24 Best Raw Dog Foods

Raw dog foods include store-bought, homemade, dehydrated, or freeze-dried products. A raw diet typically includes muscle meat, organ meats, raw eggs, ground or whole bone, dog-safe fresh vegetables and fruits, and dairy products like yogurt. Raw food canine diet advocates cite these benefits: healthier skin, shinier coats, improved dental health, and increased energy.
Veterinarians warn that it would be unsafe for people whose immune systems are compromised and children to share a home with a dog on a raw food diet. Raw food must be handled, prepared, and sanitized with great care. Cancerous or pancreatitis dogs, and puppies as well may be better off eating cooked food.
Unregulated raw feeding of animals is opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, no animal-sourced protein should be administered to dogs without being subjected to a special process of eradicating pathogens to prevent illnesses for both dogs and humans.
Canine companions’ body parts and organs such as their skin, coat, muscles, bones, and internal organs are affected by their nutrition. Dog owners may not realize how complicated it can be. For normal functioning and optimal health, dogs require various proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. A dog’s nutrition can affect his or her health and growth, potentially causing him to break bones, and develop life-threatening health issues.
This article lists the best raw dog food products on the market. Before changing to a raw diet for your dog, consider the following pros and cons.
View Table of Contents
- Pros and Cons of a Raw Dog Food Diet
- Best Overall 1. Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Dog Food
- Best Air-Dried 2. Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Raw Dog Food
- Best Freeze-Dried 3. TruDog Raw Dog Food
- Best Grain-Free 4. Wellness CORE RawRev Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Dog Food (Raw Frozen)
- 6. BARF Dog Food (Raw Frozen)
- 7. Bixbi Rawbble Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
- 8. Bravo! Homestyle Complete Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
- 9. Tucker’s Raw Frozen Dog Food (Raw Frozen)
- 10. Vital Essentials Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
- 11. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- 12. Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- 13. Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken Dog Food
- 14. Nature’s Logic Frozen Patties Raw Dog Food
- 15. Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Nuggets Raw Dog Food
- 16. Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- 17. Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Canine Beef Raw Dog Food
- 18. Darwin’s Natural Selections Raw Dog Food
- 19. Fresh is Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- 20. Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Dog Raw Bites with Real Meat + Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
- 21. Cotswold Raw Active 80/20 Mince Adult Raw Dog Food
- 22. Benyfit Natural Succulent Beef Raw Dog Food
- 23. Orijen Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- 24. Nutriment Complete Raw Dog Food
- What are the facts that you should know about raw dog foods?
- What are the Price Factors for Raw Dog Foods?
- What is the Clean Label on the Raw Dog Food Packages?
- Do Dogs Like the Taste of Raw Dog Food?
- Where Can You Buy Raw Dog Foods?
- Do All Vets Recommend Raw Dog Food?
- What is the Nutritional Value of Raw Dog Food?
- What are the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods to Mix with Dry Dog Food?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Puppies?
- What are the Brands for the Best Raw Dog Foods?
- What are the Other Dog Food Types?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dogs with Allergies?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for French Bulldogs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Huskies?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Labradors?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dachshunds?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Small Sized Dogs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Medium-Sized Dogs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Large Dogs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Itchy Skin?
- What are the Best Chicken-Free Raw Dog Foods?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Shih Tzu dogs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods to Prevent Tear Stains?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods with Glucosamine?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods with Pumpkin?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dogs with Pancreatitis?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Yorkies?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Picky Eater Dogs?
- What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for German Shepherds?
Pros and Cons of a Raw Dog Food Diet
Pro: Several studies have found that raw dog food makes dog coats look shinier. Raw diets also help increase the strength of the canine companion’s muscles and bones. Being homemade makes it easier to track exactly what a dog consumes each day. Homemade raw food can be prepared in batches and frozen in portions, or it might be obtainable in the market.
Con: Dogs can get infected from meat and raw bones that contain parasites and bacteria. Dogs could choke or experience intestinal blocks if eating raw dog food with large fragments of bones.
Con: Consuming raw dog food can also cause dogs to experience diarrhea and bowel obstructions
Con: Cases of gastrointestinal inflammation have been reported of dogs on raw food diets. The process of preparing raw dog food meals at home is very time-consuming. Also, a raw food dog diet could be considerably more costly than commercial dog foods.
Pro: The effects of a raw food diet on dogs’ digestive systems include better absorption of the ingredients, causing dogs to poop less frequently and overall produce less fecal matter. Dogs are also able to go longer on less food, compared to a kibble diet. Dogs with compromised immune systems might react to raw food initially, but before long, the raw diet will boost the dog’s immune system, reducing the risk of allergies.
Pro: When it comes to the effect of a raw diet on a dog’s mood, studies have shown that high protein kibble often exacerbates existing nervousness, fear, aggression, and sometimes hyperactivity. However, for some reason, raw feeding, although much higher in protein than kibble when comparing dry weight, doesn’t seem to have the same effect on dogs.
Con: Raw diets for dogs have many benefits, however, they could be more costly than kibble diets, depending on the kibble brand used. Dry dog food costs can vary between $0.20 – $13 per day, while commercially prepared raw diets cost between $6.30 and $6.50 per day.
The best raw dog foods are listed below.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall ![]() |
| 10 | Check Price |
Best Air-Dried ![]() | Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
| 9.9 | Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy |
Best Freeze-Dried ![]() | TruDog Feed Me Crunchy Munchy Beef Bonanza Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
| 9.7 | Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy |
Best Grain-Free ![]() | Wellness Core RawRev High Protein Kibble with 100% Turkey
| 9.6 | Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy |
More options can be found by scrolling down.
Best Overall
1. Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Dog Food
Instinct (formerly Nature’s Variety) produces premium raw pet foods, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, and manufacturing operations in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
In 2020, Instinct Petfood proudly became a member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition with a goal of transforming the lives of pets through raw nutrition. Instinct provides a variety of ways to add raw to your pet’s routine. That includes frozen raw meals, freeze-dried raw meals, raw toppers, kibble boosted with raw products, and more. Raw diets don’t have to be all-or-nothing for your pet to reap the raw benefits.
This particular Instinct food is a frozen raw meal, and it’s the best-rated food made by the brand. Benefits of Instinct’s Raw Bites include a probiotic boost, higher Omegas, and more antioxidants to support coat, skin, and gut health while boosting the dog’s immune system.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
Best Air-Dried
2. Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Raw Dog Food
The story of ZIWI Peak begins in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand in 2002 when a free-range deer farmer realized that kibble manufacturers worldwide that buy top quality deer meat from him add fillers, grains, and carbs to it.
He decided he could do better, and that led to the establishment of Ziwi. The product discussed here will be Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Raw Dog Food Beef. The beef ingredients on the list show beef heart, kidney, tripe, liver, lung, and bone, along with New Zealand green-lipped mussels. Many other ingredients are lower on the list, but none of them are controversial.
A significant benefit of this Zwiki AirDried dog food is the wild-caught salmon that is the primary protein source in this recipe, packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that boost the immune system, and prevent inflammation. The only potential harm about the Ziwi range is if it is fed to dogs with specific protein allergies. Many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
Best Freeze-Dried
3. TruDog Raw Dog Food
TruDog was founded in 2013 in Tampa Florida and was acquired by Better Choice in May 2019.
Its products use natural ingredients and are oven-baked and preserved through freeze-drying or gentle air dehydration to eliminate the need for artificial preservatives and chemicals. The TruDog Feed Me Crunchy Munchy range includes Gourmet Gobbler, Turducken, Whitefish, and Beef Bonanza, which is the recipe we’ll look at here. The ingredients list shows beef, including heart, liver, lung, kidney, and tripe, and herring oil which is a source of omega-3.
The primary benefit of TruDog Freeze-Dried dog food is the fact that it is hypoallergenic and easy to digest, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive bellies who are looking to begin a raw diet. No potential harm has been identified in the TruDog range of dog food. The only harm caused could be if it is fed to animals with specific protein allergies. Many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
Best Grain-Free
4. Wellness CORE RawRev Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
CORE Grain-Free Freeze-dried Dog Food is a product of Wellness Pet Food with its headquarters in Massachusetts, which was founded in 1997.
Made with high-quality meats that canines crave, this natural, grain-free dog food provides high protein without excess fat or calories to support your dog’s overall health. The food contains no meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Looking at the Original Recipe, the first five ingredients are Deboned turkey, turkey meal (source of glucosamine), chicken meal (source of chondroitin sulfate), peas, dried ground potatoes.
