Best Natural Dog Food Brands in Australia 2025 Comparison

Pet parents want clean ingredients, proven nutrition, and results they can see: steady energy, healthy stools, shiny coat, fewer itches. The problem? “Natural dog food” has become a marketing costume — gorgeous bags hiding vague meat claims, fillers, and ultra-processed formulas. This guide cuts through the noise. We compare leading natural dog food brands available at Eco Traders using simple, shopper-ready criteria: ingredient transparency, protein quality, processing method (kibble vs air-/freeze-dried), Omega-3 sources, country of origin, and value for money. You’ll get quick brand profiles, an at-a-glance comparison table, and our Eco Traders Picks for common goals such as sensitive stomachs, eco values, and premium high-protein feeding. Read, choose, and switch with confidence.
Why “Natural” Matters — And How to Judge Dog Food Quality
“Natural” shouldn’t be a slogan; it should describe how a recipe is built. At its best, natural dog food uses recognisable proteins (chicken, beef, fish), digestible carbohydrates (sweet potato, oats, legumes), and functional fats that nourish—then preserves freshness with natural antioxidants rather than synthetic additives. That combination supports steady energy, comfortable digestion, a glossy coat, and—crucially—dogs who look forward to every bowl.
The single most important concept is bioavailability: how efficiently nutrients are absorbed and used. Processing changes this. Air- and freeze-dried methods keep proteins closer to their native structure and are typically more calorie-dense per scoop; kibble delivers great convenience and value when formulated transparently. Fat sources matter too. Prioritise marine or mixed plant/marine Omega-3s to support skin, coat, and joint comfort over the long term.
Labels tell you who’s serious about nutrition. Prefer named meats and clear ingredient panels over vague claims. “Chicken” or “beef” signals traceable inputs; non-specific “meat meal” leaves you guessing. Look for straightforward recipes without colourants and with mineral/vitamin support appropriate to life stage. Sensible fibre (e.g., beet pulp, inulin, or oats) helps form consistent stools and feeds a healthy gut microbiome.
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.
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, grains 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 to “better than supermarket kibble” — 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 feed 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. 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 earns a look. Best for: adult maintenance, mild skin/coat fussiness, and households that prefer a straightforward, Australian-made 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.
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 |
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.
The bottom line — choose by processing, protein, and practicality
“Best” depends on your dog and your household. If you want premium protein density and exceptional palatability, Animals Like Us delivers with its air-/freeze-dried hybrid. For dependable day-in, day-out value with natural preservation, BIOpet is a winner — including a Vegan option for allergy-management households. If you prefer to choose fresh meats and keep processing low, Vets All Natural gives you a vet-guided whole-food framework. Evolution Holistic offers clean-label balance at a sharp price point, and Anipal aligns nutrition with sustainability values. Transition gradually, watch stools and coat, and tweak portions to activity — your dog’s body composition and energy are the ultimate feedback loop. When in doubt, message us; Eco Traders exists to translate pet nutrition science into simple choices that work in real homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest natural dog food brand in Australia?
There’s no single winner. Choose named proteins, transparent labels, sensible fats (with Omega-3s), and a processing method that suits your dog and budget.
Is grain-free dog food better?
Not by default. Some dogs improve on grain-free; others do well on whole grains. Judge by stool quality, coat, energy, and body condition after a gradual transition.
What’s the difference between air-/freeze-dried and kibble?
Air-/freeze-dried retains more native protein structure and is more calorie-dense; kibble offers convenience and value. Hybrids like RAWMix combine both.
Is vegan dog food safe and complete?
When formulated to recognised standards with complete amino acid profiles, vegan diets can meet adult maintenance needs. Monitor coat, stools, and energy.
Which natural dog foods are Australian made?
BIOpet, Vets All Natural, Evolution Holistic, and Anipal are Australian; Animals Like Us is from New Zealand. All listed brands provide clear ingredient info.
How do I switch my dog’s food safely?
Transition over 5–7 days: 25% new (days 1–2), 50% (days 3–4), 75% (days 5–6), 100% (day 7). Adjust portions to body condition and activity.
Which ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
Vague meat terms, excessive fillers, and artificial colours. Prefer named meats, clear fat sources, and declared Omega-3 content where possible.
Does natural dog food help with skin or digestion issues?
Cleaner formulations and appropriate protein/fat balance can support skin and gut comfort. Persistent issues warrant a vet check for allergies or underlying conditions.
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.
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15 October 2025Notes:Article published