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
- 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.
- Love Is Raw: Our Raw Blend dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; the flavor and nutrition of raw is in every bite with freeze-dried raw coating, plus freeze-dried raw chunks
- Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six poultry-free animal protein sources: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat
- Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 90% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, organ meat and cartilage
- Grain-Free: Our nutritious, grain-free recipe is easy for dogs of all life stages to digest, with no unnecessary fillers and only the finest ingredients
- Supports Whole Body Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, our Raw Blend formula helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 to help support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- 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.
- 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.
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.