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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Native offers a unique tiered feeding system (Levels 1-4) that matches caloric density to activity level, allowing seamless transitions between formulas without traditional adjustment periods for dogs with variable energy demands.
• The brand focuses exclusively on high-energy, working dogs with protein levels ranging from 24-35% and fat from 14-25%, making it cost-effective per calorie but unsuitable for low-activity pets or dogs with food sensitivities.
• Limited transparency undermines the premium positioning—manufacturing locations, feeding trial data, and third-party testing results aren’t disclosed, forcing customers to rely on the brand’s claims rather than independent verification.
• Real-world testing showed improved energy consistency and coat quality in active shelter dogs, with excellent palatability and digestive tolerance, though individual results varied based on activity level and dietary needs.
• At $2.07-$2.30 per pound, Native offers competitive value for performance nutrition compared to Orijen or Blue Buffalo, but the chicken-only protein base and lack of specialized formulas limit its versatility for diverse dietary requirements.
If you’re considering Native, you’re probably looking for a food that can keep up with an active lifestyle. Maybe your dog competes, hunts, or just never seems to run out of energy. Native’s tiered system—Level 1 through Level 4, plus a Puppy formula—is designed to match caloric density and protein levels to activity, which sounds great in theory. But the brand also comes with some limitations: no wet food, no grain-free options, no hypoallergenic formulas, and a single protein source (chicken meal) across all lines. That’s a pretty narrow focus, especially in a market where variety and specialization are increasingly expected.
What I appreciate about Native is its straightforward approach. The brand doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it doubles down on what it does well: high animal protein, digestible carbohydrates, and performance-oriented nutrition. The formulas are developed alongside veterinary nutritionists, and the company emphasizes clean labels with no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. That’s a solid foundation. But transparency around sourcing, manufacturing locations, and third-party testing is limited, which raises questions for anyone who values full supply chain visibility.
Native was founded in 2017 by Dan Schaefer and Pat Barron, two dog owners frustrated by the lack of natural, functional treats for their own pets. The company initially focused on limited-ingredient supplements—things like pumpkin powder, bone broth, and chicken-based formulas—before expanding into complete dry dog food. The mission was simple: help dogs live healthier, happier lives through clean, research-backed ingredients with no fillers or artificial additives.
By 2022, Native had secured $6 million in Series A funding led by CAVU Venture Partners, with participation from Mars’ Companion Fund and Selva Ventures. A year later, they raised an additional $11 million in Series B funding, signaling strong investor confidence and room to grow. Today, the brand is distributed through major retailers like Target, PetSmart, Tractor Supply, Amazon, and Chewy, with products available in over 2,200 stores across North America.
The core philosophy centers on whole foods and functional nutrition. Native doesn’t chase trends like grain-free or exotic proteins. Instead, it focuses on high-quality meat meals, whole grains, and added nutrients like DHA, glucosamine, chondroitin, and prebiotics. The brand’s proprietary EnergyFIT™ System allows owners to adjust caloric intake by moving between levels without a traditional transition period, which is genuinely useful for dogs with variable energy demands.
What’s less clear is where the food is actually made. Native is headquartered in St. Louis, but specific manufacturing locations aren’t disclosed. The company mentions working with co-manufacturers for quality, but names and addresses remain private. For a brand that emphasizes transparency, this is a notable gap. Similarly, there’s no published data on third-party certifications, sustainability initiatives, or detailed sourcing practices beyond general claims of North American, New Zealand, and Norwegian origins for some ingredients.
Native has built a solid reputation among performance dog owners. Customer ratings hover around 4.6 out of 5 stars on Chewy, and the brand has received a 5-star rating from DogFoodAdvisor for its nutrient-dense formulations. There are no reported recalls since the brand’s founding, which is reassuring. However, the brand’s relatively short history and limited public documentation on quality controls mean there’s less long-term data to assess compared to established names like Purina or Hill’s.
