Finding Healthy and Reputable Australian Pet Foods and Treats

Choosing the right food and treats for your dog can be an overwhelming and expensive journey. With so many pet food brands in Australia, it’s hard to know which ones truly deliver on quality and nutrition. That’s where we step in! At THCKCS, we’ve done the legwork for you, reviewing ingredient panels, sourcing practices, and brand reputations to bring you the most trustworthy and nutritious Australian raw dog food, treats, and natural chews. We hope this article has an option for every budget and every dog!

Why Choosing the Right Food and Treats Matters

Your dog’s diet is the foundation of their health and wellbeing. Poor-quality foods with unnecessary fillers, artificial additives, or low-grade meat can negatively impact your dog’s digestion, coat health, energy levels, and even their lifespan. Instead, we recommend options that prioritize:

• Whole food ingredients

• Maximum Protein and Minimal Carbohydrates

• Minimal processing

• Transparency about sourcing and manufacturing

How This List is Compiled

As a canine wellness specialist, I will always prioritise our dog’s health and nutrition is such a huge part of this. This is why food types are listed based on their nutritional value, with fresh, minimally processed foods like balanced raw diets and gently cooked meals at the top, and kibble at the bottom due to its heavy processing and reduced nutrient content. Foods are selected for our list based on their availability in Australia, either online or in-store, and their ingredient panels, focusing on whole, high-quality ingredients while avoiding artificial additives, low-quality fillers, and unnamed meats as much as possible.

For the commercial food types (wet and dry), I have taken the time to calculate their protein and carbohydrate content, on a dry matter basis (DMB), with carbohydrate estimates calculated when not explicitly provided by the manufacturer Nutritional analysis. While we strive to provide accurate recommendations, ingredient panels and nutritional analyses can change over time, so we encourage pet parents to double-check labels themselves before purchasing. By understanding how foods are ranked and selected, you can make informed decisions to ensure your dog receives the best possible nutrition.

To ensure you’re feeding your dog the healthiest food possible, it’s important to understand how to calculate the protein and carbohydrate content in commercial dog foods. This knowledge helps you evaluate new foods and confirm that the foods listed below still meet their original nutritional standards. Start by checking the Guaranteed Analysis on the food’s label, which provides the minimum percentages of protein, fat, moisture, and sometimes ash. To calculate the dry matter (DM) basis, remove the moisture percentage to determine the food’s dry matter content. Then, divide the protein percentage by the dry matter percentage and multiply by 100 to find the protein content on a dry matter basis. For carbohydrates, add the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, and ash (if ash is not listed, assume 7% for kibble or 2% for wet food), and subtract this total from 100. Calculating these values ensures you’re making informed, up-to-date decisions about your dog’s nutrition.

Example Calculation:

If the nutritional analysis label lists

• Protein: 20%

• Fat: 15%

• Moisture: 10%

• Ash: 5%

1. Dry Matter: 100 - 10 (moisture) = 90% dry matter.

2. Protein on Dry Matter Basis: (20 ÷ 90) × 100 = 22.22% protein.

3. Carbohydrate Percentage: 100 - (20 + 15 + 10 + 5) = 50% carbohydrates.

Use this formula to check the nutritional content of any food and ensure your dog is getting the best possible diet. Always check ingredient panels for updates, as recipes can change over time.

Complete and Balanced Raw Foods

For dog owners new to raw feeding or those seeking a convenient, ready-to-serve raw dog food, a complete and balanced raw diet is one of the healthiest and most nutritious options. These meals are carefully crafted to include all the essential nutrients your dog needs and are typically formulated to meet AAFCO (Association of Australian Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards. While AAFCO guidelines were not specifically created for fresh or raw foods, they remain the most reliable benchmark to ensure a diet meets the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs.

I always recommend raw foods that meet AAFCO standards using whole food ingredients as the first and best option. Whole food-based formulas provide naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, which are more bioavailable and beneficial for dogs compared to synthetic alternatives. When brands use a premix of vitamins and minerals to achieve balance, we prioritize those that incorporate chelated minerals or natural vitamins, as these are easier for your dog to absorb and offer superior nutritional benefits.

By choosing a complete and balanced raw food—either balanced through whole foods or a high-quality premix—you can ensure your dog is receiving optimal nutrition to support their overall health and well-being. Always check ingredient panels and nutritional information, as formulations can change over time, to ensure you’re consistently providing the best for your dog.

