Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dog Nutrition

Only Natural Pet Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Brooke Billingsley
By Brooke BillingsleyUpdated on June 17, 2026
Share
Dogster_Only Natural Pet Dog Food Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Only Natural Pet dog food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

4.5

If you’re interested in grain-free dog foods that come in multiple recipes and varieties, then dog food from Only Natural Pet may be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you prefer to feed your dog an ancestral diet or a grain-free kibble, there’s a food from Only Natural Pet to meet your dog’s needs.

This company stands for dog food made with transparent production processes and packed with high-quality ingredients. They support sustainability as well, making your purchases from Only Natural Pet more eco-friendly than purchases from many other brands. Here’s everything you need to know about this brand.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

At a Glance: The Best Only Natural Pet Dog Food Recipes:

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite
Winner
Only Natural Pet Power Food Red Meat Feast Only Natural Pet Power Food Red Meat Feast
  • Multiple protein recipe
  • Supports joint health
  • Good source of omega fatty acids
  • Second place
    Only Natural Pet High-Protein Insect Based Kibble Only Natural Pet High-Protein Insect Based Kibble
  • Novel protein recipe
  • Highly sustainable protein
  • Highly palatable
  • Third place
    Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Beef with Pumpkin Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Beef with Pumpkin
  • Paleo-based diet
  • Easy to chew and tear
  • Suitable for weight gain and muscle building
  • Only Natural Pet Dry Dog Food Small Breed Only Natural Pet Dry Dog Food Small Breed
  • High in protein
  • Nutrient-dense ingredients
  • Good foods to support growth
  • Only Natural Pet Dehydrated Raw Dog Food Only Natural Pet Dehydrated Raw Dog Food
  • Good foods to support growth
  • High in protein
  • Sustainability
  • Only Natural Pet Dog Food Reviewed

    Who Makes Only Natural Pet and Where Is It Produced?

    Only Natural Pet was founded in 2002 in Boulder, Colorado. The recipes are formulated by a holistic veterinarian, and the foods are made within the US using sustainable practices and ingredients. They are a certified B-corp, and they were the first pet food and treat company in North America to become a certified B-corp for sustainability. They primarily use wind power for their manufacturing processes and carbon-neutral shipping for individual orders and company shipments.

    Which Type of Dogs Is Only Natural Pet Best Suited For?

    All of the foods from Only Natural Pet are grain-free, as well as being free of starches and artificial ingredients. Their recipes are high in protein, making them suitable for active dogs. Protein can help build and maintain muscle mass, as well as supporting muscle recovery after activity, making these foods suitable for working dogs.

    Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

    All of the Only Natural Pet recipes are grain-free foods, and most of them contain legumes. Grain-free diets containing legumes are not recommended for many dogs, so make sure to discuss this with your vet before transitioning your dog. Also, due to the high protein content in these foods, they are generally not recommended for older dogs and those requiring less protein, like dogs with kidney disease.

    Our top pick for older dogs is Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+.

    Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

    • Deboned Lamb; Lamb is a nice source of protein for dogs to help support healthy muscle mass. It’s also a good source of multiple vitamins and minerals, including iron, which is essential for cardiovascular and respiratory function, zinc, which supports immunity and nerve function, and vitamin B12, which supports red blood cell production and brain function.
    • Lamb Meal: Lamb meal differs from deboned lamb in that it contains muscle meat, as well as organ meat and ground bones. On top of being a good source of the same vitamins and minerals that deboned lamb is, it’s higher in iron than deboned lamb. It’s also a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, as well as calcium and vitamin D.
    • Black Soldier Fly Larvae: Black soldier fly larvae may sound like an unusual ingredient in dog food, but some companies are using insect proteins because they are sustainable, nutrient dense, and a novel protein, which makes them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. This insect in particular has a nutritional profile that has an amino acid profile that’s comparable to fish meal. It’s a great source of healthy fats, along with calcium and potassium.
    • Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a fruit that is often considered a superfood for its nutritional profile and digestive benefits. It’s a great source of fiber, so it can help regulate stools and support healthy digestion. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, copper, vitamin C, manganese, and folate. It’s high in antioxidants to support immune system function.
    • Field Peas: Field peas, also called cowpeas, are a good source of plant protein in dog food. They’re also high in fiber to support digestive health and low in fat and calories. The issue with field peas, along with other legumes, is that legumes in dog food have shown a potential connection to causing heart disease, so many vets recommend avoiding legumes.

    High-Protein Foods

    All of the Only Natural Pet dog food recipes are an excellent source of protein. Protein is essential for supporting muscle function, growth, and development. It’s also important for repairing tissues after activity or injury. High-protein foods can support healthy muscle mass and body weight in active dogs, as well as supporting healing after illness or injury.

