The Best Raw Food Diet for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Raw food diets have become increasingly popular for dogs in recent years, with many pet owners looking for alternatives to traditional kibble. Raw food diets for dogs typically consist of uncooked meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables, and are believed to provide a range of health benefits. Proponents of raw food diets claim that they can improve a dog’s coat, reduce allergies, and even extend their lifespan.

However, not all raw food diets are created equal, and finding the best one for your furry friend can be a challenge. When choosing a raw food diet for your dog, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the ingredients, as well as the nutritional balance of the food. Some raw food diets may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, which can lead to health problems over time.

To help you choose the best raw food diet for your dog, we spent hours researching and testing a variety of options on the market. Our goal was to identify the raw food diets that provide the best nutritional value and taste, while also being convenient and affordable for pet owners. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best raw food diets for dogs, based on our extensive research and testing.

Best Raw Food Diets for Dogs

As dog owners, we want to make sure our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. Raw food diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many claiming that they provide numerous health benefits for dogs. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your pup. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best raw food diets for dogs, based on ingredients, quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Read on to find the perfect raw food diet for your canine companion.

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

If you’re looking for a wholesome, clean, and nutritious raw food diet for your furry friend, Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a commendable option.

Pros

• 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 -amp; 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.

Cons

• Slightly Expensive: Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a bit pricier than some other dog food options, but it’s worth it for the quality of ingredients and the convenience of preparation.
• Strong Smell: The product has a strong coriander smell that some dogs may find off-putting.
• Short Shelf Life: Once the product is prepared, it has a short shelf life of up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a nutritious and wholesome raw food diet. The product is easy to prepare, with just the addition of water, and is made with only the freshest, human-grade ingredients. The product is free of fillers, grains, GMOs, unnatural preservatives, soy, added flavorings, or dyes.

The product is slightly expensive, but it’s worth it for the quality of ingredients and the convenience of preparation. The product has a strong coriander smell that some dogs may find off-putting, but it’s not a deal-breaker. Once prepared, the product has a short shelf life of up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal for pet owners looking for a high-quality raw food diet for their furry friend.

Earth Animal Daily Raw Cat Food -amp; Raw Dog Food Topper | Complete Cat -amp; Dog Vitamins Supplement| 1 Pound

If you’re looking for a supplement to balance the raw food diet of your furry friend, then the Earth Animal Daily Raw Cat Food -amp; Raw Dog Food Topper could be a great option.

Pros

• The product is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega 3, 6 -amp; 9’s, making it an excellent addition to your pet’s diet.
• The supplement powder is easy to use, just scoop and pour over your pet’s food.
• The product is made in the USA with natural ingredients from the US and around the world, and it’s NASC approved.

Cons

• The supplement powder may have a strong vitamin smell that some dogs may not like.
• The product may not work well for pets with specific dietary restrictions.
• The 1-pound size may not be enough for larger dogs or households with multiple pets.

In our experience, the Earth Animal Daily Raw Cat Food -amp; Raw Dog Food Topper is a great supplement for pets on a raw food diet. The product helped us balance our pet’s essential nutrients, and we noticed an improvement in their overall health. The supplement powder is easy to use, and our pets loved the taste. However, we did notice a strong vitamin smell when opening the package, but it didn’t seem to bother our pets.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural and healthy supplement to add to your pet’s diet, the Earth Animal Daily Raw Cat Food -amp; Raw Dog Food Topper could be a great choice.

Nature’s Diet Raw Mix Kibble with Freeze-Dried Chicken, Superfoods and Probiotics

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food diet for your dog, Nature’s Diet Raw Mix Kibble with Freeze-Dried Chicken, Superfoods, and Probiotics is a great choice.

Pros

• Combines high protein, grain-free kibble with all-natural, humanely raised bites of freeze-dried raw chicken for superior raw nutrition and unmatched quality food for dogs.
• Freeze-dried raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet.
• Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients and humanely raised meat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried chicken bites.
• A bit more expensive than other brands on the market.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We were impressed with the quality of the ingredients in Nature’s Diet Raw Mix Kibble with Freeze-Dried Chicken, Superfoods, and Probiotics. The combination of high protein, grain-free kibble and all-natural, humanely raised bites of freeze-dried raw chicken provides superior raw nutrition for our dog. We appreciated that the freeze-drying process removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried chicken bites. Our dog was a bit hesitant at first but eventually got used to it. Another consideration is that this product is a bit more expensive than other brands on the market, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we would recommend Nature’s Diet Raw Mix Kibble with Freeze-Dried Chicken, Superfoods, and Probiotics to any dog owner looking for a high-quality raw food diet for their furry friend.

Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food

If you’re looking for a weight management dog food that’s both effective and tasty, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food might be just what you need.

Pros

• Over 70% of adult dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this safe and effective weight management dog food.
• Made with natural ingredients, this dog food supports muscle maintenance.
• Clinically proven for weight management, this breakthrough adult dry dog food is a great-tasting meal your grown dog can truly enjoy.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste of this dog food.
• The price might be higher than other dog food brands.
• The size of the kibbles might not be suitable for all dog breeds.

