Best Raw Foods for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Raw food diets for dogs have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Many pet owners have seen the benefits of feeding their furry friends a diet that more closely resembles what they would eat in the wild. Raw foods for dogs consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs, along with vegetables and fruits. This type of diet is believed to offer a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, and better dental health.

However, not all raw foods for dogs are created equal. It’s important to choose high-quality products that are safe and healthy for your pet. When selecting the best raw foods for your dog, there are a few key things to keep in mind. One important factor to consider is the source of the ingredients. Look for products made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, ideally sourced from local farms. You’ll also want to choose a product that is balanced and complete, containing all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

In this guide, we’ve researched and tested a variety of raw food options to identify the best products on the market. We’ve considered factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional value, and safety to bring you our top picks for the best raw foods for dogs. Whether you’re new to raw feeding or a seasoned pro, our guide will help you make an informed decision and choose a product that will keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Best Raw Foods for Dogs

As pet owners, we all want to provide the best nutrition for our furry friends. Raw food diets for dogs have gained popularity in recent years as they are believed to be closer to what dogs would eat in the wild. The benefits of a raw food diet for dogs include healthier skin and coat, improved digestion, and increased energy levels. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best raw food options for dogs that are available on Amazon. These products have been carefully selected based on their quality, nutritional value, and customer reviews.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free dog food that’s boosted with raw ingredients, Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Dog Food might be worth trying.

Pros

• Made with freeze-dried raw USA-raised beef as the #1 ingredient
• Contains probiotics to support healthy digestion and omegas for skin and coat
• Combines high-protein, grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw dog food toppers in one bag

Cons

• Strong odor
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs

We’ve been using Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’ve noticed that our dog’s coat is shinier and he seems to have more energy. We like that the food is made with real, whole ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial colors or preservatives. However, the strong odor can be off-putting, and our dog sometimes turns his nose up at the food. We’ve also noticed that he has loose stools occasionally, but we’re not sure if it’s related to the food or not.

Overall, we think Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a good option if you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s boosted with raw ingredients. However, it may not be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters.

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

If you’re looking for a raw dog food that’s easy to prepare and packed with whole food ingredients, Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with real cuts of meat and whole veggies and fruit
• Supports easy digestion, a healthy immune system, and balanced energy levels
• Formulated by a veterinarian with over four decades of experience in nutritional therapy

Cons

• More expensive than some other dog food options
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
• Some customers have reported issues with their dogs not liking the taste or texture

We’ve been using Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend for our small breed dog for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and wellbeing. The freeze-dried format makes it easy to prepare, and we appreciate that it’s made with whole food ingredients like real cuts of meat, veggies, and fruit.

One thing to keep in mind is that this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies, so it’s important to check the ingredients carefully before purchasing. Additionally, while we haven’t had any issues with our dog not liking the taste or texture, we know that some customers have reported this as a problem.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food that’s easy to prepare and packed with whole food ingredients, Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your furry friend, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties are an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with 95% beef, organs, and bone for optimal nutrition
• Features whole prey ingredients for a diet similar to what dogs would eat in the wild
• Crafted with care in the USA using premium, responsibly sourced ingredients

Cons

• Pricey compared to other dog food options
• Patties may crumble during shipping
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture

We’ve been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall health and energy levels. The high protein content and whole prey ingredients have helped support healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, and a shiny coat. Plus, the added vitamins and minerals have improved our dog’s overall well-being.

One thing to keep in mind is that these patties are on the pricier side compared to other dog food options. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health are worth the extra cost.

Another thing to note is that the patties may crumble during shipping, so be sure to check the bag carefully before feeding them to your dog. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the patties, so it’s important to introduce them slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties for pet parents looking for a high-quality, nutritious raw food option for their furry friend.

Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Dry Dog Food, Natural Real Salmon -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Kibble with Omegas Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, 20 lb. Bag Salmon 2.5 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your furry friend, Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Combines high protein, whole grain kibble with all-natural bites of freeze-dried raw beef
• High protein dog food with probiotics to support healthy digestion and omegas for skin -amp; coat
• Made with the pure, real nutrition of raw. Raw is natural, made from real meat -amp; whole food ingredients, protein-packed -amp; minimally processed.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw beef bites
• May be more expensive than other dog food options on the market
• The kibble may be too hard for some dogs with dental issues

We’ve been using Instinct Raw Boost for a few months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our dog seems to love the taste, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his coat and overall health.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it combines high-quality kibble with freeze-dried raw beef bites. This gives our dog the best of both worlds – the convenience of kibble with the added nutrition of raw food.

