The popularity of raw dog food is rising among pet owners, mainly because of its superior nutritional content and its provision of essential nutrients. Mimicking the diet of wild dogs, raw dog food is abundant in protein, has fewer carbohydrates, and is free from artificial additives. However, the increased demand has resulted in a wide array of options, making it challenging to select the best raw dog food for your pet. In this article, we will guide you through our top picks for the highest quality raw dog food, based on our meticulous testing and evaluation.
The best raw dog food should be a balanced combination of high-quality meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables, without unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. Ideally, it should meet or exceed the AAFCO nutrient profile for all life stages, ensuring your dog receives adequate nutrition for growth, maintenance, and overall health. Incorrect selection or substandard raw dog food could lead to dietary deficiency, allergies, or even sickness.
Pay attention to the ingredients when purchasing raw dog food for your pooch. Look for a brand that lists whole meat, organs, and bones as the first ingredients, followed by a variety of vegetables and fruits, and enriched with necessary supplements. This blend should result in a diet that mirrors your dog’s ancestral diet and keep them optimally healthy.
Throughout this article, we’ll detail our top picks and why we believe each one is a standout choice. Our evaluations include thorough checks on ingredient quality, nutritional content, sourcing, safety, and dog approval. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what to look for in raw dog food and the best options to keep your pup happy and thriving.
Best Raw Dog Food
Selecting the right raw dog food is critical for ensuring optimal health, growth, and performance of your pet. The dog food should be high in protein, low in carbs, and contain all the necessary nutrients. With a bevy of options on the market, picking the best raw dog food can be a daunting task. However, based on our tests and personal experience, we have refined a list of recommendations to guide you in your decision-making. Stay with us as we introduce you to our top picks for the best raw dog food.
Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Freeze-Dried Meat (Adult, Small Breed, 4 lbs)
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s both delicious and nutritious, the Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The addition of real freeze-dried raw chicken provides a savory taste and helps support healthy digestion.
- This grain-free recipe contains a balanced mix of protein and fat to support lean muscle mass.
- It’s made with high-quality ingredients that are both natural and preservative-free.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the texture of the kibble mixed with the freeze-dried pieces.
- It’s a bit more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
- The 4-pound bag may not last very long if you have a particularly hungry dog.
We’ve been using this dog food for a few weeks now, and our small breed dog seems to really enjoy it. The addition of the freeze-dried raw chicken pieces is a nice touch, and it definitely makes the food more appealing to our dog. We also appreciate that this recipe is grain-free, as we’ve noticed that our dog does better without grains in his diet.
One thing to keep in mind is that the texture of the kibble mixed with the freeze-dried pieces may not be to every dog’s liking. Our dog seemed to adjust to it fairly quickly, but it may take some time for other dogs to get used to.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food to other small breed dog owners. It’s a high-quality product that’s made with natural, preservative-free ingredients, and it provides the necessary nutrients to support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz
If you’re looking for a high-quality, raw dog food that is both nutritious and delicious, then the Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made with 100% freeze-dried raw turkey
- No added hormones, antibiotics, or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
- No rendered meats or poultry by-products
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the bag they received was not a full 14 oz
- A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
- Some dogs may not like the taste
This dog food is made with 100% freeze-dried raw turkey, which is a great source of protein for your furry friend. The turkey is raised in the USA and is sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring that your dog is getting the best quality food.
One of the best things about this dog food is that it contains no added hormones, antibiotics, or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This means that your dog is getting a completely natural and healthy meal.
Another great thing about this dog food is that it is made without rendered meats or poultry by-products. This is important because rendered meats can contain a lot of unnecessary fillers and additives that can be harmful to your dog’s health.
However, some customers have reported that the bag they received was not a full 14 oz, which can be disappointing. Additionally, this dog food is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste of this food, which can be a problem if you’re trying to switch them to a new brand.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, raw dog food that is both nutritious and delicious, then the Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.
Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal – Makes 18 Lbs Fresh Raw Food With Muscle, Organ, Bone Broth, Whole Egg, Superfoods, Fish Oil Omega 3, 6, 9, Probiotics & Prebiotics (turkey)
If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food, Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a great option.
Pros
- The combination of freeze-dried and raw food provides a balanced and nutritious diet for your dog.
- The addition of superfoods, probiotics, and prebiotics ensures that your dog is getting a well-rounded meal.
- The convenience of the pre-portioned packaging makes it easy to feed your dog a raw diet.
Cons
- The price point may be higher than other raw dog food options on the market.
- Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as leaking or breaking.
- The size of the bags may not be ideal for smaller dogs or those who live alone.
We’ve been using Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal for our dog for a few months now, and we’ve been really happy with the results. Our dog seems more energized and healthy since switching to this raw diet.