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant difference in our dog’s weight and overall health. The kibbles are the perfect size for our dog, who is a medium-sized breed, and they seem to love the taste.

The natural ingredients in this dog food make us feel good about what we’re feeding our furry friend, and the fact that it’s clinically proven for weight management gives us peace of mind that we’re doing the right thing for our dog’s health.

However, we did notice that some dogs might not like the taste of this dog food, so it might take some time to find out if your dog likes it or not. Additionally, the price might be higher than other dog food brands, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food for anyone looking for a weight management dog food that’s both effective and tasty.

Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food diet for your furry friend, Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs is a great option.

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

• Only available in a 3.5-pound bag, which may not be enough for larger dogs or those who eat a lot
• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food
• A bit expensive compared to other dog food brands

We recently tried Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The meat, organ, and bone in the food are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms, which is important to us. We also appreciate that the food is grain-free and does not contain any byproducts.

Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, although we did notice that the kibble pieces were a bit smaller than what we’re used to. We also like that the food includes bone broth and freeze-dried raw, which provides additional nutrition for our dog.

Overall, we think that Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Front Range Recipe for Dogs is a great choice for pet parents who are looking to feed their animals a high-quality, protein-focused diet. While it may be a bit expensive, we think that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a healthy and effective way to manage your dog’s weight and support their joint function, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food could be the perfect solution for you.

Pros

• Visible weight loss within 10 weeks
• Supports joint function and hip health
• Clinically proven nutrition for weight management

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the smell of the food
• Light on protein
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We have personally used Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food for our dog and have seen great results. Within 10 weeks, we noticed visible weight loss, and our dog’s joint function and hip health improved significantly. The food is also clinically proven for weight management, which gave us peace of mind knowing we were feeding our dog a healthy and effective diet.

However, some dogs may not like the smell of the food, and we noticed that it is light on protein compared to other dog foods. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, this product may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a healthy and effective way to manage their dog’s weight and support their joint function.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, 12 lb. Bag Chicken 1.5 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight and support their joint function, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• Visible results within 10 weeks
• Supports joint function and hip health
• Clinically proven nutrition for weight management

Cons

• Expensive compared to other brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Can cause digestive issues in some dogs

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s weight and mobility. The kibble is easy to digest, and our dog seems to enjoy the taste.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s clinically proven to help dogs lose weight safely and effectively. We saw visible results within 10 weeks, and our dog has maintained a healthy weight ever since.

Another great feature of this dog food is that it supports joint function and hip health. Our dog is getting older, and we’ve noticed that she’s been more active and mobile since we switched to this food. The added fish oil provides EPA, an Omega-3, to help support joint function for a mobile -amp; active life.

However, we have noticed that this dog food is more expensive than other brands on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble, and it can cause digestive issues in some dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight -amp; Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food for dogs who need help maintaining a healthy weight and supporting their joint function. It’s a bit pricey, but the visible results and improved mobility are worth it.

Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Kelp, Complete Digestive Health, Vegan Dry Dog Food Bag, Adult Formula, 21-lb Bag Plant-Based with Kelp 21 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Kelp dry dog food for pet owners who want a healthy and sustainable option for their dogs.

Pros

• This vegan dog food is made with non-GMO vegetables and no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors, making it a natural and wholesome option for environmentally conscious pet owners.
• The high-quality ingredients in this vegetarian dog food provide optimal nutrition and digestive support, resulting in healthy skin and coat for your furry friend.
• The prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in this holistic dog food provide complete digestive health and immune support for your dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may need to transition slowly to avoid digestive upset when switching to this plant-based dog food.
• This product may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, such as those who require a high-protein diet.
• The cost of this premium dog food may be higher than other options on the market.

We have been using Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Kelp dry dog food for our furry friend for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and well-being. The natural and sustainable ingredients provide peace of mind that we are making a healthy choice for our pet, while the added vitamins and minerals ensure that he is getting all the essential nutrients he needs.

Our dog loves the taste of this vegan dog food and has experienced no digestive issues since switching to it. We appreciate the company’s commitment to humane practices and responsible ingredient sourcing, making this a product we feel good about purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Kelp dry dog food to other pet owners who want a natural, wholesome, and sustainable option for their furry friends.

Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs -amp; Cats – Beef and Vegetables Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack) – Fresh Pet Food Made in USA – Natural Dog Food Rolls – Raw Frozen Blend Dog -amp; Cat Food Beef -amp; Vegetables

If you’re looking for a natural and healthy raw food diet for your furry friend, Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs -amp; Cats is definitely worth considering. Our experience with this product has been positive overall, and we’d recommend it to other pet owners looking for a high-quality raw food diet.

Pros

• Made from 100% natural beef and veggies
• Sourced from free-range, grass-fed beef from ethical Indiana farms
• Nutrient-dense with a nutritious blend of 85% beef, bone and organ included, and 15% veg

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Can be expensive compared to other dog foods
• Thawing and serving can take some time and effort

We love that Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food is made from 100% natural beef and veggies, with no preservatives, fillers or additives. It’s a high-protein grain-free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Our pets have enjoyed the taste of this raw food diet and have shown improvement in their overall health.

