Have you ever looked at your dog’s food bowl and wondered if there’s a better way to nourish your best friend? Many pet owners feel this way. They see ingredients lists full of things they can barely pronounce and worry if that’s truly the best fuel for their energetic companion. Choosing the right raw dog food can feel like navigating a minefield. You worry about getting the balance right, avoiding harmful bacteria, and figuring out what your specific dog actually needs.
The desire for a healthier, more natural diet for our dogs is strong, but the confusion is real. You want the benefits—shinier coats, better digestion, and increased vitality—but the process seems overwhelming. Fear not! This post cuts through the noise. We will break down the essentials of raw feeding, making it clear and simple.
By the end of this article, you will understand the core components of a balanced raw diet and feel confident taking the next step. Ready to unlock the secrets to vibrant health for your dog? Let’s dive into the world of raw feeding.
Top Raw Dog Food 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.
- Includes One 21 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 475 treats per tub for a 3 month supply
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
- EXCEPTIONAL FOR PICKY EATERS – Consistently entices even the most finicky dogs to eat when other foods fail – our freeze-dried raw patties deliver irresistible taste that transforms mealtime for selective dogs.
- VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS – Perfect as complete meals, crumbled food toppers, or high-value training treats – ideal for puppies and adult dogs with options to serve dry or rehydrated with water.
- 95% GRASS-FED BEEF & ORGANS – Premium freeze-dried raw nutrition with whole-prey approach delivers muscle-building protein, enhanced digestibility, and natural nutrients that support coat, skin, and overall health.
- BALANCED NUTRITION FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – Complete and balanced diet for growing puppies and adult dogs with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat – free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
- MADE IN USA WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS – Small-batch production with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, responsibly-sourced ingredients, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – trusted by thousands of pet parents.
- 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 freeze-dried raw bites 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
- SUPPORTS WELLNESS: Our Raw Boost formula is enhanced with probiotics, higher Omegas* and more antioxidants* for digestive health, healthy skin & coat, and immune health (*compared to Instinct Original)
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- Healthy and Natural Fresh Dog Food
- High Quality Nutrition from Natural U.S. Beef and Veggies You Can See
- Gently Steam Cooked to Lock in Essential Nutrients
- Supports Healthy Digestion with High Quality, Easily Digestible Ingredients
- Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants from Farm Fresh Vegetables
- 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.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient and free from corn, wheat, soy, brewer’s rice, by-product meals, artificial colors, and preservatives
- POWER OF RAW: Coated in freeze-dried raw for enhanced flavor and nutrition, while crafted to remain minimally processed and never cooked
- NUTRIENT DENSE: Features real meat, hearty whole grains, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables
- SUPPORTS WELLNESS: Enhanced with added vitamins and minerals to help maintain energy, better digestion, and a shiny coat
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- BEEF RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein and grass-fed beef, this recipe delivers protein-rich nutrition to help maintain muscle health and support sustained energy. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal your pup will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and kale—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and overall wellness.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens and includes added probiotics to support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Raw Dog Food
Switching your dog to a raw food diet can be exciting. Raw food mimics what dogs ate in the wild. It offers fresh ingredients. This guide helps you pick the best raw dog food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When buying raw dog food, look for specific things. These features show the food is high quality and safe.
1. Complete and Balanced Nutrition
- The food must meet AAFCO standards. AAFCO sets guidelines for pet food nutrition.
- This means the food has the right mix of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
- Do not feed only muscle meat. It lacks necessary nutrients.
2. Ingredient Transparency
- Good brands list every single ingredient clearly.
- You should know exactly what parts of the animal are included (e.g., chicken muscle, beef heart).
- Avoid generic terms like “meat by-products.”
3. Proper Meat-to-Bone-to-Organ Ratio
- A balanced raw diet usually needs about 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% secreting organs (like liver and kidney).
- Bones provide calcium. Organs offer vital vitamins.
Important Materials in Raw Dog Food
The quality of the ingredients matters a lot. Better ingredients mean a healthier dog.
Protein Sources
- Look for high-quality, identifiable protein. Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are common.
- Single-source protein diets are great if your dog has allergies.
Fats and Oils
- Healthy fats are essential for energy and shiny coats.
- Look for added fish oil for Omega-3 fatty acids. These help joints and skin.
Vegetables and Fruits (Optional but Beneficial)
- Some raw foods include small amounts of pureed vegetables like carrots, spinach, or berries.
- These add fiber and antioxidants. Ensure they are finely ground so your dog can digest them easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain practices make raw food better or worse for your pet.
Quality Enhancers
- Human-Grade Ingredients: This means the ingredients are safe enough for humans to eat, indicating high standards.
- Flash Freezing: Freezing food quickly after processing locks in nutrients and kills potential surface bacteria.
Quality Reducers
- Fillers: Ingredients like grains (corn, wheat) or excessive starches should not be in true raw food.
- Unidentified Meats: If the label just says “meat mix,” the quality is questionable.
- Improper Handling: If the food thaws and refreezes multiple times during shipping, bacteria can grow.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use raw food affects what type you should buy.
Convenience vs. Customization
- Pre-made Patties/Grinds: These are very easy to use. You just thaw and serve. They are perfect for busy owners.
- DIY Mixing: Some owners prefer buying individual components (ground meat, bone meal, liver). This allows total control over ingredients but takes more time.
Transitioning Your Dog
- Always transition slowly when switching from kibble to raw. Mix a little raw food with the old food each day for about a week.
- Raw food is often used to manage specific health issues, such as severe allergies or digestive sensitivities. Always talk to your vet first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Dog Food
Q: Is raw dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Reputable manufacturers use strict pathogen control methods, including high-pressure processing (HPP) or flash-freezing. Proper handling at home (washing bowls, immediate thawing) is also crucial for safety.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: Generally, dogs eat about 2% to 3% of their ideal adult body weight daily. Puppies need more, often 5% to 10%, because they are growing fast.
Q: Can I mix raw food with dry kibble?
A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same bowl. Raw food digests much faster than kibble. Mixing them can slow down the raw food digestion, potentially causing stomach upset.
Q: What is the main benefit of feeding raw?
A: Owners often report shinier coats, better digestion, smaller stools, increased energy, and improved dental health when switching to a high-quality raw diet.
Q: Do I need to add supplements if I buy a complete raw mix?
A: If you buy a product labeled “Complete and Balanced” that meets AAFCO standards, no extra supplements are usually needed. Always double-check the label.
Q: How should I store the raw food?
A: Keep frozen food in your freezer until you are ready to use it. Thaw portions overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw raw food at room temperature.
Q: What if my dog has kidney issues? Should I avoid raw?
A: Dogs with specific chronic conditions, like advanced kidney disease, often need restricted protein levels. Always consult your veterinarian before starting a raw diet for a dog with underlying health problems.
Q: Is raw food more expensive than kibble?
A: Often, yes. Higher quality ingredients and specialized processing mean raw food usually costs more per meal than standard dry kibble.
Q: Can I use raw food for puppies?
A: Yes, puppies thrive on raw food as it supports rapid growth. Ensure the food is specifically formulated for “Growth/All Life Stages” to meet high calcium and phosphorus needs for growing bones.
Q: What if my dog refuses to eat it at first?
A: Try warming the food slightly (do not cook it!) to release the aroma. You can also try topping it with a tiny bit of plain yogurt or mashed sardines to entice them during the transition.