Does your dog sometimes seem less energetic or have a dull coat? Many dog owners feel frustrated when their beloved pets don’t seem to be thriving, even with regular food. You might wonder if there’s a better way to nourish them, something closer to what nature intended.
That’s where raw meat dog food, often called a BARF diet, comes into the picture. It’s a hot topic, but navigating the world of raw feeding can feel overwhelming. Should you worry about bacteria? How do you balance the bones and organs? These questions stop many owners from even trying this popular approach.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the real benefits of feeding raw, explain the essential components you need for a balanced meal, and give you the confidence to start safely. Get ready to discover how raw feeding can transform your dog’s health from the inside out.
Top Raw Meat Dog Food Recommendations
- REAL HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY BEEF - Imagine a bowl filled with air dried dog food made with real human grade quality beefy goodness. This high protein dog food will have your pup's tail thumping with joy. It's not just real meat air dried dog food; it's a meaty party for their taste buds, crafted with care
- NO MORE GRAINS OR PESKY ADDITIVES - Our beef dry dog food small bites are gentle on the tummy making it perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. No fillers, coloring, or artificial additives. Just pure wholesome, all-natural real meat dog food
- GENTLY AIR-DRIED TO PAW-FECTION - Real Meat's secret air-drying process seals in the goodness, making every bite a punch of flavor and nutrition. This premium & nutritious beef dog food is perfectly bite-sized, making meal time something to look forward to
- COMPLETE & BALANCED FOR EVERY PUP - Whether it's a full meal or just a topper, these dog food dry bites offer a delicious, holistic feast with vital vitamins and minerals. Perfect for dogs of all life stages and breeds, including puppies, adults, seniors, and small to large dog breeds
- CRAFTED IN THE U.S. OF YAY - Ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches our holistic dog food is as premium, as it is affordable. Made with beef sourced from free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, and utterly happy cows straight from the USA & New Zealand
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- Love Is Raw: Our Raw Coated dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat
- Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your dog will love: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat — perfect for dogs with poultry allergies
- Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 89% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, cartilage and organ meat such as beef kidney
- Grain-Free: Easy for dogs of all life stages to digest, our nutritious, grain-free recipe has NO unnecessary fillers and only the finest ingredients
- Supports Whole Body Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, our Raw Coated formula helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health
- 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.
- 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: Diving into Raw Dog Food
Switching your dog to a raw diet can feel big. Raw meat dog food offers many benefits, mimicking what dogs ate in the wild. This guide helps you choose the best raw food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
Nutritional Completeness
Your dog needs a balanced diet. Look for raw foods labeled as “complete and balanced.” This means the food meets standards set by organizations like AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). A complete diet has the right mix of muscle meat, organs, and bone.
Variety of Protein Sources
Dogs thrive on different proteins. Good quality raw food offers several options: chicken, beef, turkey, or even novel proteins like duck or venison. Variety helps prevent food sensitivities. Always check the primary ingredient list.
Appropriate Form Factor
Raw food comes in different forms. Some people prefer pre-made patties or nuggets. Others like ground meat mixes or DIY components. Choose the format that fits your freezer space and daily routine best.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The quality of ingredients directly impacts your dog’s health. Focus on what the food contains.
- Muscle Meat: This is the main part of the diet. Look for human-grade meat when possible.
- Organs: Liver, kidney, and spleen provide essential vitamins. They should make up about 10% of the meal.
- Edible Bone: Bone provides calcium and phosphorus. It should be ground fine in commercial mixes.
- Vegetables/Fruits (Optional but helpful): Small amounts of safe veggies add fiber and antioxidants.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters
High-quality raw food uses whole, recognizable ingredients. Food that lists specific cuts of meat (like “chicken thigh” instead of just “meat byproduct”) usually signals better quality. Freezing methods also matter; flash-frozen foods retain more nutrients.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
Be cautious of raw foods containing fillers. Avoid excessive carbohydrates like grains or starchy vegetables, as dogs do not need many of these in a raw diet. Also, be wary of foods that rely heavily on synthetic vitamin supplements rather than whole food sources for nutrients.
Another factor to watch is sourcing. Raw food made from factory-farmed animals might carry more contaminants. Look for brands transparent about where they source their meat.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Use
For busy owners, pre-portioned frozen chubs or patties simplify feeding time. You just thaw and serve. If you prefer total control, buying bulk ground meat and balancing it yourself is an option, but this requires more research.
Common Use Cases
Raw food is often chosen for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to common kibble ingredients. Many owners report shinier coats and better digestion after switching. It is also popular for performance or working dogs needing high-energy, easily digestible meals.
Remember to transition your dog slowly to raw food. Sudden changes can upset their stomach. Always consult your veterinarian before making major diet changes.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Meat Dog Food
Q: Is raw dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Reputable raw food manufacturers use strict safety standards, including high-pressure processing (HPP) or proper sourcing, to reduce pathogens. However, basic kitchen hygiene (washing hands and surfaces) is always necessary, just like when preparing human raw meat.
Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?
A: Generally, dogs eat about 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight daily in raw food. This amount changes based on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism. Always follow the specific brand’s feeding guidelines initially.
Q: Do I need to add supplements to complete raw food?
A: If you buy food labeled “complete and balanced,” no extra major supplements are needed. If you feed a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) diet, you must add a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement to prevent deficiencies.
Q: Can I mix raw food with my dog’s dry kibble?
A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same meal. Raw food digests faster than kibble. Mixing can cause the kibble to sit in the stomach longer, potentially causing digestive upset.
Q: What is the difference between commercial raw and homemade raw?
A: Commercial raw food is pre-balanced to meet AAFCO standards. Homemade raw requires you to carefully calculate ratios of meat, bone, organs, and supplements to ensure nutritional completeness.
Q: Why is raw food often more expensive than kibble?
A: Raw food uses higher-quality, less processed ingredients, often including whole muscle meats and organs. The manufacturing process (like flash-freezing) also adds to the cost.
Q: What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
A: Start with a single-source protein that is easy to digest, like chicken or turkey. Introduce it very slowly over several weeks to allow the gut flora to adjust.
Q: Does raw food cause bad breath?
A: Often, raw food helps *improve* bad breath because the chewing action required for bones and whole meat helps naturally clean the teeth. Poor dental hygiene is usually the main cause of dog breath.
Q: How long does thawed raw food last in the refrigerator?
A: Thawed raw food typically stays safe in the refrigerator for two to three days. Always keep it sealed and stored on the bottom shelf to prevent drips onto other foods.
Q: Are bones safe in commercial raw food?
A: Yes. In ground raw mixes, the bones are ground finely into a powder consistency, providing calcium without posing a choking hazard. Whole raw recreational bones should only be given under supervision.