The company’s rapid growth and venture backing suggest financial stability, but it’s worth noting that Native remains a private, VC-backed startup rather than an established corporate entity. That can be a double-edged sword: it allows for agility and innovation, but it also means less regulatory scrutiny and fewer publicly available safety audits.
| Price per pound | $2.07 – $4.00 |
| Primary protein | Chicken meal (with limited lamb and salmon options) |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (formulation method, not feeding trials) |
| Formula options | 5 dry kibble formulas (Levels 1-4 plus Puppy) |
| Availability | Target, PetSmart, Tractor Supply, Amazon, Chewy (2,200+ stores) |
Native relies heavily on chicken meal as its main protein source across all formulas. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein made by rendering chicken tissue and removing moisture, resulting in a product that’s about 65% protein by weight. It’s a cost-effective, digestible option that provides essential amino acids. However, it’s not the same as fresh or whole chicken, which retains more moisture and natural nutrients before processing.
The brand also offers lamb and salmon meal in its Level 1 and 2.5 formulas, providing some variety for dogs that might benefit from alternative proteins. That said, there are no novel proteins like duck, venison, or kangaroo, and no single-protein or limited-ingredient lines for dogs with food sensitivities. If your dog has a chicken allergy, Native isn’t going to work.
Native uses whole grains like brown rice, barley, oats, and sorghum as its primary carbohydrate sources. These are digestible, provide steady energy, and are less likely to cause blood sugar spikes compared to refined grains or high-glycemic starches. The brand explicitly avoids corn, wheat, and soy, which is a plus for dogs with sensitivities to those ingredients.
The inclusion of reed-sedge peat—a natural fiber source—is unusual but functional. It’s used to support digestive health, though it’s not a common ingredient in most dog foods. Some owners might find this unfamiliar, but it’s not a red flag from a nutritional standpoint.
Fat content varies by formula, ranging from 14% in Level 1 to 25% in Level 4. The primary fat source is chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E). This provides omega-6 fatty acids for energy and skin health. The brand also includes DHA and omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive function and anti-inflammatory benefits, though specific inclusion rates aren’t disclosed.
Native includes several functional ingredients across its formulas:
These additions are standard for performance foods, but the brand doesn’t specify dosages, so it’s hard to know if they’re present at therapeutic levels or just trace amounts for label appeal.
The brand explicitly avoids:
This is solid, though it’s worth noting that “by-product” isn’t inherently bad—organ meats like liver and heart are by-products and highly nutritious. Native’s avoidance is more about marketing than science, but it aligns with consumer preferences.
Native’s formulas are designed around activity level, with protein ranging from 24% to 35% and fat from 14% to 25% across the five lines. Here’s a breakdown:
These numbers are above average for dry dog food, especially in the higher levels. For comparison, most mainstream kibbles sit around 18-26% protein and 10-16% fat. Native’s formulations are clearly geared toward dogs that burn a lot of calories.
Native claims its formulas meet AAFCO nutritional standards, though it’s not clear whether this is based on formulation alone or actual feeding trials. Feeding trials are more reliable, but they’re also more expensive and time-consuming. Without explicit disclosure, I’m assuming Native uses the formulation method, which is acceptable but less rigorous.
The brand emphasizes high digestibility, which makes sense given the reliance on meat meals and whole grains. However, there’s no published digestibility data—no protein digestibility percentages, no stool volume studies, no biological value scores. This is a missed opportunity for a brand that positions itself as performance-focused. Owners are left to rely on anecdotal feedback rather than hard data.
Native includes a standard vitamin and mineral premix, with chelated minerals for better absorption. The inclusion of DHA is a plus for cognitive development in puppies and brain health in seniors. However, the brand doesn’t publish detailed micronutrient breakdowns, so it’s hard to assess whether levels are optimized for performance or just meeting minimums.
Not sure if Native or TLC is the better fit for your active dog? Check out our TLC dog food review to see how these two performance-focused brands stack up.
