Do you ever look at your dog’s kibble and wonder if there’s a better way to feed them? Many dog owners feel this way. They want their furry friends to have the healthiest, most natural diet possible. Choosing the right raw dog food can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, ingredients, and preparation styles out there. It’s easy to feel confused or worried about getting it wrong.
This confusion often leads to wasted time and uncertainty about whether you are truly supporting your dog’s well-being. But what if feeding raw didn’t have to be so complicated? We have broken down the world of raw dog food into simple, easy-to-understand steps. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for, what ingredients matter most, and how to transition your dog confidently. Get ready to discover the secrets to fueling your best friend with the best nutrition nature offers.
Top Raw Dog Foods Recommendations
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEART DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FRESHDRIED RAW: 3x more real meat & nutrient-rich organs than Instinct Original Kibble, delivering high-quality animal protein for strong, lean muscles
- MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Never cooked and less processed than kibble to preserve ingredient integrity and nutrients
- POWER OF RAW: Feeding raw supports lean muscles, strong bones, healthy digestion, immune health, improved energy & vitality, and a vibrant skin & coat
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with 85% meat & organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins & minerals— free from grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors & preservatives
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
- 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.
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Protein packed, nutrient dense kibble combined with 100% raw freeze-dried lamb pieces for a crave worthy savory dog food; with optimal protein levels, high fiber and calorie content your dog needs to thrive.
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of meat, this dog food is made with high quality protein ingredients.
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH AND HEALTHY COAT: Contains guaranteed levels of glucosamine for strong joints, probiotics for digestive health, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. Manufactured in a facility that also processes grains.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; we craft delicious natural recipes with wholesome ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Raw Dog Food
Switching your dog to a raw food diet can bring exciting changes to their health. Raw food mirrors what dogs ate in the wild. It is packed with fresh nutrients. But navigating the world of raw dog food can feel tricky. This guide helps you pick the best option for your furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for raw dog food, several features matter most. These tell you about the food’s quality and completeness.
- Completeness and Balance: The food must have all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Look for labels stating it meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages).
- Meat Content: The primary ingredient should be high-quality muscle meat. Avoid foods heavy on fillers.
- Bone Inclusion: Raw diets need edible bone for calcium and phosphorus. This ratio is vital for bone health.
- Variety: Good brands rotate proteins (chicken, beef, turkey, fish). This offers a broader range of nutrients.
2. Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
Raw dog food typically includes four main components. Understanding these helps you assess the ingredients list.
Muscle Meat
This is the protein source. Good sources include chicken, beef, lamb, or wild-caught salmon. Muscle meat provides essential amino acids for strong muscles.
Organs
Organs like liver, kidney, and spleen are nutrient powerhouses. They supply vitamins A, D, and B vitamins. Liver is usually the most common organ included.
Edible Bone
Ground bone supplies calcium. This mineral is necessary for strong teeth and bones. If the food is boneless, extra calcium must be added, which is less ideal.
Supplemental Ingredients
These often include vegetables, fruits, or healthy fats (like fish oil). These add fiber and antioxidants. Keep an eye on the amount; they should complement the meat, not dominate it.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all raw foods are created equal. Some processing steps help, while others hurt the nutritional value.
Quality Boosters
- Sourcing Transparency: Brands that clearly state where they source their meat (e.g., “humanely raised”) usually offer higher quality.
- Minimal Processing: Flash-freezing preserves nutrients best. This is much better than high-heat pasteurization.
- Accurate Labeling: The ingredient list should clearly show the percentages or types of meat used.
Quality Reducers
- Excessive Fillers: Too many grains, starches, or cheap vegetable matter lowers the overall protein quality.
- Inconsistent Ratios: If the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is off, it can cause bone problems, especially in growing puppies.
- Poor Handling: Raw food must be kept frozen or properly refrigerated. Poor handling can lead to bacterial growth.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you feed raw food affects your daily routine.
Convenience Levels
Raw foods come in different forms. Pre-made complete meals are the easiest. You just thaw and serve. DIY ingredients require you to measure and balance every component yourself, which offers the most control but takes the most time.
Transitioning Your Dog
Most owners start slowly. Introduce the new food gradually over a week or two. This helps prevent stomach upset. Watch your dog’s stool; firm, small stools mean the food is digesting well.
Best Use Cases
- For Picky Eaters: The strong smell and taste of fresh meat often entice fussy dogs.
- For Allergies: Raw diets often use novel proteins (like venison or rabbit), which can help dogs sensitive to common proteins like chicken or beef.
- For High Energy Dogs: The high digestibility of raw food means dogs absorb more energy from smaller meals.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Dog Foods
Q: Is raw dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Raw food naturally contains bacteria. Reputable manufacturers use strict hygiene controls and often use High-Pressure Processing (HPP) or flash-freezing to reduce risks. Always handle raw food like you would raw meat for human consumption.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: This depends on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. A general starting point is feeding about 2% to 3% of their ideal adult body weight daily, split into two meals.
Q: Can I mix raw food with my dog’s current kibble?
A: Experts usually advise against mixing. Raw and cooked foods digest at different rates, which can sometimes cause stomach upset.
Q: What if my dog is a puppy? Do they need different food?
A: Yes. Puppies need higher protein and specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to support rapid bone growth. Ensure the label says “All Life Stages” or is specifically formulated for puppies.
Q: Where should I store the raw food?
A: Keep frozen portions in your freezer until you need them. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw raw food on the counter at room temperature.
Q: What are the signs my dog is doing well on raw food?
A: You should see a shinier coat, healthier skin, smaller and firmer stools, higher energy levels, and improved dental health.
Q: Do I need to add supplements to a complete raw meal?
A: If you buy a complete and balanced formula that meets AAFCO standards, no extra supplements should be needed.
Q: Is raw food more expensive than kibble?
A: Often, yes, raw food costs more upfront. However, some owners report needing to feed less volume due to higher nutrient density.
Q: What should I do if my dog has diarrhea after switching?
A: Slow down the transition. Feed only the new food for a few days to let the gut adjust. If it continues, consult your veterinarian.
Q: Can I feed my dog a vegetarian raw diet?
A: Dogs are biologically carnivorous. A vegetarian diet is very difficult to balance safely for dogs, especially raw. It is strongly discouraged unless guided by a veterinary nutritionist.