K9 Natural Reviews (2025): Full Breakdown of Freeze-Dried, Canned, Boosters & Treats for Aussie Dogs
More Australian pet parents are searching for natural dog food that feels closer to what dogs would eat in the wild – high in real meat, low in unnecessary carbohydrates, and free from artificial fillers. K9 Natural, a New Zealand dog food brand, is one of the most talked-about names in this space and is frequently mentioned in discussions about the best freeze dried dog food in Australia.
In this in-depth K9 Natural reviews and freeze dried dog food review guide, we’ll walk through the brand’s full range – freeze-dried feasts, canned food, boosters, oils, and treats – and share who this brand is best for, how to choose the right recipe, and where to buy it in Australia, including ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, Melbourne.
Quick note: At ADS Pet Store we’ve helped many Melbourne dog owners switch from supermarket kibble to higher meat, grain-free options like K9 Natural. The feedback below blends the brand’s official information with our day-to-day experience helping local dogs transition to more natural diets.
What Is K9 Natural? Why This New Zealand Brand Is So Popular in Australia
Made Fresh in New Zealand With a Clean Supply Chain
K9 Natural was founded in Christchurch, New Zealand – a region known for its wide open plains and clean environment. The brand focuses on using wholefood ingredients sourced within New Zealand and processed locally. Meats are grass-fed, free-range or cage-free, and fish are sustainably caught. Ingredients are traceable from farm gate to your dog’s bowl.
All finished products are batch-tested before leaving the factory, and K9 Natural recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles as complete and balanced meals for all life stages (check individual product labels).
High-Meat, Low-Carb, Grain-Free Philosophy
K9 Natural’s core philosophy is simple: dogs thrive on high-meat, low-carbohydrate, grain-free diets. Their freeze-dried recipes contain around 94% meat, organs and bone, while canned recipes contain around 90% meat content. Across the range, recipes are built with at least 90% animal ingredients combined with nutrient-dense extras like New Zealand green-lipped mussels, kelp, eggs, fruits and vegetables, vitamins, minerals and oils.
You won’t find grains, gluten, GMO ingredients, rice, soy, cheap cereals, potatoes or artificial gelling agents in their balanced diets. The result is a range of foods that look and smell like real meat and are naturally rich in protein and healthy fats.
Backed by Nutrition Research and Real-World Feeding
Behind the recipes is an in-house animal nutritionist working with leading research institutions, helping to shape formulas that are both biologically appropriate and safe for everyday feeding. According to K9 Natural, each diet is designed so dogs can thrive, not just survive – supporting energy, digestion, joints, coat and overall wellbeing.
If you’d like to explore the brand’s own feeding philosophy, you can also visit the official K9 Natural “How to Feed” guide.
K9 Natural Product Range Overview
K9 Natural offers four main categories for dogs:
- Freeze-Dried Feasts / Toppers – complete meals or high-meat toppers.
- Canned Feasts – high-meat wet foods for moisture and palatability.
- Boosters & Supplements – tripe boosters and functional oils.
- Treats – freeze-dried Healthy Bites and Green Mussel snacks.
| Type | Approx. Meat Content | Moisture Level | Best Used As | Main Benefits | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze-Dried Feasts / Toppers | Around 94% meat, organs & bone | Very low (rehydrate with water) | Complete meal or high-meat topper | Raw-style nutrition, high protein, easy to store, lightweight for travel | Higher upfront cost per kg, needs measuring and (ideally) rehydration |
| Canned Feasts (Wet Food) | Around 90% meat content | High (naturally moist) | Main meal or moisture-boosting topper | Great for hydration, soft texture, very palatable for fussy eaters | Heavier to store and ship, must be refrigerated and used quickly after opening |
| Treats & Snacks (Healthy Bites / Mussels) | High-meat single protein pieces | Low (freeze-dried) | Training rewards or occasional snacks | High value for training, simple ingredients, supports joint and coat health (mussels) | Not complete meals – should only make up a small part of daily calories |
At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, we stock all four categories so you can mix and match according to your dog’s age, health and lifestyle.
Shop now: Explore the full K9 Natural dog food range or discover more freeze dried dog food options for Aussie dogs.
Freeze-Dried Feasts & Toppers Review
What Makes K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Different?
K9 Natural freeze-dried recipes are often what attracts dog owners first. Here’s what sets them apart and why many people consider them among the best freeze dried dog food choices in Australia:
- 94% meat, organs and bone in many recipes – providing a concentrated source of high-quality protein and natural fats.