1. Inner Wolf Raw - BARF complete to AAFCO using wholefoods

2. PRIME 100 Raw - BARF complete to AAFCO using whole foods

3. Petzyo Raw - BARF complete to AAFCO using whole foods

4. Raw 4 Paws - Single protein BARF complete to AAFCO using whole foods

5. Big Dog Pet Foods - BARF complete to AAFCO using wholefoods

6. DR'BS BARF RAW - BARF Complete and balanced to AAFCO using whole foods

7. RAW AND FRESH - BARF Complete and balanced to AAFCO using whole foods

8. BUGSYS RAW - BARF complete to AAFCO using whole foods

9. Proudi raw - BARF complete to AAFCO using premix

80:10:10 Base mixes

For pet parents who prefer to take a more hands-on approach to raw feeding, 80:10:10 base mixes are a fantastic option. These blends typically consist of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% bone, providing the foundational balance of a raw diet. While not complete and balanced on their own, these mixes are perfect for those looking to customize their dog’s meals by adding additional whole food ingredients to meet their nutritional needs. Below is a list of Australian 80:10:10 raw base mix brands available, making it easy to start building a nutritious diet for your dog. Always check the ingredient panels to ensure they meet your standards for quality and freshness.

1.Raw and fresh

2.Whisker Licks (prey model options)

Local Raw food suppliers by state can be found here.

Cooked foods

5Hounds by Dr.Will - Beef, fish, goat, kangaroo.

Lyka Pet Food - Beef, lamb, kangaroo, chicken, Turkey.

Frontier Pets - Chicken, Beef, lamb & salmon, pork.

Prime 100 single protein diets - grain free options only. (lamb & rosemary, turkey & flaxseed, wild boar & pumpkin, salmon & pumpkin, duck & sweet potato, kangaroo & pumpkin, crocodile & algae oil, beef & carrot, turkey & flaxseed)

Freeze dried/Air Dried/Dehydrated

Freeze Dry Australia Freeze Dried - Lamb & Kangaroo & Beef & Salmon.

Woof Dog Freeze Dried - Chicken, lamb, duck, beef, wild bushtail, wild venison, wild goat.

K9 Naturals Freeze Dried - Beef, chicken, lamb, lamb & salmon, hoki & beef

Ziwi peak freeze dried - Goat,Mackerel, beef, venison.

Kiwi Kitchens Freeze Dried - Beef, Chicken, fish, lamb.

Ziwi peak air dried dog food - venison, tripe & lamb, lamb, mackerel & lamb, chicken,

Bugsys Air Dried Dog Food - Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Kangaroo.

Eureka Air Dried Dog Food - chicken, venison & lamb, kangaroo & lamb, wild boar & chicken.

Woof Dog Air Dried - Chicken, Beef, Venison.

Absolute Holistic Air Dried dog food - Chicken & hoki, beef & venison, lamb & duck, mackerel & lamb.

Prime 100 single protein diets - grain free options only. (lamb & rosemary, turkey & flaxseed, wild boar & pumpkin, salmon & pumpkin, duck & sweet potato, kangaroo & pumpkin, crocodile & algae oil, beef & carrot, turkey & flaxseed)

Commercially prepared Dog Foods

When feeding your dog processed foods such as wet or dry options, it’s essential to understand their nutritional content. These foods undergo high-heat processing, which depletes many nutrients compared to fresh or raw diets. To help pet parents make the most informed choices, we’ve included both the ingredient panels and the nutritional analysis breakdowns for the foods listed below. By calculating the protein and carbohydrate percentages on a dry matter basis, you can more accurately compare their nutritional value. This is important because the moisture content in these foods skews the percentages listed on the packaging.

Wet Food - A Closer Look At The Label

K9 Naturals Chicken Wet Food;The protein content on a dry matter basis is 47.87%*

The carbohydrate content is 9.04%. *May be estimated

Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Eggs, Flaxseed Flakes, Hoki Oil, Brown Kelp,  Pumpkin, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, New Zealand Green Mussel, Apples, Pears, Dried Kelp, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Sunflower Oil, Magnesium Oxide, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Ziwi Peak Chicken Wet Food; The protein content on a dry matter basis is 46.15%*

The carbohydrate content is 15.38%* *May be estimated

Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chickpeas, New Zealand Green Mussel, Chicken Bone, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Dried Kelp, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B5 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).

