Best Natural Dog Food Brands in Australia 2026 Comparison
Pet parents searching for premium dog food in Australia want more than buzzwords on a bag. You’re looking for clean ingredients, steady energy, small well-formed stools, a shiny coat and fewer itches — not vague “meat meals” and heavy fillers. The problem? “Natural dog food” has become a marketing costume: gorgeous packaging hiding ultra-processed formulas that don’t respect your dog’s biology. This guide cuts through the noise. We compare leading natural and grain free dog food brands available at Eco Traders using shopper-ready criteria: ingredient transparency, protein quality, processing method (dry dog food vs air-/freeze-dried), Omega-3 sources, country of origin, and value for money. You’ll get quick picks for healthy wet dog food toppers, Australian made dog food for everyday feeding, and options for sensitive stomachs and eco-first homes. Read, choose, and switch with confidence.
Quick Summary
What: A premium natural dog food should provide complete, balanced nutrition using named animal proteins, quality fats (including omega-3s), digestible fibres and minimal unnecessary additives.
Why it matters: Highly processed diets with unclear protein sources and heavy fillers can drive loose stools, itchy skin, weight gain, low energy and long-term inflammation.
How to act: Choose Australian-made formulas with transparent labels, consider grain free or single-protein options for sensitive dogs, and transition slowly over 5–7 days while watching stools, coat and energy.
Start here: For the full science behind natural pet food, ingredients and the microbiome, read our TOF guide: Natural Pet Food in Australia: Why Real Ingredients Matter .
Why “Natural” Matters — And How to Judge Dog Food Quality
A truly natural dog food recipe isn’t defined by slogans — it’s defined by the quality, sourcing, processing and balance of its ingredients. The best premium dog foods use recognisable whole meats (chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, ocean fish), digestible carbohydrates (sweet potato, oats, legumes) and functional fats that support long-term health. They minimise unnecessary additives and keep formulations as simple as possible for the gut.
One of the biggest drivers of real-world results is bioavailability — how efficiently nutrients are absorbed and used. Processing matters a lot here. Air- and freeze-dried diets keep proteins closer to their native structure and are usually more calorie-dense per scoop. Well-formulated dry dog food (kibble) offers excellent value, especially when supported with natural antioxidants, clear fat sources and gut-friendly fibres. Healthy wet dog food can boost hydration and palatability, particularly for seniors and fussy eaters.
Labels tell you who is serious about nutrition. Prefer named meats and clear ingredient panels over vague “meat meal” claims. Look for sensible fibre sources (e.g. beet pulp, inulin, pumpkin or oats) to support stool quality and the microbiome. If your dog is itchy or gassy, single-protein or grain free dog food formulas can reduce inflammatory load and improve comfort.
Every brand in this guide meets recognised nutritional frameworks (AAFCO/FEDIAF equivalents) and publishes transparent ingredient lists. To make your decision simple, we compare them by processing method, protein approach, Omega-3 sources, country of origin and real-world suitability — then highlight Eco Traders Picks based on customer feedback and our own sales data. The goal isn’t hype; it’s matching the right formula to your dog and your household.
Switching foods? Transition gradually over 5–7 days (25% new → 50% → 75% → 100%). Track easy-to-see signals: stool quality, coat shine, appetite, breath and day-to-day energy. Adjust portions to body condition and activity rather than bowl size alone. Those small observations are your best early indicators that the nutrition in the bag is becoming the wellbeing you can see.
Quick summary: best premium dog food picks in Australia
- Best everyday Australian made dog food: clean-label kibble with named meats and natural antioxidants for reliable daily feeding.
- Best grain free dog food: single-protein, low-filler recipes for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities or itchy skin.
- Best dog food for sensitive stomachs: limited-ingredient formulas with gentle fibres and balanced omega-3s.
- Best high-protein dog food: air-/freeze-dried hybrids that deliver performance nutrition in smaller serving sizes.
- Best value premium dog food: Australian brands that balance price, digestibility and transparent ingredient lists.
Eco Traders Picks: Natural Dog Food
BIOpet Vegan Dog Food 3.5 kg
- Designed for dogs with animal-protein sensitivities.
- Complete amino acid profile with fortified vitamins/minerals.
- Straightforward transition from standard kibble.
Animals Like Us — RAWMix33 Ocean Fish 2 kg
- High protein density; great for fussy eaters.
- Smaller serving sizes vs commodity kibble.
- Performance-leaning nutrition without going fully raw.
BIOpet Supremium Adult 3 kg
- Balanced macros for adult maintenance.
- Predictable digestion and easy transitions.
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing essentials.
Dry Dog Food vs Grain Free vs Wet Food — Which Format Suits Your Dog?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when choosing premium dog food in Australia is the format. Each option — dry, wet, or grain free — has strengths and trade-offs. Rather than chasing trends, match the format to your dog’s digestion, lifestyle and preferences.