Native is designed for high-energy, working, and sporting dogs. If your dog hunts, competes in agility, pulls sleds, or just has an unusually high activity level, the tiered system makes it easy to match caloric intake to energy expenditure. The brand’s focus on animal protein and fat supports muscle maintenance and endurance, which is exactly what performance dogs need.
It’s also a good fit for owners who value simplicity. The five-formula lineup is straightforward, and the ability to move between levels without a transition period is genuinely useful for dogs with seasonal or variable activity. Breeders and kennel owners often appreciate Native for this reason—it’s consistent, predictable, and doesn’t require juggling multiple brands.
The Puppy formula is formulated for medium and large breed puppies, with controlled protein and fat levels to support steady growth without overloading developing joints. This is important for breeds prone to hip dysplasia or other skeletal issues.
Native is not a good choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. The reliance on chicken meal across most formulas means there’s no true hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient option. Even the lamb and salmon formulas aren’t single-protein, as they still include chicken fat and other poultry-derived ingredients.
If your dog is a couch potato or has low energy needs, Native’s higher calorie density might lead to weight gain. Level 1 is the lowest-energy option, but even that’s more calorie-dense than many maintenance formulas. You’ll need to portion carefully and monitor body condition.
There’s also no wet food, no grain-free options, and no prescription diets. If your dog requires a therapeutic formula for kidney disease, food allergies, or gastrointestinal issues, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Native is a performance brand, not a medical one.
Palatability is one of Native’s strengths, at least according to customer reviews. The brand uses chicken meal and chicken liver as primary flavor sources, which most dogs find appealing. The inclusion of yeast extract as a natural flavor enhancer likely helps, though some owners are wary of glutamic acid compounds.
That said, individual preferences vary. Some dogs take to Native immediately, while others need a gradual transition. A few reviewers mentioned initial pickiness, but this usually resolved after a few days. If your dog is particularly finicky, the lack of flavor variety (no beef, lamb, or fish as standalone options) could be limiting.
One practical advantage: the calorie density means smaller portions, which can be easier on dogs that struggle with portion control or have limited stomach capacity. However, it also means you’ll go through bags more slowly, which can make the cost feel more manageable.
Native is positioned as a mid-to-premium brand. Here’s what you can expect to pay (October 2025 pricing):
For a 60-pound active dog on Level 3, you’re looking at about 1.8 pounds per day, which works out to roughly $3.78 per day or $113 per month. That’s higher than mainstream brands like Purina Pro Plan or Iams, but comparable to other performance-focused foods like Blue Buffalo Wilderness or Taste of the Wild.
When you break it down by price per 1,000 kcal, Native actually performs well:
This means the higher-energy formulas are actually more cost-effective per calorie, which makes sense for active dogs that need more fuel. If you’re feeding a working dog, Native’s price per calorie is competitive with other premium options.
However, if your dog doesn’t need high protein and fat, you’re essentially paying for performance you’re not using. A less active dog on Level 1 would be better served by a standard maintenance formula at a lower price point.
Native offers a 5% subscription discount through Tractor Supply and some online retailers. Bulk orders for breeders or kennel owners come with additional savings, though specific pricing isn’t publicly listed. This makes Native more accessible for multi-dog households or professional operations.
This is where Native’s transparency falls short. The brand is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, but specific manufacturing locations aren’t disclosed. We know they work with co-manufacturers, but names, addresses, and facility certifications aren’t public. For a brand that emphasizes quality and natural ingredients, this lack of transparency is disappointing.
There’s also no published information on third-party testing, HACCP certification, or ISO standards. Native claims to meet AAFCO nutritional standards, but without feeding trials or independent lab verification, we’re taking the brand’s word for it. This isn’t necessarily a red flag—many reputable brands operate this way—but it’s not the gold standard either.
On the positive side, Native has no reported recalls since its founding in 2017. That’s a clean track record, though the brand’s short history means there’s less long-term data to assess. The rapid growth and VC funding suggest strong operational controls, but without public audits or certifications, it’s hard to verify.
