Dog Natural Food: The Path to a Healthier, Happier Pet

Introduction: Why Natural Dog Food Matters

Every pet owner wants their dog to be healthy, active, and full of life. But have you ever considered how your dog’s diet affects their long-term well-being? The food your dog eats daily plays a huge role in their overall health, from their coat condition and energy levels to their digestion and immune system.

Natural dog food stands out because it provides wholesome, minimally processed ingredients without artificial additives, fillers, or synthetic preservatives. Unlike commercial dog food, which often contains low-quality by-products and artificial flavors, the best natural dog food brands prioritize real meat, vegetables, and beneficial nutrients.

Why Pet Owners are Switching to Natural Dog Food

In recent years, more pet owners have moved away from heavily processed kibble toward fresh, raw, and natural diets. This shift comes from growing awareness of the impact of nutrition on canine health. Many veterinarians and pet nutritionists recommend high-quality, natural food because:

✔ It supports digestion and nutrient absorption
✔ It helps reduce allergies and food sensitivities
✔ It promotes a shinier coat and healthier skin
✔ It boosts energy levels and supports overall longevity

Key Takeaways

• The benefits of natural dog food

• How to choose the best natural dog food brands

• What ingredients to look for (and avoid) in dog food

• Real success stories from pet owners

• How BJ’s Raw Pet Food provides high-quality natural nutrition for dogs

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why natural dog food is a superior choice and how you can make the best decisions for your furry friend.

What Makes Natural Dog Food Different?

Pet food labels can be confusing, and with so many options available, choosing the right diet for your dog can feel overwhelming. However, natural dog food stands out because it is made with real, minimally processed ingredients that provide essential nutrients without unnecessary fillers or artificial additives.

1. The Problem with Commercial Dog Food

Many commercial dog food brands use low-cost ingredients and high-heat processing that strip away important nutrients. While these foods may be affordable and convenient, they often contain:

• Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which provide little nutritional value but add bulk.

• Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which can have potential health risks.

• Meat by-products that come from unknown sources and may be harder for dogs to digest.

• Artificial colors and flavors that make the food more appealing but provide no real benefits.

A dog’s natural diet in the wild consists of meat, bones, organs, and some plant matter. Processed dog foods do not resemble this ancestral diet, leading to digestive issues, food sensitivities, and long-term health problems.

2. What Defines the Best Natural Dog Food?

Natural dog food should include wholesome, high-quality ingredients that provide balanced nutrition. The best natural dog food brands prioritize:

✔ High-quality protein sources – Real chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, or fish should be the first ingredient.
✔ Healthy fats – Essential for coat health, brain function, and energy levels. Look for fish oil, flaxseed, or coconut oil.
✔ Fresh fruits and vegetables – Natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support digestion.
✔ Limited processing – Minimal heat treatment to preserve enzymes, probiotics, and nutrients.

BJ’s Raw Pet Food follows these principles by providing 100% natural, raw, and high-protein diets for dogs. Unlike heavily processed kibble, BJ’s meals mimic a dog's ancestral diet, ensuring optimal nutrition and better health outcomes.

Top Benefits of Natural Dog Food

Switching your dog to a natural diet is one of the best ways to improve their overall health and well-being. Unlike commercial dog food, which often contains fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, natural dog food is made from real, whole foods that nourish your pet from the inside out.

1. Supports a Healthy Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for your dog to fight off infections, recover from illnesses, and maintain overall vitality. Natural dog food is packed with:

✔ Essential vitamins and minerals – Whole foods like spinach, carrots, blueberries, and pumpkin provide antioxidants that help strengthen immunity.
✔ Lean proteins – Real chicken, beef, turkey, and fish provide amino acids that support muscle health and cellular function.
✔ Healthy fats – Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed, fish oil, and coconut oil promote brain health, reduce inflammation, and support immune function.

When your dog eats natural food with high-quality ingredients, their body absorbs more nutrients and functions better at a cellular level, leading to improved immunity and fewer health issues.

2. Improves Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Many dogs suffer from digestive issues, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Processed kibble often contains hard-to-digest fillers that can cause stomach discomfort and nutrient deficiencies.

A natural diet benefits digestion by:

✔ Eliminating fillers – No corn, soy, wheat, or artificial additives that cause digestive upset.
✔ Including gut-friendly fiber – Ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots help regulate bowel movements.
✔ Boosting probiotics and enzymes – Naturally occurring probiotics from raw food support gut health and better digestion.

BJ’s Raw Pet Food is formulated to maximize digestion and nutrient absorption, helping dogs maintain better gut health and overall well-being.

3. Reduces Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies are common in dogs, and symptoms can include:
Itchy skin
Ear infections
Chronic licking and paw biting
Upset stomach

Many commercial dog foods contain allergy-triggering ingredients, such as corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. Feeding your dog natural food with limited ingredients can help eliminate allergens and improve their skin and coat health.

Some of the best proteins for allergy-prone dogs include:
✔ Rabbit – A lean, novel protein that’s great for sensitive dogs.
✔ Venison – Low in fat and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
✔ Salmon – Rich in Omega-3s, excellent for skin health.