- Low carbohydrates – only a small portion of calories come from plant ingredients like pumpkin and broccoli.
- Green-lipped mussels – a natural source of omega-3s and joint-support compounds.
- Convenience of dry food – stores in the pantry, no freezer space required, can be fed dry as a topper or rehydrated as a full meal.
The freeze-drying process gently removes moisture at low temperatures, helping retain natural nutrients and flavour. For pet parents who want raw-style benefits without handling raw meat, this can be a very practical middle ground.
Want a deeper breakdown of each freeze-dried recipe? Read our full review here: K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food Review (2025) .
From an everyday feeding perspective, this style of single protein dog food (for example, beef-only or lamb-only recipes) can be especially useful for dogs with sensitive digestion or suspected food intolerances.
Freeze-Dried Recipe Highlights
Exact ingredients vary by flavour, but most K9 Natural freeze-dried bags share the same structure. Here’s a general overview of some popular options available at ADS Pet Store:
- Beef Feast: Single-protein beef recipe, rich in iron and B-vitamins. Often chosen as an everyday all-rounder for healthy adult dogs.
- Lamb Feast: Rich red meat energy with naturally higher fat content, suitable for active dogs or those that don’t tolerate chicken.
- Chicken Feast (NEW): Leaner protein with excellent digestibility, ideal for dogs that need a lighter formula while still eating high-meat food.
- Beef & Hoki Feast: Combines red meat with omega-3-rich fish to support skin, coat and joint health.
- Lamb & King Salmon Feast: A higher-omega option often chosen for itchy or dry-skinned dogs.
- Lamb & Venison (NEW): Novel protein combination that can be helpful for dogs with common protein sensitivities.
- Large Bags (3.6KG Value Sizes): Better value per meal for medium–large dogs or multi-dog households feeding freeze-dried daily.
ADS tip: Many of our local customers in Melbourne use K9 Natural freeze-dried as a base diet and then rotate proteins (beef, lamb, chicken) every few months to keep things interesting and support a varied amino acid profile.
Ready to try it? You can shop K9 Natural freeze dried dog food online with fast Melbourne metro delivery or Click & Collect from Moorabbin.
Canned Feasts Review
Why Dog Owners Choose K9 Natural Canned Food
K9 Natural canned dog food mirrors the brand’s freeze-dried philosophy but in a ready-to-serve wet format. Recipes are built around around 90% meat content, with no grain, gluten or artificial gelling agents.
Because canned food naturally contains more moisture, it is especially useful for dogs that:
- Don’t drink enough water.
- Prefer softer textures.
- Have dental issues and struggle with hard kibble.
- Need extra palatability on top of kibble or air-dried dog food.
Canned Recipe Highlights
You’ll find a similar line-up of flavours to the freeze-dried range, including:
- Beef Feast: High-energy red meat blend suitable for most adult dogs.
- Chicken Feast: Gentler option for dogs needing a lighter texture and fat level.
- Lamb Feast: Rich red meat formula for active dogs that thrive on higher fat.
- Lamb & King Salmon / Hoki & Beef: Extra support for skin and coat thanks to added fish oils.
Many owners use canned K9 Natural as a topper over kibble or freeze-dried, boosting meat content and moisture without adding grains or artificial additives. You can browse the wet food range on the official site here or via the ADS Pet Store K9 Natural wet food collection.
ADS tip: For fussy eaters or senior dogs, adding a spoonful of canned K9 Natural on top of kibble or freeze-dried is often enough to turn “picky” into “enthusiastic” at mealtimes.
Boosters & Supplements Review
Green Tripe Booster (Beef & Lamb)
The Green Tripe Booster line is designed as a nutrient-dense topper rather than a complete meal. Made from unbleached green tripe, these boosters are packed with natural enzymes, probiotics and flavour.
Common benefits reported by dog owners include:
- Improved appetite in fussy eaters.
- More consistent, better-formed stools.
- Support for overall digestive health.
Functional Oils: Skin & Coat, Hip & Joint, Brain & Eye
K9 Natural also offers a range of functional oils that can be added to any meal:
- Skin & Coat Oil: Omega-rich blend to support skin barrier and shine.
- Hip & Joint Health Oil: Formulated for mobility support in seniors or active dogs.