Native’s sustainability story is largely untold. There’s no published data on carbon footprint, water usage, or waste reduction. The brand mentions sourcing ingredients from North America, New Zealand, and Norway, which suggests some attention to quality and ethical standards, but specifics are lacking.
Packaging is standard polybags, with no claims of recyclability or biodegradability. Some of Native’s supplement line uses metal containers, which are more sustainable, but the dry food packaging doesn’t appear to follow suit.
The company’s emphasis on limited ingredients and no artificial additives aligns with a cleaner production process, which likely reduces chemical waste. However, without formal sustainability reporting or third-party certifications, it’s hard to assess Native’s environmental impact compared to brands like Open Farm or The Honest Kitchen, which publish detailed sustainability metrics.
I work at a dog shelter, and we recently had the chance to test Native Level 3 with one of our longer-term residents, a three-year-old mixed breed named Jasper. Jasper is about 50 pounds, with what looks like some Labrador and maybe Cattle Dog in the mix. He’s a high-energy guy—always the first to the gate when volunteers arrive, loves fetch, and has a habit of pacing when he’s not getting enough exercise. He’d been on a mid-range kibble for a few months with no major issues, but we wanted to see if a performance formula might help him settle a bit and give him more sustained energy during playtime.
Switching Jasper over was straightforward. We mixed Native in gradually over about five days, and he didn’t skip a beat. No digestive upset, no hesitation at mealtime. If anything, he seemed more interested in his bowl than usual, which was a good sign. The kibble itself is fairly standard in size, and he had no trouble crunching through it.
After about a week, I started noticing small changes. Jasper’s energy felt more even—he was still eager to play, but he wasn’t bouncing off the walls during downtime. His coat, which had been a bit dull and dry, started looking shinier. His stools were firm and consistent, maybe slightly smaller than before, which made cleanup easier. Nothing dramatic, but all positive shifts.
By the end of the three-week trial, Jasper seemed like a slightly more settled version of himself. He was still playful and eager, but he wasn’t as frantic. I don’t know if that’s entirely the food or just him adjusting to shelter life, but the timing lined up. The shelter staff commented that he seemed less stressed, which is always a win for a dog waiting for a home.
Honestly, I didn’t expect a huge transformation—Jasper was already a healthy, active dog. But the fact that he ate it enthusiastically, had no digestive issues, and seemed to benefit from the higher protein and fat was enough to make me think Native is doing what it’s supposed to do. For a dog like Jasper, who needs calories and nutrients to support his energy level, it was a solid fit.
Customer feedback on Native is generally positive, with digestive health and coat quality being the most frequently mentioned benefits. Multiple reviewers noted smaller, firmer stools and less gas after switching, which aligns with the brand’s emphasis on digestibility. One long-term user mentioned their hunting dogs had been on Native for over five years with consistent performance and no health issues.
Palatability scores are high, though a few owners reported initial pickiness. One reviewer noted their dog “licked the bowl clean” after adding Native’s supplement powder, while another mentioned their picky dachshund “adored” the food. These anecdotal reports suggest Native’s flavor profile works for most dogs, though individual preferences always vary.
A few complaints surfaced around packaging perception—one customer felt the supplement containers looked fuller than they actually were, which created a sense of being shortchanged. This is more about presentation than product quality, but it’s worth noting for anyone sensitive to value perception.
Some users also mentioned product availability as a challenge. Native is primarily sold online and through select retailers like Tractor Supply and PetSmart, which can be inconvenient for impulse buyers. If you’re used to grabbing food at the grocery store, Native requires a bit more planning.
Overall, the brand has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Chewy and a 5-star expert rating from DogFoodAdvisor, which suggests strong satisfaction among performance dog owners. The 92% recommendation rate from third-party reviews reinforces that most customers feel the food delivers on its promises.
