Does your dog constantly scratch, have itchy skin, or seem less energetic than they used to be? Many dog owners search for better food to solve these common issues. The Carnivore diet, focusing only on meat, has gained huge popularity. People believe it brings dogs closer to their ancestral eating habits. But wading through the many “carnivore” options on the market can feel overwhelming. You worry about getting the right balance of nutrients for your best friend.
Finding a truly honest and high-quality carnivore dog food requires careful research. You want to avoid fillers and questionable ingredients. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great carnivore food. You will learn exactly what to look for on ingredient labels. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing food that truly supports your dog’s health and vitality. Let’s explore the best options for your meat-loving companion!
Top Carnivore Dog Food Recommendations
- Protein-Rich to Fuel Strong, Lean Muscles: Our highest-protein product line delivers recipes rich in essential amino acids from premium-quality animal proteins to support strong, lean muscles and fuel high-energy dogs
- Premium-Quality Poultry & Fish as the First 6 Ingredients: 85% of the protein in this meaty recipe comes from real, high-quality animal sources with no artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: This recipe comes flavor packed with 11 real animal ingredients including de-boned chicken, turkey, trout, duck, and salmon to tempt even the pickiest eater
- Supports Healthy Digestion: Added digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root and pumpkin support good gut bacteria, healthy digestion, and overall wellness
- Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Recipe: Made without any grains or gluten using easy-to-digest sources of complex carbohydrates to support your dog's healthy energy levels
- FOR ALL BREEDS AND LIFE STAGES: Crafted from real, whole foods — not vitamin premixes — Carna4 delivers complete, synthetic-free nutrition made from real ingredients pets can fully absorb and thrive on.
- CHICKEN RECIPE: Loaded with Canadian Chicken, chicken liver, and whole eggs, along with our USDA Organic sprouted seeds mix, providing complete protein and native probiotics and bioavailable vitamins and minerals, for lasting energy for dogs of all ages.
- SPROUTED SEEDS FOR NATURAL VITALITY: Each recipe includes organic sprouted seeds that supply live probiotics, enzymes, and phytonutrients to support digestion, skin and coat health, and immune balance.
- GENTLY BAKED & MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Carna4 uses a short, gentle baking cycle followed by air-drying to preserve live nutrients while ensuring food safety — never extruded or high-heat processed.
- CONVENIENT ALTERNATIVE TO RAW: Get the benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Perfect for travel, busy schedules, or as a complete diet when raw isn’t possible.
- Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: We slowly oven roast our food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
- Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
- Safely Made in the USA with only wholesome ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals - entirely free from fillers. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.
- Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.
- For Pet Parents, By Pet Parents: All dogs deserve the very best - that’s why as a small business Pawstruck only makes natural & healthy recipes that we proudly feed our own dogs, using the strictest of quality standards.
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie with ROASTED BISON and VENISON dry dog food; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; high-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS - plus antioxidants and prebiotics - to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
- FOR ALL BREEDS AND LIFE STAGES: Crafted from real, whole foods — not vitamin premixes — Carna4 delivers complete, synthetic-free nutrition made from real ingredients pets can fully absorb and thrive on.
- VENISON RECIPE: pastured Iron-rich New Zealand venison provides natural red-meat nutrition to support your dog’s muscle-tone, intestinal health, energy, skin and coat.
- SPROUTED SEEDS FOR NATURAL VITALITY: Each recipe includes organic sprouted seeds that supply live probiotics, enzymes, and phytonutrients to support digestion, skin and coat health, and immune balance.
- GENTLY BAKED & MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Carna4 uses a short, gentle baking cycle followed by air-drying to preserve live nutrients while ensuring food safety — never extruded or high-heat processed.
- CONVENIENT ALTERNATIVE TO RAW: Get the benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Perfect for travel, busy schedules, or as a complete diet when raw isn’t possible.
- Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: We slowly oven roast our food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
- Real Chicken is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 97% chicken to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 3% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals which may help support healthy joints and hips.
- Safely Made in the USA with only all-natural ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals - entirely free from fillers. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.
- Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.
- For Pet Parents, By Pet Parents: All dogs deserve the very best - that’s why as a small business Pawstruck only makes natural & healthy recipes that we proudly feed our own dogs, using the strictest of quality standards.