- Brain & Eye Health Oil: DHA-focused formula suitable for growing puppies and ageing brains.
These oils make it easy to customise your dog’s bowl based on life stage and health goals, without changing the base food entirely.
ADS tip: For nervous or sensitive dogs, we often suggest starting with their existing food and simply adding a small amount of Green Tripe Booster or a functional oil. This lets you “test” K9 Natural’s benefits before switching the whole bowl.
Treats Review: Healthy Bites & Green Mussel Snacks
Healthy Bites – High-Value Training Treats
K9 Natural Healthy Bites are small freeze-dried cubes made from single-protein meats such as beef, chicken or lamb. They are:
- High in meat and low in carbohydrates.
- Free from grains and artificial preservatives.
- Easy to break into smaller pieces for training.
Green Mussel Healthy Snacks
Green mussel treats are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and joint-support nutrients. Many owners use them as a daily joint treat for active dogs or seniors needing a little extra help with mobility.
Looking for natural dog treats? You can explore K9 Natural treats along with other natural dog treat options at ADS Pet Store.
How Does K9 Natural Compare With Other Natural Dog Food Brands?
Within the premium natural dog food category, K9 Natural often gets compared with brands like Big Dog (frozen raw), Prime100 (air-dried and single protein rolls) and Ziwi Peak (air-dried).
- Versus frozen raw (e.g. Big Dog): K9 Natural offers similar high-meat nutrition but with pantry storage and easier handling.
- Versus air-dried (e.g. Prime100, Ziwi Peak): K9 Natural’s freeze-drying uses minimal heat and typically keeps meat inclusion at or above 90%, whereas air-dried foods may use slightly more binders or carbohydrates.
- Versus supermarket kibble: Most kibbles are much higher in starch and lower in meat, with more processing steps and often more synthetic additives.
| Brand / Type | Processing Method | Typical Meat Level | Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K9 Natural (Freeze-Dried) | Freeze-dried, minimal heat | ~90–94% meat, organs & bone | Pantry, no freezer needed | Owners wanting raw-style nutrition with convenience |
| Big Dog (Frozen Raw) | Frozen raw patties | High meat content + bone & veggies | Freezer storage essential | Homes with freezer space and raw-handling confidence |
| Prime100 (Air-Dried / Rolls) | Air-dried or gently cooked rolls | High meat single protein recipes | Fridge (rolls) or pantry (air-dried) | Dogs needing single protein, functional formulas |
| Ziwi Peak (Air-Dried) | Slow air-dried | High meat, some plant ingredients | Pantry storage | High-energy dogs, owners wanting dense nutrition |
That said, the “best” choice still depends on your dog’s budget, lifestyle and health status. Some families mix K9 Natural with other premium foods to balance cost and nutrition.
What Does K9 Natural Cost Per Day?
One of the most common questions we hear in-store is: “How much does K9 Natural cost per day?” As with any premium freeze dried dog food, the bag price looks high, but the food is very calorie-dense, so you feed smaller portions than kibble.
| Adult Dog Weight | Approx. Daily Amount (rehydrated) | Approx. Daily Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10 kg | ¾–1¼ cups | From roughly $3–$5 per day |
| 10–20 kg | 1¼–2¼ cups | From roughly $5–$9 per day |
| 20–30 kg | 2¼–3¼ cups | From roughly $9–$13 per day |
*Guide only, based on typical K9 Natural freeze-dried pricing at the time of writing. Always follow the official feeding guide and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and activity level.
For some families, using K9 Natural as a high-meat topper over quality kibble or natural dry dog food is a smart way to get the benefits of raw-style nutrition while keeping the overall budget manageable.
At ADS Pet Store, we consistently offer some of the best prices on K9 Natural in Australia. Families who shop with us, especially those purchasing 3.6kg value bags or using multi-buy promotions, often save up to 20% off the daily feeding cost compared with standard retail pricing. This makes K9 Natural far more affordable long-term, especially for medium to large dogs.Who Is K9 Natural Best For?
Great Fit For
- Dogs with food sensitivities: Single-protein options (especially beef or lamb) and grain-free formulas can help reduce common triggers.
- Picky eaters: Strong natural meat aroma and texture often win over reluctant dogs.
- Active dogs: High-meat, high-energy recipes suit dogs that burn a lot of calories.
- Puppies and seniors: Complete and balanced nutrition across life stages, especially when combined with functional oils.
May Not Suit
- Families on a strict budget who are used to supermarket kibble pricing.