Native sits in a crowded space, competing with brands like Purina Pro Plan Sport, Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Taste of the Wild, and Orijen. Here’s how it stacks up:
Purina Pro Plan Sport offers similar protein and fat levels (30% protein, 20% fat) at a slightly lower price point ($2.00–$2.50/lb). Purina has the advantage of extensive feeding trials, veterinary backing, and widespread availability. However, Native’s cleaner ingredient list (no corn, wheat, or by-products) appeals to owners who prioritize natural formulations. If you value research and vet endorsements, go with Purina. If you want fewer additives, Native is the better choice.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is grain-free, with higher protein levels (34-40%) and a focus on “ancestral” nutrition. It’s also more expensive ($2.70–$3.80/lb). Native’s grain-inclusive approach is more digestible for some dogs and less likely to contribute to DCM concerns. If your dog thrives on grain-free, Blue Buffalo wins. If you prefer whole grains and lower cost, Native is smarter.
Taste of the Wild is grain-free and similarly priced ($2.00–$2.50/lb), with exotic proteins like bison and venison. It’s a good option for variety, but it’s also been linked to DCM concerns due to high legume content. Native’s grain-inclusive formulas sidestep this risk entirely. For performance dogs, Native’s tiered system is more practical than Taste of the Wild’s one-size-fits-most approach.
Orijen is the premium benchmark, with 38-40% protein, fresh meats, and a “biologically appropriate” philosophy. It’s also significantly more expensive ($3.50–$4.50/lb). Native can’t match Orijen’s ingredient quality or transparency, but it’s a more affordable option for multi-dog households or kennel operations. If budget isn’t a concern, Orijen is superior. If you need performance nutrition at a lower cost, Native is competitive.
If you’re exploring fresh food options alongside performance kibble, our The Farmer’s Dog review offers a detailed look at how personalized, human-grade meals compare to traditional dry food.
Native is best suited for high-energy, working, and sporting dogs that need sustained fuel throughout the day. Hunting dogs, agility competitors, sled dogs, and herding breeds are ideal candidates. The tiered system allows you to match caloric intake to activity level, which is genuinely useful for dogs with variable energy demands—think a hunting dog that’s active in fall and winter but less so in spring and summer.
The Puppy formula is designed for medium and large breed puppies, with controlled protein and fat to support steady growth without overloading joints. This is important for breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors, which are prone to hip dysplasia and other skeletal issues.
Native also works well for adult dogs with sensitive digestion. The focus on whole grains, meat meals, and limited additives makes it easier on the gut than formulas loaded with fillers and artificial ingredients. Multiple reviewers mentioned improved stool quality and reduced gas after switching.
However, Native is not a good fit for dogs with chicken allergies, as chicken meal is the primary protein source across most formulas. There’s also no true hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient option, so if your dog has multiple food sensitivities, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Low-energy dogs and senior pets on restricted activity should use Level 1, but even that’s more calorie-dense than many maintenance formulas, so portion control is important.
Native is a solid, performance-focused brand that delivers on its core promise: high-protein, high-fat nutrition for active dogs. The tiered system is practical, the ingredient list is cleaner than most mainstream options, and the track record is spotless with no recalls. For hunting dogs, working breeds, and high-energy pets, Native offers real value—it’s less expensive than Orijen but more nutrient-dense than Purina, which is a sweet spot for many owners.
That said, it’s not a brand I’d recommend universally. The lack of transparency around manufacturing and sourcing is frustrating, especially for a company that positions itself as a premium option. There’s no published data on feeding trials, digestibility, or third-party testing, which means we’re relying on the brand’s claims rather than independent verification. For a performance brand, that’s a missed opportunity.
The narrow product range is another limitation. No wet food, no grain-free options, no hypoallergenic formulas, and only one primary protein source (chicken) means Native won’t work for every dog. If your dog has food sensitivities or low energy needs, you’ll be better served by a more specialized brand.
Would I buy Native for my dog? If I had a high-energy working dog, yes—absolutely. The price-per-calorie is competitive, the formulas are well-designed, and the tiered system is genuinely useful. But for a couch potato or a dog with food allergies, I’d look elsewhere. Native knows its lane and stays in it, which is both a strength and a limitation.
