Nature Blends Dog Food Review 2026: Is Dr. Marty’s Formula Worth the Investment?
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As a professional blogger and canine nutrition specialist, I review dozens of dog food brands each year. But few generate as much curiosity—and confusion—as Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend. Pet owners want to know: Is Nature Blends dog food really different from the premium kibbles lining pet store shelves?
After a 30-day feeding trial with my own Labrador and deep analysis of the ingredient panel, I’m ready to deliver the complete picture. If you’re researching Nature Blends dog food ingredients or wondering if this formula works for Nature Blends dog food for puppies, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dig in.
Our Rating: 4.7/5
- Best For: Picky eaters, dogs with skin sensitivities, and senior dogs needing a nutrient-dense boost
- Primary Proteins: Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck
- Key Benefit: 100% freeze-dried raw (no high-heat processing)
- Price Point: High ($)
- Bottom Line: While expensive, the nutrient density and lack of synthetic fillers make Nature Blends dog food one of the cleanest “shelf-stable raw” diets currently available
2. Hands-On Experience: The 30-Day Test with “Cooper”
To provide genuine insights about Nature Blends dog food, I put my 7-year-old Labrador, Cooper, on a strict 30-day feeding trial. Cooper is generally healthy but has gradually lost energy on our hikes, and his coat has lost that youthful luster. Here’s what happened when we introduced Dr. Marty’s formula.
Week 1 (Transition)
The moment I tore open the bag, Cooper’s head snapped toward me from across the room. Unlike standard kibble, the aroma of freeze-dried turkey in this Nature Blends dog food is potent and enticing. We started with a 75% old food and 25% Nature Blends dog food mix. Mealtime excitement skyrocketed immediately—no hunger strikes here.
Week 2 (Digestion)
By week two, the biological availability of Nature Blends dog food ingredients became visibly apparent. Cooper’s stool volume decreased by roughly 30%. This isn’t just convenient for cleanup; it’s a clear sign that his body was utilizing more of the food. When dogs consume high-quality muscle and organ meats rather than fillers, there’s simply less waste produced.
Week 4 (Energy & Coat)
The most dramatic changes emerged in week four. Cooper’s coat developed a noticeable “sheen” that multiple neighbors commented on. Beyond appearances, his energy levels sustained throughout the day. Our afternoon walks turned back into jogs. For a 7-year-old Lab, this resurgence in vitality was the ultimate proof that the nutrition in Nature Blends dog food was working.
3. Ingredient Deep-Dive: Science vs. Marketing
To truly understand Nature Blends dog food ingredients, we must separate marketing claims from nutritional science. Dr. Marty’s ingredient panel reads like a farmer’s market haul rather than a chemical plant order sheet, which immediately sets it apart from competitors.
| Ingredient Category | What’s Inside? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Meat | Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck | Provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance. These are the building blocks of an active, healthy dog |
| Organ Meat | Turkey Liver, Beef Heart | Natural sources of Taurine and Vitamin A, eliminating the need for synthetic vitamin packs |
| Superfoods | Blueberries, Spinach, Kelp, Ginger | High-antioxidant profile for immune support and reduced inflammation |
| Seeds | Flaxseed, Pumpkin Seeds | Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin health and joint lubrication |
The “No-List” (What’s Missing):
There is a distinct absence of corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, or generic “meat by-products.” The formula relies on whole foods for nutrition rather than synthetic fortification—a hallmark of truly premium Nature Blends dog food ingredients.
4. The “Math” of Nature’s Blend: Cost Analysis
Let’s address the elephant in the room: price. Is Nature Blends dog food worth the investment? Because it’s freeze-dried raw with minimal processing, it contains very little water weight. You feed significantly less by volume than you do with expanded kibble.
Here is the actual daily cost breakdown:
- Small Dogs (10 lbs): Approximately $1.50 – $2.00 per day
- Medium Dogs (30 lbs): Approximately $4.00 – $5.50 per day
- Large Dogs (60 lbs): Approximately $8.00 – $10.00 per day
Pro-Tip (The Topper Method):
If feeding a full raw diet for a large breed dog stretches your budget too far, consider this strategy. Using Nature Blends dog food as a 25% “topper” on high-quality kibble provides the enzymatic and nutritional boost at a fraction of the cost. Many owners of picky eaters use this method with great success.
5. Pros & Cons (The Transparency Section)
No dog food works perfectly for every canine. Here is the unvarnished truth about Nature Blends dog food.
The Pros:
- Zero Synthetic Additives: Most competitors add a “vitamin pack.” Dr. Marty derives nutrients from whole foods like liver and kelp, which are more bioavailable
- Freeze-Dried, Not Cooked: Because it undergoes no high-heat processing, it preserves up to 90% of natural nutrients found in raw ingredients
- Shelf Stable: You get the benefits of a raw diet without freezer space or bacterial concerns
- Exceptional Palatability: Even the snootiest eaters seem to go wild for the taste and texture
The Cons:
- Price: At approximately $37–$50 per pound, it’s significantly higher than premium kibble
- Preparation: Best served rehydrated, requiring 3–5 minutes of soaking in warm water
- Bag Size: New buyers often experience sticker shock because the dehydrated food looks like less volume than expected
6. Nature’s Blend vs. The Competition
How does Dr. Marty’s formula stack up against other options in the premium dog food category?
- Vs. Dog Chow: There’s simply no comparison. Nature Blends dog food contains real meat and organs; the competitor relies primarily on grain and meat meal with synthetic coatings
- Vs. The Farmer’s Dog (Fresh): Both deliver excellent nutrition, but Nature Blends dog food wins on travel convenience. It doesn’t require subscription management or refrigeration, making it ideal for road trips
- Vs. Stella & Chewy’s: Both are high-quality freeze-dried options. However, Dr. Marty’s formula contains a wider variety of unique superfoods like ginger and kelp, specifically targeting inflammation reduction
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Dr. Marty’s dog food need to be refrigerated?
No. Because it’s freeze-dried, Nature Blends dog food remains shelf-stable for up to 12 months unopened. Once opened, store it in a cool, dry place.
Is Nature’s Blend grain-free?
Yes, this formula is 100% grain-free and also free of peas and lentils—common ingredients in other grain-free foods that have raised concerns.
Can I use Nature Blends dog food for puppies?
Absolutely. Nature Blends dog food for puppies works well because the formula meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including growth. For very young puppies, crush the nuggets or choose the Small Breed variety for easier chewing.
Why is my dog drinking more water on this diet?
Freeze-dried food contains minimal moisture. Always rehydrate Nature Blends dog food with warm water to ensure proper hydration and prevent digestive discomfort.
Where are Nature Blends dog food ingredients sourced?
Dr. Marty sources ingredients globally, focusing on regions known for quality production. The turkey and duck come from the United States, while other proteins and superfoods are sourced from trusted international partners.
8. Is Nature’s Blend Right for Your Dog?
After 30 days of testing and extensive ingredient analysis, I can confidently say that Nature Blends dog food delivers on its promises—with one caveat. The price point is undeniably high, making it inaccessible for some budgets.
However, if your dog struggles with skin sensitivities, low energy, or picky eating habits, the investment in Nature Blends dog food ingredients may save you money on veterinary visits and supplements long-term. For puppies, the nutrient density supports optimal growth and development during those critical early months.
Whether you feed it exclusively or use it as a strategic topper, the quality of this formula shines through in coat condition, stool quality, and daily vitality. Nature Blends dog food isn’t just another premium brand—it represents a genuine return to whole-food nutrition.