    Large Variety of Recipes

    As long as you’re looking for a grain-free diet for your dog, Only Natural Pet has a recipe for your dog. They offer freeze-dried raw, ancestral-based jerky food, kibble, kibble with raw nibs, and freeze-dried foods that are intended to be rehydrated and fed as a wet food. They have small breed foods and puppy foods as well. All of their recipes are available in multiple proteins, so there are foods appropriate for dogs with different nutritional needs.

    Sustainable Practices

    Sustainability is more than a buzzword for Only Natural Pet. This company is a certified B-corp and works to implement practices that support a healthier planet. Sustainable farming, animal rearing, and manufacturing processes, along with carbon neutral shipping, are all important ways that this company works to support the planet and function as a responsible company.

    Grain-Free Foods Containing Legumes

    The primary downside to foods from Only Natural Pet is that almost all of their recipes are grain-free diets. Most of them contain legumes. Grain-free diets containing legumes and potatoes have shown a link to heart disease in dogs, and my vets recommend avoiding these foods until more long-term studies on the effects of feeding these things to dogs are performed. It’s important that you discuss the risks and benefits of switching your dog to food from Only Natural Pet with your vet before you transition your dog.

    Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

    A Quick Look at Only Natural Pet Dog Food

    Pros

    • Sustainability
    • High in protein
    • Multiple recipes, textures, and proteins available
    • Many suitable diets for dogs with food sensitivities
    • Nutrient-dense ingredients
    • Good foods to support growth, muscle mass, and healthy body weight

    Cons

    • Most recipes are grain free
    • Many recipes contain legumes

    Recall History

    To date, Only Natural Pet has not experienced any dog food recalls.

    Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

    Reviews of the 3 Best Only Natural Pet Dog Food Recipes

    1. Only Natural Pet PowerFood Red Meat Feast

    Only Natural Pet Dry Dog Food Canine PowerFood Formula

    The Only Natural Pet PowerFood Red Meat Feast is a kibble that is packed with a variety of red meats, including lamb and pork. It has 460 calories per cup of food, and it has a protein content of 33% with moderate fat content at 17%.

    This food is a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin, so it will support your dog’s joint health. It’s also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can support skin, coat, brain, heart, and joint health. It contains probiotics to support digest health as well.

    This is a grain-free food that contains peas, lentils, and garbanzo beans.

    Pros

    • Multiple protein recipe
    • 460 kcal/cup
    • 33% protein content and 17% fat content
    • Supports joint health
    • Good source of omega fatty acids
    • Contains probiotics for digestive health

    Cons

    • Grain-free food that contains legumes

    2. Only Natural Pet Mindful Meals Black Soldier Fly Larvae Feast

    Only Natural Pet MindfulMeals Feast Dog Food

    The Only Natural Pet Mindful Meals Black Soldier Fly Larvae Feast is a unique food that contains a novel protein, making this food suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. It contains 425 calories per cup, and its protein content is 28%. This food has a good fat content at 14%.

    Unlike most Only Natural Pet recipes, this recipe contains healthy grains, as well as added taurine for cardiac health. Each kibble is dusted with a PowerBoost Blend that provides extra essential nutrients and increases the palatability of the food. It’s a good source of probiotics for digestive health as well.

    This food does retail for a premium price, and some people may be squeamish about feeding an insect-based food to their dog.

    Pros

    • Novel protein recipe
    • Highly sustainable protein
    • 425 kcal/cup
    • 28% protein content and 14% fat content
    • Contains healthy grains and added taurine
    • Highly palatable

    Cons

    • Premium price
    • May cause some people to be squeamish due to insect protein

    3. Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Beef with Pumpkin

    Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Grain-Free Air Dried Dry Dog Food

    The Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Beef with Pumpkin food is a suitable option for multiple uses. This is a paleo-based food for dogs that has a pleasant jerky texture. It can be fed as a primary food, a food topper, or a training treat. It contains multiple sources of beef protein, including muscle and organ meats.

    This food is a pleasant jerky texture that is easy to chew and tear. It contains 320 calories per cup, and it provides 30% protein and 27% fat, making it suitable for active dogs and those needing to gain weight or build muscle.

    This is a grain-free food that contains peas, so it may not be suitable for all dogs. It also retails for a very premium price.

    Pros

    • Paleo-based diet
    • Easy to chew and tear
    • Can be fed as primary food, food topper, or training treat
    • 320 kcal/cup
    • 30% protein content and 27% fat content
    • Suitable for weight gain and muscle building

    Cons

    • Grain-free food that contains legumes
    • Premium price
    Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

    What Other Users Are Saying

    As much as we think that dog food from Only Natural Pet is a great option for many dogs, you don’t just have to take our word for it. We looked to see what other customers were saying about the foods from this company.