Open Farm Chicken Wet Food; The protein content on a dry matter basis is 44.44%*

The carbohydrate content is 16.67%.* *May be estimated

Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Green Beans, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Turmeric, Cinnamon

Kiwi Kitchens Chicken Wet Food; The protein content on a dry matter basis is 44.44%*

The carbohydrate content is 21.11%. *May be estimated

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Fish Oil, Brewer’s Yeast, Cassia, Agar Agar, Salt, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Yucca Schidigera, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Blackhawk Grain Free Wet Food; The protein content on a dry matter basis is 31.82%*

The carbohydrate content is 50%.* *May be estimated

Chicken, Lamb, Carrots, Peas, Potato, Gelling Agents, Flavours Vitamins and Minerals (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulphate, Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Natural Colour, Oils including Emu Oil.

Ivory Coat Chicken Wet Food;The protein content on a dry matter basis is 28%*

The carbohydrate content is 52%* However, please note that the exact values depend on the actual moisture content, which is not specified here. *May be estimated

Chicken, Vegetables (Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Peas), Gelling Agents, Starch, Flavours, Vitamins & Minerals, Yeast Culture Blend (TruMuneTM), Carrot Fibre (NinjinFibre®), Inulin, Flaxseed Oil, Honey, Blueberries

Dry Food - A Closer Look At The Label

Petzyo Dry Dog Food ;The protein percentage is already given as 27%.

The carbohydrate percentage is 49%* *May be estimated

Sustainable Chicken and Turkey Meat Meal, Peas, Lentils, Superfoods (Sweet Potato, Tomato, Basil, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley, Kelp, Turmeric, Blueberries, Green Tea), Poultry Fat (stabilized with mixed Tocopherols & Rosemary Extract), Essential Vitamins and Minerals (including Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine, Selenium, Vitamins A, C, D3, E, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B9, B12, Choline), Poultry Digest, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Chicory Root Extract (Source of FOS), Amino Acids (Taurine, DL Methionine), Fish Oil, Yucca Extract.

Balanced Life Dog food;The protein percentage is already given as 31%*

The carbohydrate percentage is 56%* *May be estimated

Chicken, Ground Chicken Bones, Faba Beans, Chickpeas, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat stabilised with mixed tocopherols (source of vitamin E), Chicken Liver Flavour, Molasses, Beet Pulp, Sea Salt, Alfalfa, Caramel, Flax Seed, Red Lentils, Vitamins (Vitamin E, C, B3, B5, B2, A, B12, B1, B6, D3, B9) and Minerals (calcium carbonate, zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, copper sulphate, manganese oxide, potassium oxide, selenium), Dicalcium Phosphate , Guar Gum, Yellow Peas, Green Peas, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Chia Seed, Desiccated Coconut, Cranberries, Diced Carrot, Beetroot Powder, Chicory Root (prebiotic), Antioxidant Natural (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract), Yucca Extract, Flax Seed Oil, Taurine, Kelp Powder, Green Tea.

Ivory Coat Raw Health (some single protein);The protein percentage is already given as 30%*

The carbohydrate percentage is 50% * *May be estimated

Dehydrated Australian Lamb, Peas, Lentils, Chickpea Flour, Australian Lamb Meat, Pea Protein, Lamb Fat, Freeze Dried Lamb, Sweet Potato, Natural Digest, Carrot Fibre (NinjinFibre®), Linseed, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins and Minerals, Superfood Blend (Tomato, Apple, Carrot, Pumpkin, Kale, Blueberries, Spinach, Cranberries), Natural Antioxidants, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E.

Phoenix ;The protein percentage is 32%*

The carbohydrate percentage is 29%* *May be estimated

Turkey, duck & chicken meal, faba beans, chickpeas, chicken fat with antioxidants (tocopherols & rosemary extract), lentils, chicken gravy, vegetables & fruits (apple, sweet potato, carrot, spinach, kale, broccoli, tomato, cranberry, blueberry), fish oil, vitamins & minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium, vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, biotin, choline), probiotics (bacillus subtilis, bacillus licheniformis), sea salt, kelp powder, chicory extract, coconut oil, glucosamine, turmeric, amino acid (methionine), chondroitin, black pepper.