Another great feature of this product is that it’s made in the USA only, with beef sourced from ethical Indiana farms. We feel good about feeding our pets a product that is sourced responsibly and with care for animal welfare. The inclusion of locally-sourced organic broccoli, spinach, carrots and green beans in this natural raw dog food offers your pet much-needed vitamins and minerals.

One minor downside to this product is that it can be expensive compared to other dog foods. However, we believe that the high quality and natural ingredients are worth the investment in our pets’ health. Thawing and serving the food can also take some time and effort, but we think it’s worth it for the benefits of a raw food diet.

Overall, we would recommend Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs -amp; Cats to any pet owner looking for a high-quality raw food diet for their furry friend. It’s a natural and healthy option that is sure to provide your pet with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Nature’s Diet Freeze-Dried Fresh Raw Coated Chicken, Bone Broth -amp; Superfoods Kibble with Probiotics, Prebiotics -amp; Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food diet for your dog, Nature’s Diet Freeze-Dried Fresh Raw Coated Chicken, Bone Broth -amp; Superfoods Kibble with Probiotics, Prebiotics -amp; Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver is an excellent option. We’ve had a great experience with this product and would highly recommend it.

Pros

• The raw chicken liver and bone broth coating on every piece of kibble provides superior raw nutrition and unmatched quality food for dogs.
• The freeze-dried fresh safe raw process is a natural food preservation process that removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food.
• The all-natural safe raw nutrition is honest, transparent, and free of grains, GMOs, unnatural preservatives, soy, added flavorings or dyes.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than other dog food options.
• Some dogs may not prefer the taste or texture of the kibble.
• The product may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We were impressed with the high-quality ingredients used in Nature’s Diet Freeze-Dried Fresh Raw Coated Chicken, Bone Broth -amp; Superfoods Kibble with Probiotics, Prebiotics -amp; Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver. The raw chicken liver and bone broth coating on every piece of kibble provides superior raw nutrition and unmatched quality food for dogs. The freeze-dried fresh safe raw process ensures that the product is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. We also appreciate the all-natural safe raw nutrition that is honest, transparent, and free of grains, GMOs, unnatural preservatives, soy, added flavorings or dyes.

While the price point may be higher than other dog food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. However, some dogs may not prefer the taste or texture of the kibble, so it may not be the best option for all dogs. Additionally, the product may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Diet Freeze-Dried Fresh Raw Coated Chicken, Bone Broth -amp; Superfoods Kibble with Probiotics, Prebiotics -amp; Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver for pet owners looking for a high-quality raw food diet for their dogs.

Buying Guide

When choosing a raw food diet for your dog, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your furry friend. Here are some features to look for when selecting the right raw food diet:

Protein Sources

Protein is the most important nutrient for dogs, and it’s essential that their diet contains a high-quality protein source. Look for raw food diets that contain whole meat, fish, or poultry as the primary ingredient. Avoid products that contain meat byproducts or fillers, which can be difficult for dogs to digest and may not provide the necessary nutrients.

Nutrient Balance

A balanced diet is essential for your dog’s health, and a raw food diet should provide all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Look for products that have been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist and contain a variety of fruits, vegetables, and supplements to ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Quality Control

Raw food diets can be more susceptible to contamination than other types of dog food, so it’s important to choose a product that has undergone rigorous quality control measures. Look for products that have been tested for pathogens and have a low risk of contamination.

Feeding Guidelines

Feeding your dog a raw food diet requires careful consideration of portion sizes and feeding schedules. Look for products that provide clear feeding guidelines and recommendations based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

By considering these factors when choosing a raw food diet for your dog, you can ensure that you’re providing them with a healthy and balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There are several benefits of feeding your dog a raw food diet. These include healthier skin and coat, improved digestion, stronger immune system, and better dental health. Raw food also provides a natural source of energy and can help reduce the risk of obesity.

How can I safely transition my dog to a raw food diet?

Transitioning your dog to a raw food diet should be done gradually over a period of a few weeks. Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with your dog’s regular food and gradually increase the amount of raw food while decreasing the amount of kibble. It’s important to monitor your dog’s health during the transition and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

What are the essential components of a balanced raw food diet for canines?

A balanced raw food diet should include a variety of proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb, and fish, as well as vegetables and fruits. It’s important to include organ meats such as liver, kidney, and heart, as well as bones for calcium. It’s also important to ensure that the diet includes the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Are there any risks associated with feeding dogs a raw food diet?

There are some risks associated with feeding dogs a raw food diet, such as bacterial contamination and the risk of choking on bones. It’s important to handle raw food safely and to ensure that the diet is balanced and meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.

How do I determine the correct portion sizes for my dog on a raw food diet?

The correct portion sizes for your dog on a raw food diet will vary depending on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of your dog’s body weight per day. It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly.

What do professional veterinarians say about the raw food diet for dogs?

Opinions among veterinarians vary regarding the raw food diet for dogs. Some believe that it can provide health benefits, while others are concerned about the risks of bacterial contamination and the potential for an unbalanced diet. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about raw food diets and can help you make an informed decision for your dog’s health.