    • PetSmart: “My little guy is fairly picky about his He was raised on chicken but got tired of that so we tried a lot of different brands and settled on the only natural beef with pumpkin. He likes it and the chicken with pumpkin as well so we are sticking with only natural. Try it and I promise your pups will love it.”
    • Influenster: “My…dogs LOVE only natural pets. The price is a little expensive but the value is beyond worth the money. The animals are in great shape. The food is all-natural and uses high-quality ingredients.”
    • Amazon: “I know this product is a little more expensive than the grocery store type of dog food, but this is such a well-balanced dog food that you don’t have to worry about loose stool or constipation. My dog is a healthy and happy dog and loves this dog food.”

    If you’re interested in reading more reviews from Amazon customers, check out the Only Natural Pet products here.

    Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

    Conclusion

    Foods from Only Natural Pet are nutrient-dense foods that can be suitable for a variety of dogs. Due to the high protein content, they may not be suitable for senior dogs and those requiring moderate protein diets, but these foods are a great option for active dogs, working dogs, young dogs that are still growing, and dogs that need to gain weight or muscle mass.

    Most of the foods from this brand are free of grains, and many of them contain legumes, so it’s important to talk to your vet before switching your dog due to the concerns around grain-free foods that contain legumes. The ingredients in these foods are exceptionally high in quality, though, and Only Natural Pet is a certified B-corp that focuses heavily on creating sustainable products.

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

    Brooke Billingsley
    Authored by

    Brooke Billingsley

    Join the Conversation

    1 Response

    bf
    betty favreau says:
    December 26, 2024

    my minister pincher has hypothyroldism which is the best food for her?

    Nature’s Logic Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and FAQ

    Nature’s Logic Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and FAQ

    Nature's Logic was founded in 2006 by Scott Freeman. Freeman conjured up dog food that uses 100% natural ingredients without using cheap, synthetic vitamins. I…

    Rachel Giordano
    By Rachel Giordano · 3 weeks ago
    Instinct Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Instinct Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Instinct Dog Food is made by Nature’s Variety, a brand that’s been in operation since 2002, specializing in holistic pet food. None of its formulas contains wh…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove · 3 weeks ago
    Primal Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Primal Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    If you have been thinking about taking your first steps into the world of raw dog food, Primal pet Foods might just convince you to take the plunge. It’s known…

    Jordyn Alger
    By Jordyn Alger · 1 week ago
    Solid Gold Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros, Cons, & FAQ

    Solid Gold Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros, Cons, & FAQ

    If you are a dog owner, you know that finding the right food for your pet is essential to their health and well-being. Many dog food brands are on the market,…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove · 6 days ago
    June 17, 2026

    Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    When you’re searching for high-quality, protein-filled dog food for your canine pal, you want only the very best. However, you also want a company that deliver…

    Patricia Dickson
    By Patricia Dickson
    Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons
    June 17, 2026

    Open Farm Dog Food Review 2026: Our Vet-Approved Expert’s Opinion

    If you're looking for high-quality, human-grade dog food made with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, then Open Farm may be the answer. This family-o…

    Savanna Stanfield
    By Savanna Stanfield
    Open Farm Dog Food Review 2026: Our Vet-Approved Expert’s Opinion
    June 17, 2026

    Acana Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

    Acana is a unique company that produces dog food in Alberta, Canada, and Auburn, Kentucky. It manufactures dog food for the American market in Auburn and formu…

    Samantha Reed
    By Samantha Reed
    Acana Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ
    June 17, 2026

    Acana Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

    Acana is a unique company that produces dog food in Alberta, Canada, and Auburn, Kentucky. It manufactures dog food for the American market in Auburn and formu…

    Dogster Team
    By Dogster Team
    Acana Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ
    June 17, 2026

    The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review 2026: Our Expert’s Breakdown

    The Honest Kitchen was founded in 2002 and is the first pet food company to get the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) seal of approval for producing huma…

    Jessica Kim
    By Jessica Kim
    The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review 2026: Our Expert’s Breakdown
    June 17, 2026

    Nulo Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Nulo was created with quality care for dogs in mind. Its founder realized that there weren’t enough care options available for dogs for last-minute requests. H…

    Krystal Facey
    By Krystal Facey
    Nulo Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons
    June 17, 2026

    Canidae Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Aimed at dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages, Canidae dog food has been around since 1996 and is one of many high-quality brands available for pets throughout…

    Oliver Jones
    By Oliver Jones
    Canidae Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons
    June 17, 2026

    Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    When it comes to commercial dog food, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find something better than Ziwi Peak. It offers high-quality, environmentally friendly…

    Kerry-Ann Kerr
    By Kerry-Ann Kerr
    Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

    You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

    The Dogster app on a phone