Does your dog gobble down their kibble but still seem… just okay? You want the absolute best for your furry best friend, but navigating the world of dog food can feel like a maze. Especially when you hear about the benefits of raw, frozen diets. It sounds natural and healthy, right? But then you face the confusion: which brand is truly good? How do you even thaw it safely? You worry about getting it wrong and making your pup sick, or spending too much money on something that isn’t worth it.
This is where we step in. We understand those worries keep you up at night. Choosing the perfect raw frozen dog food doesn’t have to be a guessing game filled with stress. By the end of this post, you will clearly understand the top contenders in the market, know what ingredients truly matter, and feel confident serving a meal that fuels your dog’s best life.
Get ready to ditch the doubt and unlock the secrets to selecting the best raw frozen dog food for your happy, healthy companion. Let’s dive into what makes these frozen meals a game-changer!
Top Raw Frozen Dog Food Recommendations
- 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.
- UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FRESHDRIED 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 and nutrients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- CONVENIENT RAW FEEDING - The easiest way to feed raw as a meal, irresistible food topper, or high-quality treat.
- COMPLETE NUTRITION - Complete and balanced raw diet for dogs of all life stages.
- GREAT FOR PICKY EATERS - Extremely palatable and works as a meal or topper.
- PURPOSEFUL INGREDIENTS - No fillers, no artificial colors or preservatives.
- THE ORIGINAL RAW PET FOOD COMPANY: The nation's first commercially available raw pet food diet trusted since 1998.
- Clean Label Project Certified – Independently tested for over 100 contaminants to help ensure cleaner, safer food for your pet
- Healthy and Natural Fresh Dog Food
- High Quality Nutrition from Natural U.S. Beef and Veggies You Can See
- Gently Steam Cooked to Lock in Essential Nutrients
- Supports Healthy Digestion with High Quality, Easily Digestible Ingredients
- RAW, NEVER COOKED NUTRITION: Unlike cooked frozen food, this recipe is never heat-processed to help preserve essential nutrients and natural flavor, with no cheap fillers like white rice or pasta
- VET-FORMULATED FOR TOTAL HEALTH: Developed by board-certified veterinarians to support lean muscles, strong bones, healthy digestion, vibrant skin & coat, plus overall energy and vitality
- PICKY EATER APPROVED: Crafted with real, high-quality ingredients for a crave-worthy flavor dogs love, in a compact, easy-open package for convenient, mess-free feeding
- RESPONSIBLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS: Made with chicken raised without antibiotics or added hormones plus non-GMO fruits and vegetables, with no artificial additives or preservatives
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Raw Frozen Dog Food
Switching your dog to a raw frozen diet can be exciting. This food mimics what dogs ate in the wild. It can offer great health benefits. But choosing the right brand takes care. Use this guide to make the best choice for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for raw frozen dog food, check these important things first.
1. Complete and Balanced Nutrition
The food must meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. This means the food has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Look for a label that says “Complete and Balanced for all life stages” or a specific stage like “growth” or “maintenance.”
2. Proper Meat-to-Bone-to-Organ Ratio
A healthy raw diet needs the right mix. Most experts suggest a ratio close to 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% secreting organs (like liver and kidney). This balance provides calcium and essential nutrients.
3. Variety in Protein Sources
Dogs benefit from different protein sources. Good brands offer blends like beef, chicken, turkey, or even novel proteins like venison or lamb. Rotating proteins can help prevent food sensitivities.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What is inside the bag matters most. You want high-quality, recognizable ingredients.
Muscle Meat
This should be the first ingredient listed. Look for whole cuts of meat, not just meat meal. Chicken, beef, and fish are common choices.
Organs
Organs are powerhouses of vitamins. Liver is crucial, but kidney and spleen should also be present. These should make up about 10% of the total diet.
Edible Bone
Bone provides calcium and phosphorus. Brands should use ground bone, not bone meal. Bones give your dog essential crunch and nutrients.
Vegetables and Fruits (Optional but Helpful)
Some commercial raw diets include small amounts of vegetables like carrots, spinach, or blueberries. These add antioxidants and fiber. However, dogs do not require a large amount of plant matter.
Factors That Affect Quality
Not all raw food is created equal. Some manufacturing choices improve quality, while others reduce it.
Factors That Improve Quality
- HPP (High-Pressure Processing): Many reputable companies use HPP to kill harmful bacteria without using high heat. Heat sterilization destroys vital nutrients.
- Human-Grade Ingredients: Using ingredients fit for human consumption usually means higher standards throughout the process.
- Minimal Processing: The less the food is altered from its natural state, the better.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Fillers: Watch out for added grains (like corn or wheat) or excessive starchy vegetables. Raw diets should be low in carbohydrates.
- High Levels of Supplements: If a recipe requires many added synthetic vitamins, it might mean the base ingredients are not balanced enough.
- Inconsistent Sourcing: Poor quality control in sourcing meat can lead to inconsistent nutrient levels.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you feed the food impacts your daily routine.
Ease of Use
Most raw food comes in pre-portioned patties or chubs. This makes feeding simple. You just thaw the required amount overnight in the refrigerator. Make sure the packaging is easy to open and resealable if you are only using part of a large package.
Storage and Thawing
You need freezer space for this type of food. Plan ahead for thawing. A common use case is thawing one day’s worth of food in the fridge the night before feeding. Never thaw raw food at room temperature, as this allows bacteria to grow.
Best Use Cases
- Dogs with Allergies: Raw diets often help dogs who react poorly to common proteins or grains in kibble.
- Active or Working Dogs: The high protein and fat content supports high energy needs.
- Owners Seeking Optimal Health: Many owners report shinier coats and better digestion after switching.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Frozen Dog Food
Q: Is raw frozen dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Reputable brands often use High-Pressure Processing (HPP) to reduce harmful bacteria. However, all raw meat carries some risk. You must practice safe kitchen hygiene when handling it, just like you would with raw chicken for yourself.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: This depends on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. A general starting point is feeding about 2% to 3% of your dog’s ideal body weight per day, split into two meals.
Q: Do I need to add anything else to the raw diet?
A: If you buy a product labeled “Complete and Balanced,” you should not need to add anything. If you are making a homemade raw diet, you absolutely must consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balance.
Q: Can puppies eat raw frozen food?
A: Yes, puppies can eat raw food, provided the formula is specifically labeled as “Complete and Balanced for Growth.” Puppies have very specific calcium needs for bone development.
Q: How long does the food last once thawed?
A: Once fully thawed in the refrigerator, most raw food is safe to feed within 2 to 4 days. Always check the manufacturer’s specific guidelines.
Q: Why is raw food so expensive?
A: The cost reflects the use of higher-quality, whole-meat ingredients rather than cheaper fillers and meals. Proper handling and processing (like HPP) also add to the price.
Q: Do I need to supplement with calcium if I buy a complete recipe?
A: No. If the label says it is balanced, the calcium and phosphorus levels are correct, usually supplied by the ground bone content.
Q: Can I mix raw food with dry kibble?
A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same meal. Raw and kibble digest at different rates, which can sometimes cause digestive upset.
Q: What if my dog has diarrhea after starting raw food?
A: This is common during the transition. Slow down the switch! Gradually increase the amount of raw food over 7 to 10 days while decreasing the old food. If it continues, you might need to try a different protein source.
Q: How should I store unopened bags of raw food?
A: Keep it in the freezer. Raw food should remain frozen until you are ready to thaw the portion you plan to use in the next few days.