The glucosamine and chondroitin content is beneficial as an important protector of joint health.
Possible harm could be caused by one ingredient in this Wellness Core product namely sodium selenite. Depending on the amount included, sodium selenite could be toxic to dogs.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
5. Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Dog Food (Raw Frozen)
Aunt Jeni’s Home Made, based in Temple Hills, MD, sold their first raw dog food in 1999.
The raw dog food under Aunt Jeni’s Home Made label is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for All Life Stages. The best of Aunt Jeni’s raw frozen range are fish, pork, goat, turkey, and beef, the latter being the one discussed here. The protein source is beef, including the heart and liver. Next on the ingredient list come apples, celery, whole eggs, collard greens, kale, and three types of squash, and more natural ingredients lower down the list.
The benefit of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Dog Food is that it remains usable for up to 1 year in the freezer and fresh for 3-5 days once thawed. It may safely be subdivided and refrozen with no loss of nutrients. Some of the contents are controversial and could be harmful, like garlic. Although many favor garlic for its claimed health benefits, garlic has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
6. BARF Dog Food (Raw Frozen)
Barf World Inc. was started in 2018 and BARF Raw Dog Food is based in Rosemount, MN.
They explain the acronym BARF as follows. “It means Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It is a complete and carefully balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, and bone. Our formula mimics what nature has designed our pets to live on in the wild. The result is a pet free of allergies, digestive problems, and full of life!”
The product range includes BARF Land and Sea Recipe, Juicy Beef Recipe, Juicy Lamb Recipe, and Juicy Chicken Recipe, which is the recipe discussed here. The ingredient list shows the primary protein as Chicken, including finely ground chicken bone, chicken liver, and egg. That is followed by broccoli, celery, spinach, and several more fresh ingredients and supplements.
Benefits of Barf Dog Food include the recipe’s above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carb contents when compared to typical raw dog food. Barf’s including garlic is questionable and controversial. Garlic could be harmful as it has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
7. Bixbi Rawbble Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
BIXBI Pet was founded in 2008 by James and Michael Crouch, two brothers living in Boulder, Colorado, who are passionate about pets and nutrition.
Their raw dog food range includes beef, duck, chicken, salmon & chicken, pork lamb, and beef freeze-dried recipes under the Rawbble label to use rehydrated or dry. All of them are formulated with a balanced ratio of meat, organs, and bone to support your canine companion’s health. An example is the BIXBI Rawbble Beef Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food. The ingredients list shows Beef, including Liver and Kidney, Beef Bone, Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, and Salmon Oil.
Benefits of feeding dogs Bixbi Rawbble Dog Food include the coconut oil providing triglycerides that can potentially help in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and chronic skin disorders (MCT). There are no published negatives about the BIXBY range, and the only harm caused could be if it is fed to animals with specific protein allergies. Many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
8. Bravo! Homestyle Complete Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
Bravo is a pet food manufacturer in Manchester, Hartford County, Connecticut.
They’ve been processing human-grade quality meats since 1942 and in 2002 they established the pet food company to create species-appropriate, meat-based diets and treats for companion animals. The Bravo! Homestyle Complete Turkey Dinner Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food recipe shows limited ingredients including turkey, turkey liver, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, turkey hearts, green beans, turkey gizzards, cranberries, and dried eggs. Several added nutrients are further down the ingredient list.
The benefits of Bravo Freeze Dried dog food include the process of freeze-drying the meat prior to use in this recipe. Because of the gentleness of the process used to create this item, freeze-dried ingredients can be considered nutritionally superior to meat meals. There is only one controversial and potentially harmful ingredient in Bravo products, namely sodium selenite. Depending on the amount included, sodium selenite could be toxic to dogs.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
9. Tucker’s Raw Frozen Dog Food (Raw Frozen)
Tucker’s is a family business established in 2009 in Wisconsin.
Their foods are handmade and hand-packed by people that take great pride in creating innovative and nutritious products for your dogs that you can trust. The meats they use are human-grade and sourced exclusively from the USA. Tucker’s Freeze-Dried Formulas offer complete and balanced nutrition with 95% meat, organ, bone, and marrow plus 5% pumpkin. It can be fed as a meal, used as a kibble topper, or used as treats. Tucker’s raw frozen product range includes nine combinations of pork, beef, bison, lamb, turkey, salmon, chicken, and duck.
We’ll look at Tucker’s Raw Frozen Pork-Bison-Pumpkin in this report. We believe that simple carnivore diets offer maximum absorption. This is why our formulas are 95% meat, bone, and organs with 5% pumpkin. The ingredient list shows pork, bison heart, pumpkin, pork marrow and bone, and taurine.
Taurine is a beneficial ingredient in Tucker’s Raw Frozen Meals. Because grain-free diets are linked to heart muscle problems, the important amino acid, taurine, is a valuable ingredient in this product. The potential harm that might be a concern involves Tucker’s recalling their Pork-Bison dog food in 2018 due to potential salmonella contamination. Such risks are high in raw foods that may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or your pet if mishandled. It is crucial to keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, hands, and any items that come into contact with this product (such as utensils, cutting boards, preparation, and feeding bowls) in hot, soapy water.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
10. Vital Essentials Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
Vital Essentials is a family-owned company, founded in 1968, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The company claims to be a pioneer in the raw food pet food industry, producing high-quality raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food, snacks, and treats. The Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Entree product line includes 15 raw dog foods the company calls Niblets, Patties, and Mini Nibs.
The limited ingredients in the freeze-dried Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Patties Entree include ground chicken with bone, chicken heart, chicken liver, herring oil, and mixed tocopherols, d-alpha-tocopherol, which are natural preservatives.
Vital Essentials is beneficial for dogs because it is packed with protein and healthy ingredients. No grains, gluten, fillers, or artificial flavors. No concerts or risks of harm to dogs are evident, except that Vital Essentials has had four recalls between 2015 and 2018. Such risks are high in raw foods that may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or your pet if mishandled. It is crucial to keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, hands, and any items that come into contact with this product (such as utensils, cutting boards, preparation, and feeding bowls) in hot, soapy water.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
11. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Stella & Chewy’s started in the kitchen of a small Brooklyn, New York apartment in 2003 with one tiny freezer and two dogs.
Since then, their kitchen and capacity have grown rapidly, necessitating the relocation of production to a facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The ingredients in Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner include chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, and over 30 more items including more organic fruits and vegetables and multiple added nutrients.
The benefits of adding raw nutrition to a dog’s diet include improving the pup’s appetite and digestion, relieving allergy symptoms, promoting healthy teeth and gums, encouraging greater stamina, and supporting a healthy immune system. There is only one controversial ingredient that could cause harm in this Stella & Chewy’s product, namely sodium selenite. Depending on the amount included, sodium selenite could be toxic to dogs. The company had several recalls in 2015, but none since then.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
12. Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Primal based in Fairfield, California was established in 2001 and acquired by private investment firm Kinderhook Industries, LLC. in Aug 2021.
However, the production of Primal brand products will remain in California. The original owner’s interest in dog welfare started in 2000 when his canine companion’s health deteriorated. Upon the advice of a holistic vet, he started feeding his dog on a BARF-based, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet. His dog’s health improved and the dog owner decided to share his raw food recipes. One of the wide range of recipes is Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food. It includes the following ingredients: chicken (with ground bone), chicken livers, organic carrots, organic squash, organic kale, along with multiple other organic ingredients and supplements.
Benefits of Primal freeze-dried dog foods include optimum levels of amino acids (protein), essential fatty acids, natural-occurring enzymes, and necessary vitamins and minerals that supply the building blocks for healthy biological functions. There seem to be no negatives or potential harm related to Primal dog food. However, dog owners might be concerned about the fact that Primal Dog Food had a single recall in 2017. Such risks are high in raw foods that may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or your pet if mishandled. It is crucial to keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, hands, and any items that come into contact with this product (such as utensils, cutting boards, preparation, and feeding bowls) in hot, soapy water.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
13. Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken Dog Food
Instinct, now called Nature’s Variety, produces premium raw pet foods, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, and manufacturing operations in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
In 2020, Instinct Petfood proudly became a member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition with a goal of transforming the lives of pets through raw nutrition. Instinct provides a variety of ways to add raw to your pet’s routine. That includes frozen raw meals, freeze-dried raw meals, raw toppers, kibble boosted with raw products, and more.
Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Real Chicken is a High protein kibble and freeze-dried raw together in the same bag. All the natural freeze-dried raw bites are protein-packed with real chicken meat pieces for better nutrition and taste.
Benefits of the Raw Boost Range include providing a probiotic boost, higher Omegas, and more antioxidants to support coat, skin, and gut health while boosting the dog’s immune system.
Harm is possible by one controversial ingredient in this Nature’s Variety product, namely sodium selenite. Depending on the amount included, sodium selenite could be toxic to dogs.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
14. Nature’s Logic Frozen Patties Raw Dog Food
Founded in 2006, Nature’s Logic is a line of premium-quality pet food and treats focusing on the benefits of natural whole food nutrition.
Nature’s Logic uses only 100% natural ingredients, and NO synthetic vitamins and minerals. Manufacturing plants are based in Kansas, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Nebraska, which is the company headquarters. Nature’s Logic raw frozen product range includes five recipes, of which the Chicken Feast will be discussed here. The diet features concentrates of select fruits and vegetables and the kibble are specially coated with digestive enzymes and plasma protein containing high levels of natural vitamins, minerals, and albumin and globulin proteins. None of the ingredients are controversial.
One ingredient that might raise concern only because consumers may be unfamiliar with it is montmorillonite clay. However, it is a beneficial ingredient made up of a microscopic group of crystals that includes a food additive for health and stamina, and for antibacterial activity against tooth and gum decay. The only potential harm about the Ziwi range is if it is fed to dogs with specific protein allergies. Many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
15. Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Nuggets Raw Dog Food
Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dry Products are quality products designed to make your raw-feeding life easy, convenient, and affordable.
Steve’s provides dogs with a naturally healthy diet, by sourcing clean, whole foods from farms that are trusted and committed to producing high-quality foods. The recipes include superfoods like kelp, coconut oil, and seeds to enrich each bite with vitamins, enzymes, and micro-nutrients. Steve’s ensure that your dogs are getting a nutritionally balanced diet that is easy to digest. Ingredients listed for Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried chicken nuggets include ground chicken and ground chicken bone, along with chicken livers, chicken gizzards, broccoli, carrots, romaine lettuce, cantaloupe, goat’s milk, flaxseed, dried kelp, salmon oil, coconut oil, inulin, taurine, green-lipped mussel, and ground eggshell.
One of the benefits of Steve’s Real Food is that it does not take up fridge space because it can be kept on a shelf in the pantry. The raw nutrition of the freeze-dried nuggets is preserved and packed in Ziplock bags. The only potential harm about the Ziwi range is if it is fed to dogs with specific protein allergies. Many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
16. Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
A California man, Michael Landa, decided to quit his corporate job as a biomedical engineer, and do something to develop dog foods that are healthy instead of the typical kibble containing mostly fillers and plant proteins.
He was particularly concerned when he learned about the pandemic of obese and diabetic dogs. In 2009, he relocated to Auston Texas where he established Nulo. His research led to recipes that are exactly what animals need. They’re high in animal-based protein, low in carbs, and use low-glycemic ingredients to promote healthy body conditions and stable energy. Nulo also adds a patented probiotic to aid with digestion that survives the cooking process, shelf life and is viable in your dog’s digestive tract.
One benefit of Nulo Dog Food is the process of fast-freezing to preserve flavor and nutrition, minimally-processed bits easy to feed on their own, or as a delicious meal topper for kibble. None of the ingredients of Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw dog food are controversial, so the only possible health risk is for dogs with protein-related sensitivities because many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to poultry meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
17. Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Canine Beef Raw Dog Food
Primal based in Fairfield, California was established in 2001 and acquired by private investment firm Kinderhook Industries, LLC. in Aug. 2021.
However, the production of Primal brand products will remain in California. The original owner’s interest in dog welfare started in 2000 when his canine companion’s health deteriorated. Upon the advice of a holistic vet, he started feeding his dog on a BARF-based, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet. His dog’s health improved and the dog owner decided to share his raw food recipes. One of the wide range of recipes is Primal Beef Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food. It includes the following ingredients: beef including hearts, livers, ground beef bones. Furthermore, organic fruits and vegetables include carrots, squash, kale, apples, along with multiple other organic ingredients and supplements.
Health benefits of Primal Freeze-Dried dog food include optimum levels of amino acids (protein), essential fatty acids, natural-occurring enzymes, and necessary vitamins and minerals that supply the building blocks for healthy biological functions.
A concern of potential harm may exist because this dog food product has alfalfa, a flowering member of the pea family. Although alfalfa is high in protein (18%) and fiber, some dog owners might be concerned because alfalfa is usually associated with horse feed. There are countless other more appropriate products that can provide the same nutrition.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
18. Darwin’s Natural Selections Raw Dog Food
Gary Tashjian founded Darwin’s Natural Pet Products in Tukwila, WA in 2004.
That was after the rapid recovery of his dogs in poor health after changing their diets to raw dog food. The founder named the company after Charles Darwin, whose work to understand what created the diversity of life on earth embodied this approach of being “Inspired by Nature, Informed by Science.” Darwin’s Natural Selections offer five flavors, beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, and duck, which is the one we’ll look at here. Listed ingredients include duck meat, gizzards, hearts, and livers, organic veggies including romaine lettuce, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, and many additional less important ingredients.
A significant benefit is the primary proteins in Darwin’s Natural Selection products. Both chicken and duck are naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life. The only concern for harm to a dog that might exist is that Darwin’s had 4 recalls from 2017 through 2019. Such risks are high in raw foods that may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or your pet if mishandled. It is crucial to keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, hands, and any items that come into contact with this product (such as utensils, cutting boards, preparation, and feeding bowls) in hot, soapy water.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
19. Fresh is Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Companion Natural Pet Food, LLC, doing business as Fresh Is Best, was established in 2001.
The company manufactures human-quality meat, vegetables and supplements to produce a range of freeze-dried dog food at a manufacturing plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fresh is Best contains no grains, white potato, and pea starches. The Fresh is Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food range includes four recipes: beef, duck, turkey, and chicken, which is the recipe discussed here. The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken, only flesh and skin, free of bones. Chicken is a natural source of all ten amino acids dogs need to sustain life. Number two on the ingredients list is the chicken heart, pure muscle and rich in energy-providing nutrients, minerals, and complex B vitamins. The nutritious chicken liver comes third, followed by a canine delicacy, the gizzard, a low-fat, meaty organ found in the digestive tract of birds and assists in grinding up the chicken’s consumed food. The following four ingredients are nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables, including yams, apples, kale, and collards. Then we get to a controversial ingredient. Bone meal is considered a quality source of calcium, magnesium and essential trace minerals.
However, even human-grade bone meal supplements can contain harmful levels of mercury, lead and other metals. While items lower down on the ingredients list would not likely significantly affect the Fresh is Best Freeze-Dried dog food, the chelated minerals are exceptional. The chemical attachment of minerals to proteins eases the absorption of the minerals. Not a single negative review is available to challenge the five-star review Fresh is Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food has been awarded. Every dog will have different nutritional requirements depending on the breed, life stage, health, environment, and activity level. Maintain optimal body condition by adjusting food as necessary and asking your veterinarian if you have any doubts. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may gradually transition to new wet dog food to avoid digestive upset.
20. Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Dog Raw Bites with Real Meat + Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Merrick Pet Care has been in operation since 1988, with a manufacturing plant in Hereford, Texas.
Deboned meat is always the first ingredient. The high-quality protein contents in this recipe help build and maintain healthy muscle tissue and energy levels. Freeze-dried pieces of real raw chicken lock in great taste and provide nutritional benefits that are easily digestible.
The ingredients in this recipe are beneficial because it is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics to aid in digestion while glucosamine and chondroitin support hip and joint function.
Two ingredients that cause concern for harm to dogs exist because the potato and pea protein are both listed within the first 10 ingredients, while peas and potatoes are already listed fourth and fifth on the list. It might create suspicion of fillers with low nutrient value forming a significant portion of the protein value of this dog food product. Another concern involves the seven times Merrick dog foods have been recalled from 2010 through 2018.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
21. Cotswold Raw Active 80/20 Mince Adult Raw Dog Food
Cotswold Raw Ltd., a passionate family business, was established in Evesham, Worcestershire, UK.
