Why Natural Ingredients Matter in Your Dog’s Diet.

Why Natural Ingredients Matter in Your Dog’s Diet (+ Our Top Picks for Digestive Health)

As pet parents, we want our dogs to be happy, energetic, and healthy for as long as possible. But often, the key to a longer, healthier life starts with a very basic question: What are we feeding them?

Many commercial dog foods are filled with artificial preservatives, low-quality meat by-products, and hard-to-digest fillers that do more harm than good. Choosing a food made with natural ingredients—including real meat, vegetables, and healthy grains—can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s digestion, skin health, energy levels, and even mood.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• What “natural ingredients” actually means
  
  

• Why healthy grains belong in many dogs’ diets
  
  

• The connection between natural food and digestive health
  
  

• Our top food and supplement picks for real, lasting results

1. What Counts as “Natural” in Dog Food?

The term “natural” gets used a lot in pet food marketing, but not all products that use the word live up to the name. True natural dog food starts with real, whole-food ingredients and avoids artificial additives. You should be able to recognize most of the ingredients on the label, including named proteins like cage-free chicken or turkey, whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal, and natural sources of fat like flaxseed or chicken fat.

When these ingredients are paired with beneficial extras like prebiotics, probiotics, and omega fatty acids from real food sources, your dog gets more than just fuel—they get nutritional support that can improve everything from their immune system to the shine of their coat.

On the other hand, artificial colors, vague meat by-products, preservatives like BHA/BHT, or low-cost fillers like soy and corn should raise red flags. These types of ingredients may fill the bag, but they won’t provide the long-term health benefits your dog deserves.

2. Why Grains Can Actually Be a Good Thing

There’s a lot of buzz around grain-free diets, but for most adult dogs, healthy grains offer far more benefits than drawbacks—especially when they’re thoughtfully chosen and balanced within the formula. Whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice are rich in fiber, which supports smooth digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day. They also provide essential nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to a dog’s energy and overall health.

Grain-free diets became popular partly due to concerns around grain allergies. However, true grain allergies are rare in dogs, and many dogs thrive on diets that include high-quality, digestible grains. The problem lies in overly processed or poor-quality grains that act as fillers, which is why selecting a premium formula with natural, healthy grains is the key.

3. A Complete Solution: Holistic Kibble with Natural Ingredients

If you're looking for a trusted food option that combines all the benefits of natural ingredients and gentle grains, we recommend the Holistic Adult Dog Healthy Grains Cage-Free Kibble. This formula is designed for adult dogs and provides everything your dog needs to stay strong, balanced, and healthy from the inside out.

Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient, offering a clean, lean source of protein to support muscle health and sustained energy. It also includes oatmeal and barley, which are naturally rich in fiber and easy on your dog’s stomach. To further support digestive wellness, this kibble includes prebiotics and carefully selected fiber sources to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and enhance nutrient absorption. And importantly, it contains no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy.

This is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or for pet parents who want to ensure their dog is eating whole, balanced, and thoughtfully sourced meals. You can shop the kibble here and see the full ingredient list.

4. Don’t Forget About Supplements: Boosting Health from the Inside

While a high-quality kibble is the foundation of a healthy diet, supplements can play a valuable role—especially if your dog struggles with itchy skin, low energy, or inconsistent digestion. One of our top picks is The Missing Link Pet Kelp Formula – Skin & Coat 100% Organic.

This supplement combines organic kelp with flaxseed and omega fatty acids to support your dog’s skin, coat, brain function, and immune system. The kelp is a rich source of natural iodine and essential minerals, while the omega-3 and 6 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and improve the texture and shine of your dog’s coat. It also includes fiber, which further promotes digestive health. You can simply sprinkle it over your dog’s meal for an easy and effective boost.

Together with a holistic kibble, this supplement can make a real difference—especially for dogs with skin sensitivities or digestive issues.

5. Better Ingredients, Better Health

Feeding your dog high-quality, natural food is one of the most important decisions you can make as a pet parent. When you move away from fillers and synthetic additives, and instead focus on nutrient-rich ingredients like cage-free protein, whole grains, and clean supplements, you support your dog’s total health—from the inside out.

Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading your current food routine, now’s a great time to explore your options. At Prime Pets Co., we’re proud to offer carefully selected products that support wellness, vitality, and longevity in the pets we love most.

Explore Our Favorites:

Holistic Adult Dog Healthy Grains Cage-Free Kibble

The Missing Link Pet Kelp Formula – Skin & Coat 100% Organic

Shop All Natural Wellness Products