Does your dog gobble down their kibble, but you secretly wonder if there’s a better, more natural way to feed them? Many dog owners feel this way. We want the best for our furry best friends, but navigating the world of raw frozen dog food can feel like solving a complicated puzzle. You see the glowing reviews, you read about the potential health boosts, but then you face the freezer aisle. Which brand is trustworthy? What ingredients are actually good? How do you even thaw it correctly?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and the fear of getting it wrong. You want vibrant health for your dog, but you don’t want the hassle or the guesswork. That’s exactly why we created this guide. We’ve cut through the confusion and the marketing hype.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for in a high-quality raw frozen diet, how to spot fillers, and the simple steps to safely introduce this exciting food into your dog’s routine. Ready to unlock a healthier, happier mealtime for your pup? Let’s dive into the freezer and discover the secrets of the best raw frozen dog foods available today.
Top Raw Frozen 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.
- COMPLETE & BALANCED PROTEIN POWERHOUSE: TEAM DOG's RAW dog food formula mirrors the ancestral diet of dogs, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet that modern dry food can't compete with. TEAM DOG RAW ensures the ideal balance of 65% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 25% organ meats and fish, for the most complete nutrition possible
- RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER FOR DRY KIBBLE: TEAM DOG RAW is a cost-effective, high-quality choice you and your dog will love. TEAM DOG RAW has even the pickiest eaters licking the bowl clean. This real meat dog food is perfect for augmenting your dog's mealtime. TEAM DOG promotes feeding 75% dry dog food or kibble with 25% raw. Always consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog's unique nutritional needs are met. Team Dog Raw is not suitable for puppies
- BETTER DIGESTION, FEWER SENSISTIVITIES: The combination of raw meat & green tripe for dogs in TEAM DOG RAW's blend has helped dogs with digestive issues. The 10% unwashed fatty tripe adds probiotics and enzymes for improved digestion, while organ meats like frozen beef heart, spleen and kidney support heart health with coenzyme Q10
- HEALTHIER JOINTS, SKIN & COAT: Herring is an excellent source of low fat protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beef liver is packed with vitamins A and B as well as essential minerals. These high quality ingredients support healthy skin, a glossy coat, and offer a boost in energy and overall vitality
- SUPERIOR, NO NONSENSE INGREDIENTS: While many raw dog food brands rely on fillers like grains or starches, TEAM DOG RAW is a grain free dog food that focuses on what matters – 100% raw meat, organ meats, and herring. This means no preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients, just pure nutrition your dog was meant to eat
- 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.
- 95% CAGE-FREE CHICKEN & 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD ROLL AND CAT FOOD ROLL: Raw Paws beef frozen dog food roll is made from 100% natural beef dogs and cats and even ferrets love! This single-protein cat food and dog food beef recipe has no preservatives, fillers or additives. High-protein grain free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat health, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your pet will love our raw frozen dog food and beef cat food!
- CAT FOOD AND DOG FOOD MADE IN USA ONLY: Our frozen raw dog food beef blend comes from grass fed beef sourced from Indiana family farms. We partner with local farmers to guarantee the best beef dog food and cat food made from healthy free-range cows raised in humane living conditions. When you feed your pet raw blend beef grain free dog food and cat food, you’re imitating your pet’s natural, species-appropriate diet, which helps your pet achieve optimal health, vibrancy, and longevity.
- NUTRIENT-DENSE ALL BEEF DOG FOOD AND CAT FOOD: Not only is our dog and cat food beef roll irresistible, our raw beef dog food has a blend of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ and 10% bone. Raw fresh dog food and cat food made from beef is rich in the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine, both of which are essential for cardiac health but are often lacking in pet food. High in iron, copper and zinc, our all natural beef raw food for dogs and cats has vitamins that are vital for health and vitality.
- EASY-TO-SERVE CAT AND DOG BEEF ROLL: Our 1-lb cat food and dog food log is super easy and convenient to handle, serve and store! Simply thaw the dog and cat tube food and serve as needed or partially thaw our frozen dog food and cat food in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions or form into cat food and dog food patties for future feedings. The convenient size of our grain free dog food roll also makes it simple to rotate proteins for all your pets.
- WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and strive to ensure that you and your pet are truly happy. Meeting your expectations is our top priority at Raw Paws Pet, Inc.
- 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
- 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.
- FRESH, BOWL-READY MEALS: Fresh, bowl-ready meals for dogs who crave the taste of a home-cooked meal without the prep, mess, or need for refrigerator space. Ideal for picky eaters.
- HUMAN-GRADE INGREDIENTS: Made with fresh whole ingredients that you would feed your family like carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, plus a powerful blend of superfoods - bone broth, turmeric, kelp, sage, thyme, and coconut oil to support your dog’s overall health and vitality.
