Best Raw Food for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Diet

Raw food diets for dogs have been gaining popularity among pet owners in recent years. This type of diet is based on the idea that dogs should eat a diet that is similar to what their ancestors ate in the wild. Raw food diets typically consist of uncooked meat, bones, and vegetables. Proponents of raw food diets claim that they provide a range of health benefits for dogs, including improved digestion, increased energy levels, and healthier skin and coat.

When it comes to choosing the best raw food for your dog, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important factors is the quality of the ingredients. Look for raw food that is made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Avoid products that contain fillers, additives, or artificial preservatives.

Another important consideration is the type of raw food you choose. Some raw food diets consist of only meat, while others include a mix of meat, bones, and vegetables. It’s important to choose a diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs and is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

When selecting raw food for your dog, it’s also important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for handling and storage. Raw food can be more susceptible to contamination than processed dog food, so it’s important to handle it carefully and store it properly.

At the end of the day, the best raw food for your dog will depend on their individual needs and preferences. We spent hours researching and testing various raw food options to identify the ones that offer the best quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and safe handling and storage practices. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best raw food for dogs.

Best Raw Food for Dogs

As dog owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. Raw food diets for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many claiming that it provides numerous health benefits. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best raw food for your dog. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best raw food for dogs based on ingredients, quality, and customer reviews. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best raw food for dogs.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust

If you’re looking for a way to add some nutrition and flavor to your dog’s meals, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust Dog Food Topper is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Sprinkle with Love: Our dog simply loves this meal topper, and it’s an easy way to add some variety to his meals.
• The Power of Raw: With 95% bacon, red meat, and organs, this recipe is packed with responsibly sourced, animal-based protein for the taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve.
• Convenient to Serve: The easy pour spout makes it simple to sprinkle and serve, and it’s a great way to add some nutrition to your dog’s meals without a lot of hassle.

Cons

• Pricey: At around $20 for a 7-ounce bag, this meal topper is definitely on the expensive side.
• Limited Flavors: While our dog loves the bacon flavor, there are only a few other flavors available, so there isn’t a lot of variety to choose from.
• Messy: The dust can be a bit messy to work with, so be prepared to clean up after your dog’s meal.

Overall, we’ve been really happy with Stella -amp; Chewy’s Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust Dog Food Topper. It’s a great way to add some nutrition and flavor to our dog’s meals, and he absolutely loves it. While it’s a bit pricey and can be messy to work with, we think it’s definitely worth it for the convenience and the quality of the ingredients.

Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Freeze-Dried Meat (Adult, Small Breed, 4 lbs) Turkey Small Breed 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food for your furry friend, the Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Packed with protein and nutrient-dense kibble
• Contains 100% raw freeze-dried turkey pieces for a savory taste
• Made with premium, all-natural ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried pieces
• Slightly more expensive than some other brands on the market

We recently tried this product with our small breed dog and were impressed with the results. The kibble is packed with protein and other essential nutrients, making it a great choice for dogs who need to maintain a lean body mass and muscle tone. The freeze-dried turkey pieces add a delicious flavor and texture that our dog absolutely loved.

One of the best things about this product is that it contains only premium, all-natural ingredients with no artificial colors or preservatives. It’s also grain-free, which is a plus for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

That being said, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried pieces. Additionally, the product is slightly more expensive than some other brands on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits that this product offers make it well worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality raw food option for their furry friend.

Open Farm RawMix Ancient Grains Prairie Recipe for Dogs

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your furry friend, we highly recommend Open Farm’s RawMix Ancient Grains Prairie Recipe.

Pros

• Crafted with 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey
• Includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with non-GMO grains, fruits, and veggies
• Offers pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient-dense kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze-dried raw

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to some other options on the market
• Some pet owners may find the transition to a raw food diet challenging
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We’ve had great success with this product for our own dogs, and we love that it’s made with humanely sourced poultry and includes a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients. The RawMix option is perfect for pet parents who want to incorporate raw food into their dog’s diet but may not be ready to fully commit to a raw food diet.

One of the standout features of this product is the quality and sustainability of the ingredients. Open Farm works exclusively with farmers who share their commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, ensuring that your pet is getting the best possible nutrition while also supporting family farms and the environment.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, nutrient-dense raw food option for your dog, we highly recommend giving Open Farm’s RawMix Ancient Grains Prairie Recipe a try.

Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Lamb -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food, 4.5 lb. Bag Lamb 72 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food for your dog, then the Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Lamb -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• The freeze-dried raw beef bites are a great addition to the whole grain kibble, providing a boost of protein and nutrition.
• This dog food is made without any corn, wheat, soy, potato, peas, lentils, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• The raw ingredients in this dog food are minimally processed, ensuring that your dog gets the purest, most natural nutrition.

