The Benefits of All-Natural Dog Food
When a dog food is labeled as “all natural”, it means that it is derived from natural sources like fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, grains, and vitamins/minerals with no addition of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. All-natural dog food contains no by-products, fillers, or chemical ingredients you cannot pronounce.
While the term “natural” is not officially regulated for pet foods, reputable brands like Nextrition use high-quality, minimally processed whole food ingredients with no synthetic additives. This all-natural dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition formulated to meet your dog’s needs, just like conventional kibble or canned food.
Benefits for Your Dog’s Health
Feeding an all-natural diet has many potential benefits for your pup’s overall health and well-being compared to highly processed commercial dog foods loaded with preservatives and low-quality ingredients. Here are a few key advantages of all-natural dog food:
Better Digestibility
Natural dog foods rely on fresh, whole food ingredients that are gently cooked or air-dried to maintain more of their natural nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. This makes the quality proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals much easier for your dog’s body to properly digest, absorb and utilize compared to highly processed kibble or canned foods.
Fewer Allergens & Sensitivities
Many dogs experience food allergies or sensitivities to common pet food proteins like beef or chicken, as well as synthetic ingredients, fillers, and by-products. All-natural dog food eliminates these potential allergens and irritants. Novel protein sources like venison, duck or fish are often used that your dog has never been exposed to. This can provide relief from chronic food-related skin issues, digestive upset, and other allergy symptoms.
Boosts Immune Health
The complete, balanced nutrition from whole foods provides optimal nutritional support for a strong immune system. High-quality proteins promote lean muscle development, while antioxidants from fruits and vegetables boost the immune response to pathogens. Beneficial probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
Healthier Skin and Coat
Healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from quality proteins and supplemental oils like fish, flaxseed or coconut promote shiny, lustrous coats and supple skin in dogs. Many of these foods contain added beneficial supplements like glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin, which can further improve skin/coat condition and joint health.
Better Weight Management
Compared to many conventional dog foods, all natural formulas are usually higher in dense animal proteins and moisture with moderate levels of healthy fats, and no empty carbs, fillers or by-products. This nutrient-dense, high-quality calorie profile provides better satiety and can prevent excess hunger and unhealthy weight gain in dogs.
Increased Energy Levels
When dogs can fully digest and absorb the complete, quality nutrition in all-natural dog food, it translates into increased energy levels, stamina, and overall vitality. High-quality animal proteins fuel an active lifestyle while complex carbs from whole grains provide stable, long-lasting energy.
Fights Chronic Disease
The superior, anti-inflammatory nutrition from an all-natural, whole food diet may help prevent or manage chronic conditions in dogs like diabetes, arthritis, kidney/heart disease and even some cancers.
What to Look For
When shopping for high-quality all natural dog food brands and formulas, look for short ingredient lists featuring fresh meats like chicken, turkey, or fish as the main protein source. Whole grains, fruits/veggies, quality plant-based fats/oils and added vitamins/minerals from whole foods are good signs. Avoid anything with chemical preservatives, by-products, artificial colors/flavors, or non-specific ingredient sources.
Conclusion
While all-natural dog food can cost more upfront, the long-term benefits of improved overall health, immunity, energy, and potentially reduced vet bills make it a wise investment. A high-quality, minimally processed, all-natural whole food diet is one of the best things you can do for your canine companion’s nutrition and longevity.
