Naturediet has carved a distinctive niche in the UK pet food market with its commitment to natural ingredients and eco-conscious production methods. Since 1976, this Norfolk-based company has been creating nutritious wet food for dogs, focusing on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients without artificial additives.
The Naturediet philosophy
At the heart of Naturediet’s approach is a dedication to natural nutrition and environmental responsibility. The brand prides itself on using ingredients primarily sourced from Norfolk and Suffolk, with over 40% coming from these regions. This local sourcing strategy reduces food miles and supports British farmers while ensuring freshness and traceability.
Each recipe is gently steam-cooked to preserve nutrients and enhance digestibility. Unlike many commercial dog foods that rely on high-temperature processing, Naturediet’s methods maintain the integrity of proteins and essential nutrients. The company avoids artificial preservatives, colors and flavors, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional options.
Product range and ingredients
Naturediet offers several product lines tailored to different canine dietary needs:
Feel Good Range
The flagship line features wheat-free recipes with a minimum of 60% fresh meat content. These products combine quality protein sources (chicken, lamb, turkey or fish) with brown rice, vegetables and essential vitamins. Designed for everyday nutrition, this range supports digestive health through fiber-rich ingredients and natural antioxidants.
Grain-Free Range
For dogs with grain sensitivities, this collection replaces cereals with root vegetables like potatoes and parsnips. With 70% meat or fish content, these hypoallergenic recipes often feature novel proteins such as venison or duck to minimize adverse reactions. The formulations include prebiotics for gut health and maintain a low glycemic index, making them suitable for dogs prone to diabetes.
Purely Range
Standing out with an impressive 92% fresh meat content, the Purely line serves as an excellent alternative to raw feeding. Free from grains, dairy products and botanicals, these recipes are ideal for canines requiring exclusion diets or those with significant food intolerances. Many pet owners transitioning from raw diets find this range offers similar benefits with added convenience.
Nutritional profile
Naturediet products are nutritionally complete, meaning they contain all essential nutrients dogs need without requiring supplements. The high meat content provides quality protein, while the inclusion of vegetables delivers fiber, vitamins and minerals. Most varieties contain added omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
A typical adult recipe contains approximately 10% protein and 6% fat, with moisture content around 72%. This moisture level helps maintain hydration, particularly beneficial for dogs that don’t drink enough water. The moderate fat content makes these foods suitable for weight management when fed according to guidelines.
Environmental initiatives
Naturediet demonstrates remarkable commitment to sustainability. In 2018, they became the first UK pet food manufacturer to adopt Tetra Pak cartons, replacing traditional cans and plastic trays. These cartons are 71% plant-based and fully recyclable, significantly reducing waste compared to single-use pouches.
The transition required a £1.5 million investment, reflecting the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility. Additional eco-friendly practices include:
- Converting factory energy sources from kerosene to cleaner liquefied petroleum gas
- Installing solar panels to reduce carbon emissions
- Optimizing packaging design to minimize transportation waste
The lightweight Tetra Pak packaging allows for more efficient transport, with 30% more units per pallet compared to traditional options, further lowering the carbon footprint of their distribution system.
Quality control and safety
Naturediet’s production facility maintains BRCGS Grade A certification, ensuring adherence to stringent hygiene and traceability standards. Each batch undergoes microbiological testing, with products having an 18-month shelf life in unopened Tetra Pak cartons.
It’s worth noting that in 2014, the company experienced a recall due to mold contamination in their previous plastic tray packaging. In response, they accelerated their transition to Tetra Pak cartons, which offer superior protection against oxidation and contamination. Since implementing this new packaging in 2018, no further recalls have been reported.
Customer feedback
Analysis of consumer reviews reveals generally positive perceptions of Naturediet products. Many owners report improved digestion and reduced allergy symptoms in their dogs after switching to the brand. The palatability receives high marks, with even fussy eaters typically accepting the food readily.
The most common criticisms relate to price (approximately 15% higher than mainstream brands) and occasional availability issues. However, many loyal customers consider the quality and ethical aspects worth the premium.
How does it compare to other brands?
When compared to similar natural wet food brands like Forthglade, Naturediet distinguishes itself through higher meat content (60-92% versus 40-60% in competing options) and more environmentally friendly packaging. The company also offers greater transparency in ingredient labeling, avoiding generic terms like “meat derivatives.”
If you’re considering other premium options, you might want to check out our Ziwi Peak review, which examines another high-quality brand with a different approach to canine nutrition.
Naturediet typically costs between £1.50-£2.00 per carton, placing it in the mid-to-premium price bracket. While more expensive than supermarket brands, it offers better value than some ultra-premium alternatives while maintaining comparable quality.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Naturediet’s various ranges cater to dogs at different life stages and with specific dietary requirements:
For puppies, the dedicated Puppy formulation provides balanced nutrition for growth, with appropriate calcium-phosphorus ratios for bone development. The high moisture content makes it particularly suitable for young dogs still developing their drinking habits.
Adult dogs will benefit from the standard Feel Good range, which offers complete nutrition with moderate fat content ideal for maintaining healthy weight. The high digestibility makes these recipes suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs but without specific allergies.
The Grain-Free range serves sensitive dogs with food intolerances or allergies to cereals. These recipes can help alleviate symptoms like itching, excessive paw licking and recurring ear infections in dogs with grain sensitivities.
For senior dogs, the Senior/Lite varieties contain reduced fat and calorie content to prevent weight gain in less active older canines. These formulations still provide sufficient protein to maintain muscle mass while being gentle on aging kidneys.
Working or highly active dogs may benefit from the higher protein content in the Purely range, though they might require larger portions to meet their energy requirements.
Is this dog food good?
As a dog nutrition specialist, I consider Naturediet to be a very good quality dog food option that strikes an excellent balance between nutritional value, ingredient quality and environmental responsibility. The high meat content provides biologically appropriate protein levels, while the gentle cooking methods preserve nutrient integrity better than heavily processed alternatives.
The elimination of artificial additives makes these recipes particularly suitable for dogs with sensitivities. The moisture content presents advantages for canine health, as proper hydration supports kidney function and helps prevent urinary issues.
Where Naturediet truly excels is in combining quality nutrition with genuine environmental commitment. Few pet food companies have invested so substantially in reducing their ecological impact, making this an excellent choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.
However, the premium pricing may present a barrier for some dog owners, especially those with larger breeds or multiple pets. Additionally, while the wet food format offers benefits, some dogs may benefit from the dental advantages that come with including dry food in their diet.
Overall, I would rate Naturediet as a solid 8.5/10 – a high-quality product with strong ethical credentials that justifies its price point for most dog owners seeking natural nutrition.
If you’re looking for the absolute best nutrition for your canine companion, you should know that Butternut Box consistently ranks at the top in our comparisons of the best dog food available in the UK. Their fresh, human-grade ingredients and personalized meal plans offer exceptional nutrition tailored to your dog’s specific needs. For a detailed assessment of this standout option, take a look at our comprehensive Butternut Box review to see if it might be the perfect choice for your four-legged friend.