BJ’s Raw Pet Food offers single-protein meals and grain-free options, making it easy to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs.

4. Promotes a Healthy Coat and Skin

A dog’s coat condition is a direct reflection of their diet. Dry, flaky skin or excessive shedding can often be linked to poor-quality food with artificial additives.

A natural diet improves coat health by providing:
✔ Omega-3 fatty acids – Help reduce inflammation and promote a shiny, soft coat.
✔ Biotin and Vitamin E – Support skin hydration and hair growth.
✔ Zinc and Selenium – Essential for skin regeneration and coat strength.

Dogs that switch to BJ’s Raw Pet Food often show visible improvements in coat texture, reduced shedding, and fewer skin irritations.

5. Boosts Energy and Longevity

Feeding your dog a high-quality natural diet supports:
✔ Increased energy levels – No more sluggishness from low-quality kibble.
✔ Stronger muscles and bones – Essential proteins and minerals provide long-term strength.
✔ Better weight management – Natural food prevents obesity and related health issues.

Over time, a wholesome diet contributes to a longer, healthier life, reducing the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

How to Choose the Best Natural Dog Food

With so many pet food brands claiming to be "natural," how can you tell which ones are truly the best for your dog? Choosing the right food requires careful ingredient analysis, sourcing knowledge, and understanding your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

1. Check the Ingredient List Carefully

A good rule of thumb is: if you can’t recognize or pronounce the ingredients, your dog probably shouldn’t be eating them. The best natural dog food brands prioritize wholesome, recognizable ingredients that provide real nutrition.

Look for:
✔ High-quality protein – Real meat (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish) should be the first ingredient.
✔ Healthy fats – Natural sources like fish oil, flaxseed, or coconut oil to support brain and coat health.
✔ Whole fruits and vegetables – Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for digestion.

Avoid:
Meat by-products – These can include low-quality parts of animals with fewer nutrients.
Artificial preservatives – BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin can be harmful over time.
Artificial colors and flavors – Often used to make food look more appealing but serve no nutritional purpose.
Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy – Low-cost ingredients used to bulk up food without adding real nutrition.

2. Understand Nutritional Balance

Dogs require a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to thrive. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets guidelines to ensure food meets minimum nutritional requirements. A high-quality natural dog food will provide:

✔ Complete and balanced meals with adequate protein, fats, and fiber.
✔ Essential amino acids for muscle development and recovery.
✔ Natural sources of vitamins and minerals instead of synthetic additives.

3. Consider Your Dog’s Unique Needs

Every dog has different dietary requirements based on their age, breed, activity level, and health conditions.

Puppies – Need high-protein diets for growth and development.
Active dogs – Require higher-calorie meals with healthy fats and proteins.
Senior dogs – Benefit from joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Dogs with allergies – Should be fed limited-ingredient diets with novel proteins like rabbit or venison.

4. Source Matters: Where Do Ingredients Come From?

The quality of ingredients depends on where they are sourced from. The best natural dog food brands use human-grade meats, organic vegetables, and responsibly sourced fats.

 Questions to ask when choosing a natural dog food brand:
✔ Where are the ingredients sourced from? (Local, organic, pasture-raised?)
✔ Is the meat human-grade?
✔ Are the vegetables non-GMO and pesticide-free?
✔ Does the brand conduct third-party safety testing?

5. Processing Methods: How the Food is Made Matters

Natural dog food should be minimally processed to retain nutrients. Look for brands that use:

✔ Raw and freeze-dried processing – Retains the most nutrients and enzymes.
✔ Gently cooked food – Preserves nutrition while eliminating bacteria.
✔ No high-heat extrusion – Over-processing destroys essential vitamins and minerals.

Why BJ’s Raw Pet Food is a Trusted Choice

BJ’s Raw Pet Food ticks all the boxes for a high-quality natural diet:
100% raw, unprocessed ingredients
No artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products
Single-source proteins for allergy-sensitive dogs
Nutritionally balanced meals that mimic an ancestral diet

By choosing BJ’s Raw Pet Food, you ensure your dog gets the best possible nutrition for a healthier, happier life.

Real Stories: Health Transformations with Natural Diets

Switching to natural dog food has made a world of difference for many pet owners. Customers who transitioned their dogs to BJ’s Raw Pet Food have shared incredible transformations—ranging from improved coat quality and energy levels to better digestion and overall vitality.

Here are some real testimonials from dog owners who have seen the benefits firsthand.

Chic Choix Lhasa Apso Show Kennel – Award-Winning Dogs Thrive on BJ’s Raw Pet Food

"The World Proclaimed Chic Choix Lhasa Apso Show Kennel exclusively uses and recommends BJ’s Raw Pet Food as the food of choice for dogs and puppies. Fed exclusively to all our award-winning show dogs, moms, and pups, the quality and consistency of BJ’s Raw Pet Food is second to none. From growing beautiful show coats to preserving health and promoting function, Chic Choix Kennel is proud to be a partner with BJ’s Raw Pet Food and recommends it for pets and show dogs alike."

