As a dog owner, you naturally want the very best for your four-legged friend. You want them to stay healthy, full of energy, and by your side for as long as possible. More and more dog lovers are realising that true health starts with what goes into the food bowl – and that natural dog food can make a real difference.
Many standard dog foods are packed with artificial additives, flavour enhancers, colourings, and cheap fillers. These are ingredients your dog simply does not need, and over time, they can even contribute to health issues like allergies, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. You might think you are feeding your dog well, but in reality, they could be getting a daily dose of unnecessary extras.
The good news? There is a better choice. Natural dog food is made with pure, recognisable ingredients and free from artificial nasties. It often features high-quality meat, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats that truly nourish your dog’s body. A natural diet supports good digestion, promotes a shiny coat, and helps your dog feel strong, lively, and full of vitality – from playful puppy days right through to their golden years. Looking for nutrition tailored to small breeds? Check out our guide to the best dog food for small dogs.
But with so many brands claiming to be “natural”, how do you know which ones really deliver? Not every food that markets itself as natural is truly free from unwanted additives or made with the best quality ingredients.
That is why we have done the hard work for you. We carefully reviewed the ingredient lists, the sources of the produce, the transparency of the brands, and the real-life experiences of owners who are passionate about natural feeding.
Take a look below at our top 5 best natural dog foods and treat your dog to the pure, honest nutrition they truly deserve.
Butternut Box is not just a dog food brand – it’s a new standard in how we feed our four-legged family members. As the number one pick on our list of best natural dog foods, this UK-born company combines science, quality and care in a way that truly stands out.
What sets Butternut Box apart is their commitment to human-grade ingredients. Every meal is made with 60% fresh, ethically sourced British meat and 40% vegetables, legumes and minerals. There’s absolutely no room for meat meals or animal derivatives. What you see on the label is exactly what your dog gets – no surprises, just real, honest food.
Each recipe, like the popular Chicken You Out, is gently cooked at 90°C to lock in nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria. Once prepared, it’s frozen immediately to preserve its freshness – no preservatives needed. This careful cooking method not only makes it highly digestible, but also helps support gut health and a balanced digestive system.
Another standout feature? Every meal is tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Butternut Box uses a smart algorithm to calculate exact portion sizes based on factors like breed, age and activity level. This personalised approach helps prevent overfeeding, a vital step in tackling the growing issue of pet obesity in the UK.
Beyond the bowl, Butternut Box shows heart. For every new customer, they donate a meal to a dog in need. It’s a thoughtful gesture that mirrors their mission: better food for all dogs, not just the lucky ones.
If your dog struggles with sensitivities, this brand’s hypoallergenic, wheat-free recipes could make a real difference. Many owners report healthier digestion, shinier coats and dogs who actually look forward to mealtimes – even the picky eaters.
Butternut Box is perfect for pet parents who want food that’s as natural, nutritious and lovingly made as their dog deserves.
If you’re looking for raw dog food that delivers on nutrition, sustainability and ethics, Naturaw is a name that stands out. Ranked number 2 on our list of best natural dog food in the UK, this Yorkshire-based brand champions a philosophy rooted in real food, environmental care and absolute transparency.
What makes Naturaw so distinctive is its commitment to sustainability. As the world’s first raw dog food B-Corp, it sets the standard for ethical practices in the pet food industry. Every meal is produced using solar energy in their own kitchen, with 100% compostable packaging and even a tree planted for every order placed. It’s a brand built for pet owners who care about more than just their dog’s diet—they care about the world too.
Ingredient sourcing is no less impressive. Naturaw only uses meat from high-welfare British farms, with many ingredients coming from within a 25-kilometre radius of its facility. Recipes like the “Forage Free Range Chicken” include 43% Yorkshire pork and over 40% herb-fed chicken, giving your dog fresh, traceable protein you can feel good about.
Nutrition-wise, Naturaw’s recipes are inspired by the natural prey model: 80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organ. This composition closely mirrors a wild canine diet and supports everything from strong joints to healthy digestion. Options like “Surf & Turf” provide a powerful blend of beef, duck and MSC-certified mackerel, delivering impressive levels of both protein and healthy fats.
From puppies to seniors, Naturaw offers life stage-specific meals. Puppies benefit from brain-boosting ingredients like mussels and blackcurrants, while older dogs get lower bone content and added glucosamine from lamb trachea. The result? Food that’s not just biologically appropriate, but thoughtfully tailored.
While it lacks Butternut Box’s personalised plans, Naturaw makes up for it with a deeper sustainability ethos and a raw feeding model that many believe is more in line with a dog’s natural needs. It’s no surprise that even picky eaters clear their bowls when Naturaw’s on the menu.
Bella & Duke has earned its place among the best natural dog foods in the UK by taking raw feeding to a whole new level. This brand isn’t just about going back to basics – it’s about doing raw the right way: with science, ethics and health at the forefront.
