What Is Natural Dog Food?
If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at the back of a dog food bag wondering what half the ingredients are, you’re not alone. More pet parents are choosing natural dog food, but what does that actually mean?
Well, unlike "organic," there's no strict legal definition for "natural" dog food. However, there are recognised standards, and reputable brands (like us at Harringtons) are committed to following them.
Natural dog food is all about transparency and simplicity - real, recognisable ingredients you’d feel comfortable putting in your own kitchen. That means:
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Named meat sources (like chicken, lamb, or salmon)
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No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
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Minimal processing to keep goodness in
This sets it apart from some regular dog foods, which can contain vague meat derivatives, chemical additives, and fillers with very little nutritional value. Simply put, not all dog foods are created equal, and natural food offers peace of mind with every bowl.
How to Spot Natural Dog Food
Finding natural food for your dog doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a few quick label-reading tips, you’ll be able to sniff out the good stuff:
What to look for:
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Clear named protein sources (e.g., “chicken,” not “meat meal”)
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Whole ingredients like brown rice, vegetables, and natural oils
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A complete nutritional breakdown that lists vitamins, minerals, and fibre
What to avoid:
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Vague descriptions like “animal derivatives” or “meat by-products”
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Artificial additives or preservatives (e.g., BHA, BHT)
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Unnamed fats or ambiguous fillers
Example: A natural ingredient list might look like this:
Chicken (meat), barley, oats, yucca, seaweed, vitamins and minerals.
That’s exactly what you’ll find in our Harringtons Chicken with Rice Dry Dog Food – no nasties, just honest ingredients.
Prefer grain-free? Our Grain Free Wet Dog Food is another top choice, packed with tasty, natural goodness and none of the fluff.
So if you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your dog right, Harringtons is here to help. Quality and freshness guaranteed.
Benefits of Natural Dog Food
Switching to a natural diet can do wonders for your dog. Here’s why more pet parents are making the move:
Easier Digestion
Natural ingredients are often easier on the stomach - less mystery meat means less chance of tummy troubles.
Healthier Skin & Coat
Omega-rich oils and whole foods can promote shiny coats and soothe dry, itchy skin.
Steady Energy
Without artificial fillers or sugars, your dog’s energy levels stay consistent, not the zoom-then-zonk of some foods.
Better Overall Wellbeing
Some owners report noticeable improvements in eyesight, reduced shedding, and even calmer behaviour after switching.
According to trusted advice from Direct4Pet, a balanced, natural diet helps support long-term health, and we couldn’t agree more.
How to Transition Your Dog to Natural Food
Like most good things, transitioning your dog to natural food takes a bit of time and patience. Here’s a simple plan to get tails wagging:
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Start Slow: Mix 25% natural food with 75% of their current food for the first 2–3 days.
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Increase Gradually: Move to a 50/50 mix, then 75/25 over the course of 7–10 days.
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Monitor Closely: Watch for changes in digestion, appetite, and energy.
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Adjust Portions: Natural food may be more nutrient-dense, so you might need to tweak portion sizes.
Rushing the switch can upset sensitive tummies, so take it steady, and always have fresh water on hand.
Why Harringtons Dog Food Is Loved by Many
We’re proud to say our natural dog food has won the hearts of thousands of dogs (and their humans). Why? Because we care about what goes in every bowl.
Here’s what our happy customers have to say:
FAQs
How can I tell if dog food is natural?
Check the label! Look for named meat sources, whole food ingredients, and no artificial additives. If you can pronounce everything on the list, you're on the right track.
Is natural dog food better for my dog?
Yes, many dogs benefit from improved digestion, coat health, and energy levels when eating natural food. Every dog is different, but better ingredients often mean better outcomes.
How long does it take to see benefits after switching?
Some changes (like energy and digestion) can show within a week, while improvements to skin and coat may take a few weeks. Be patient, it’s worth it.
Can I mix natural dog food with my dog’s current food?
Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it when transitioning. Just make the switch gradually over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upsets.
Final Woof
Choosing natural dog food is one of the easiest ways to support your dog’s long-term health and happiness. With the right ingredients, and the right brand behind you, you can feed with confidence.
At Harringtons, we’re proud to serve up natural, wholesome food made with love, care, and no nonsense. Because our dogs deserve the best, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