Dry dog food for dogs (kibble) is still the workhorse of everyday feeding. High-quality kibble uses named meats, functional fibres and natural antioxidants to deliver complete nutrition in a convenient, shelf-stable form. It’s ideal for multi-dog households, dogs with normal digestion, and guardians who want predictable costs. Look for products that avoid vague “meat by-product” and instead list clear proteins such as chicken, lamb or fish.
Grain free dog food can be helpful for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities, recurring itchy skin, or gas. Removing wheat, corn and soy often reduces inflammatory load and can improve coat clarity and stool consistency. However, grain free isn’t automatically “better” — plenty of dogs do well on wholegrain formulas. Focus on overall recipe quality: protein percentage, fat quality and starch load.
Healthy wet dog food plays a valuable supporting role. Wet diets help with hydration, add aroma and texture for fussy eaters, and are easier to handle for senior dogs or those with dental issues. Many families feed a mixed approach, using wet food as a topper over high-quality kibble to boost palatability and amino acid variety. Whichever format you choose, ensure the full diet remains complete-and-balanced and adjust portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.
Australian Made Dog Food, Sensitive Stomachs & Hypoallergenic Options
Search demand for Australian made dog food and natural dog food reviews keeps climbing, and it’s easy to see why. Local brands are closer to their supply chains, subject to Australian safety expectations, and typically more transparent with labelling. Choosing Australian made often means shorter ingredient transport distances, fresher meats and formulations built for our climate and pet lifestyles.
These local recipes are also well placed to cater for dogs with digestive and skin issues. If you’re searching for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs or a truly hypoallergenic dog food, start with limited-ingredient formulas that use a single novel protein such as salmon, kangaroo or turkey. Pair that with gentle fibres (beet pulp, pumpkin, inulin) and balanced omega-3s from fish oil or marine oils. This combination supports calmer guts and less reactive skin.
Watch for common red flags: recurring loose stools, frequent ear infections, hot spots, paw licking after meals, or burping and gas. These can all indicate your current diet isn’t the right fit. A carefully chosen high-protein dog food with cleaner ingredients can make a dramatic difference. For puppies, look for premium puppy dog food that meets growth requirements while staying highly digestible. Whatever you choose, transition slowly over a week and work with your vet if symptoms persist — diet is powerful, but medical conditions still need clinical care.
Brand-by-brand: strengths, processing, and who they suit
BIOpet (Australia) — Everyday natural, allergy-aware options
An Australian staple for pet owners who want clean, dependable nutrition without premium-tier pricing. BIOpet focuses on straightforward recipes with named proteins, grain-inclusive or grain free bases and natural antioxidants for preservation. Two ranges stand out at Eco Traders: Grain Free for dogs that do better without cereal inputs, and Vegan for households managing animal-protein sensitivities or pursuing plant-based preferences. While plant-based diets require careful formulation, BIOpet’s vegan option is designed to provide a broad amino-acid spectrum via blended legumes and seeds with added vitamins and minerals. For many families, BIOpet is the practical on-ramp from supermarket kibble to better quality natural dog food — honest labels, balanced macros and strong value per kilogram. Best for: budget-conscious shoppers, mild sensitivities, multi-dog homes needing a reliable base diet.
Animals Like Us (New Zealand) — High protein, air-/freeze-dried hybrid
New Zealand’s meat quality, strict sourcing standards and cold-chain know-how power this brand’s signature RAWMix concept: a smart blend of air-/freeze-dried meat pieces with a complementary base to balance convenience and nutrient integrity. The result is higher protein density than typical kibble and excellent palatability for fussy eaters. Formulas often include ocean fish or fish oil to boost EPA/DHA Omega-3s for skin and coat. This is the brand we see win over owners looking for a performance-leaning, high-protein dog food without committing to a fully raw model. Expect smaller serving sizes versus commodity kibble thanks to calorie density; adjust scoops to body condition, not just the back-of-bag chart. Best for: active dogs, shiny-coat chasers and “kibble-plus” upgraders.
Vets All Natural (Australia) — Whole-food mixes guided by veterinary formulation
Vets All Natural occupies a unique lane: whole-food “Complete Mix” bases created to be combined with fresh meats at home. This approach lets you control protein source and freshness while benefiting from a carefully balanced premix of vitamins, minerals and plant fibres. For many guardians, it’s a comfortable middle ground between raw-feeding principles and the structure of formulated diets. Because you choose the meat, it’s easy to rotate proteins or avoid specific allergens, creating a quasi-hypoallergenic dog food tailored to your dog. Texture and moisture content also support digestive comfort for many dogs when transitioned gradually. Best for: owners who enjoy preparing food, dogs needing precise protein control and those exploring less-processed routines without going fully DIY.
