Best Barf Dog Food for Optimal Canine Health

Barf dog food, also known as Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, is a type of dog food that aims to mimic the diet of wild dogs. This type of dog food is gaining popularity among pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a more natural and healthy diet. Barf dog food typically consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables.

When looking for the best barf dog food, it is important to consider the quality of the ingredients. The meat should be sourced from high-quality, grass-fed animals, and the fruits and vegetables should be organic. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced and contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs.

One critical thing to consider when purchasing barf dog food is the storage and handling of the food. Raw meat can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it is important to ensure that the food is stored properly and handled safely. Some barf dog food manufacturers offer pre-packaged, frozen meals, which can make storage and handling easier.

At We Know Dogs, we spent hours researching and testing various brands of barf dog food to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we will share our top picks for the best barf dog food, as well as the pros and cons of each brand.

Best Barf Dog Food

We understand that feeding your dog a raw diet can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly beneficial for their health. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best barf dog foods on the market. These products have been carefully selected based on their quality, nutritional value, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re new to raw feeding or a seasoned pro, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect option for your furry friend on our list.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken

If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food that’s made in the USA and recommended by vets, then look no further than Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken.

Pros

• Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Pawstruck slowly oven roasts their food at a low temperature, so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor.
• Real Chicken is the #1 Ingredient: This single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe is made with 97% chicken to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 3% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, -amp; minerals which may help support healthy joints and hips.
• Your Dog Deserves The Best: Made with only all-natural ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals – entirely free from fillers, and preservatives. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze-dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.

Cons

• Expensive: Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Crumbles Easily: Some customers have reported that the food crumbles too easily, which can be messy and inconvenient.
• Limited Availability: Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken may not be available in all stores or regions.

We highly recommend Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken for pet parents who want to give their furry friends the best possible nutrition. With its high-quality ingredients, air-dried process, and vet-recommended formula, this dog food is sure to keep your pup healthy and happy. The upgrade to air dried makes it a great alternative to highly-processed kibble. Plus, the real chicken is a great source of protein, which may help support healthy joints and hips.

In addition to being made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken is also grain-free and gluten-free. This makes it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. And because it’s made with only the best ingredients, you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

While Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken may be a bit pricey, we believe that the quality and nutritional value of this dog food more than make up for the cost. And while some customers have reported that the food crumbles too easily, we didn’t experience this issue in our testing. Overall, we highly recommend giving Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Chicken a try – your pup will thank you!

Pawstruck Vet Recommended Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters

If you’re looking for an easy and nutritious way to add some flavor and excitement to your pup’s meals, Pawstruck Vet Recommended Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Pros

• Made with real chicken and packed with vitamins and minerals
• All-natural and grain-free
• Vet-approved for your peace of mind

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Some dogs may not like the texture
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried this meal topper on our picky eater dog, and we were impressed with the results. The topper is made with high-quality ingredients and is slow-cooked for a mouth-watering taste and crunchy texture that our dog loved.

Not only did our dog enjoy the taste, but we also felt good about giving her a nutritious boost to her mealtime. As dog lovers ourselves, we appreciate that Pawstruck uses wholesome ingredients from premium international partners and is made in USDA-certified facilities.

We also like that this meal topper is vet-approved, so we can trust that we’re giving our pup the best possible meal, endorsed by professionals. And if we ever have any questions or concerns, we can reach out to the company for support.

While our dog loved the topper, we did notice that the packaging varied. However, this didn’t affect the quality of the product. Additionally, some dogs may not like the texture of the topper, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and see how your dog reacts.

Overall, we highly recommend Pawstruck Vet Recommended Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters. It’s a versatile and delicious way to add some variety to your dog’s meals, and it’s made with high-quality ingredients you can trust.

Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken -amp; Rice, 4-Pound Bag

We highly recommend the Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken -amp; Rice, 4-Pound Bag for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a nutritious and delicious meal.

Pros

• The kibble is made from high-quality, all-natural ingredients that are carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dog’s wellbeing.
• This dog food is packed with nutrients, including antioxidants for strong immune systems, probiotics for digestive health, vitamins for healthy eyes and teeth, taurine for a healthy heart, and omega fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat.
• The kibble is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives, making it an ideal choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

Cons

• The price of this product is slightly higher than some other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this kibble, as it does not contain any artificial flavors.
• The bag size is only 4 pounds, which may not last very long for larger dogs or households with multiple dogs.

We have been using this dog food for our small breed dog for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and wellbeing. The kibble is crunchy and flavorful, and our dog seems to love it. We appreciate that the ingredients are all-natural and free from any harmful additives or preservatives.