With several dogs of our own, we made the natural decision to switch their diets over to raw food and soon noticed an improvement in their behavior, digestion, and overall health and appearance. Although they followed prescribed BARF (Biological Appropriate Raw Food) at first, by 2014, Cotswold Raw began working independently to develop and produce high-quality BARF food to benefit all dogs in the U.K. Cotswold Raw designs the recipes on the 80/20 formula, meaning it contains 80% raw meat and bone, and 20% fruit and veg additions. Cotswold Raw adds fresh, natural herbal supplements to the recipes.
Benefits of Cotswold Raw Active include the raw mince and sausage meals are easy to deploy, promote optimal health and facilitate portion control. Concerns of harm arose after reviews indicated that a customer allegedly found animal pieces like mole paws with claws attached in beef sausage. Another client whose dog is allergic to chicken ordered lamb and beef mince and was allegedly surprised to find it contained chicken as well. (although these are only allegations, they might cause concern about ingredients not indicated on the label)
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
22. Benyfit Natural Succulent Beef Raw Dog Food
What began as discussions around the dinner table, developed into a UK family producing raw meals for their own dogs and later for their friends’ dogs, is Benyfit Natural today. Following the rapidly increasing demand for these raw frozen dog meals, Benyfit Natural was founded in 2014, based in East Sussex.
Delicious and nutritious taste with no compromise: 80% beef meat, bone and offal, 20% fresh vegetables, and botanicals.
Benefits of Benyfit Natural dog food are each ingredient is human-grade, British, and carefully chosen for its quality. This helps to promote healthy skin, teeth, and gums, a glossy coat, better digestion, and strong bones. No potential harm to dogs is evident, so the only possible health risk is for dogs with protein-related sensitivities because many dogs on grain-free diets are actually allergic to meat and not grains.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from dry or canned dog food to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and senior dogs and puppies could need even longer transition times from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days. Your canine companion’s welfare comes first, so discuss any dietary change with your vet.
23. Orijen Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Orijen Grain-Free dry dog food is a product of Blue Buffalo, which Reinhard Muhlenfeld founded in 2002. Orijen started marketing dry dog food in 1985 in Alberta, Canada and later in Kentucky, in the U.S. by Champion Petfoods.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food & Topper is crafted with free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught herring and flounder, and cage-free eggs. These ingredients are freeze-dried in small batches, providing your dog with a rich, concentrated source of protein and nutrients, just like a raw diet but in a convenient, dry form. Using the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey, this recipe provides your pup with a biologically appropriate diet containing 40% protein, giving a dog everything he needs to thrive.
The first five ingredients of the ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food & Topper recipe are chicken, including flesh skin and ground bone as a rich source of natural calcium. The chicken contains all 19 essential amino acids, further enhanced by the addition of nutritious organ meat in the form of chicken liver. At number three on the ingredients list, we find turkey flesh and skin, another source of the 10 amino acids dogs need to survive. The fourth ingredient is herring, a fatty marine fish naturally high in protein and omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every dog to sustain life. The fifth ingredient includes eggs, easy to digest, containing an exceptionally high biological value. More turkey ingredients follow further down the list; however, the sixth ingredient might be questionable. Pea fiber is a mixture of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber derived from pea hulls. Aside from the usual benefits of fiber, this agricultural by-product provides no other nutritional value to a dog and is not typically expected so high on the ingredients list.
Every dog will have different nutritional requirements depending on the breed, life stage, health, environment, and activity level. Maintain optimal body condition by adjusting food as necessary and asking your veterinarian if you have any doubts. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may gradually transition to new wet dog food to avoid digestive upset.
24. Nutriment Complete Raw Dog Food
Nutriment Ltd., a raw dog food manufacturer was founded in 2013.
Their production facility is on Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, Hampshire UK. Nutriment introduced superfoods to already existing raw feeding models. With a dedication to Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) and a commitment to animal health and happiness, Nutriment is unreservedly passionate about bringing raw feeding solutions to dogs. One of the products in the Nutriment range is Raw Diet Weaning Paste for 3 to 6-week old puppies. Carefully selected natural ingredients and high-quality protein based on the BARF diet are used for this product. Human-grade quality meats and natural, fresh, and grain-free ingredients are used.
The most significant benefits include the puppy’s development, immune system, coat, skin, oral health, vitality & stools. Potential harm involves starting puppies on a raw diet immediately after they are weaned off mother’s milk might lead to deficiencies from the start.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans differ, and many years on a kibble diet might cause GI tract problems in dogs if their diets change abruptly from mother’s milk to raw food.
A gradual transition to a raw diet is crucial, and puppies could need even longer transition times than adult dogs transitioning from kibble to raw food. It might be wise to mix old and new, gradually increasing the raw food over 7 to 10 days.
What are the facts that you should know about raw dog foods?
Raw feeding is highly controversial in the community because of the varying opinions about what our canine companions should be eating. The Prey Model Diet and the BARF Diet are the two most prominent diet models for dogs. However, they differ in subtle ways that may make one type of dog more suitable for one type over the other.
Meat is a fundamental component of a dog’s diet and, raw muscle meats provide high quality and easily digestible protein, the building blocks of good health and immunity. As well as this, an array of essential fats, vitamins, and minerals can be found in raw meat proteins which unlike heavily processed sources of meat products, are not diminished through the cooking process. Providing your pup with a variety of different fresh meat proteins also ensures they have access to a range of micronutrients, benefitting their overall health.
Harmful elements of raw diets are typically caused by the choice of raw products and the unhygienic processing of ingredients. Bacterial infections like salmonella often lead to recalls of dog foods. When it comes to the amount of a raw diet to feed a dog, owners must understand that each dog is unique. The general rule of thumb is that any dog should eat 2% to 3% of its ideal weight per day, split into two or three meals per day. Benefits of raw diets include raw meat can be frozen, and freeze-dried meals can be stored on a shelf in the pantry.
What are the Price Factors for Raw Dog Foods?
Dog owners who consider transitioning from dry or canned dog food to raw diets like BARF or Prey-type diets might have questions about the cost of raw diets. Several aspects of raw food diets should be considered. Some cost factors are listed below.
- Dog’s details: The dog’s breed, size, activity level, and life stage will matter. A small breed like a Maltese, a medium-sized Schnauzer, or a large breed like a Labrador will need different amounts of food per day. Similarly, puppies, adults, seniors, lactating or pregnant dogs have different needs, and working dogs, daily walkers, and couch potatoes all have unique nutritional needs.
- Homemade or commercial raw dog food: Commercial ready-packed raw dog food is typically more expensive than homemade food. Preparing raw dog food allows the owner to source meat at good deals, as long as the quality is not compromised. If you have enough freezer space, you can stock up on meat at reduced prices.
- Number of Dogs: The number of dogs you will feed plays an important role. Making or buying for more than one dog will need you to multiply your numbers.
Many dog owners start off with commercial raw meals until they are satisfied with their dogs’ adjustment to raw diets before they start preparing homemade raw meals.
What is the Clean Label on the Raw Dog Food Packages?
The Institute for Food Technologists defines the clean label on dog food packages as a holistic way of preparing and packing raw dog food with limited healthy and wholesome ingredients. The ingredients must be natural and items that consumers can recognize when they read the label on the raw dog food package.
The clean label trend is consumer-driven, which is necessary for dog owners who want to feed their dogs with the same care as the rest of their families. Consumers want to read the ingredients label, recognize the items and their health benefits, and feel comfortable that the company behind the brand cares as much as they do about the healthfulness of their dogs.
Do Dogs Like the Taste of Raw Dog Food?
Lightly-cooked meat is just as exciting for dogs as raw. Cooking reduces the nutrients, so if you don’t want to feed your dog raw meat, you can give it freeze-dried meat. Almost 100% of its nutrients are retained, making it just as good as raw.
Where Can You Buy Raw Dog Foods?
The most appropriate choice of retailer would be the one that stocks the brands of dog food that meet the dietary needs of a consumer’s different dogs. One dog owner could have a senior dog living with arthritis or other age-related health problems and a puppy with allergy problems.
The top ten dog food suppliers in the U.S. and their head offices are listed below.
- Cali Raw, Newport Beach, CA – Best BARF Meal Plans
- RAW WILD, Park City, UT – Best for Venison and Elk Meat
- Raw Paws Pet Food, Indianapolis, IN – Best Variety Raw Foods
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, Tukwila, WA – Best Tailored Meal Plans
- We Feed Raw, Charleston, SC – Best Prey Model Meal Plan
- NutriCanine Toronto, ON Canada – Most customizable dog food delivery service
- Benyfit Naturals, East Sussex – Best raw dog food bundles.
Do All Vets Recommend Raw Dog Food?