Another great thing about Instinct Raw Boost is that it’s made with the pure, real nutrition of raw. This means that our dog is getting all the nutrients he needs without any of the fillers or artificial ingredients that are often found in other dog foods.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your dog, we highly recommend giving Instinct Raw Boost a try. It may be a bit more expensive than other dog food options, but we believe that the benefits are well worth the extra cost.

Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain

If you want to give your puppy the best nutrition possible, Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The freeze-dried raw chicken bites are a great source of protein for your puppy.
• This puppy food is made with calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, and natural DHA for brain and eye development.
• It is made without corn, wheat, soy, potato, peas, lentils, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble is on the small side, which may be difficult for larger puppies to eat.
• The price may be higher than other puppy foods.

We recently tried this food with our new puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The freeze-dried raw chicken bites were a hit with our puppy, and we noticed an improvement in her coat and overall energy levels. The small kibble size was perfect for our small breed puppy, but may not be ideal for larger breeds. The price is on the higher side, but we believe it’s worth it for the quality of the food. Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Whole Grain for any puppy owner looking for a high-quality, nutritious food for their furry friend.

ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your furry friend, ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with 85% fresh or raw quality animal ingredients
• Packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients and Vitamin E to support a healthy immune system
• Grain-free formula containing naturally occurring Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat

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

We recently tried ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for our dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, and chicken liver, which provide a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. We also appreciate that the food is made in the USA with quality ingredients from around the world.

Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, and we noticed a difference in his coat after a few weeks of feeding him ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food. His coat became shinier and softer, and he seemed to have more energy overall.

While the cost of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is higher than some other dog food brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price. However, if you’re on a tight budget, this may not be the best option for you.

Overall, we highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for pet owners looking for a high-quality raw food option for their dogs.

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 food for your dog, Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

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

• Slightly more expensive than other dog foods
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste

We’ve been feeding our dog Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our dog has a lot more energy, his coat is shinier, and he seems to really enjoy the taste.

One of the things we like about this dog food is that it’s made with 70% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils. We feel good knowing that our dog is getting high-quality protein and healthy fats in his diet.

Another great thing about this dog food is that it’s high in protein and made with probiotics to support healthy digestion and omegas for skin -amp; coat. Our dog has had some digestive issues in the past, but we’ve noticed a big improvement since switching to this food.

Finally, we love that every piece of kibble is coated in freeze dried raw for nutrition and taste. Our dog seems to really enjoy the taste of this food, and we feel good knowing that he’s getting the benefits of raw food without having to switch to a completely raw diet.

Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality raw food for their dog. It’s a bit more expensive than some other dog foods, but we think it’s worth the extra cost for the health benefits.

Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry dog food that promotes muscle growth and weight gain, Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Provides optimal muscle and weight gain
• High protein, balanced diet
• Enhanced caloric density

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs

We’ve been using Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in our dog’s muscle tone and energy levels. The high protein and fat content make it ideal for active breeds and those looking to gain weight.

One of the standout features of this dog food is its enhanced caloric density, which allows you to feed your dog less while still providing them with optimal nutrition. This makes it a cost-effective option in the long run, despite the higher price tag.

However, some dogs may not like the taste of this food, and it may cause digestive issues in some dogs. It’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food for those looking for a high-quality, protein-rich dog food that promotes muscle growth and weight gain.

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Dry Dog Food Pacific Catch Recipe with Healthy Grains, Freeze Dried Dog Food – 20 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food option for your dog, the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Dry Dog Food Pacific Catch Recipe with Healthy Grains is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real deboned salmon is the first ingredient, ensuring a high protein content.
• The natural dog food is made with raw coated kibble and pieces of freeze dried raw dog food, providing dogs with the nutritional benefits they would have discovered in the wild.
• The recipe features whole grains to help support healthy digestion.

