutritional needs are met, most organic dog foods will contain beneficial supplements like vitamins and minerals. Chelated minerals are the best because they have been chemically bound to protein molecules to increase absorption. Probiotics are also a benefit.
Keep reading to see our top 6 recommendations for the best organic dog food.
How Much Should You Feed your Dog?
The amount you feed your dog depends on its age, weight, and breed. Large-breed dogs eat more food than smaller dogs, but small dogs require more calorie-dense food to support their fast metabolism.
The best thing to do is choose an organic dog food formulated for your dog’s breed size. From there, check the feeding instructions on the label according to your dog’s age and weight. This will tell you how much to feed your dog each day, and you can divide it into two or three meals. Feed large dogs two meals a day and small dogs or puppies three meals a day.
What About Food Allergies and Sensitivities?
Any dog can develop a food allergy or sensitivity, though some breeds are more highly prone than others. Low-quality grains and fillers like corn, wheat, and soy are some of the most common food allergens, as are proteins like beef and pork. Sensitivities can also be triggered by artificial additives.
Fortunately, organic dog food is usually free from artificial additives, but you still need to look out for potential allergens. If your dog has allergies, try a limited-ingredient or grain-free organic dog food.
Final Thoughts
If you can afford to feed your dog organic dog food, by all means, go for it! Though you still need to shop smart, you can rest easy knowing that the quality of most organic dog foods is very high. You also need to keep your dog’s individual preferences in mind. To make sure your dog gets the best organic dog food you can find, try one of the products we’ve reviewed above. Best of luck!