Cons

• This dog food is a bit on the expensive side, which may not be ideal for pet owners on a budget.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw beef bites.
• The lamb flavor may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We’ve been using the Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Lamb -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food for a few weeks now, and we’ve been impressed with the results. Our dog seems to really enjoy the taste of this dog food, and we’ve noticed that his coat is looking shinier and healthier than ever before.

One of the things we really like about this dog food is that it’s made with whole grains and freeze-dried raw beef bites. This combination provides a great balance of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that are important for your dog’s health and well-being.

Another thing we appreciate about this dog food is that it’s made without any artificial colors, preservatives, or other harmful ingredients. This gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our dog the best possible nutrition.

Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Lamb -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food to any pet owner looking for a high-quality raw food for their dog. While it may be a bit pricey, the benefits of this dog food are well worth the investment.

Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain

If you’re looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and tasty raw food for your puppy, then the Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Made with all-natural bites of freeze-dried raw cage-free chicken, which is the #1 ingredient, providing energy to grow and play.
• Contains calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, and natural DHA for brain and eye development.
• Made without corn, wheat, soy, potato, peas, lentils, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives, which are known to trigger food sensitivity.

Cons

• The kibble size may be too small for larger breed puppies.
• The price point may be higher than other puppy foods on the market.
• The freeze-dried raw bites may not be appealing to all puppies.

We recently tried the Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain for our new puppy, and we were impressed with the quality of the product. The kibble is made with whole grains and mixed with all-natural bites of freeze-dried raw meat, providing a balanced and nutritious meal for our puppy. The chicken flavor was a hit with our puppy, and we noticed an improvement in his coat and overall health after switching to this food.

The inclusion of calcium, phosphorus, and natural DHA in the food is a huge plus for us, as we want our puppy to have strong bones and a healthy brain and eyesight. We also appreciate that this food is made without any harmful ingredients that may trigger food sensitivities in puppies.

While the kibble size may be too small for larger breed puppies, it was perfect for our small breed puppy. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other puppy foods on the market, but we believe that the quality of the product justifies the price. Finally, while our puppy loved the freeze-dried raw bites, we understand that not all puppies may enjoy them.

Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain for any puppy owner looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and tasty raw food for their furry friend.

Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Original Raw Coated Real Chicken Natural High Protein Dog Food, 22.5 lb. Bag Chicken 2.81 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food, Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice. We highly recommend it for its excellent taste, high protein content, and natural ingredients.

Pros

• Made with 70% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils
• High protein dog food made with probiotics to support healthy digestion and omegas for skin -amp; coat
• Every piece of kibble is coated in freeze dried raw for nutrition and taste

Cons

• May be more expensive than other dog food brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging

We’ve been using Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall health and energy levels. The food is made with responsibly sourced cage-free chicken, which is the #1 ingredient. We appreciate that the food is made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial colors, or preservatives.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s coated in freeze-dried raw, which gives it a delicious, healthy flavor that our dog craves. The food is also high in protein and contains probiotics, which support healthy digestion and omegas for skin and coat.

While Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food may be more expensive than other dog food brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the taste of the food make it worth the extra cost. Some dogs may not like the taste of the food, but we haven’t had any issues with our dog refusing to eat it.

The only downside we’ve experienced with this dog food is that some customers have reported issues with the packaging. However, we haven’t had any problems with our bags of food.

Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality raw dog food. It’s made with the pure, real nutrition of raw ingredients and is a great choice for dogs of all sizes and ages.

ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for its high-quality ingredients and nutrient-dense formula that provides dogs with the protein-rich nutrition they need.

Pros

• Packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients and Vitamin E to support a healthy immune system
• Contains naturally occurring Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
• Made with 85% fresh or raw quality animal ingredients like free-run chicken, free-run turkey, and wild-caught fish

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food

Our experience with ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food has been nothing short of excellent. Our dog loves the taste and has shown significant improvement in his coat’s shine and overall health. The high protein content has also helped him maintain a healthy weight and energy level.

We appreciate that the food is made with fresh or raw ingredients, including the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of the prey. This ensures that our dog is getting the best possible nutrition from his food.

While the price point may be higher than other dog food brands, we feel that the quality of ingredients and overall health benefits make it worth the investment. We highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food to any dog owner looking for a high-quality, nutrient-dense food option for their furry friend.

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your dog, we highly recommend the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food.

Pros

• Contains 3x more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than kibble for better nutrition and excitement during meal times
• Raw foods are never cooked, preserving the integrity of the ingredients and their nutrients
• Freeze-dried for a less processed food than cooked kibble, which means better digestion and nutrient absorption

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than traditional kibble options
• Some dogs may take some time to adjust to the new food
• Some owners may not like the raw food texture or smell

We have personally used this product with our own dogs and have seen great results. The high-quality ingredients and raw food preparation provide excellent nutrition for our furry friends, and they always seem excited for mealtime. The freeze-dried format is also very convenient for storage and preparation.