No, many vets warn dog owners against feeding their dogs on raw diets. Raw meat-based diets for dogs continue to gain popularity, despite the opposition of most veterinarians and public health officials. There is a range of views among raw feeders about nutrition, but they usually believe that raw diets tend to be healthier and more “natural” than cooked diets. Commercial diets are often regarded as unsafe or a possible cause of illness.
Diets based on raw foods do not provide proven health benefits, and most of the claims are based on dubious theoretical grounds and unfounded fears about traditionally cooked foods. Nevertheless, raw meat does pose certain dangers, including nutritional deficiency or excess, risks to pets and humans, as well as severe infections. Raw diets can be nutritionally appropriate, and the risks of infectious disease can be reduced by managing food handling carefully, but the body of evidence for raw diets’ benefits is very weak, making them a choice based on ideologies or personal beliefs, not sound science.
What is the Nutritional Value of Raw Dog Food?
It is becoming more and more common to feed pets raw food diets. Some people prefer to feed their pets raw diets since they are more natural and less processed than most commercial pet food options available today. There are many health benefits that come with feeding pets a raw food diet, including the list below.
The average calorie amount of raw dog food is 1000 calories for portions of 9 to 20 ounces.
The average carb amount of raw dog food is between 46% and 74% of the total daily meal, although no more than 14% is necessary for maintaining a dog’s health.
The average protein amount of raw dog food is 15% to 25% of the meal.
The average fat amount of raw dog food is 25% of the diet.
- Bones: Crushed raw bones provide superior joint and bone health because they are rich in calcium, collagen, phosphorus, marrow, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Keeping your puppy’s joint and bone health excellent throughout their lives is supported by all of these elements.
- Meat: A dog’s diet is not complete without meat. In addition to providing high-quality protein, raw meats are easy to digest and are the building blocks of good health. Additionally, raw meat proteins contain an array of vitamins, essential fats, and minerals, which are not diminished by the cooking process, unlike heavily processed meat products. As a result, your pup will benefit from a variety of micronutrients by eating fresh meat proteins.
- Fruits and vegetables: The natural compounds in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables provide a complete and balanced supply of minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, raw fruits and vegetables that have not been damaged by cooking provide dogs with antioxidants, enzymes, phytonutrients, all beneficial for dogs’ health. For example, citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, carrots contain high levels of vitamin A and leafy greens are loaded with vitamin K.
- Superfoods: Kelp, wheatgrass, and garlic are superfoods that have positive impacts on your pups’ overall health. They are packed with amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes, helping your dog get rid of any unfriendly substances in their digestive system as well as improving their overall immune system.
- Salmon, Chia seeds, and Flax seeds: Raw diets contain omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy skin and a soft coat. Healthy omega fats play a large role in providing anti-inflammatory benefits, perfect for dogs with allergies or inflammatory skin diseases.
What are the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods?
Freeze-dried dog foods are the preferred choice of many dog owners. Some nutritionists agree because high-quality proteins like chicken, salmon, turkey, and other animal proteins often included in freeze-dried foods deliver excellent nutrition. Protein is essential for the maintenance and growth and maintenance of almost all the tissues in a dog’s body.
The four best freeze-dried dog foods are listed below.
- TruDog Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood: It contains 100% USA-born and raised cage-free turkeys.
- Buckley Liberty Freeze-Dried Dog Food: Used for a dog’s full meals or as a topper on grain-free dog food.
- Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Meals: The most affordable freeze-dried dog food despite containing as much as three times the volume of meat in kibbles and other non-GMO produce.
- Heed Foods: A boutique dog food company that produces top-quality highly digestible prebiotic kibble with the added bonus of several freeze-dried mix-ins to choose from to make a dog’s dinner extra special.
The cheapest freeze-dried dog food is Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper with a price of $1.99 per ounce.
The freeze-dried dog food that tastes the best is Stella & Chewy’s Tantalizing Turkey Meal Mixers costing $2.27 per ounce.
The average price for one pound of 100% freeze-dried kibble is $32.55 compared to the traditional kibble cost of $1.97 per pound.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods to Mix with Dry Dog Food?
Mixing raw dog food with kibble will help strengthen the digestive system and make it more capable of deriving the full nutrients from a raw food diet.
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Kibble and Freeze-Dried – most affordable option.
- BARF World, 2-pound frozen rolls – “Bones And Raw Food”
- Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets – Chicken, beef, and lamb.
- TruDog Feed Me Crunchy Munchy Beef Bonanza Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food – Beef & Herring Oil for better digestion
- Stella and Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Meal Mixers – Great for introducing raw food
The cheapest raw dog food to mix with dry dog food is Nature’s Variety Instinct Frozen Raw dog food at $5.55 per pound.
The best tasting raw toppers are Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixers at $2.28 per ounce.
The average price for one pound of 100% freeze-dried kibble is $32.55 compared to the traditional kibble cost of $1.97 per pound.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Puppies?
The best raw dog foods for puppies are those that meet the unique nutritional needs of puppies. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, and their food must have proper levels of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals essential to boost the development of healthy immune systems, strong bones, and more. Raw dog food is often overlooked by owners of new puppies yet it can be extremely nutritious. The brands listed below are included in the list of best raw dog food for puppies. Many puppy and dog owners provide their pups with a mix of dry and raw food to give their canine friends some much-deserved variety.
- ORIJEN Puppy High-Protein: The simplest way to introduce dogs to a raw diet is to start the process when they are just puppies.
- Sojos raw dog food: The range includes their Foundations Formula, a nutritious, straightforward growing puppy formula. It contains a mix of chicken, peas, and eggs, all considered top-quality ingredients.
- Instinct: Highest Percentage of Meat in Frozen Food for puppies.
The cheapest raw dog food for puppies is Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Beef & Salmon Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food at $2.21 per ounce.
The freeze-dried dog food that tastes the best is Stewart Pro-Treat Turkey Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats at $3.29 per ounce.
The average price for one pound of 100% freeze-dried kibble is $44.00 compared to the traditional kibble cost of $1.97 per pound.
What are the Brands for the Best Raw Dog Foods?
Feeding raw may seem like a massive undertaking for any dog’s parent. It’s a whole new learning process to ensure your canine companion gets maximum nutrition. Then there’s the portioning and packaging, not to mention freezer space. However, there’s no need for that because there are many raw dog food brands that will do all that for you. All you will have to do is thaw and feed.
- Best overall raw dog food: Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Raw Real Beef Recipe Dog Food – $32.68 – 6lb bag
- Best price-effective raw dog food: Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper – $40.99 – 18-oz bag
- Best air-dried dog food: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – $45.68 – 2.2-lb bag
- Best freeze-dried dog food: TruDog Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood – $43.11 – 14-oz bag
- Best frozen raw dog food: Instinct Frozen Raw Bites – $32.68 – 6-lb bag
Note: Prices mentioned in this article are as of 12/14/2021
What are the Other Dog Food Types?
It may not be as versatile as human food, but there are still plenty of options for dog food. In selecting food for a dog, finding one that meets the needs of every aspect of its nutritional profile should be the top priority. There are five different dog food types as listed below.
- Dry dog food or Kibble: Dry dog food is known as kibble, and to ensure it is balanced and complete, check that it is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Dry dog food without AAFCO certification usually doesn’t meet the standards, containing synthetic minerals and vitamins.
- Semi-Moist: This term is used for foods that are shaped like bacon strips, burgers, pork chops, and other dog favorites. However, it is typically only the shape that links it to a healthy protein. These items are usually without any nutrients and packed with artificial flavors and colorings. Semi-moist dog foods can be given as occasional treats but they should never form a part of a dog’s diet.
- Home Cooked: Dog owners who want to have full control over the nutrients they feed their pups may choose to cook their dogs’ meals. This might be the ideal way to make sure a dog gets all the nutrients it needs. However, it is time-consuming and needs familiarity with canine nutrition because their needs differ from humans’ needs.
- Canned Food: Canned food is not necessarily superior to dry or vice versa. Similarly, each dog is unique, and age, health, breed, and other aspects play roles in the choice of dog food. Dog food can affect the dog’s digestive system, cause allergies or weight gain, and affect a dog’s mood.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dogs with Allergies?
Your dog is counting on you, relying on you, and trusting you to help end their chronic ear infections, uncomfortable itchy skin, and painful hot spots once and for all. Such reactions are all about your dog’s immune system that reacts to anything it identifies as a risk. Most allergies can be resolved by dietary changes. One of the following two types of raw diets, one of which is sure to resolve diet-related allergy issues in your dog. Here you can see the best raw dog food diet types for allergies.