- Protein-Rich to Fuel Strong, Lean Muscles: Our highest-protein product line delivers recipes rich in essential amino acids from premium-quality animal proteins to support strong, lean muscles and fuel high-energy dogs
- Premium-Quality Poultry & Fish as the First 6 Ingredients: 85% of the protein in this meaty recipe comes from real, high-quality animal sources with no artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: This recipe comes flavor packed with 11 real animal ingredients including de-boned chicken, turkey, trout, duck, and salmon to tempt even the pickiest eater
- Supports Healthy Digestion: Added digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root and pumpkin support good gut bacteria, healthy digestion, and overall wellness
- Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Recipe: Made without any grains or gluten using easy-to-digest sources of complex carbohydrates to support your dog's healthy energy levels
- 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.
The Ultimate Carnivore Dog Food Buying Guide
Thinking about feeding your dog a carnivore diet? This diet focuses on meat, just like what dogs ate in the wild. Choosing the right food is important for your dog’s health. This guide helps you pick the best carnivore dog food.
Key Features to Look For
Good carnivore dog food has a few important things. Look closely at the label before you buy.
- High Meat Content: The food must be mostly meat. Look for whole meat sources listed first, like chicken, beef, or fish.
- Zero or Very Low Carbohydrates: True carnivore food should have almost no grains, fruits, or vegetables. These are not natural for dogs.
- Nutrient Balance: Even though it’s meat-heavy, the food needs vitamins and minerals. Good brands add organs (like liver) and bone meal for this balance.
- No Fillers: Avoid foods with corn, wheat, soy, or cheap by-products. These lower the quality.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the food matters most. You want high-quality animal products.
- Muscle Meat: This should be the main ingredient. Chicken thighs, ground beef, or salmon are great choices.
- Organ Meats: Liver, kidney, and heart are packed with nutrients. They are essential for a complete diet.
- Bone Content: If you choose raw or freeze-dried options, bone is important for calcium. Ground bone provides necessary minerals.
- Healthy Fats: Fats from animal sources (like chicken fat) provide energy and help skin health.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all carnivore foods are created equal. Some preparation methods make the food better or worse for your dog.
What Improves Quality:
- Sourcing Transparency: Brands that clearly state where their meat comes from (e.g., grass-fed beef) offer higher quality.
- Minimal Processing: Raw or freeze-dried foods keep nutrients best. Gentle cooking is better than high-heat processing.
- Inclusion of Organs: A proper ratio of muscle meat to organs is a sign of a well-formulated diet.
What Reduces Quality:
- Excessive Plant Matter: If you see potatoes, peas, or lentils, it is not a true carnivore diet. These are fillers.
- Vague Ingredient Lists: If a label says “meat meal” without specifying the animal, the quality is likely lower.
- Artificial Additives: Preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors should never be in high-quality dog food.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why do owners switch to carnivore food? The experience often leads to happy, healthy dogs.
Common Use Cases:
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Many dogs react badly to grains or vegetable proteins. Removing these often clears up skin issues and stomach upset.
- Weight Management: Since these foods are high in protein and low in carbs, they help some dogs maintain a lean, healthy weight.
- Increased Energy: Owners often report seeing more vitality and better digestion after switching.
When you start, watch your dog closely. Some dogs need time to adjust to a higher-fat, higher-protein diet. Always transition slowly over a week or two.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Carnivore Dog Food
Q: What exactly is carnivore dog food?
A: Carnivore dog food focuses almost entirely on animal products. It means high protein and fat, with very few or zero plant ingredients.
Q: Is this the same as a raw diet?
A: Not always. A carnivore diet focuses on *what* ingredients are used (meat only). It can be raw, freeze-dried, or lightly cooked, as long as it avoids plants.
Q: Are carnivore diets complete and balanced for my dog?
A: A well-made commercial carnivore food *should* be balanced with added organs and bone/minerals. Homemade diets require careful planning from a veterinary nutritionist.
Q: Can puppies eat this type of food?
A: Yes, puppies can eat carnivore food, but it must be specifically formulated for growth stages, as they need different calcium and nutrient ratios than adult dogs.
Q: Will my dog need more water on this diet?
A: Often, yes. High-protein diets require good hydration. Make sure fresh water is always available.
Q: How do I transition my dog to a carnivore diet?
A: Transition slowly. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food for about 7 to 10 days. Increase the new food gradually each day.
Q: What are the biggest benefits owners see?
A: Owners often report shinier coats, better stool quality, reduced allergies, and increased energy levels.
Q: Are there any risks with this diet?
A: Risks mainly come from unbalanced homemade diets or poor sourcing. Always choose reputable brands that guarantee nutritional adequacy.
Q: Is carnivore food very expensive?
A: It is usually more expensive than standard kibble because quality meat is costly. You are paying for higher-quality, less-processed ingredients.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like the texture?
A: Carnivore foods come in different forms: kibble, canned, raw patties, or freeze-dried chunks. Try a different texture if your dog is picky about the first one you buy.