Ever look at your dog’s food bowl and wonder if you’re giving your furry friend the absolute best? Many dog owners feel the same way. Choosing the right food can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to frozen raw dog food. You hear about the amazing benefits – shinier coats, more energy, better digestion – but then the questions pile up: Which brands are trustworthy? What ingredients actually matter? How do I even store this stuff safely?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and the fear of picking the wrong one for your beloved companion. You want a diet that truly supports their health, but the sheer volume of information can be paralyzing. This post cuts through the confusion. We are diving deep into the world of frozen raw dog food to give you clear, easy-to-understand answers.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what to look for in a quality raw food, how to transition your dog safely, and how to confidently choose a product that meets their specific needs. Ready to unlock a healthier, happier pup? Let’s explore the frozen aisle together!
Top Frozen Raw Dog Food Recommendations
No. 1
Team Dog Raw Frozen Dog Food | 65% Beef Muscle, Organ Meats, Herring & Green Tripe for Dogs | All Natural Grain Free Dog Food for Optimal Health, Digestion & Coat | 24 x 1lb Rolls
- COMPLETE & BALANCED PROTEIN POWERHOUSE: TEAM DOG's RAW dog food formula mirrors the ancestral diet of dogs, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet that modern dry food can't compete with. TEAM DOG RAW ensures the ideal balance of 65% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 25% organ meats and fish, for the most complete nutrition possible
- RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER FOR DRY KIBBLE: TEAM DOG RAW is a cost-effective, high-quality choice you and your dog will love. TEAM DOG RAW has even the pickiest eaters licking the bowl clean. This real meat dog food is perfect for augmenting your dog's mealtime. TEAM DOG promotes feeding 75% dry dog food or kibble with 25% raw. Always consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog's unique nutritional needs are met. Team Dog Raw is not suitable for puppies
- BETTER DIGESTION, FEWER SENSISTIVITIES: The combination of raw meat & green tripe for dogs in TEAM DOG RAW's blend has helped dogs with digestive issues. The 10% unwashed fatty tripe adds probiotics and enzymes for improved digestion, while organ meats like frozen beef heart, spleen and kidney support heart health with coenzyme Q10
- HEALTHIER JOINTS, SKIN & COAT: Herring is an excellent source of low fat protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beef liver is packed with vitamins A and B as well as essential minerals. These high quality ingredients support healthy skin, a glossy coat, and offer a boost in energy and overall vitality
- SUPERIOR, NO NONSENSE INGREDIENTS: While many raw dog food brands rely on fillers like grains or starches, TEAM DOG RAW is a grain free dog food that focuses on what matters – 100% raw meat, organ meats, and herring. This means no preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients, just pure nutrition your dog was meant to eat
No. 2
Nature's Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Whole Food Meal - Makes 18 Lbs Fresh Food with Muscle, Organ, Bone Broth, Whole Egg, Superfoods, Fish Oil Omega 3, 6, 9, Probiotics & Prebiotics (Beef)
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
No. 3
Maev Raw Dog Food, Better Than Freeze Dried Flash Frozen with Lean Beef Protein, Vitamin-Rich Organ Meat in Every Serving, Weight and Digestion Formulation, Adult Dogs, 10 Pounds (2 Packs) White
- Veterinary Formulated - Raw dog food made with human-grade, USDA, and AAFCO-approved beef ensures a biologically appropriate raw food diet, incorporating lean protein, vitamin-rich organ meat, and fresh produce into every bowl.
- No Mess or Prep Makes Mealtime Easy - Flash frozen for freshness (and to support plaque removal and dental hygiene), our food comes to your doorstep ready to eat - no mess, no prep, no thawing necessary. Simply open, pour, and serve.
- Benefits of Raw - A complete and balanced raw food diet is the healthiest, most natural way to feed our dogs. A growing body of scientific evidence points to the health benefits of raw food and to the dangers of commercial pet food manufacturing.
- Core Ingredients in Maev Raw Dog Food - USDA Beef, USDA Beef Liver & USDA Sweetbreads, Potato, Green Beans, Zucchini, Peanut Butter, Kale, Blueberries, Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Mineral Blend.
- Supplemented for weight and digestion - Chicory root and a blend of impactful probiotics are formulated to support gut health, digestive function, gas relief, and healthy bowel regularity.
No. 4
Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack) - Fresh Pet Food Made in USA, Grass-Fed Beef, Natural Dog Food Rolls, Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food
- ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD ROLL AND CAT FOOD ROLL: Raw Paws beef frozen dog food roll is made from 100% natural beef dogs and cats and even ferrets love! This single-protein cat food and dog food beef recipe has no preservatives, fillers or additives. High-protein grain free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat health, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your pet will love our raw frozen dog food and beef cat food!