MFM (Meals For Mutts) grain free;The protein percentage is already given as 28%*

The carbohydrate percentage is 36%* *May be estimated

Chicken meat, sweet potato, seasonal vegetables, alfalfa, natural fats and oils, omega 3, 6 & 9, coconut oil, turmeric, parsley, pre & pro biotic, kelp, vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, folacin, biotin, and naturally preserved using vitamin e and rosemary extract. 

Vetalogica;The protein percentage is 38%*

The carbohydrate percentage is 39%* *May be estimated

Chicken Meal, Duck Meal, Tuna Meal, Mackerel Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Red Lentils, Chicken Fat (Naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Eggs, Coconut Oil, Dried Blueberries, Kale, Dried Spinach, Tomato Pomace, Dried Pumpkin, Kelp, Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Sea Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Oxide, Iodine, Sodium Selenite, Zinc Propionate), Turmeric Root, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (a Natural preservative), Rosemary Extract.

Taste of the wild;The protein percentage is already given as 32%.*

The approximate carbohydrate content of this dog food is 36%* *May be estimated

Bison (12%), lamb meat meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg products, beef, roasted venison (4%), tomato pomace, potato protein, pea protein, ocean fish meal, minerals, dried chicory roots, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, Yucca schidigera extract

Instinctive bite Grain free;The protein percentage is already given as 26%*

The approximate carbohydrate content of this dog food is 44%* *May be estimated

Australian Salmon Meal, Fish Meal, Potato, Chickpeas, Peas, Fish Oil (with mixed Tocopherols & Rosemary Extract), Salmon Digest, Vegetables & Fruits (Spinach, Carrot, Pumpkin, Turmeric, Tomato, Cranberry, Blueberry), Vitamins & Minerals (Including Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Iodine, Selenium, Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, Biotin, Choline), Canola Oil, Beet Pulp, Coconut Oil, Amino Acids (Methionine, Taurine, Threonine), Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Chia Seed, Chicory Extract (FOS), Yucca Schidigera, D-Glucosamine, DHA Gold, Chondroitin Sulphate.

Blackhawk Grain Free;The protein content is already given as 28%.*

The carbohydrate content is 31%* *May be estimated

Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (naturally preserved with Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Potato, Sweet Potato, Chicken Gravy, Sugar Beet Pulp, Essential Vitamins and Minerals, Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Alfalfa, Salt, Apple, Brewers Yeast, Pumpkin Seeds, Natural Antioxidants, Coconut Oil, Yoghurt Powder, Emu Oil, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dandelion Tea, Parsley, Peppermint Tea, Rosemary Extract, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Carrots, Yucca Schidigera, Spinach, Kelp, Tomato, Beta Carotene.

Meal mixers (just add meat)

Vets all natural complete meat meal

Inner winner bark naturals

Lennys kitchen

Raw Woof Mix

Natural dog treats

Clear dog treats - baked, 100% ingredient chews & treat, bone broth.

Gunni’s - Icelandic air dried fish treats & chews

Natures cuts - chews and treats

Bobbie Dogs - 100% ingredient treats

K9 Katering - 100% ingredient treats

The Doggie Balm Co - 100% ingredient treats, biscuits, training treats

Bugsys - 100% ingredient treats, freeze dried treats, training treats

Farmer Pete’s - 100% ingredient treats, toppers, training treats

Freeze dry Australia - 100% ingredient freeze dried treats and chews

Dog chews

Himalayan Dog Chew - yak chews

Long dog lane - 100% ingredient air dried chews

Bobbie Dogs - 100% ingredient chews

K9 Katering - Bully chews, 100% ingredient chews

The Doggie Balm Co - 100% ingredient chews

Bugsys - 100% ingredient chews, bully chews.

Farmer Pete’s - 100% ingredient chews, bully chews, horns.

Balanced life - 100% ingredient chews, bully chews.

Amazon treats

Alfie’s treato’s - air dried seafood training treats

WAG - Air dried treats

Beg N Bark - probiotic treats

Wholesome pride - sweet potato treats

Freeze pet treats - air & freeze dried treats, exotic proteins.

Amazon chews

RF Deer - Yak Chews

Chewies - olive wood chews

Ziwi Peak - 100% ingredient Chews

WAG - Air dried chews, bully chews, antlers, horns.