Healthy Naturals: What “Natural” Really Means on Your Dog’s Food Label

Published Date: 5/8/2025
Healthy Naturals: What Makes a Dog Food 'Natural'?

As dog owners, we want what’s best for our furry companions—and that often starts with what’s in their bowl. If you’ve browsed pet food labels lately, you’ve likely seen the word “natural” appear everywhere. But what does it actually mean? And how do you know if a “natural” dog food is truly healthy?

What Does 'Natural' Mean in Pet Food?
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the term “natural” means a product contains no chemically synthetic ingredients—except for vitamins and minerals that are necessary to meet nutritional requirements. It’s commonly used to indicate that the food is free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. However, it’s important to know that “natural” is not the same as “organic” or “complete and balanced.”

What’s in a Truly Natural Dog Food?
Healthy natural dog foods typically feature real, whole ingredients. You’ll often see meat (like chicken, beef, or salmon) listed as the first ingredient, along with fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries. Instead of artificial preservatives, they often use natural ones like tocopherols (a source of Vitamin E). These foods also avoid low-quality fillers such as corn, wheat, and meat by-products, which can be hard on your dog’s digestive system.

How to Choose Healthy Natural Dog Food
To find the best “healthy naturals” for your pet, start by reading the ingredient list. Look for foods made with recognizable, whole-food ingredients. Minimal processing and transparency about sourcing are good signs, and many of the most trustworthy products come from smaller, holistic-focused pet brands. Importantly, make sure the food includes an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement to ensure it’s not just natural, but also balanced and complete for your dog’s life stage.

Takeaway
A “natural” label doesn’t automatically mean a food is ideal—but it’s a strong starting point. Look beyond the buzzword and check for real, high-quality ingredients and transparent practices to ensure your dog is getting truly healthy, natural nutrition.