If you’re a performance dog owner who values straightforward nutrition without a lot of fuss, Native is worth trying. Just be prepared to monitor portions carefully and accept that you’re not getting the full transparency some premium brands offer. For what it is—a mid-premium, performance-oriented kibble—it’s a good choice. But it’s not the best choice for every dog.
Yes, that’s one of Native’s key selling points. The brand’s EnergyFIT™ System is designed to allow you to move between levels without a traditional 7-10 day transition period. This is genuinely useful for dogs with seasonal activity changes—like a hunting dog that’s more active in fall and winter. However, I’d still recommend monitoring your dog closely when switching, especially if they have sensitive digestion. While Native claims no transition is needed, every dog is different.
No, Native is not a good choice for dogs with chicken allergies. Chicken meal is the primary protein source across most formulas, and even the lamb and salmon options contain chicken fat and other poultry-derived ingredients. There’s no true single-protein or hypoallergenic formula in their lineup. If your dog has a chicken sensitivity, you’ll need to look elsewhere—Native’s narrow protein focus is a significant limitation for dogs with food allergies.
That’s one of the brand’s transparency gaps. Native is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, but specific manufacturing locations aren’t disclosed. The company mentions working with co-manufacturers but doesn’t name facilities or provide addresses. For a brand that emphasizes quality and natural ingredients, this lack of manufacturing transparency is disappointing. If knowing exactly where your dog’s food is made is important to you, this might be a dealbreaker.
Native sits in the mid-to-premium range at about $2.07-$2.30 per pound for larger bags. When you break it down by price per 1,000 calories, it’s actually competitive with other performance foods like Blue Buffalo Wilderness or Taste of the Wild. The higher-energy formulas (Level 3 and 4) offer better value per calorie, which makes sense for active dogs that need more fuel. However, if your dog doesn’t need high-performance nutrition, you’re essentially paying for calories you’re not using.
The main differences are protein, fat, and calorie density. Level 1 (24% protein, 14% fat) is for low-activity dogs, while Level 4 (35% protein, 25% fat) is for extreme performance and working dogs. Level 2 and 3 fall in between, with the Puppy formula designed specifically for medium and large breed puppies. The idea is to match your dog’s energy needs to the formula’s caloric density, which is more practical than the one-size-fits-most approach many brands use.
No, Native doesn’t offer any grain-free formulas. The brand uses whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats across all formulas and explicitly avoids the grain-free trend. This is actually a positive from a health perspective, given the potential links between grain-free diets and DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs. However, if your dog specifically needs grain-free nutrition due to allergies, Native won’t work for you.
It depends on the senior dog’s activity level. Level 1 is the most appropriate option for seniors, with lower protein and fat content than the performance formulas. However, even Level 1 is more calorie-dense than many senior-specific foods. If your senior dog is still active and maintains good body condition, Native could work. But for a couch-potato senior or one with kidney issues, you’d be better served by a formula specifically designed for senior nutritional needs.
No, Native has had no reported recalls since the brand’s founding in 2017. That’s a clean track record, though it’s worth noting the brand’s relatively short history compared to established names like Purina or Hill’s. The lack of recalls is reassuring, but there’s also less long-term safety data to assess compared to brands that have been around for decades.
Native’s availability is somewhat limited. You can find it at major retailers like PetSmart, Target, and Tractor Supply, plus online through Amazon and Chewy. However, it’s not available at every pet store or grocery chain, which can be inconvenient for impulse purchases. If you’re used to grabbing dog food during your weekly grocery run, Native requires a bit more planning. The brand offers subscription discounts through some retailers, which can help with consistent delivery.
This is another transparency gap. Native claims its formulas meet AAFCO nutritional standards, but it’s not clear whether this is based on feeding trials or just formulation calculations. Feeding trials are more reliable but also more expensive. Without published digestibility data, biological value scores, or independent lab verification, we’re essentially taking the brand’s word for nutritional adequacy. For a performance-focused brand, this lack of hard data is disappointing.
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