Have you ever looked at your dog’s kibble and wondered if there’s a better, more natural way to feed them? Many pet owners feel this way. They want vibrant health for their furry friends, but the world of raw dog food can feel confusing and even a little scary. Should you choose BARF, Prey Model, or a complete mix?
Navigating ingredients, sourcing safe meats, and ensuring complete nutrition are major hurdles. You worry about balancing meals correctly or whether you are actually helping your dog thrive. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to move away from traditional processed foods.
This post cuts through the noise. We will break down the basics of raw feeding into simple, easy-to-understand steps. You will learn exactly what your dog needs to thrive on a raw diet, how to start safely, and which common myths to ignore.
Ready to unlock better energy, shinier coats, and improved digestion for your best friend? Let’s dive into the essentials of feeding your dog the raw diet they were born to eat.
Top Raw Dog Foods Recommendations
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEART DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- 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.
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- CHICKEN RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein from cage-free chicken, this recipe supports lean muscles, energy, and vitality. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a meal your dog will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, and apples- no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support a strong immune system and healthy skin & coat.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens to help support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- BEEF RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein and grass-fed beef, this recipe delivers protein-rich nutrition to help maintain muscle health and support sustained energy. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal your pup will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and kale—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and overall wellness.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens to help support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
- HUMANELY SOURCED POULTRY - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey, this flavorful recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with non-GMO grains, fruits, and veggies.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Protein packed, nutrient dense kibble combined with 100% raw freeze-dried lamb pieces for a crave worthy savory dog food; with optimal protein levels, high fiber and calorie content your dog needs to thrive.
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of meat, this dog food is made with high quality protein ingredients.
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH AND HEALTHY COAT: Contains guaranteed levels of glucosamine for strong joints, probiotics for digestive health, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. Manufactured in a facility that also processes grains.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; we craft delicious natural recipes with wholesome ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
- EXCEPTIONAL FOR PICKY EATERS – Consistently entices even the most finicky dogs to eat when other foods fail – our freeze-dried raw patties deliver irresistible taste that transforms mealtime for selective dogs.
- VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS – Perfect as complete meals, crumbled food toppers, or high-value training treats – ideal for puppies and adult dogs with options to serve dry or rehydrated with water.
- 95% GRASS-FED BEEF & ORGANS – Premium freeze-dried raw nutrition with whole-prey approach delivers muscle-building protein, enhanced digestibility, and natural nutrients that support coat, skin, and overall health.
- BALANCED NUTRITION FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – Complete and balanced diet for growing puppies and adult dogs with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat – free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
- MADE IN USA WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS – Small-batch production with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, responsibly-sourced ingredients, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – trusted by thousands of pet parents.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Raw Dog Food
Switching your dog to a raw food diet can bring amazing benefits, but it also means making smart choices. This guide helps you pick the best raw food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at raw dog food packages, a few things really stand out. These features tell you if the food is good quality and balanced for your dog.
1. Nutritional Balance (The Complete Meal)
- AAFCO Statement: Make sure the label says the food meets the nutritional levels set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). This means it has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.
- Meat-to-Bone Ratio: Good raw food mimics what dogs eat in the wild. Look for a good mix of muscle meat, secreting organs (like liver), and ground bone. Too much bone can cause issues.
2. Variety of Protein Sources
- A healthy diet uses different proteins. Chicken, beef, turkey, and sometimes fish are great. Rotating these proteins keeps your dog interested and provides a wider range of nutrients.
3. Ingredient Transparency
- You should easily see where the ingredients come from. “Meat” is vague. “Grass-fed beef muscle” is specific and better.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
Raw food should be simple. High-quality ingredients make a big difference in your dog’s coat, energy, and digestion.
Muscle Meat
This is the main part of the meal. It provides essential amino acids for strong muscles. Look for whole cuts, not just scraps.
Organs (The Nutrient Powerhouse)
Organs, especially liver and kidney, are packed with vitamins A, D, and B vitamins. They should make up about 10% of the total diet.
Ground Bone
Bone provides necessary calcium and phosphorus. It must be ground finely to prevent choking or internal damage. Never give whole cooked bones.
Optional Additions
Some brands add safe vegetables (like carrots or spinach) or healthy fats (like fish oil). These offer fiber and extra nutrients. Check the ingredient list to ensure these extras do not replace necessary meat or organs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all raw food is made the same. How the food is processed and sourced heavily affects its quality.
Quality Boosters:
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients are fit for human consumption, they are usually higher quality.
- Flash-Frozen: Freezing the food quickly after preparation locks in nutrients better than slow freezing methods.
Quality Reducers:
- Fillers: Watch out for grains, corn, wheat, or too many starchy vegetables. Dogs do not need these in large amounts in a raw diet.
- Ethoxyquin or Preservatives: Raw food should not need chemical preservatives. If you see them, put the food back.
- Poor Sourcing: Meat from factory farms often contains antibiotics or hormones, which you want to avoid for your pet.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you feed raw food affects your daily life. Consider your feeding style.
Convenience vs. Customization
- Pre-Made Patties/Grinds: These are the easiest. You just thaw and serve. They are perfect for busy owners or beginners.
- DIY Components: Some owners buy bulk muscle meat, separate organs, and bone meal to mix themselves. This offers maximum control but takes significant time and research.
Storage and Thawing
Raw food requires freezer space. Plan ahead! Most food thaws safely overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw raw food at room temperature, as bacteria can grow quickly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Dog Food
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for on the label?
A: You must look for an AAFCO statement confirming it is complete and balanced, and a good ratio of muscle meat, organs, and ground bone.
Q: Is raw food always safer than kibble?
A: Raw food carries a slight risk of bacteria like Salmonella, just like any raw meat product. Safe handling, like washing your hands and bowls, is very important.
Q: What is the most important ingredient?
A: Muscle meat is the most important ingredient because it supplies necessary protein for your dog’s energy and body structure.
Q: Should I worry about bones in the food?
A: If the food is commercially prepared, the bones should be ground very finely. You should never give your dog large, hard bones that can splinter.
Q: Can I mix raw food with my dog’s dry kibble?
A: Most experts say no. Raw food digests much faster than kibble. Mixing them can slow down the digestion of the raw food, which might cause stomach upset.
Q: How do I know if the quality is high?
A: High quality means the ingredients are human-grade, clearly labeled, and the food is flash-frozen shortly after being made.
Q: My dog has allergies. Can raw food help?
A: Yes. Raw diets often use novel proteins (like duck or venison) that your dog has never eaten before, which can reduce allergic reactions common with chicken or beef in kibble.
Q: How much space do I need in my freezer?
A: You need enough freezer space to store at least one to two weeks’ worth of food, depending on your dog’s size. Bigger dogs need more space.
Q: What are signs that the raw food is NOT working for my dog?
A: Signs include excessive gas, very soft or smelly stool, or skin issues. These might mean the protein source or the bone/organ ratio needs adjusting.
Q: Is feeding raw food very expensive?
A: Generally, yes, raw food costs more than standard dry kibble. However, some owners find their vet bills decrease over time because of better overall health.