Bite into Better Health Unveiling Top Raw Dog Food Choices

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

A Guide to Healthy Eating: Strategies, tips, and recipes to help you make better food choices

Discover the Foods that Fight Disease and Help You Achieve Better Health!

The foods you eat have the power to help you live a longer, healthier life. Choose the right foods and youll fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to prevent nearly every disease and dysfunction from cataracts, infertility, and neurodegenerative conditions to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

But just as the right foods can help your health, the wrong foods (think: processed) can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

To help you fill your plate with the healthiest foods, Harvard medical experts created A Guide to Healthy Eating: Strategies, tips, and recipes to help you make better food choices. This Special Health Report uses the latest information from the nations top nutrition experts to bring you the well-researched, specific recommendationsthat have the potential to make you stronger and healthier.

For example, youll discover:

Harvards 6 simple steps to healthy eating
How processing can destroy nutrients like vitamins B and C
Why oranges are a healthier choice than orange juice
4 ways to turn your favorite recipes into veggie-filled dishes
How to spot high fiber foods that arent that healthy
7 reasons your body needs (healthy) fats
Why you may need more protein as you age

Youll get the inside scoop on nutrition myths that can harm your health such as, saturated fats are no longer bad for you ... coconut oil is a veritable cure-all ... you should eliminate carbs from your diet ... meats are the only source of complete proteins ... and dozens more.

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Why you may want to cut back on eggs if you have diabetes
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About the mineral that helps lower risk of colon cancer
Why supplements wont boost your health as much as whole foods
How to tell if a fruit or vegetable is likely loaded with healthy plant chemicals
What every health conscious person needs to know about antioxidants

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Make sure youre making the right food choices for your good health. Order your copy of A Guide to Healthy Eatingtoday.

Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publishing with faculty editorTeresa Fung, ScD, RD, LDN,Adjunct Professor, Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health,Professor of Nutrition,Simmons College,Nutrition Editor Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN, and Recipe Developer Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN.53pages. (2023)

Best Raw Dog Foods

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 16, 2024

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

A raw dog food diet is designed to mimic a dogs natural ancestral menu. The whole concept of raw feeding is based upon a dogs instinctive carnivorous bias a built-in desire to capture (or find) and eat another animal.

As unsavory as it may seem, it is completely natural for a wolf to consume the entire animal.

Meat, bones, organs and all.

As direct descendants of wolves, dogs are simply not genetically optimized to consume the 50% carbohydrate content of todays commercial kibbles.

So, how do these diets compare?

The Ancestral Diet Compared to Dry Kibble

No one can argue the dry baked pellets we call dog food arent convenient. Yet the nutrient profile of a dry kibble is nowhere near the nutrient content of a dogs ancestral diet.

Notice the higher carbohydrate content of the kibble compared to the dogs natural ancestral diet. Or how about the dramatically lower protein and fat levels?

The Benefits of a Raw Diet

Feeding a raw dog food diet has many notable benefits

Firmer stools
Improved digestion
Healthier skin and coat
Reduced allergy symptoms
Better weight management

There have been many reports of improved health when chronically ill pets were switched from a commercial product to a raw dog food.

The Downside of a Raw Dog Food Diet

A raw dog food diet cant touch the convenience of a kibble. Just measure and pour. It just doesnt get any easier.

Yet besides the lack of convenience, theres another critical issue. Bacterial contamination.

Salmonella and E. coli germs can always be a potential problem with raw meats. Yet the risk of food-borne disease is actually quite low.

That is, low risk for dogs. But not for humans.

Thats because a dogs digestive system is shorter and more acidic.

Which makes canine infections like these fairly rare.

The real risk of food-borne disease is actually greater for a dogs human caretakers not the dog.

Yet with proper care and handling, this risk can be dramatically reduced.

How to Use Our List

Below youll find a list of the Advisors suggested raw dog foods. Of course, this list should not be considered a complete catalog of all the raw dog foods on the market.

For there are others. Many others.

We only provide this small group as a starting point.

As a matter of fact, if you know of a specific dog food you believe we should have included on this list, please feel free to share your recommendations in the Comments section below.

Or if youre looking for some suggestions yourself, be sure to look through our readers Comments to find more good ideas.

Best Raw Dog Foods

Best Frozen Raw Dog Food: Top 8 Brands for Optimal Canine Health

Frozen raw dog food is becoming an increasingly popular choice for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a healthy, balanced diet. Unlike traditional kibble, frozen raw dog food is made from real, whole ingredients that are minimally processed, providing dogs with the nutrients they need to thrive.