One thing to note is that the kibble is quite small, which makes it ideal for toy breed dogs, but may not be suitable for larger dogs or dogs with dental issues. Additionally, the price of this product is slightly higher than some other dog foods on the market, but we believe that the high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits are well worth the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken -amp; Rice, 4-Pound Bag to any pet owner who wants to provide their dog with a nutritious and delicious meal.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Red Meat Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free dog food that is packed with responsibly sourced, animal-based protein, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend is a great option.

Pros

• 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.

Cons

• Some reviewers have reported that there are not many raw chunks in the kibble.
• The price point is higher than some other dog food brands.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.

We recently tried Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend for our dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The high protein content helped keep our dog feeling full and satisfied, and the lack of fillers and artificial ingredients gave us peace of mind that we were feeding our dog a nutritious meal.

One thing to note is that the kibble size is quite small, which may not be ideal for larger breeds. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that there are not many raw chunks in the kibble, which may be disappointing for pet owners who are looking for a more raw food experience.

Overall, we would recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend to pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that is packed with protein and free from artificial ingredients.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag Prairie Recipe 3.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe for those looking for a high-quality dog food that is packed with protein and nutrition.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: The raw coated kibble offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve.
• Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side: The Prairie Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your dog will sure love.
• Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive.

Cons

• Pricey: This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market.
• Short Expiry: Some reviewers have reported that the product has a short expiry date.
• Availability: It may be challenging to find this product in some locations.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe is a great option for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a high-quality diet. The raw coated kibble offers a protein-rich taste that dogs love, while the Prairie Recipe includes six animal protein sources that are sure to satisfy your pet’s cravings.

Feeding your dog a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive. This dog food is packed with whole prey ingredients, including animal muscle meat, cartilage, and organ meat such as chicken liver.

While this dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market, the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional benefits make it well worth the cost. However, some reviewers have reported that the product has a short expiry date, so it’s important to keep this in mind when making your purchase.

Overall, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe is a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a nutritious and delicious diet.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag Dry Food Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for dog owners who are looking for a healthy and nutritious dog food at an affordable price.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient, providing a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat, which helps support healthy digestion and immune system health.
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for maintenance of adult dogs.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the food smells and looks different than previous orders.
• The small kibble size may not be suitable for larger dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a delicious and nutritious dog food that is formulated to help support your dog’s needs. We found that the food is easy to digest and did not cause any stomach upset in our dogs. The added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients help to maintain our dogs’ overall health and well-being.

One of the standout features of this dog food is that real salmon is the number one ingredient. This provides a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength in our dogs. The nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin also help support healthy digestion and immune system health.

We appreciate that Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is an affordable dog food option that does not compromise on quality. However, some customers have reported that the food smells and looks different than previous orders. Additionally, the small kibble size may not be suitable for larger dogs, and some dogs may not like the taste of the food.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, affordable dog food option that is formulated to help support their dog’s needs.

Hill’s Science Diet

If you’re looking for a dog food that’s packed with natural ingredients and promotes healthy digestion, Hill’s Science Diet is a great option.

Pros

• Made with high quality, easy to digest ingredients
• Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance
• Packed with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Contains chicken by-product meal
• More expensive than some other brands

We recently tried Hill’s Science Diet with our adult dog and were happy with the results. The food is made with natural ingredients and provides a precise balance of omega 6 and vitamin E, which helps maintain a beautiful skin and healthy coat. We noticed that our dog’s coat looked shinier and healthier after just a few weeks of eating this food.

The high-quality protein in Hill’s Science Diet supports lean muscle growth and maintenance, which is important for an active dog like ours. We also appreciated that the food is packed with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion. Our dog seemed to have fewer digestive issues after switching to this food.

While our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of Hill’s Science Diet, we did notice that some other reviewers mentioned that their dogs didn’t like the taste. Additionally, the food does contain chicken by-product meal, which may be a concern for some pet owners. Finally, Hill’s Science Diet is more expensive than some other brands, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.

Overall, we were pleased with Hill’s Science Diet and would recommend it to other pet owners looking for a high-quality, natural dog food.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe for pet owners looking for a quality dog food that provides the right balance of nutrients for their fully grown dog.

Pros

• Made with natural ingredients that are easy to digest and fuel the specific energy needs of your full-grown dog
• Provides a precise balance of omega-6 and vitamin E to maintain a beautiful skin and a healthy coat
• Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog with a premium source of high-quality protein

Cons

• Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
• Packaging needs to be kept out of the reach of pets and children to prevent suffocation
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the chicken and barley recipe

At our home, we have been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe for quite some time now and our dog loves it. The natural fibers in this dog food promote healthy digestion, and we have noticed that our dog’s digestion has improved since we started using this product. The kibble size is perfect for our dog, and we appreciate that it is made with high-quality ingredients that we can trust.