At the core of Bella & Duke’s philosophy is the BARF model – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Their recipes stick closely to the ancestral diet of dogs, with an 80/10/10 ratio of meat, bone and organ, designed to mirror what wild canines would naturally consume. This supports optimal digestion, and according to Bella & Duke, many owners notice firmer stools and reduced flatulence within weeks.
What sets them apart is the quality of their ingredients. All meat comes from British farms with high welfare standards, and their recipes include options like grass-fed beef and MSC-certified mackerel. These aren’t just fillers – they provide essential nutrients like B12, iron and omega-3s that promote everything from strong muscles to glossy coats.
Another key strength is their scientific approach. Bella & Duke collaborates with pet nutritionists and behaviourists to fine-tune every formula. Each meal is RawSAFE certified, which means it’s frozen at -18°C to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients. That gives peace of mind, especially for owners new to raw feeding.
The brand also leads in ethics and sustainability. As the world’s first B-Corp-certified raw dog food company, Bella & Duke plants a tree for every order and uses compostable packaging wherever possible. They’re not just feeding dogs – they’re thinking about the planet too.
That said, it’s not without trade-offs. Their meals need freezer space and cost more than typical kibble. But for many dog owners, the long-term health gains – better digestion, balanced energy and healthier skin – make it worth the investment.
If you’re after a raw food brand that’s natural, well-researched and eco-conscious, Bella & Duke is a solid pick. It’s a brand for dog owners who want to go raw without compromise.
Different Dog brings a fresh take to natural dog nutrition with meals that are handmade in a kitchen—not churned out in a factory. Sourcing only human-grade, British ingredients, this brand has built its reputation around transparency, sustainability and digestibility. Each recipe is crafted in small batches using seasonal vegetables, responsibly sourced meats like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, and powerful superfoods including slippery elm and turmeric.
What makes Different Dog truly stand out is how gently the meals are cooked. Using a slow-cooking method at 90°C, they preserve more vitamins and enzymes than typical commercial dog foods. As a result, digestibility is reported at 85.1%, well above the industry average. This means your dog gets more out of every bite, with less waste.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, Different Dog is often a game-changer. Their recipes are grain-free, legume-free, and free from artificial additives. Ingredients like sweet potato for slow-release energy and boswellia for joint health offer both functional and flavourful benefits. According to nutritional analysis, the “Turkey & Banana” recipe contains 34.5% protein and 18.2% fat (dry matter), making it an excellent match for active breeds.
Sustainability is a big part of the brand’s mission. As a certified B-Corp and climate-neutral business, Different Dog uses compostable packaging, electric delivery partnerships and even supports regenerative British farms. However, it’s worth noting that not all packaging is fully home-compostable and there are no raw food options—unlike some other natural dog food brands in the top 3.
There are a few practical considerations. You’ll need some freezer space for monthly deliveries, and at £2.80/day for a 20kg dog, it’s more costly than kibble. Also, meal personalisation isn’t as advanced as with some competitors.
Still, for dog owners who care about quality, health and transparency, Different Dog is an excellent choice. It might sit just outside the top three, but its kitchen-crafted meals, honest ingredient lists and strong user satisfaction make it one of the most trustworthy natural dog food options in the UK.
Tuggs is without a doubt one of the most innovative brands in the UK’s natural dog food scene. Ranked number 5 on our ‘Best Natural Dog Food’ list, Tuggs stands out thanks to its pioneering use of insect protein, deep commitment to sustainability and carefully formulated, science-based recipes. Although it doesn’t top the list, it offers a fresh, forward-thinking approach that resonates with environmentally conscious dog owners.
Tuggs uses black soldier fly larvae as its primary protein source, a choice that is not only rich in essential amino acids and omega-3s but also dramatically reduces environmental impact. Compared to traditional beef production, it cuts land use by 98% and water use by 94%, shrinking the carbon footprint by an impressive 70%. It’s a bold move that shows Tuggs isn’t just another brand – it’s part of a much-needed shift towards greener pet care.
When it comes to ingredient quality, Tuggs doesn’t compromise. Every recipe features between 40-45% fresh meat like chicken, beef or cod, combined with 15-20% vegetables and 10-20% insect protein. These meals are gently cooked at 90°C, preserving up to 92% of essential B-vitamins, and every ingredient meets standards for human consumption. Plus, they are entirely free from grains, soy and artificial additives, making them a clean and trustworthy option for your dog.
However, Tuggs isn’t without its practical challenges. Storage demands are high – a full month’s supply needs a fair amount of freezer space – and the range is a little limited compared to larger brands, with only four available recipes. The cost is also higher, at roughly £2.50 per day for a medium-sized dog, which is about 30% more expensive than premium kibble.
Despite these hurdles, Tuggs offers a unique blend of high digestibility, healthy skin support and careful weight management benefits. For dogs prone to food sensitivities or owners eager to lower their environmental impact, Tuggs is an exciting choice that truly feels like a glimpse into the future of responsible dog nutrition.