Evolution Holistic (Australia) — Balanced formulas with functional focus
Built for “everyday natural” feeding with targeted support, Evolution Holistic leans into digestive and skin health through fibre blends, supportive oils and mineral balance. Recipes are designed for complete and balanced daily feeding, prioritising named proteins and pragmatic ingredient lists over marketing fireworks. The win here is consistency: predictable stools, tidy ingredient panels and portion guides that match real-world energy needs. If your priority is a well-priced, no-drama diet that still reads clean on the label, Evolution Holistic is one of the strongest Australian made dog food options in our range. Best for: adult maintenance, mild skin/coat fussiness and households that prefer a straightforward, locally produced option.
Anipal (Australia) — Sustainability-first ethos with natural formulations
Anipal is known for an eco-conscious philosophy and ingredient choices that spotlight sustainability alongside pet wellbeing. Where applicable, you’ll see a tilt toward responsibly sourced inputs and packaging with a lower environmental footprint. For owners who want their dollars to reflect planetary values without abandoning nutrition, Anipal offers a thoughtful path. We view it as the “green pick” in a natural portfolio — credible recipes, clear labelling and a brand mission that resonates with conscious households. Best for: eco-driven shoppers and dogs with uncomplicated nutritional needs who still deserve a premium natural dog food.
Natural dog food comparison (processing, proteins, Omega-3s, value)
| Brand | Processing | Primary Protein Approach | Grain-Free Option | Omega-3 Source | Origin | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOpet | Kibble (extruded) | Named meats; Vegan option (legume/seed blend) | Yes | Flax/linseed; some fish oils by SKU | Australia | Value, sensitivities, reliable daily feeding |
| Animals Like Us | Air-/Freeze-dried hybrid | High meat inclusion; ocean fish variants | Yes | Fish oil / marine oils | New Zealand | High protein, palatability, performance |
| Vets All Natural | Whole-food premix + fresh meat | Owner-selected meats (rotate as needed) | N/A | By meat choice; plant oils in premix | Australia | Custom protein control, less processed feel |
| Evolution Holistic | Kibble (extruded) | Named meats with functional fibres | Varies | Mixed (flax/fish oil by recipe) | Australia | Balanced everyday feeding, digestion focus |
| Anipal | Natural formulations; sustainability focus | Responsibly sourced ingredients | Varies | Plant & marine sources by SKU | Australia | Eco values, clean-label shoppers |
The bottom line — choose by processing, protein, and practicality
The “best” choice depends entirely on your dog’s biology, sensitivities and lifestyle. If you want premium protein density and exceptional palatability, high-protein dog food in air-/freeze-dried or hybrid formats delivers outstanding results in smaller scoops. For dependable day-in, day-out value with natural preservation, Australian made dry dog food with named proteins and clear labels is a reliable foundation. Sensitive-stomach dogs may thrive on grain free dog food or single-protein formulas, while seniors and fussy eaters often benefit from adding healthy wet dog food as a topper.
Transition gradually, monitor stools and coat quality, and adjust portions to match body condition and activity. When you need help cutting through the options, Eco Traders is here to translate pet nutrition science into clear, practical choices for your household.
Natural & Premium Dog Food — FAQs
What is the best premium dog food in Australia?
The best choice depends on your dog’s age, activity level and sensitivities. Look for named proteins, balanced omega-3s, digestible fibres and transparent labels. Australian-made formulas with clean ingredients are a strong starting point.
Is grain free dog food better for sensitive skin or digestion?
Grain free diets can help when wheat, corn or soy trigger itchiness or loose stools. But many dogs do well on wholegrain formulas too. Watch your dog’s stool quality, coat condition and energy after a slow transition.
Should I choose dry dog food, wet food or a mixed approach?
Dry dog food offers value and convenience; wet food boosts hydration and palatability. Many families use a combination. Ensure the overall diet is complete and balanced and adjust calories to avoid overfeeding.
What is the best dog food for sensitive stomachs?
Limited-ingredient diets with single proteins (salmon, kangaroo, turkey), gentle fibres and clear omega-3 sources are ideal for digestive issues. Avoid vague meat meals and heavy fillers that can trigger inflammation.
What counts as hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic formulas use novel or single proteins and avoid common allergens. Kangaroo, venison, salmon and turkey are common hypoallergenic options. They’re ideal for dogs with persistent itching, gas or skin irritation.
Which natural dog foods are Australian made?
BIOpet, Vets All Natural, Evolution Holistic and Anipal are Australian brands that provide transparent ingredient lists and clean-label recipes.
How do I safely transition to a new dog food?
Transition over 5–7 days: 25% new (days 1–2), 50% (days 3–4), 75% (days 5–6), 100% (day 7). Slow down if stools soften. Avoid changing multiple variables at once.
Does natural dog food help with skin, allergies or gut issues?
Yes. Cleaner formulations, balanced omega-3s and simpler protein sources often reduce inflammatory load, improve coat clarity and support gut function. Severe or persistent symptoms should be assessed by a vet.
Want help matching a recipe to your dog’s age, activity and sensitivities? Talk to Eco Traders — we’ll recommend a formula and transition plan tailored to your dog.
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15 October 2025Notes:Article published
