Natural Dog Food Brands 2025: Vet Approved Alternatives to Kibble 🥗
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Natural Dog Food Brands 2025: Vet Approved Alternatives to Kibble🥗
By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc
🔍 Why Avoid Kibble?
You’re right to skip kibble. Dry food is highly processed—heated under pressure—which degrades nutrients. It also contains fillers (corn, soy) linked to obesity and diabetes, and lacks moisture crucial for hydration—leading to kidney strain and poor digestion. Plus, preservatives, mycotoxins, and storage mites can harm health.
🌿 What Counts as “Natural” Dog Food?
A true natural diet uses minimally processed ingredients—lean meats, veggies, no artificial additives—and avoids high-heat extrusion. These come as:
- Fresh refrigerated rolls or trays (e.g., Freshpet)
- Dehydrated mixes (e.g., The Honest Kitchen)
- Fresh pre‑cooked meals (The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom)
- Freeze-dried/raw diets (Viva Raw, Open Farm)
Wet and fresh foods retain moisture, textures, and nutrients—making them more natural than dry kibble.
🍽️ Top Natural Brand Picks
1. Fresh/Fresh‑Refrigerated: Freshpet
Freshpet pioneered refrigerated pet meals—no preservatives, no extrusion, just gently cooked meat and veg. Vets often recommend it for hydration and palatability. Great for dogs transitioning from kibble.
2. Dehydrated Meals: The Honest Kitchen
Dehydrated, minimally processed human-grade ingredients, no GMOs or artificial flavors. Popular among dog owners for its digestibility and easy storage.
3. Fresh, Vet‑Formulated Meals: The Farmer’s Dog & Nom Nom
Balanced, fresh-cooked meals delivered to your door, designed by veterinary nutritionists. High in moisture and flavor, ideal for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs.
4. Freeze‑Dried & Raw: Open Farm, Viva Raw
Sustainable, high‑quality meat sources, including wild-caught and organic produce. Freeze-dried/raw retains materials while being shelf-stable—nutritious without cooking.
5. Natural Kibble Alternatives: Wellness Core, Orijen
These dry foods use natural ingredients with higher quality and fewer additives—but still processed. Ideal as emergency backups, but not first choice.
📊 Comparison Table
| Type | Brands | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh (refrigerated) | Freshpet | High moisture, no extruded processing | Refrigeration needed, shorter shelf life |
| Dehydrated | The Honest Kitchen | Human‑grade, shelf stable | Prep required, more expensive |
| Fresh meals | The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom | Vet‑formulated, tasty, high moisture | Subscription cost, fridge/freezer space |
| Freeze‑dried/raw | Open Farm, Viva Raw | Minimal processing, nutrient-dense | Prep required, careful handling for raw |
| Premium natural kibble | Orijen, Wellness Core | Convenient, dry shelf stable | Processed, lower moisture |
✅ Transitioning Away from Kibble
- Introduce new food gradually over 1–2 weeks with 10–25% increments.
- Hydration helps—add water or broth to fresh meals.
- Monitor stool, appetite, energy, and coat.
- Rotate protein sources to avoid allergies.
- Consult your vet on nutrient balance, especially with raw/diy diets.
🧸 How Ask A Vet
- 🩺 **Ask A Vet:** Personalized diet reviews, nutrient analysis, safe transition plans.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Natural dog foods—fresh, dehydrated, or minimally processed—offer superior hydration, nutrition, and ingredient transparency compared to kibble. Brands like Freshpet, The Honest Kitchen, Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom, Open Farm, and Viva Raw deliver wholesome meals that support overall health. With the right transition protocol and support from Ask A Vet, your dog can enjoy a nourishing, kibble-free diet that truly boosts their wellbeing. 🐕🧡
— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Interested in a tailored meal plan or a kibble‑free starter kit? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert support anytime.