- TruDog Dog Food Review (Freeze-Dried)
- Tucker’s Raw Frozen Dog Food Review (Raw Frozen)
- Vital Essentials Dog Food Review (Freeze-Dried)
- Vital Essentials Dog Food Review (Raw Frozen)
- Wysong Archetype Dog Food Review (Freeze-Dried)
- Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Review (Dehydrated)
Most raw diets for dogs are based on one of the following:
- BARF: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food mimics your dog’s natural diet, enabling the digestive system and immune system to function at their optimal levels. Through a balanced combination of active enzymes, essential fatty acids, and other immune-increasing nutrients, the BARF Diet lowers inflammation and the risk of infection, while reducing the stress placed on the body. The blend of raw food for the BARF diet that mimics what carnivores in nature would eat is listed below.
- 58–68% lean muscle meat (ground chicken, turkey, beef, etc)
- 12% raw meaty bones
- 10–15% organ meat
- 10–15% veggies, fruits, and supplements
- PREY: Advocates of the Prey Model Raw (PMR) follow a diet closely resembling what wolves eat in the wild. The reasoning behind this is that dogs are true carnivores that require no plant matter in their diet. The blend of raw food for the PMR diet that mimics what carnivores in nature would eat is listed below.
- 38% organ meat
- 50% lean muscle meat (ground chicken, turkey, beef, etc)
- 12% bone and supplements
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for French Bulldogs?
The best raw dog food for French Bulldogs are those that meet their unique nutritional needs. Understanding those needs can help owners to avert innate health problems, and ensure optimum health. Two of the best raw dog food options for French Bulldogs are listed below.
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free dog food Smooth Pate, Natural, Adult: Complete Salmon with Turkey Formula raw dog food, is a delicious gourmet recipe. A blend of quality, fresh meat and fish, ground salmon and turkey bone, packed with seasonal vegetables, superfoods and infused with the best quality salmon oil.
- CaliRaw Chicken and beef Puppy Formula: CaliRaw Nutrition believes in feeding meal formulas optimized to meet the specific nutritional needs of your French Bulldog puppy.
The irresistible flat faces of French Bulldogs can make them susceptible to breathing troubles, which can be exacerbated if they are overweight. The most appropriate diet for French Bulldogs is a limited ingredient and a natural raw diet, like a BARF diet. and much more about french bulldogs
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Huskies?
Because the Siberian Husky is such a high-energy breed, it requires a diet that will provide for its energy needs. Before you can select a commercial dog food diet for your Husky, however, you need to learn what his nutritional needs are.
Below is a list of top-quality raw dog food for Huskies.
- Nature’s Variety Instinct line of freeze-dried raw foods. This dog food could be considered the best dog food for Huskies due to how unique it is. If you are looking for a commercial dog food diet that goes above and beyond in terms of nutrition, look no further. This line of freeze-dried raw foods is completely grain-free and absolutely packed with nutritious ingredients. The Instinct line of foods comes in three different flavors – chicken, beef, or lamb – which can be served alone or blended with your Husky’s kibble for a boost of nutrition.
- TruDog Real Meat Dog Food – Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood: Your Husky is sure to enjoy the taste of this all-meat raw food from TruDog. The flavor options are beef, turkey, turducken, and whitefish, and each flavor is made using 100% meat and does not include any fillers or preservatives.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Labradors?
Freeze-dried raw dog food has all the benefits of a raw diet but without all the effort of preparing it. It also has a longer shelf-life than actual raw food, which means you don’t have to worry about having food go to waste. All you need to do before feeding your Labrador freeze-dried raw dog food is add water to it and allow it to soak and then you can serve it.
Two top choices of raw dog food for Labradors are listed below.
- Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixer Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper: This freeze-dried food is full of nutrients and flavor, ideal for picky eaters or to add variety to your Labrador’s diet. Freeze-dried raw dog food is made from 95% grass-fed beef, bone, and organs, alongside 100% organic fruits and vegetables.
- Primal Lamb Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food: This freeze-dried raw dog food by Primal is a convenient and safe way to give your Labrador a raw diet. . Antibiotic-, steroid-, and hormone-free, lamb organs, as well as extra calcium from ground bone are the main ingredients. This means your four-legged friend is getting a nutritious, healthy, and safe raw meal.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dachshunds?
There are not many dogs that are as playful, energetic, and courageous as Dachshunds. To maintain their energy levels throughout the day, they need plenty of wholesome, healthy foods. The Dachshund also has its weaknesses, which in this case are its digestive system and spine.
Thanks to their long spine, Dachshunds have a high risk of intervertebral disk disease. They also have quite sensitive stomachs and are prone to obesity, which is why they require special foods – easily digestible, palatable, but also nutritionally complete foods that support and nourish their small but tough bodies.
- Orijen Adult Dog Food: This is high-quality freeze-dried dog food, that contains fresh free-run chicken and turkey, as well as wild-caught herring, but no grains. Your Dachshund will get exactly what he needs, including whole poultry with organs, eggs, fish, spinach, cranberries, carrots, blackberries, and other fruits and veggies. This meal is packed with proteins and healthy fats, for the optimal health of your Dachshund.
- Instinct Raw Boost: Grain-free small breed kibble with raw freeze-fried free-range chicken. Ideal for the transition from a dry to a raw diet, this product contains both. It combines high protein, grain-free kibble with all-natural bites of freeze-dried raw chicken. Made with phosphorus and calcium for strong bones and teeth, along with natural DHA for eye and brain development. Made without corn, grain, potato, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial preservatives, or colors.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Small Sized Dogs?
The best raw dog foods for small breeds are formulated to provide balanced nutrition for doggies whose adult weights do not exceed 20 pounds. Small breeds tend to have higher metabolic rates than larger breeds. Thus, the best choice of raw foods for small breeds must be formulated to optimize their health. Two of the top choices are listed below.
- Primal Raw Frozen Formulas: This Primal product line includes 9 raw dog foods. Satisfy your petite pup’s need for the best raw dog food. A raw recipe high in animal protein, formulated for your small breed dog and made especially for him to thrive, is guided by Primal’s belief in raw diets. This tasty and nutritious diet is packed with naturally derived vitamins and minerals, an excellent way to maintain a proper weight and boost overall health.
- Nature’s Logic Chicken Feast Patties Raw Frozen Dog Food: Complete and balanced for all life stages of small breed dogs, Nature’s Logic Chicken Feast Patties Raw Frozen Dog Food emulates dogs’ carnivorous ancestral diet. It contains highly palatable, nutrient-dense muscle and organ meat combined with a highly digestible, natural concentrate of fruits and vegetables. This all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free diet is made up of only whole-food ingredients that supply all required nutrients naturally, without the need for chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or trace nutrients. This raw diet is made without large ground bones, but finely ground eggshell meal is added as an extra natural calcium source.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Medium-Sized Dogs?
When choosing the best raw dog food for a medium-sized dog, its breed, age, and health will determine its nutritional requirements. The six basic nutrients are proteins, water, fats, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The best raw dog food for medium-sized dogs must contain at least the essential nutrients in the dog’s regular diet to maintain overall health. Two of the best raw dog foods suitable for most medium-sized dogs are listed below.
- Tiki Dog Frozen Dog Food: Tiki Dog Raw Beef, Beef Liver & Beef Bone Broth Grain-Free Puree Frozen Dog Food is ideal for medium-sized dogs. It is a meaty meal that your carnivorous canine will love because it contains raw beef, beef liver, and beef bone broth. It is grain-free and made with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial coloring or preservatives. The convenient resealable packaging allows you to maintain straight-from-the-source freshness.
- Sojos Complete Raw Made Easy Pork Pack: Packed with 27% protein and 15% fat in this Sojos freeze-dried food which delivers 378 calories per cup serving. It provides a complete and balanced diet for a medium-sized dog. The primary protein source is pork which has been freeze-dried, with added air-dried split peas which are a highly digestible carbohydrate. There are plenty of added vitamins and minerals for overall health and flaxseed for omega oils. It contains no cheap soy fillers and has no grains or gluten, and it is free from artificial colors and flavors.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Large Dogs?