Harbor – A Boxer Raised on BJ’s Raw Pet Food Since Puppyhood

"Harbor, our 2 ½-year-old female boxer from BJ’s Farm, has been on BJ’s Raw Pet Food her whole life! We wouldn’t have it any other way! She is a happy, healthy, and full-of-energy girl!"

Hanna’s Dog – Weight Loss & Improved Digestion

"My dog is obsessed with her food from BJ’s. We rotate her between most of the mixes, only avoiding the ones with heavy rabbit fur as they did not agree with her. Customer service was great at identifying why a few of the mixes were causing her to have an upset stomach. My dog has lost weight and is so much healthier now!".

How to Transition Your Dog to a Natural Diet

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely transition your dog to a natural diet like BJ’s Raw Pet Food.

Step 1: Choose the Right Natural Dog Food

Before transitioning, select the best natural dog food based on your dog’s:
Age (puppy, adult, senior)
Activity level (high-energy breeds may need more protein)
Dietary needs (grain-free, single-protein options, or raw diets)
Allergies or sensitivities (some dogs do better with novel proteins like rabbit or venison)

BJ’s Raw Pet Food offers customized meal options, ensuring that each dog gets the nutrition they need without artificial fillers, grains, or preservatives.

Step 2: Start with a Slow Transition (7-10 Days)

A gradual 7-10 day transition is recommended to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust to their new food.

Days 1-3: Mix 25% natural food with 75% current food.
Days 4-6: Increase to 50% natural food, 50% old food.
Days 7-9: Move to 75% natural food, 25% old food.
Day 10+: Fully transition to 100% natural food.

Pro Tip: Watch for any digestive changes, such as loose stools, excessive gas, or stomach upset. If your dog experiences discomfort, slow down the transition by adding an extra 2-3 days at each step.

Step 3: Monitor Your Dog’s Digestion and Energy Levels

Every dog reacts differently to dietary changes. During the transition, monitor for:

Healthy stool consistency (firm, not too hard or loose)
Improved energy levels
No signs of vomiting or excessive gas
A shinier, softer coat

Common temporary symptoms during the transition:

Slightly loose stool – A normal adjustment to a higher moisture diet.
Increased thirst – Raw diets contain more water, leading to better hydration.
More frequent bowel movements – The digestive system is adapting to a more bioavailable diet.

Most of these temporary changes resolve within 1-2 weeks, and many owners report visible improvements in their dog's health within a few weeks of feeding natural food.

Step 4: Incorporate Probiotics and Digestive Support

To help ease the transition, consider adding:

✔ Probiotics – Supports gut health and promotes a balanced digestive system.
✔ Bone broth – Gentle on the stomach and rich in nutrients.
✔ Pumpkin puree – Helps regulate digestion and firm up stool.

Pro Tip: BJ’s Raw Pet Food naturally contains enzymes and probiotics from raw ingredients, which support healthy digestion from day one!

Dogs thrive on routine, so feeding them at consistent times each day helps regulate digestion and behavior.

Recommended Feeding Schedule:
Puppies – 3-4 small meals per day
Adult dogs – 2 meals per day
Senior dogs – 2 meals per day (adjust portions for lower activity levels)

Step 6: Watch for Signs of Success!

As your dog adjusts to natural food, you’ll likely notice:

More energy and playfulness
Better stool quality (firm and less odor)
Shinier, healthier coat
Reduced itching, shedding, and allergies
No more digestive issues like bloating or gas

What If My Dog Is Picky?

Some dogs hesitate to try new foods, especially if they’ve been eating kibble their entire lives. If your dog is reluctant to switch:

✔ Try lightly warming the food – This enhances the aroma and makes it more appealing.
✔ Mix with bone broth – Adds extra flavor while providing nutrients.
✔ Start with a mix of raw and cooked – Gradually move to a fully raw diet.
✔ Use mealtime training – Encourage eating by rewarding small tastes.

Customer Testimonial – Hanna
"My dog was hesitant at first, but once she got used to the new texture and smell, she became obsessed with her food from BJ’s. She now gets excited for every mealtime!"

Final Tips for a Smooth Transition

✔ Patience is key – Some dogs take longer to adjust than others.
✔ Stay consistent – Stick to a feeding schedule to develop a routine.
✔ Avoid sudden food changes – Gradual transitions prevent stomach upset.
✔ Hydration matters – Raw diets naturally contain moisture, so dogs may drink less water.

Most dogs fully adjust to natural food within 2-4 weeks, and the health benefits become noticeable soon after!

Conclusion: Give Your Dog the Best Natural Nutrition

Choosing natural dog food is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your pet’s long-term health, happiness, and longevity. By eliminating artificial additives, fillers, and processed ingredients, a wholesome, species-appropriate diet provides your dog with the nutrients they need to thrive.

From stronger immunity and better digestion to shinier coats and increased energy, pet owners who switch to BJ’s Raw Pet Food consistently see transformative results in their dogs.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier, Happier Dog

If you’re ready to see the incredible benefits of natural, raw nutrition, now is the perfect time to make the switch. Explore BJ’s Raw Pet Food Options Today → Shop Now

Frequently Asked Questions