Cons

• Some customers have noted that the freeze-dried raw portion is somewhat sparse in the bag.
• While this dog food is made without peas or lentils, it does contain some grains, which may be a concern for some dog owners.
• While most dogs seem to love the taste of this food, there are always a few picky eaters out there who may not be as enthusiastic.

We’ve been using this Merrick Backcountry dog food for a few months now, and our dog seems to be thriving on it. The high protein content has helped him build and maintain muscle tissue, and we’ve noticed a definite increase in his energy levels since switching to this food.

One thing we really appreciate about this food is the fact that it’s made without peas or lentils, which can be problematic for some dogs. Instead, it features whole grains that help support healthy digestion.

While we’ve been very happy with this food overall, we have noticed that the freeze-dried raw portion of the food can be a bit sparse in the bag. Additionally, while our dog loves the taste, we have heard from a few other dog owners that their picky eaters weren’t as enthusiastic.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Dry Dog Food Pacific Catch Recipe with Healthy Grains to other dog owners looking for a high-quality raw food option.

Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal

If you’re looking for a premium, nutrition-packed diet for your furry companion, Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a commendable option.

Pros

• Raw food made easy
• Ingredients with purpose
• All-natural nutrition

Cons

• Strong coriander smell
• Not all dogs may like it
• Expensive

We love the convenience of Simply Raw – just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes. The freeze-drying process removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food, making it safe and shelf-stable. The ingredients are carefully chosen to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness, including freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics.

We appreciate the honest, transparent labels and the absence of fillers, grains, GMOs, unnatural preservatives, soy, added flavorings, or dyes. Simply Raw is made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients and humanely raised meat.

However, some dogs may not like the strong coriander smell, and it is an expensive option compared to other dog foods. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, raw food diet for your dog, Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best raw food for your dog, there are a few important factors to consider. We’ve put together a list of features to look for to ensure you’re making the best choice for your furry friend.

Protein Sources

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a raw food for your dog is the source of protein. Look for products that list high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient. This could include beef, chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid products that list meat by-products or fillers as the main ingredient, as these may not provide the necessary nutrients your dog needs.

Nutritional Balance

A well-balanced raw food should contain a mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to provide your dog with the energy they need to thrive. Look for products that contain a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also important to ensure that the food provides the correct balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Quality of Ingredients

When choosing a raw food for your dog, it’s important to consider the quality of the ingredients. Look for products that use high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Avoid products that contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Feeding Guidelines

Finally, it’s important to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition. Be sure to weigh your dog regularly and adjust their food intake as needed.

By considering these factors, you can choose a high-quality raw food that will provide your dog with the nutrition they need to live a healthy, happy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are vet-approved homemade raw dog food recipes?

Vet-approved homemade raw dog food recipes are those that have been formulated by a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that they meet the nutritional needs of dogs. These recipes typically include a balance of raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables, and may also include supplements to ensure that dogs receive all of the necessary nutrients.

Can a raw diet be harmful to dogs?

While a raw diet can be beneficial for dogs, it can also be harmful if not prepared properly. Raw meat can contain bacteria and parasites that can make dogs sick, and a diet that is not balanced can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before starting a raw diet for your dog to ensure that it is safe and healthy.

What are the best raw food options for dogs with allergies?

Dogs with allergies may benefit from a raw diet that includes novel proteins, such as venison, rabbit, or duck, that they have not been exposed to before. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to determine which proteins are safe for your dog and to ensure that the diet is balanced and complete.

Which raw dog food delivery services are top-rated?

There are many raw dog food delivery services available, and the top-rated services will vary depending on your location and your dog’s needs. Some popular options include Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen, and Raw Paws Pet Food.

What are the recommended frozen raw dog food brands?

Some recommended frozen raw dog food brands include Stella -amp; Chewy’s, Primal Pet Foods, and Nature’s Variety. It is important to choose a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has been formulated by a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the diet is balanced and complete.

How should beginners approach feeding raw dog food?

Beginners should start by consulting with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to determine if a raw diet is appropriate for their dog. They should then choose a high-quality raw dog food brand or work with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a balanced and complete homemade diet. It is important to introduce new foods slowly and monitor the dog’s health closely to ensure that the diet is working well.