The best raw dog foods for large breed canines are different from the formulas for medium and small dogs. The nutritional demands of big dogs should meet the special needs to support their different body structures. The ingredients should include nutrition to promote healthy, strong joints, from puppyhood through maturity. One of the most common problems in large breed dogs is hip dysplasia, a skeletal problem where the hip joints don’t form properly. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids will decrease joint inflammation and can help the dog’s body repair and strengthen tissues. Below are the top two raw dog food products for large breed dogs.
- Vital Essentials Wild Alaskan Salmon Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats: Packed with vital nutrients for large canine companions. Containing only fresh, wild Alaskan salmon, these chews provide essential nutrition and taste that dogs instinctively crave. A slow, 48-hour freeze-drying process locks in nutrients without cooking the raw meat and allows these treats to be safely and conveniently stored without refrigeration, perfect for treating your loyal canine companion.
- TruDog Feed Me Crunchy Munchy Gourmet Gobbler Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food: This is a meal packed with real, raw nutrition that is equally nutritious as it is delicious. Quality cuts of turkey and herring oil will aid digestion. Unlike a cooking process, the freeze-drying process locks in all the nutrients. This raw food also helps support a healthy immune system, teeth, and gums. It digests easily and is hypoallergenic to limit sensitive belly issues in large breed dogs.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Itchy Skin?
Itchy skin problems in dogs are more likely to improve by changing the dog’s diet to a limited ingredient program that can help with identifying the cause of the itching. Limited ingredient diets involve fewer ingredients, like only one protein, which makes raw diets the best way to identify ingredients that cause itchy skins and other allergic reactions in your canine companion.
However, note that veterinarians say only 10% of food allergies in dogs are caused by grain allergies. Therefore, a vet might recommend a raw diet instead, to learn the cause of the itchiness, and replace it with a safer option. If raw meals containing chicken cause allergic reactions, it will be immediately evident that another protein like beef might be a better option.
- Pawsome Raw FARMSTYLE SELECT – V28872 – 1KG: Pawsome Raw aims to reinvent how dog owners think about, approach, and meet their dogs’ nutrition requirements; especially how to improve the probability that pets live longer and healthier lives, free of allergies that cause itchy skins. Replacing kibble, and the starch it typically contains leads the way toward healthier gut bacteria, balanced blood sugar, and a better endocrine system.
- Rebel Raw Duck and Salmon Complete: Contains only natural ingredients, free of antibiotics and steroids, and added hormones. Ground bones deliver optimum levels of calcium and phosphorous and livers supply vitamins A, D, and iron. Salmon and salmon skin provides the most direct fish oil benefits, and they are packed with vitamins B6 and B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10. Salmon is frozen to kill parasites. This product will likely ease the discomfort of itchy skin and future allergies.
Like people, dogs can develop allergies to just about anything. If you don’t find any fleas or ticks and your dog still has itchy skin, you might be dealing with a food allergy of some sort. Before you start any treatment, it’s best to check with your vet to rule out what your dog might be allergic to.
What are the Best Chicken-Free Raw Dog Foods?
When choosing the best raw dog food for dogs with chicken-related sensitivities, careful consideration is necessary because animal protein is a vital ingredient in any dog’s diet. Chicken is the most prevalent protein in any dog food, mainly because it is the cheapest protein on the market. However, many dogs have allergic reactions to poultry, and their owners must find alternative diet options for their dogs. Below are two of the best chicken-free raw dog food options available.
- ACANA Freeze-Dried Food, Ranch-Raised Beef Recipe: This chicken-free freeze-dried beef recipe is perfect for dogs with chicken sensitivities. It is made from 90% quality ranch-raised beef protein and whole wild-caught mackerel. Additionally, it is infused with delicious bone broth. You can serve morsels or patties on their own or use them as a topper on your dog’s meal.
- Stella & Chewy’s Beef Heart Freeze-Dried Raw Treats: These single-ingredient snacks are made from beef hearts and nothing else for a bite that’s rich in protein and essential amino acids. The poultry-free, grain-free and gluten-free morsels are the perfect option for pets with food sensitivities and on limited-ingredient diets. Each raw snack can help support your canine companion’s healthy digestion, strong teeth, and gums, vibrant skin and coat, plus stamina and vitality. To top it all off, they’re made in the USA without the use of artificial ingredients for a treat you can trust.
Protein deficiency makes a dog vulnerable to developing health problems, like skin damage and hair loss, so the alternative to chicken dog food should be chosen with care.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Shih Tzu dogs?
When deciding on what is the best Shih Tzu food, it’s important to consider the canine anatomy and digestive system. Dogs’ digestive tracts have not significantly evolved from when they were undomesticated wolves, and are best suited to fresh, high-protein prey-based diets. This is called ‘species-appropriate nutrition’ and is what a natural, raw diet seeks to replicate.
- Complete Raw Lamb with Offal Formula: These perfectly crafted Complete Formula meals deliver the full spectrum of nutriment required to support the growth, development, and vitality of your Shih Tzu. Each and every ingredient is precisely balanced to supply optimum levels of all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs to truly thrive.
- CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Ancestral Fish Formula Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food: With CANIDAE Grain-Free Pure Ancestral Fish Formula, you don’t have to choose between salmon or whitefish, now your adult Shih Tzu dog can have them both. This protein-packed recipe contains 3.4 pounds of fish ingredients including salmon, whitefish, mackerel, tuna, and pollock. This freeze-dried kibble contains no grains, wheat, corn, potatoes, soy, red meat, or chicken. It contains a nutritional trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. As a bonus, each batch is raw-coated with freeze-dried raw salmon for an irresistible taste that even the finickiest Shih Tzus are sure to enjoy.
Shih Tzu puppies, adults, and seniors all have different nutritional needs. Therefore, the age of a Shih Tzu plays a significant role in raw dog food choice.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods to Prevent Tear Stains?
Choosing the best raw dog food is important, especially if the dog owner wants to avoid tear stains on a puppy’s face. Many people do not realize that those awful tear stains on the white faces of their Maltese or other fluffy dogs could be caused by the food they eat. Generally, cheap dog food doesn’t ensure long-term good health and is more likely to produce tear stains than high-quality options. Limited ingredient diets are recommended. Two of the best raw dog foods to prevent tear stains are listed below.
- Pro-Treat Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver: The benefits of Pro-Treat chicken liver treats go beyond great taste. You’ll find just one ingredient in these treats: human-grade, antibiotic-free chicken liver. Unlike other treats, Pro-Treats are nutritionally dense and packed with essential vitamin A. With the highest quality ingredients, delicious treats, and expert guidance, these pure, small-batch, gently processed dog treats help support a healthy digestive system with no genetically modified ingredients. As a bonus, this limited ingredient treat will help prevent tear stains.
- Rebel Raw Ground Venison: If your dog is suffering from food allergies and food sensitivities, choose a dog food that has no common food allergens like beef, chicken, egg, dairy, soy, corn, wheat, and cheap fillers. Also, choosing a single ingredient dog food might be the best way to deal with tear stains. Another good idea is to try other novel proteins like venison, salmon, turkey, and rabbit as the main ingredients and protein sources. Limited ingredients diets (LID) can help avoid food sensitivities and at the same time can help you easily identify ingredients that cause your dog’s allergies.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods with Glucosamine?
When choosing the best dog food for large breed dogs, noting that a significant percentage of dogs suffer arthritis due to degeneration of their joints as they age is essential. Fortunately, changing the dog’s diet to a raw dog food containing glucosamine could prevent the pup’s suffering. Glucosamine is a natural substance that helps to reduce arthritis pain in dogs as they age. Degeneration of joints can be prevented if the dog’s diet includes glucosamine through adulthood. Two of the best raw dog food products containing glucosamine are listed below.
- Chicken Feet for Dogs: All-natural chicken feet come skin-on and include the lower leg portion of the bird. The small size makes these snacks ideal for dogs to chew on. Naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, chicken feet can help your dog maintain joint health, and reduce joint pain caused by age or arthritis.
- Primal Beef Bone Broth: A hydrating, wholesome addition to any diet—plus beneficial nutrients to support joint health, digestion, and liver health. Bone broth has countless health benefits, and it’s loaded with glucosamine and other joint-supporting nutrients.
There are many natural ways to give dogs glucosamine for their joints without resorting to synthetic supplements or harmful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Gelatin aids the intestines and helps maintain a healthy gut and added organic turmeric serves as a natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifier herb. Suitable for dogs of all life stages. Available in easy-pour resealable pouches.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods with Pumpkin?
