Does your dog gobble down their kibble, but you still worry about what’s missing? Many dog owners feel the same way. We want the best for our furry friends, but the world of dog food is confusing. Raw mix diets promise fresh, natural nutrition, but navigating ingredients, safety, and finding the right balance can feel like solving a puzzle.
It’s tough to know if you’re choosing a mix that truly supports your dog’s energy and health. Are you worried about fillers? Do you want to see real meat and veggies? This post cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a great raw mix and how to pick one with confidence.
Keep reading to discover the secrets to choosing a raw mix that will have your dog thriving, not just surviving. Let’s dive into how to feed your best friend the best nature has to offer.
Top Raw Mix Dog Food Recommendations
No. 1
Open Farm, RawMix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Beef Pork & Lamb, Front Range Recipe, 3.5lb Bag
- HUMANELY SOURCED MEAT - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb and pork, this irresistible recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with no grains, legumes or any byproducts.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
No. 2
Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Beef Pork & Lamb, Front Range Recipe, 20lb Bag
- HUMANELY SOURCED MEAT - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb and pork, this irresistible recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with non-GMO grains, fruits, and veggies.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
No. 3
Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Salmon Whitefish & Rockfish,Wild Ocean Recipe, 3.5lb Bag
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
- MADE WITH FINEST INGREDIENTS - As with all Open Farm products, our farm-to-bowl ingredients are 100% traceable and crafted in a way that respects animal welfare and the planet.
No. 4
Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Chicken & Turkey, Open Prairie Recipe, 20lb Bag
- HUMANELY SOURCED POULTRY - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey, this flavorful recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with non-GMO grains, fruits, and veggies.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
No. 5
Open Farm, RawMix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Salmon Whitefish & Rockfish, Wild Ocean Recipe, 20lb Bag
- HUMANELY SOURCED FISH - Crafted with a blend of wild-caught whitefish, salmon and rockfish, this delicious recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with no grains, legumes or any byproducts.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
No. 6
Open Farm, RawMix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Salmon Whitefish & Rockfish,Wild Ocean Recipe, 3.5lb Bag
- HUMANELY SOURCED FISH - Crafted with a blend of wild-caught whitefish, salmon and rockfish, this delicious recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with no grains, legumes or any byproducts.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
No. 7
Open Farm, RawMix Freeze Dried Raw Morsels, Dog Food Topper & Mixer, High Protein & Bone Broth Infused with 95% Real Meat, Organs & Bones, Tide & Terrain Recipe with Beef, Salmon & Pollock, 13.5oz Bag
- Gently freeze-dried and easy-to-feed - Preserved pure raw nutrition from wild-caught pollock, salmon, and grass-fed beef, kidney, liver, and bone. With Non-GMO fruits, veggies, and superfoods like pumpkin and sweet potato.
- Protein-rich dog food topping - Made with 95% real meat, organs, and bones, this dog food mixer turns ordinary kibble into a nutritious meal they naturally crave.
- Bone broth infused - Every bite is coated in a tasty chicken bone broth for a highly nutritious complete and balanced meal or mixer you can add to any dry dog food or wet food.
- Versatile dog food toppers for picky eaters - Use as an enticing meal topper or serve as a complete meal - ideal for picky eaters who need extra motivation at mealtime.
- Made in the USA with the finest ingredients - As with all Open Farm products, our farm-to-bowl ingredients are 100% traceable and crafted in a way that respects animal welfare and the planet.
No. 8
Instinct RawBoost, Natural Dry Dog Food with FreshDried Raw Pieces, High Protein, Grain-Free Recipe - Real Beef, 20 lb. Bag
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Features all natural, minimally processed bites of real beef and free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives
- POWER OF RAW: A unique blend of crunchy kibble and FreshDried Raw for bold flavor, irresistible texture, and boosted nutrition
- NUTRIENT-DENSE: USA-raised beef as the first ingredient delivers protein for strong, lean muscles, with fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich ingredients for balance
- 6-IN-1 HEALTH BENEFITS: Supports digestive health, immune function, skin & coat health, heart health, joint support, and lean muscle
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
The Essential Buying Guide for Raw Mix Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your dog is a big deal. Raw mix dog food offers a diet closer to what dogs ate in the wild. This guide helps you pick the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for raw mix dog food, certain features make a product stand out. These aren’t just fancy words; they show what the food truly offers your dog.