- CAT FOOD AND DOG FOOD MADE IN USA ONLY: Our frozen raw dog food beef blend comes from grass fed beef sourced from Indiana family farms. We partner with local farmers to guarantee the best beef dog food and cat food made from healthy free-range cows raised in humane living conditions. When you feed your pet raw blend beef grain free dog food and cat food, you’re imitating your pet’s natural, species-appropriate diet, which helps your pet achieve optimal health, vibrancy, and longevity.
- NUTRIENT-DENSE ALL BEEF DOG FOOD AND CAT FOOD: Not only is our dog and cat food beef roll irresistible, our raw beef dog food has a blend of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ and 10% bone. Raw fresh dog food and cat food made from beef is rich in the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine, both of which are essential for cardiac health but are often lacking in pet food. High in iron, copper and zinc, our all natural beef raw food for dogs and cats has vitamins that are vital for health and vitality.
- EASY-TO-SERVE CAT AND DOG BEEF ROLL: Our 1-lb cat food and dog food log is super easy and convenient to handle, serve and store! Simply thaw the dog and cat tube food and serve as needed or partially thaw our frozen dog food and cat food in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions or form into cat food and dog food patties for future feedings. The convenient size of our grain free dog food roll also makes it simple to rotate proteins for all your pets.
- WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and strive to ensure that you and your pet are truly happy. Meeting your expectations is our top priority at Raw Paws Pet, Inc.
No. 5
Team Dog Raw Chicken for Dogs | High Protein, Flash-Frozen, Bone-in Raw Dog Food, Adults 1+ | Whole Carcass (Ground & Tubed) | USA Sourced & Made, No Additives | 5 x 5lb Refrigerated Dog Food Roll
- WHOLE CHICKEN CARCASS, GROUND & TUBED: Made from 100% free-range chicken carcass (including neck, liver & heart) for natural edible bone and organ nutrition – no heads, beaks, feathers, feet, guts, gizzards, or added solution. This raw dog food formula mirrors the ancestral diet of dogs, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet
- RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER FOR DRY KIBBLE: This real meat dog food is perfect for augmenting your dog's mealtime. TEAM DOG promotes feeding 75% dry dog food or kibble with 25% raw. Always consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog's unique nutritional needs are met. Team Dog Raw is not suitable for puppies
- FLASH FROZEN FRESHNESS: Processed in a dedicated poultry facility, where it's ground and tubed by hand, and flash-frozen to lock in freshness; prepared separately from beef and using the same sanitation protocols as those used in human consumption facilities to ensure purity
- HEALTHIER BONES & LEAN MUSCLES: The natural bone content is carefully maintained throughout our whole carcass processing. This whole food approach helps support strong bones, healthy teeth, lean muscle and overall vitality through natural nutrition
- SUPERIOR, NO NONSENSE INGREDIENTS: TEAM DOG RAW is a grain free dog food that focuses on what matters – 100% raw chicken. This means no preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients, just pure nutrition
No. 6
ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete, 100% Freeze Dried Raw Veterinarian Formulated Dog Food with Antioxidants Prebiotics and Amino Acids (1 Pound, Beef)
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
No. 7
Instinct FreshDried Bites, Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food, Grain Free - Real Beef, 25 oz. Bag
- UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FREEZE-DRIED RAW: 3x more real meat & nutrient-rich organs than Instinct Original Kibble, delivering high-quality animal protein for strong, lean muscles
- MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Never cooked and less processed than kibble to preserve ingredient integrity, nutrients, and deliver complete, balanced nutrition
- POWER OF RAW: Feeding raw supports lean muscles, strong bones, healthy digestion, immune health, improved energy & vitality, and a vibrant skin & coat
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with 85% meat & organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins & minerals; free from grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors & preservatives.
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
No. 8
Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (10-Count) - Fresh Pet Food Made in USA, Grass-Fed Beef Log, Natural Dog Food Rolls, Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food
- ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD ROLL AND CAT FOOD ROLL: Raw Paws beef frozen dog food roll is made from 100% natural beef dogs and cats and even ferrets love! This single-protein cat food and dog food beef recipe has no preservatives, fillers or additives. High-protein grain free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat health, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your pet will love our raw frozen dog food and beef cat food!
- CAT FOOD AND DOG FOOD MADE IN USA ONLY: Our frozen raw dog food beef blend comes from grass fed beef sourced from Indiana family farms. We partner with local farmers to guarantee the best beef dog food and cat food made from healthy free-range cows raised in humane living conditions. When you feed your pet raw blend beef grain free dog food and cat food, you’re imitating your pet’s natural, species-appropriate diet, which helps your pet achieve optimal health, vibrancy, and longevity.
- NUTRIENT-DENSE ALL BEEF DOG FOOD AND CAT FOOD: Not only is our dog and cat food beef roll irresistible, our raw beef dog food has a blend of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ and 10% bone. Raw fresh dog food and cat food made from beef is rich in the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine, both of which are essential for cardiac health but are often lacking in pet food. High in iron, copper and zinc, our all natural beef raw food for dogs and cats has vitamins that are vital for health and vitality.