One thing to note is that this product is slightly more expensive than traditional kibble options, but we believe the benefits outweigh the cost. Additionally, some dogs may take some time to adjust to the new food and some owners may not like the raw food texture or smell.

Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food for anyone looking to upgrade their dog’s diet to a high-quality raw food option.

Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your furry friend, we highly recommend the Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs.

Pros

• Crafted with 100% animal welfare certified grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb and pork
• Includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with no grains, legumes or any byproducts
• Offers whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw

Cons

• On the expensive side
• Only available in a 22-pound bag
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We’ve been using this raw food for our dog for a few months now, and we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in her coat and overall health. The blend of grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, and pork provides a variety of nutrients that our dog needs to thrive. We also appreciate that the ingredients are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms, ensuring that we’re feeding our dog the best possible ingredients.

One of the things we love about the RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe is that it’s a convenient way to incorporate raw food into our dog’s diet without having to fully switch to a raw food diet. The kibble is easy to serve, and the added bone broth and freeze-dried raw provide additional nutrition and taste that our dog loves.

While it is on the expensive side, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the overall health benefits make it worth the investment. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, so be sure to consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we highly recommend the Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs to any pet parent looking for a high-quality raw food option for their furry friend.

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-quality raw food for your dog, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend is a great choice. It’s high in protein, grain-free, and made with whole prey ingredients to help your dog thrive.

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

• Only 3.5 pounds: The small size of the bag may not be enough for larger dogs or those who eat a lot.
• High price: Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend is more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
• Limited raw chunks: Some customers have reported that there are not enough raw chunks in the food.

We’ve been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s health. She has more energy, her coat is shinier, and she seems to enjoy the taste of the food.

One of the things we love about this food is that it’s made with whole prey ingredients. This means that it’s similar to what dogs would eat in the wild, which can help them thrive. We also appreciate that the recipe includes six different animal protein sources, so our dog is getting a variety of nutrients.

While the price of this food is higher than some other options, we believe that it’s worth it for the quality of the ingredients. The only downside we’ve noticed is that there are not as many raw chunks in the food as we would like. However, this hasn’t been a major issue for us.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend for anyone looking for a high-quality raw food for their dog. It’s nutritious, delicious, and made with only the best ingredients.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best raw food for your dog, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you are making the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Quality of Ingredients

The first thing to consider when choosing a raw food for your dog is the quality of ingredients. Look for products that use high-quality, human-grade ingredients with no fillers or artificial additives. This will ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

2. Nutritional Balance

Another important factor to consider is the nutritional balance of the raw food. Make sure that the product you choose provides a balanced diet that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs. This includes a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Variety of Proteins

Dogs thrive on a variety of proteins, so it’s important to choose a raw food that offers a range of different protein sources. This will not only provide your dog with a more interesting and varied diet, but it will also ensure that they are getting all the essential amino acids they need to stay healthy.

4. Transparency and Trustworthiness of the Brand

When choosing a raw food for your dog, it’s important to choose a brand that is transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing processes. Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients, source their ingredients from reputable suppliers, and have a good track record of producing safe and nutritious products.

By keeping these key features in mind, you can choose the best raw food for your dog and ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential health benefits of a raw diet for dogs?

A raw diet for dogs may provide several health benefits, such as improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, and better dental health. It may also help prevent certain health issues, such as obesity, allergies, and joint problems.

How can I ensure a balanced raw diet for my dog?

To ensure a balanced raw diet for your dog, you should include a variety of raw meat, bones, and organs. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the appropriate balance of nutrients for your dog’s specific needs.

What are the best types of raw meat to feed dogs for optimal health?

The best types of raw meat to feed dogs for optimal health include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. It is important to choose high-quality, human-grade meat and to avoid feeding dogs raw pork and wild game, which may contain harmful parasites.

Are there any specific raw food recipes recommended for dogs with allergies?

There are several raw food recipes recommended for dogs with allergies, such as a hypoallergenic diet that includes novel proteins like kangaroo, rabbit, or venison. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the appropriate diet for your dog’s specific allergies.

What are the risks associated with feeding dogs a raw food diet?

Feeding dogs a raw food diet may pose several risks, such as bacterial infections, nutritional imbalances, and choking hazards. It is important to handle and prepare raw meat properly and to consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet.

How does scientific research support or refute the benefits of a raw diet for dogs?

Scientific research on the benefits of a raw diet for dogs is limited and inconclusive. While some studies suggest that a raw diet may provide health benefits, others indicate potential risks and nutritional imbalances. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist and to make an informed decision based on your dog’s specific needs.