Nutritional Completeness
- Complete and Balanced: The food must have all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Look for AAFCO statements confirming this.
- Protein Sources: Good raw mixes list whole, identifiable meats (like chicken, beef, or turkey) as the first ingredient.
- Variety of Ingredients: Excellent mixes include fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats for well-rounded nutrition.
Format and Preparation
- Pre-Portioned: Some raw mixes come in easy-to-serve portions, which simplifies feeding time.
- Frozen vs. Freeze-Dried: Decide if you prefer storing frozen bags or using shelf-stable freeze-dried options that you rehydrate.
Important Materials in Raw Dog Food
What goes into the mix directly affects your dog’s health. Focus on high-quality, recognizable ingredients.
Animal Proteins
The best raw food uses muscle meat, organs (like liver and kidney), and bone. Organs provide crucial vitamins that muscle meat misses. Bones, when ground properly, supply calcium and phosphorus.
Produce and Supplements
Look for real vegetables like carrots, spinach, and kale. These add fiber and antioxidants. Healthy fats, such as fish oil, are vital for skin and coat health.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all raw mixes are created equal. Some practices boost quality, while others lower it.
Quality Boosters
- High-Quality Sourcing: Food made from humanely raised or organic ingredients usually means better starting materials.
- Minimal Processing: Since it’s raw, the less it is processed after mixing, the better the nutrient integrity remains.
Quality Reducers
- Fillers: Avoid mixes that rely heavily on grains or excessive starchy vegetables if you are seeking a true ancestral diet.
- Artificial Additives: Preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors should never be present in quality raw food.
- Inconsistent Sourcing: If a company frequently changes its protein sources without clear labeling, it can signal inconsistent quality control.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the food fits into your life matters just as much as the ingredients.
Ease of Use
For busy owners, freeze-dried raw food is very convenient. You just scoop and add water. Frozen raw food requires planning ahead—you must thaw the required amount in the refrigerator, usually overnight.
Suitability for Different Dogs
- Puppies: Puppies need higher calorie and specific nutrient ratios for growth. Ensure the product is formulated for “all life stages.”
- Sensitive Stomachs: Some dogs thrive on a single-protein source raw mix, which can help identify food sensitivities.
- Transitioning: If your dog is moving from kibble to raw, you often transition slowly over several weeks to prevent stomach upset.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Mix Dog Food
Q: Is raw dog food safe for my dog?
A: Raw food is safe when prepared correctly by reputable manufacturers who follow strict safety guidelines to minimize pathogens like Salmonella.
Q: How do I know if the raw mix is nutritionally complete?
A: Check the label for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It should state the food is “complete and balanced for maintenance” or “all life stages.”
Q: Should I buy frozen or freeze-dried raw food?
A: Frozen is closer to a fresh meal but needs freezer space and thawing time. Freeze-dried is lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to travel with.
Q: What is HPP in raw food processing?
A: HPP stands for High-Pressure Processing. It is a method used by some brands to kill harmful bacteria without using heat, which keeps the food raw and preserves nutrients.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding amounts vary based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Always follow the specific guidelines provided by the food manufacturer.
Q: Can I mix raw food with my dog’s regular kibble?
A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same meal. Kibble and raw food digest at different rates, which can sometimes cause digestive upset.
Q: Do I need to add any supplements to a complete raw mix?
A: If the product is labeled AAFCO complete, you should not need extra supplements. If you are making your own custom raw diet, supplements are necessary.
Q: What if my dog has never eaten raw food before?
A: Start slowly. Replace a small portion of the old food with the new raw food. Gradually increase the raw portion over one to two weeks to let your dog’s digestive system adjust.
Q: How long does opened frozen raw food last in the fridge?
A: Once thawed, most raw food should be fed within three to four days if kept refrigerated properly.
Q: Are the bones safe if they are ground in the mix?
A: Yes, ground bone is a natural source of calcium and is generally safe when processed into the mix. Whole, hard bones should never be fed unless specifically directed by a veterinary nutritionist.