Best Raw Meat Dog Food - Top Picks & Guide

Have you ever looked at your dog’s kibble and wondered if there’s a better, more natural way for them to eat? Many dog owners feel this way. We want our furry friends to have the best health possible, but navigating the world of raw meat dog food can feel overwhelming. You see success stories online, but you also hear warnings about safety and proper balance. It’s tough to know where to start when picking the right raw diet for your specific dog.

Choosing raw food means facing questions about sourcing quality meat, ensuring complete nutrition, and understanding preparation. It’s a big change from the bag of dry food on your shelf. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what raw feeding involves, highlight the real benefits you can expect, and show you how to build a safe, balanced meal plan your dog will love.

Keep reading to gain the confidence you need to explore the raw diet path successfully. Let’s dive into the essentials of feeding your dog a diet closer to what nature intended.

Top Raw Meat Dog Food Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

TRMC Real Meat Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef - 2lb Bag of USA-Crafted Grain-Free Real Meat Dog Food Sourced from Hormone-Free, Free-Range, Grass-Fed Beef - Digestible, All Natural, High Protein Beef

REAL HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY BEEF - Imagine a bowl filled with air dried dog food made with real human grade quality beefy goodness. This high protein dog food will have your pup's tail thumping with joy. It's not just real meat air dried dog food; it's a meaty party for their taste buds, crafted with care
NO MORE GRAINS OR PESKY ADDITIVES - Our beef dry dog food small bites are gentle on the tummy making it perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. No fillers, coloring, or artificial additives. Just pure wholesome, all-natural real meat dog food
GENTLY AIR-DRIED TO PAW-FECTION - Real Meat's secret air-drying process seals in the goodness, making every bite a punch of flavor and nutrition. This premium & nutritious beef dog food is perfectly bite-sized, making meal time something to look forward to
COMPLETE & BALANCED FOR EVERY PUP - Whether it's a full meal or just a topper, these dog food dry bites offer a delicious, holistic feast with vital vitamins and minerals. Perfect for dogs of all life stages and breeds, including puppies, adults, seniors, and small to large dog breeds
CRAFTED IN THE U.S. OF YAY - Ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches our holistic dog food is as premium, as it is affordable. Made with beef sourced from free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, and utterly happy cows straight from the USA & New Zealand

Bestseller No. 2

Team Dog Raw Frozen Dog Food | 65% Beef Muscle, Organ Meats, Herring & Green Tripe for Dogs | All Natural Grain Free Dog Food for Optimal Health, Digestion & Coat | 24 x 1lb Rolls

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

Bestseller No. 3

Nature's Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Whole Food Meal - Makes 18 Lbs Fresh Food with Muscle, Organ, Bone Broth, Whole Egg, Superfoods, Fish Oil Omega 3, 6, 9, Probiotics & Prebiotics (Beef)

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.

Bestseller No. 4

Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Chicken & Turkey, Open Prairie Recipe, 20lb Bag

HUMANELY SOURCED POULTRY - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey, this flavorful 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.

Bestseller No. 5

360 Pet Nutrition Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food – Multi-Protein with Beef, Chicken, Fish, Liver & Organs, High Protein, Omega-3s, Fruits, Veggies & Superfoods, Grain-Free, No Fillers, 1 lb – Made in USA

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.

Bestseller No. 6

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain & Legume Free Red Meat Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag

Love Is Raw: Our Raw Coated dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat
Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your dog will love: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat — perfect for dogs with poultry allergies
Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 89% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, cartilage and organ meat such as beef kidney
Grain-Free: Easy for dogs of all life stages to digest, our nutritious, grain-free recipe has NO unnecessary fillers and only the finest ingredients
Supports Whole Body Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, our Raw Coated formula helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health

SaleBestseller No. 7

Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (10-Count) - Fresh Pet Food Made in USA, Grass-Fed Beef Log, Natural Dog Food Rolls, Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food

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.