One of the things we really like about this product is the combination of freeze-dried and raw food. It provides the convenience of pre-portioned packaging, while still allowing our dog to benefit from the nutritional benefits of raw food. The addition of superfoods, probiotics, and prebiotics is also a great touch, as it ensures that our dog is getting a well-rounded meal.
While the price point may be higher than other raw dog food options on the market, we feel that the quality of the product justifies the cost. However, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as leaking or breaking, which may be a concern for some.
Overall, we would highly recommend Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal to anyone looking for a high-quality raw dog food option.
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food – Chicken, 25 oz.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food, Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food – Chicken is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The freeze-dried raw coating locks in the nutrients of the raw ingredients and makes them easily digestible.
- The recipes are made with real, whole foods, including cage-free chicken, wild-caught salmon, and nutrient-packed vegetables and fruits.
- The meals are made without grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Cons
- The price point is higher than some other dog food options on the market.
- The meals need to be rehydrated with water before serving, which can be inconvenient for some pet owners.
- Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the freeze-dried raw coating.
We’ve been using Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food – Chicken for our dog for a few weeks now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our dog seems more energetic and healthy since switching to this food, and we appreciate that the recipes are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients.
One of the standout features of this dog food is the freeze-dried raw coating. This coating helps to lock in the nutrients of the raw ingredients and makes them easily digestible for our dog. We also appreciate that the recipes are made without grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives, as we prefer to feed our dog a grain-free diet.
While the price point is higher than some other dog food options on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. The only downside we’ve noticed is that the meals need to be rehydrated with water before serving, which can be inconvenient for some pet owners. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the freeze-dried raw coating, although our dog seems to love it.
Overall, we would highly recommend Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food – Chicken to any dog owner looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food option.
ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete, 100% Freeze Dried Veterinarian Formulated Raw Dog Food with Antioxidants Prebiotics and Amino Acids, (Beef, 16 Ounce)
If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food that’s both convenient and nutritious, ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made with 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised meats and organs, wild caught fish, and certified organic fruits & vegetables
- No grains, no gluten, no fillers, no artificial preservatives, no hormones, and no antibiotics
- Packed with antioxidants, prebiotics, and amino acids for a healthy immune system, gut, and lean muscle development
Cons
- Can be expensive compared to other dog foods
- Some customers have reported receiving frozen packages that were damaged during shipping
- May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
We’ve been using ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete for a few weeks now, and we’ve been really impressed with the results. Our dog seems more energetic and healthy than ever before, and we love the fact that we’re feeding him a raw diet that’s packed with all the nutrients he needs to thrive.
One of the things we really like about this dog food is that it’s made with high-quality ingredients that are free from any harmful additives or preservatives. We appreciate that the company is transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes, and we feel confident that we’re giving our dog the best possible nutrition.
Another thing we appreciate is the convenience of the freeze-dried formula. It’s easy to rehydrate and serve, and it doesn’t require any thawing or mixing like other raw dog foods do. Plus, it has a long shelf life, so we don’t have to worry about it going bad before we can finish the bag.
Of course, there are a few downsides to this dog food as well. It can be a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious pet owners. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with damaged packages during shipping, which can be frustrating.
Overall, though, we would definitely recommend ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete to other dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, nutrient-dense raw dog food that’s convenient and easy to use.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best raw dog food, there are several factors to consider. We have tested and researched various options to help you make an informed decision.
Ingredients
The ingredients in raw dog food are crucial to its quality and effectiveness. Look for foods that contain high-quality proteins, such as chicken, beef, or turkey. These proteins should be sourced from reputable suppliers and free from harmful additives like antibiotics and hormones. Additionally, raw dog food should contain a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Content
The nutritional content of raw dog food is another important factor to consider. Look for foods that provide a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Additionally, ensure that the food contains adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals.
Packaging and Storage
The packaging and storage of raw dog food can also impact its quality and effectiveness. Look for foods that are stored in airtight containers to prevent contamination and spoilage. Additionally, consider the convenience of the packaging, such as portion sizes and ease of storage.
Price
Price is always a consideration when choosing a dog food. While raw dog food may be more expensive than other options, it is important to remember that quality comes at a cost. Consider the overall value of the food, rather than just the price per pound.
Brand Reputation
Finally, consider the reputation of the brand when choosing a raw dog food. Look for brands that have a proven track record of producing high-quality, effective products. Additionally, consider the transparency of the brand, including their sourcing and manufacturing practices.
In summary, when choosing the best raw dog food, consider the ingredients, nutritional content, packaging and storage, price, and brand reputation. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your dog is receiving a high-quality, effective diet.