- Dogs requiring strict low-protein or low-phosphorus veterinary diets (e.g. certain kidney conditions).
- Owners who prefer ultra-simple, single-bag kibble feeding without rehydration or toppers.
ADS insight: In our experience at ADS Pet Store, K9 Natural often works best for owners who already value natural nutrition and are comfortable reading ingredient labels, but want something easier to handle than raw patties.
How to Choose the Right K9 Natural Recipe for Your Dog
With so many flavours and formats, it helps to narrow things down by your dog’s needs:
- By protein tolerance: If your dog reacts to chicken, start with beef or lamb single-protein recipes.
- By activity level: Highly active dogs often do well on richer lamb-based or mixed red-meat formulas; lower-energy dogs may do better on chicken-leaning recipes.
- By skin and coat condition: Look for recipes that include salmon, hoki and green-lipped mussels if your dog has itchiness or dull coat.
- By hydration habits: Dogs that don’t drink enough water often benefit from canned feasts or properly rehydrated freeze-dried meals.
- By life stage: Puppies and seniors may benefit from adding Brain & Eye or Hip & Joint oils on top of their main food for targeted support.
For general feeding amounts and ratios, always refer to the official K9 Natural feeding guide and adjust based on body condition and activity.
Real Customer Feedback on K9 Natural
Common Benefits Reported
Over time, we’ve heard consistent feedback from ADS Pet Store customers switching to K9 Natural:
- Better stool quality: Smaller, firmer, less smelly stools compared with some high-carb kibbles.
- Improved appetite: Dogs that used to pick at their food often become more enthusiastic at mealtime.
- Shinier coats: Many owners notice softer fur and reduced shedding after a few weeks.
Things to Watch
- Switching too quickly from kibble to rich, high-meat food can cause temporary digestive upset. Slow transitions over 7–10 days are best.
- Freeze-dried food is calorie-dense, so measuring portions is important to avoid weight gain.
- Dogs with complex medical conditions should always be transitioned under veterinary guidance.
Where to Buy K9 Natural in Australia
At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, Melbourne, we stock a wide selection of K9 Natural dog food, including freeze-dried feasts, canned food, boosters and treats.
- Fast delivery across Melbourne metro on eligible orders.
- Click & Collect from our Moorabbin warehouse for convenient pick-ups.
- Friendly, experienced staff to help you choose the best recipe for your dog.
If you’re ready to try a high-meat, grain-free New Zealand diet, you can shop the full K9 Natural range online or visit us in-store for personalised advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About K9 Natural
1. Is K9 Natural worth the price?
K9 Natural sits in the premium dog food category due to its high meat inclusion and New Zealand-sourced ingredients. Many owners feel it is worth the price because they feed smaller portions than kibble, see better stool quality and coat condition, and appreciate the simplicity of high-meat recipes with minimal fillers.
2. Is K9 Natural good for dogs with allergies?
The brand offers single-protein, grain-free options using beef, lamb or chicken, which can be helpful for dogs with common grain or multi-protein sensitivities. However, every dog is different – if your dog has diagnosed allergies, it’s best to discuss K9 Natural with your vet before switching.
3. Is freeze-dried better than canned?
Freeze-dried food is lighter, easier to store and often slightly higher in meat and energy density. Canned food offers more moisture and a softer texture. Neither is universally “better” – many families use freeze-dried as a main meal or topper and canned food for extra hydration or treat-style meals.
4. How long does K9 Natural last once opened?
Always follow the guidelines on the specific product label. In general, opened freeze-dried bags should be resealed tightly and used within a few weeks, stored in a cool, dry place. Canned food should be refrigerated after opening and used within a few days. When in doubt, refer to the official K9 Natural “How to Feed” guide.
5. Can puppies eat K9 Natural freeze-dried diets?
Many K9 Natural recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO requirements for all life stages, including puppies. Puppies often benefit from the high meat content and DHA-rich ingredients when portions are correctly measured. Always check the life-stage suitability on the bag and follow puppy feeding recommendations from the brand and your vet.
6. What’s the difference between Feast, Booster and Healthy Bites?
Feasts (freeze-dried or canned) are complete and balanced meals. Boosters like Green Tripe are nutrient-dense toppers designed to support digestion and appetite, not stand-alone meals. Healthy Bites and mussel snacks are treats for training or joint support and should only make up a small portion of daily calories.