The best raw dog food with pumpkin can aid and regulate digestion and bring relief to dogs with digestive issues. Pumpkin also offers high-quality carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins to further benefit a dog’s nutrition. The bulk of the nutrition in pumpkin is dietary fiber and carbohydrates.
- Tucker’s Raw Frozen Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food, Pork, Bison & Pumpkin Formula: Tucker’s Complete & Balanced Pork-Bison-Pumpkin Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including the growth of large size dogs (70lbs or more as an adult). Made with 95% meat that is sourced exclusively from the USA, and with 5% all-natural pumpkin
A 3-in-1 product that can be used as a full diet, treat, or crumbled and used as a topper for picky dogs. Complete and balanced dog food for all life stages.
- Tiki Dog Raw Duck, Turkey Bone Broth & Pumpkin Grain-Free Puree Frozen Dog Food: This dog food contains raw duck, pumpkin, and turkey bone broth, making for a meaty meal that your carnivorous canine will love. This special recipe contains pumpkin fiber, which can help aid digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support hip and joint health. Plus, it’s grain-free and low in phosphorous. The convenient resealable packaging allows you to maintain straight-from-the-source freshness.
Pumpkin in grain-free dog food can not only help ease mild constipation but is also crucial for brain and eye development and provides all-around immune support.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dogs with Pancreatitis?
Choosing the best raw dog food for a pup with pancreatitis is crucial. Pancreatitis is a serious, painful condition. Feeding dogs a natural, raw food diet is very beneficial when treating pancreatitis. Raw, uncooked foods contain an abundance of live, active enzymes. These living enzymes help with the digestion process, and also reduce stress on the pancreas that is forced to produce additional enzymes to break down the food. This makes a raw food diet the best dog food for pancreatitis. Beef is an excellent source of easily digestible protein. Selecting a protein that’s naturally leaner, such as turkey, rabbit, or kangaroo, will also help limit the amount of fat your pet ingests.
- Original Kangaroo Dinner: The Original Kangaroo Dinner is exceptional for pets who are looking for a novel protein-based diet. This blend is mixed with high-quality pork organs and our signature green vegetables to provide necessary amino acids, nutrients, and minerals while being ideal for pets with sensitivities. Ingredients: kangaroo meat, pork heart, kangaroo bone, pork liver, kidney, and spleen. Also kale, spinach, parsley, and kelp.
- Juicy Beef Diet Patties – Frozen: The Juicy Beef Recipe contains the highest amount of protein. Along with the benefits these beef patties have for dogs with pancreatitis, there are many added benefits to feeding your dog the Juicy Beef Recipe: Low in fat (good for pets prone to weight gain), Low in cholesterol for good heart health, contains high levels of iron and zinc which promotes healthy skin and good reproductive health.
In severe cases, pancreatitis can affect the health of the liver and other neighboring organs. It is crucial to take your dog to your trusted veterinarian if you suspect pancreatitis.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Yorkies?
The Yorkshire “Yorkie” terrier dog can greatly benefit from raw food, a diet its ancestors survived on in the wild. Also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food), a raw diet is devoid of unhealthy fillers and additives, and is a healthy food option for Yorkies. You must gradually introduce your Yorkie to raw food so that it adjusts well to a nutritionally balanced diet.
- Exotic Complete Raw Pheasant Formula: An exceptionally nutritionally rich lean novel protein. As a game bird pheasants roam free and have access to an abundance of grass, nuts, seeds, and berries making their meat low-fat, highly nutritious, and super-tasty. A protein option ideal for Yorkies on elimination diets, with intolerances or sensitivities to more commonly farmed meats, or for owners who would simply like to treat their dog to a new delicious meal option.
- Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food: A better way to feed kibble, this high animal protein, boosted nutrition features bites of freeze-dried raw meat throughout. It’s made especially for small breeds like Yorkies to unlock their potential to thrive, by putting the benefits of raw nutrition into every bowl. Featuring cage-free chicken as the first ingredient, there’s an ideal balance of protein, fat, and calories to promote a healthy weight. There are also probiotics for digestive health, high levels of omegas for healthy skin and coat, plus plenty of antioxidants for immune health.
Unfortunately, the Yorkie breed is predisposed to health concerns such as collapsing tracheas, hypoglycemia, and dental issues. Thus, it is crucial to feed Yorkies a nutritionally balanced food developed specifically for their wellbeing.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
The best raw dog food for canines with sensitive stomachs would depend on the dog’s age, diet, health, and weight. For example, older dogs (7 years or more) and puppies are more likely to suffer digestive problems. Yorkies, Great Danes, and German Shepherds are more likely to be born with a sensitive stomach or develop one later in life.
A number of digestive conditions are also caused by food allergies. Ingredients that are low in quality (fillers, wheat, corn, etc.) can also cause chronic digestive issues and flare-ups. It may take you a while to find the perfect food recipe for your pup because of his sensitive stomach.
Following are raw dog foods that are suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and are highly rated by owners who have already given them to their dogs.
- Juicy Lamb Diet – Frozen Patties: Many dogs develop allergies to their dry and canned food over time, leaving their human parents frustrated trying to find a diet that will work for their canine companion. Oftentimes, feeding your pet a protein that they are not accustomed to eating may help. That’s why the Juicy Lamb Recipe is your best bet if you suspect a food allergy but are not sure which protein to try first. It will not only resolve stomach issues but the essential fatty acids are good for a dry, itchy, skin condition and for pets prone to weight loss. The low calcium and moderately low magnesium content are ideal for pets prone to bladder stones. High levels of iron and zinc will promote healthy skin and reproductive health.
- KB Complete – 1KG – Sensitive Sausage: This balanced mix contains muscle meat, organ meat, and bone, supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and salmon oil. This mix exclusively contains turkey, rabbit, and horse meat as a source of protein. These are protein types that are less prone than other sources of meat to cause allergic reactions amongst dogs. By adding vitamins and minerals, this mix contains all the nutrients that dogs need. Therefore, you don’t have to be afraid of any nutrient deficiencies.
Dogs can develop food sensitivities at all life stages, but age, size, and breed are a big part of a dog’s propensity to develop tummy issues.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for Picky Eater Dogs?
Finding the best raw dog food to tickle the tastebuds of a dog who is a picky eater could be frustrating. You can try different protein sources. Does your dog prefer beef or chicken? Neither? Then perhaps your pup would fancy a less popular choice, like venison or duck.
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust for Dogs: Perfect for picky eaters. Simply sprinkle on dry food or kibble for a boost of raw nutrition and taste. This product contains only the good stuff! 95% meat, organs, and bones plus organic fruits and veggies. Grain-free, Gluten-Free, and without binders. Adding any amount of raw food to your dog’s diet can improve appetite and digestion, provide relief from allergies, aid healthy teeth and gums and provide greater stamina and vitality and a healthy immune system.
- Stella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food: Based on the philosophy that dogs thrive on the same diet they would eat in the wild, this all-natural recipe makes it easy to feed your best friend only the best stuff. Made from sustainably-sourced ingredients and raw protein, this recipe starts with 95% grass-fed venison and lamb, organs, and bone, plus 100% certified-organic fruits and vegetables, offering the benefits of raw food nutrition with the convenience of freeze-dried preparation.
If you suspect your dog’s issues with food are more than just a picky palate—or if you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, it’s important to make an appointment with your vet.
What are the Best Raw Dog Foods for German Shepherds?
Choosing the best raw dog food for a German Shepherd dog is vital. Adult German Shepherds are known for their skin allergies and sensitive stomachs. This is the main reason why you need to pay close attention to the food that they are eating and create a special diet for them.
- Signature Blend Complete Turkey Patties for Dogs: This turkey blend is loaded with natural nutrients that help boost overall immune health for your favorite German Shepherd. The benefits of a complete turkey diet range from improved joint health, and organ function to a long vibrant life. Since 4-ounces per day feeds 10 lbs of pet, depending on your pet’s weight, just cut the patty in quarters, in half, or serve whole to make feeding easy
- Ziwi Peak Mackerel & Lamb Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food: This diet includes fresh meat, organs, bones, and green mussels for a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine for your German Shepherd’s joint health. It also contains high taurine levels to promote heart health. Using a gentle twin-stage air-drying process, they naturally preserve all the ingredients, which also eliminates pathogenic bacteria. There’s no need to rehydrate since the air-dried food contains more moisture than dry kibble—and because there’s also no need for preservatives, sugars, and glycerine, the food is safe, clean, and easy to handle. In fact, it’s just as nutritious and digestible as a completely raw diet, in the convenient form of air-dried.