Bestseller No. 8

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – Beef - All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free, Limited Ingredient w/ Superfoods (16oz)

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 for Raw Dog Food

Switching your dog to a raw food diet can feel like a big step. Raw dog food, often called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), mimics what dogs ate in the wild. This guide helps you choose the best raw food for your furry friend.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for raw dog food, you need to check a few important things. These features tell you if the food is good quality and safe for your pet.

1. Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Does the food label say it is “complete and balanced”? This means it has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs every day. Look for statements meeting AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines.

2. Variety of Protein Sources

Good raw food offers different meats. Chicken, beef, turkey, and fish are common. Variety helps ensure your dog gets a full range of nutrients.

3. Inclusion of Organs and Bones

A balanced raw diet must include muscle meat, organs (like liver and kidney), and ground bone. Bones provide essential calcium.

Important Materials in Raw Dog Food

The ingredients list tells the whole story. Focus on whole, recognizable components.

Muscle Meat

This should be the largest part of the meal. Look for named meat sources, not just “meat by-products.”

Edible Bone Content

Ground bone is vital for calcium and phosphorus balance. Too little or too much bone causes problems.

Fruits and Vegetables (Optional but Beneficial)

Some brands add small amounts of safe fruits and vegetables for added fiber and antioxidants. These are often pureed.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all raw foods are made the same. Quality matters a lot for your dog’s health.

Factors That Improve Quality

Human-Grade Ingredients: Using meat fit for human consumption usually means higher standards were followed.
Proper Grinding/Balancing: The ingredients must be mixed well so your dog gets the right ratios in every bite.
No Fillers: High-quality food avoids grains, corn, soy, or artificial additives.

Factors That Reduce Quality

High Vegetable Load: Too many vegetables dilute the necessary meat content.
Unknown Sourcing: If the brand doesn’t tell you where the meat comes from, be cautious.
Poor Handling: Improper freezing or thawing can introduce bacteria risk.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the food affects your choice. Consider your lifestyle.

For Busy Owners: Pre-Made Patties or Nuggets

These are easy. You simply thaw and serve. They are excellent for owners who want the benefits of raw without the mess of preparing it themselves.

For Experienced Feeders: DIY or Ground Bulk

Some owners prefer buying large tubs of ground meat mixes or individual ingredients to customize meals. This takes more time but offers total control.

Transitioning Your Dog

Always transition slowly. Mix a small amount of the new raw food with your dog’s old food for about a week. This prevents stomach upset.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Dog Food

Q: Is raw dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?

A: All raw meat carries some risk. Reputable brands use high-pressure processing or strict sourcing to lower this risk. You must handle raw food safely, just like you handle raw chicken for your family.

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. Always follow the specific feeding guide provided by the food manufacturer.

Q: Can I mix raw food with my dog’s dry kibble?

A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same meal. Raw food digests faster than kibble. Mixing can cause digestive upset.

Q: What is the difference between BARF and Prey Model raw diets?

A: BARF diets include fruits and vegetables. The Prey Model focuses only on meat, bone, and organ, mimicking what a dog would catch.

Q: Do I need to add supplements to pre-made raw food?

A: If the food is labeled “complete and balanced,” no extra supplements are needed. If you make your own raw food, supplements are necessary.

Q: How should I store the raw food once I buy it?

A: Keep it frozen solid until you move the portion you plan to feed soon into the refrigerator to thaw. Never thaw meat at room temperature.

Q: Will raw food make my dog aggressive about food?

A: No. Feeding raw food does not cause food aggression. Good training and socialization prevent aggressive behaviors.

Q: What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

A: Start with a single-source protein, like plain chicken, for a week. This helps identify potential allergens before introducing complex recipes.

Q: How long does thawed raw food last in the fridge?

A: Thawed raw food usually lasts safely for two to three days in the refrigerator.

Q: Is raw food more expensive than kibble?

A: Often, yes. Raw food is generally pricier because it uses higher-quality ingredients and requires more careful handling.