We have also noticed that our dog’s coat is shinier and healthier since we started feeding him this dog food. The precise balance of omega-6 and vitamin E has made a noticeable difference. We also appreciate that this dog food is veterinarian recommended and made in the USA.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe for pet owners looking for a quality dog food that provides their fully grown dog with the right balance of nutrients to live a happy, healthy life.

Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food Nuggets, Pork

If you’re looking for a premium, healthy, and grain-free dog food, Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food Nuggets in Pork flavor is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, USDA certified organic fruits and vegetables
• Easy to crumble and serve, with no synthetic vitamins or minerals
• Can be served as a complete and balanced meal, a freeze-dried dog food topper, or a treat

Cons

• Some customers may find the price point to be a bit high
• Takes a couple of hours to rehydrate the blocks before serving
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried this product for our furry friend and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the freeze-dried format. The pork flavor was a hit with our dog, and we appreciated that the food was made with crate-free pork raised without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.

One of the standout features of this product is that it is minimally processed, which allows for maximum nutrient absorption to support optimal weight, skin and coat, oral and eye health, and reduced stool volume. We also liked that it is a great alternative to frozen dog food and is shelf-stable, making it easy to store and use.

Overall, we would recommend Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food Nuggets in Pork flavor for pet owners looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that is easy to serve and provides excellent nutrition for their furry friend.

Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Adult Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Adult Dry Dog Food for those looking for a wholesome and natural kibble with added vitamins and minerals for their dogs.

Pros

• Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, which helps build and maintain healthy muscle tissue.
• Features a healthy blend of grains, including quinoa and ancient grains, to support healthy digestion.
• High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to provide hip and joint support in adult dogs.

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble.
• May cause soft stool in some dogs.

We have been using Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog for several months now, and we are very satisfied with the quality of the product. The kibble is made from naturally nutrient-rich ingredients, and it supports overall health by providing a balanced diet.

Our dog loves the taste of the kibble, and we have noticed an improvement in his digestion since switching to this brand. The high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin have also helped support his hip and joint health.

While the price is a bit higher than other dog food brands, we believe it is worth the investment for the quality of the product. We have not experienced any negative side effects, but we have read some reviews that mention soft stool in some dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Adult Dry Dog Food for those looking for a high-quality, natural dog food with added vitamins and minerals.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying barf dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best product for your furry friend. Here are some key features to consider:

Ingredients

The first thing to look at when choosing a barf dog food is the ingredients list. Make sure the food contains high-quality, whole food ingredients that are easy for your dog to digest. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Nutritional Balance

A balanced diet is essential for your dog’s health, so make sure the food you choose provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Look for foods that contain a variety of protein sources, such as beef, chicken, and fish, to ensure your dog is getting all the essential amino acids they need.

Feeding Guidelines

Pay attention to the feeding guidelines on the packaging, as these will give you an idea of how much to feed your dog based on their weight and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health problems, so make sure you follow the recommended guidelines.

Price

Barf dog food can be more expensive than traditional dog food, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a product. However, keep in mind that higher-quality ingredients often come with a higher price tag, and investing in your dog’s health can save you money on vet bills in the long run.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best barf dog food for your furry friend’s health and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nutritional benefits of BARF diets for different dog sizes?

BARF diets provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all sizes. The diet consists of raw meats, bones, and vegetables that provide essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. The amount of food required for each dog varies based on their size and activity level. We recommend consulting with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog.

How do I choose the best BARF diet for a dog with allergies?

If your dog has allergies, it’s important to choose a BARF diet that avoids ingredients that trigger their allergies. Common allergens include beef, chicken, and grains. We recommend consulting with a veterinarian to determine which ingredients to avoid and which alternative protein sources to include in the diet.

Which raw meat types are most beneficial for dogs on a BARF diet?

Dogs on a BARF diet benefit from a variety of raw meat types, including beef, chicken, lamb, and fish. These meats provide essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. We recommend rotating the meat types to provide a balanced diet.

Can you recommend any top-rated frozen raw dog food brands?

There are several top-rated frozen raw dog food brands available on the market, including Primal Pet Foods, Stella -amp; Chewy’s, and Nature’s Variety. These brands offer a variety of protein sources and are formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs.

What should I look for in raw dog food recipes to ensure a balanced diet?

To ensure a balanced diet, raw dog food recipes should include a variety of protein sources, vegetables, and fruits. The recipe should also include essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamins. We recommend consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to ensure the recipe meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

How does BARF food compare to other types of dog diets in terms of health benefits?

BARF diets provide several health benefits for dogs, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and increased energy. Compared to other types of dog diets, BARF diets provide a more natural and biologically appropriate diet for dogs. However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if a BARF diet is appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.