- SHELF STABLE & CONVENIENT: No more crowded freezers or refrigerators. No thawing. No waiting. It’s ready when you are. Just open and serve fresh, whole foods, slow-cooked in small batches without preservatives. Perfect for home or travel.
- VETERINARIAN FORMULATED: Health Extension Gently Cooked is complete and balanced for dogs of all sizes.
- NO REFRIGERATORS, NO FREEZERS, NO PRESERVATIVES: Our proprietary approach gently preps all ingredients and locks in freshness by slow-cooking each meal inside the pouch, preserving essential nutrients and flavor. No need to refrigerate, thaw, or prep—just open, serve, and store with ease. Fresh dog food has never been this simple.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Raw Frozen Dog Food
Raw frozen dog food is a popular choice for many dog owners. It tries to mimic what dogs ate in the wild. This guide will help you pick the best raw food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for raw dog food, check these important things first.
1. Ingredient Transparency
- You must know exactly what is in the food. Good brands list every ingredient clearly.
- Look for whole food sources, not mystery meat meals.
2. Balanced Nutrition
- Raw food must give your dog everything they need to stay healthy. This means the right mix of muscle meat, organs, and bone.
- Some foods are complete meals, meaning they have everything. Others are supplements. Make sure you buy a complete meal if that is what you want.
3. Proper Handling and Freezing
- Since this food is raw, safety is key. The food must be frozen quickly and kept frozen until you feed it.
- Look for brands that follow high safety standards during processing.
Important Materials in Raw Diets
Raw diets rely on specific components for dog health. These materials make a big difference in quality.
Muscle Meat
This is the main part of the meal. It gives dogs protein for strong muscles. Chicken, beef, turkey, and fish are common muscle meats.
Organs
- Organs like liver and kidney are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are very important for overall health.
- A healthy raw diet needs a good percentage of organ meat.
Bone
Ground bone provides calcium and phosphorus. These minerals keep your dog’s bones strong. Some brands use bone meal, but whole ground bone is often better.
Optional Additions
Some recipes include safe vegetables or fruits for extra fiber and antioxidants. These additions can be helpful, but they should not replace the meat base.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of raw food varies a lot. Knowing what boosts or hurts the quality helps you choose wisely.
Quality Boosters
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients are fit for human consumption, the quality is usually higher.
- Variety: Diets that rotate protein sources (like beef one month, chicken the next) provide a wider range of nutrients.
- No Fillers: High-quality food avoids grains, corn, soy, and cheap fillers.
Quality Reducers
- Excessive Vegetable Load: While some veggies are fine, too many can make it hard for dogs to digest the necessary animal protein and nutrients.
- Poor Sourcing: If a company does not say where they get their meat, be cautious. Poor sourcing can mean lower quality meat.
- Improper Grinding: If the bone pieces are too large or too small, the balance is thrown off.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use raw food affects your choice.
Ease of Use
Most raw foods come in pre-portioned patties or chunks. This makes feeding simple. You just thaw what you need for the day.
Transitioning Your Dog
Some dogs switch to raw food easily. Others need a slow transition. You might start by mixing a small amount of raw food with their old kibble.
Storage and Thawing
You need freezer space for this type of food. Thawing usually takes 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Never thaw raw meat at room temperature due to bacteria risk.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Frozen Dog Food
Q: Is raw frozen dog food safe for my dog?
A: When handled correctly, yes. Safety depends on the manufacturer using good sourcing and freezing practices. You must keep it frozen and thaw it safely in the fridge.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: This depends on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Most feeding guides suggest feeding about 2% to 3% of your dog’s ideal body weight daily.
Q: What is the difference between raw and freeze-dried raw?
A: Raw frozen food is kept completely frozen until feeding. Freeze-dried raw food has the moisture removed. You add water back to freeze-dried food before serving.
Q: Why is raw food often more expensive than kibble?
A: Raw food uses whole, less processed ingredients like muscle meat and organs. This makes the cost higher than highly processed dry foods.
Q: Do I need to add supplements to a complete raw diet?
A: If the food is labeled “Complete and Balanced,” you should not need extra supplements. Always check the label to confirm it meets AAFCO standards.
Q: Can I mix raw food with dry kibble?
A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same meal. Raw food digests much faster than kibble. Mixing them can cause digestive upset for some dogs.
Q: How long can thawed raw food stay in the fridge?
A: Once fully thawed in the refrigerator, raw dog food is generally safe for about 3 to 4 days.
Q: What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
A: Start with a single-protein source, like plain chicken. This helps you pinpoint if a specific meat causes issues before introducing complex recipes.
Q: Does raw food clean a dog’s teeth?
A: Yes, chewing on raw meaty bones (if your chosen food includes them) helps scrape plaque off the teeth naturally.
Q: What does AAFCO mean on a label?
A: AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Their guidelines help ensure pet foods are complete and balanced for a dog’s life stage.