- EASY-TO-SERVE CAT AND DOG BEEF ROLL: Our 1-lb cat food and dog food log is super easy and convenient to handle, serve and store! Simply thaw the dog and cat tube food and serve as needed or partially thaw our frozen dog food and cat food in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions or form into cat food and dog food patties for future feedings. The convenient size of our grain free dog food roll also makes it simple to rotate proteins for all your pets.
- WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and strive to ensure that you and your pet are truly happy. Meeting your expectations is our top priority at Raw Paws Pet, Inc.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Frozen Raw Dog Food
Switching your dog to a frozen raw food diet can seem like a big step. This guide helps you understand what to look for so you make the best choice for your furry friend. Raw food mimics what dogs ate in the wild. It offers great nutrition.
Key Features to Look For
Good raw food isn’t just about meat. You need a balanced meal. Look for these important features:
- Complete and Balanced: The food must meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). This means it has the right mix of muscle meat, organs, and bone.
- Meat Content: The primary ingredient should always be named meat (like chicken, beef, or turkey). Aim for high percentages of actual muscle meat.
- Variety of Proteins: A good rotation of different protein sources keeps your dog interested and provides a broader range of nutrients.
- No Fillers: Avoid foods with grains (like corn or wheat), artificial preservatives, or added sugars. These lower the quality.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Raw diets rely on whole, recognizable ingredients. Here is what should make up the meal:
Muscle Meat (The Base)
This is the main energy source for your dog. Chicken, beef, lamb, and fish are common choices. Always check that the label lists the specific animal source.
Organs (Nutrient Powerhouses)
Organs like liver, kidney, and heart are packed with vitamins. Liver is crucial for Vitamin A. These should make up about 10% of the total diet.
Bone (Natural Calcium)
Finely ground bone provides essential calcium and phosphorus. This supports strong teeth and bones. Never feed large, hard bones at home, as they can cause choking or damage teeth. Commercial raw food grinds the bone safely.
Optional Additions
Many premium brands include healthy extras like fish oil (for Omega-3s), vegetables (like carrots or spinach for fiber), and supplements like kelp.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the food is prepared and sourced heavily affects its quality.
Quality Boosters:
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients are fit for human consumption, they are usually higher quality.
- Ethical Sourcing: Knowing where the animals were raised (e.g., grass-fed, free-range) often indicates better overall nutrition.
- Flash Freezing: This process locks in nutrients immediately after preparation, keeping the food fresh until you thaw it.
Quality Reducers:
- By-Products: While some by-products are fine, overly processed or vague “meat by-products” usually mean lower quality cuts.
- Excess Water: If the food feels very watery, you are paying for extra moisture, not nutrients.
- Poor Handling: If the packaging is damaged or the food thaws and refreezes, harmful bacteria can grow.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using frozen raw food is simple once you get the hang of it. Proper storage and feeding routines make the experience smooth.
Storage and Thawing:
You must keep the food frozen solid until you need it. Most owners thaw one day’s worth of food in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw raw food on the counter at room temperature, as this encourages bacterial growth.
Use Cases:
- Transitioning: If your dog is new to raw food, start slowly. Mix a small amount of raw with their old kibble for a week.
- Portion Control: Raw food usually comes in pre-portioned patties or tubs. This makes calculating daily calories very easy.
- Travel: For short trips, you can use a small, high-quality cooler with ice packs. For longer trips, look for reputable raw food suppliers who offer freeze-dried options that only require water.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Frozen Raw Dog Food
Q: Is frozen raw food safe from bacteria?
A: Reputable manufacturers use strict safety protocols, like High-Pressure Processing (HPP), to reduce pathogens. Proper handling in your home (keeping it frozen and thawing safely) is also key.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: Generally, adult dogs eat about 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight daily. Puppies need more, closer to 5% to 10%.
Q: Do I need to add supplements if I buy a complete mix?
A: No. If the label states it is “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO standards, no extra vitamins are needed.
Q: Can I mix raw food with dry kibble?
A: It is generally better not to mix them in the same meal. Raw food digests much faster than kibble. Mixing can cause digestive upset.
Q: What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
A: Start with a single, novel protein source (like duck or rabbit) that your dog has never eaten before. This helps identify any potential allergens easily.
Q: Does raw food smell bad?
A: Fresh, properly handled raw food smells like raw meat—like a butcher shop. If it smells sour or rotten, throw it out.
Q: How long can thawed raw food stay in the fridge?
A: Once fully thawed in the refrigerator, most raw food is good for three to four days.
Q: Is it expensive compared to kibble?
A: Yes, frozen raw food is often more expensive upfront because it uses higher quality ingredients.
Q: What should I look for on the ingredient list first?
A: Look for the specific source of meat listed first, like “Beef” or “Turkey,” not vague terms like “Meat Meal.”
Q: Can I cook the raw food if I am worried?
A: You can, but cooking raw food destroys many of the beneficial enzymes and vitamins that make the raw diet healthy. If you must cook, it is better to choose a cooked commercial diet.