Does your dog deserve the healthiest, most natural diet possible? Many dog owners think so, but the world of raw dog food can feel confusing and overwhelming. You see incredible success stories online, but then you worry about safety, cost, and getting the nutrition just right. It feels like everyone has a different, strong opinion!
Navigating the switch to raw feeding presents real challenges. How do you balance bones, muscle meat, and organs? Are you worried about bacteria? These concerns stop many loving pet parents from exploring a diet that could boost their dog’s energy and coat shine. It’s a big decision that requires clear, trustworthy information.
This post cuts through the noise. We will break down the essentials of raw feeding simply and clearly. You will learn exactly what a balanced raw meal looks like, how to handle food safely, and the real benefits you can expect. Get ready to move past the confusion and confidently choose the best path for your furry best friend.
Top Dog Food Raw Recommendations
- 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
- 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.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Features all natural, minimally processed bites of real beef— 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
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Food Raw
Switching your dog to a raw food diet can seem like a big step. Raw food aims to give your dog meals closer to what they would eat in the wild. This guide helps you pick the best raw food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For in Raw Dog Food
When shopping for raw dog food, certain features tell you if the product is high quality. Look closely at the packaging.
1. Meat Content and Variety
- High Meat Percentage: Good raw food should have 70% to 90% muscle meat. This gives your dog the protein they need for strong muscles.
- Bone Inclusion: Raw, ground bone provides essential calcium and phosphorus. It should be finely ground so it’s safe to eat.
- Organ Diversity: Look for liver and other secreting organs (like kidney). These pack important vitamins and minerals.
2. Form and Preparation
- Complete and Balanced: Ensure the food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages). This means it has all the necessary nutrients added in the right amounts.
- Pre-Portioned: Many raw foods come in patties, nuggets, or tubes. Pre-portioned meals make feeding easy and reduce waste.
Important Materials: What Goes In Matters
The quality of the ingredients is everything in a raw diet. You want whole, recognizable foods.
Protein Sources
The main ingredients should be named meats. Chicken, beef, turkey, and sometimes novel proteins like duck or lamb are common. Always check the first ingredient. It should be a specific meat, not just “meat by-product.”
Produce and Supplements
Raw food needs vegetables and fruits for fiber and antioxidants. Carrots, spinach, blueberries, and squash are great additions. If the food is a “complete” meal, it should also have natural sources of Vitamin E, iodine, and zinc added in.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all raw foods are created equal. Some processing steps hurt the final product.
Factors That Improve Quality (What you want):
- Human-Grade Ingredients: This means the ingredients were safe for people to eat before being processed for pets.
- HPP (High-Pressure Processing): This is a common method used to kill harmful bacteria without using heat. Heat destroys nutrients, so HPP is preferred.
- Sourcing Transparency: Brands that tell you where their meat comes from offer better assurance of quality.
Factors That Reduce Quality (What to avoid):
- Excessive Fillers: Avoid foods with lots of grains (like rice or corn) or high amounts of potatoes. Raw diets should be low in carbohydrates.
- High Heat Cooking: If the food is cooked, it is no longer truly “raw.” Cooking destroys many vital enzymes and nutrients found naturally in raw meat.
- Mystery Ingredients: If you see vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal digest,” the quality is likely lower.
User Experience and Use Cases
Raw food fits different lifestyles. Think about how you will feed your dog.
Convenience Levels
- Frozen Raw (The Gold Standard): This is the least processed option. You must have freezer space. You thaw the portion needed for the day. This is best for owners who want the most natural diet possible.
- Freeze-Dried Raw: This food is raw but has the water removed. It takes up less freezer space. You just add water before serving. This works well for travel or smaller homes.
Best Use Cases
Raw food is often chosen for dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin allergies. Many owners report shinier coats and better stool quality after switching. If your dog struggles to gain or maintain weight, the high nutrient density of raw food can help.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Dog Food
Q: Is raw dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Reputable brands use safety steps like HPP to reduce bacteria. However, you must handle raw food like you handle raw meat for your own family—wash bowls and hands after feeding.
Q: How do I switch my dog to a raw diet?
A: Switch slowly. Mix a small amount of the new raw food with their old food for about a week. This lets your dog’s digestive system adjust without upsetting their stomach.
Q: Do I need to add vitamins to complete raw food?
A: If the label says the food is “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO standards, no extra vitamins are needed. If you feed a homemade raw diet, you must consult a veterinary nutritionist for supplementation.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: Most dogs eat about 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight daily, split into two meals. Puppies need more. Check the feeding chart on the specific brand you buy.
Q: Can I mix raw food with 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: What if my dog is a fast eater? Is choking a risk with bones?
A: High-quality raw food has ground bone that is meant to be consumed safely. If your dog gulps food, supervise them closely during the first few weeks.
Q: Does raw food smell bad?
A: Raw meat smells like raw meat. Frozen food has little odor. Once thawed, it smells meaty, but it should not smell rotten or sour. If it does, throw it out.
Q: What does ‘Complete and Balanced’ really mean?
A: It means the food contains the correct balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals needed for a dog to thrive at a certain life stage, confirmed by feeding trials or formulation analysis.
Q: Where should I store the raw food?
A: Always store it in the freezer until you are ready to use it. Thawed portions should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within three to four days.
Q: Is raw food more expensive than dry kibble?
A: Generally, yes. Raw food is often more costly because it uses higher quality, less processed ingredients, but many owners feel the health benefits justify the price.