When it comes to choosing the best frozen raw dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, its important to choose a brand that uses high-quality ingredients, free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and other harmful additives. Second, youll want to consider the specific nutritional needs of your dog, such as their age, breed, and activity level, to ensure that the food you choose is tailored to their unique requirements.

We spent hours researching and testing various brands of frozen raw dog food to identify the best options on the market. In this article, well share our top picks for the best frozen raw dog food, based on factors like ingredient quality, nutritional value, and overall taste and texture. Whether youre new to the world of frozen raw dog food or are simply looking to switch up your dogs diet, weve got you covered.

Best Frozen Raw Dog Food

We all want to provide our furry friends with the best nutrition possible, and feeding them a raw food diet has become increasingly popular. Not only is it a more natural way of eating for dogs, but it can also improve their overall health and well-being. However, preparing raw food can be time-consuming and messy. Thats where frozen raw dog food comes in. Weve researched and tested various options to bring you our top picks for the best frozen raw dog food on the market.

1. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food

If you want to give your dog the best nutrition with a raw food diet, then we highly recommend the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food.

Pros

Upgrade from kibble to freeze-dried raw for better nutrition and guaranteed mealtime excitement
Raw foods are never cooked, preserving the integrity of the ingredients and their nutrients
Made with the pure, real nutrition of raw, minimally processed, and protein-packed ingredients

Cons

Some pet owners may find the cost of raw dog food to be higher than traditional kibble
Raw food requires more preparation and storage than kibble
Some dogs may take time to adjust to raw food if they are used to kibble

We have been using Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food for a while now and have seen a significant improvement in our dogs overall health and energy levels. The food is made with real meat and whole food ingredients, without any artificial colors or preservatives. Our dog loves the beef flavor, and we love that it is made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.

The freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients and flavors of the raw ingredients, making it a healthier and tastier option for dogs. The food is also easy to prepare simply add water and wait for a few minutes before serving.

One thing to keep in mind is that raw food requires more preparation and storage than kibble. You will need to thaw the food before serving and store it properly to prevent spoilage. Additionally, some dogs may take time to adjust to raw food if they are used to kibble.

Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Dog Food for pet owners who want to give their dogs the best nutrition possible. It may require a bit more effort and investment, but the health benefits are well worth it.

2. Raw Paws Pet Signature Blend Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food, Chicken Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack)

If youre looking for a healthy and nutritious raw diet for your furry friend, Raw Paws Pet Signature Blend Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food, Chicken Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack) is a great option.

Pros

Follows 80/10/10 rule
Made with free-range chicken
Easy to serve and store

Cons

May not be suitable for pets with allergies
Needs to be thawed before serving
Some pets may not like the taste

This natural chicken dog food and chicken cat food follow the 80/10/10 rule imitating your pets natural, species-appropriate diet, providing all the protein, vitamins, and minerals your pet needs. Raw Paws chicken dog food roll is made with free-range raw chicken, sourced from chickens humanely raised on local Indiana family farms, and contains no preservatives or additives. Moreover, this raw dog food and cat food is fully digestible, making it a great source of vitamin B6, which helps regulate digestion, and is free of unnecessary and unhealthy ingredients like fillers or byproducts.

Raw Paws dog and cat food chicken grain-free recipe is easy and convenient to handle, serve, and store! Simply thaw our soft chicken dog food and serve as needed or partially thaw in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions of this natural chicken cat food and dog food or form into patties for future feedings. Ideally sized chicken recipe dog food to make rotating proteins for your pets simple.

In conclusion, Raw Paws Pet Signature Blend Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food, Chicken Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack) is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a healthy and nutritious raw diet. However, if your pet has a sensitive stomach or is prone to allergies, it may not be the best choice for them.

3. Maev Raw Dog Food

We highly recommend Maev Raw Dog Food for pet owners looking to provide their dog with a balanced, biologically appropriate raw food diet.

Pros

Made with human-grade, USDA and AAFCO-Approved chicken
Formulated by veterinary nutritionists to follow a biologically appropriate raw food diet
Simple list of ingredients that are human-grade, flash frozen, and provide balanced, lifelong nutrition for your dog

Cons

More expensive than traditional kibble
Requires freezer space for storage
Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of raw food

Maev Raw Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients that are flash frozen for freshness and to support plaque removal and dental hygiene. This means that it comes ready to eat, with no mess or prep required.

The core ingredients of Maev Raw Dog Food include USDA Chicken, USDA Chicken Liver, USDA Chicken Gizzard, Potato, Green Beans, Zucchini, Blueberries, Kale, Peanut Butter, Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and a Mineral Blend. This formulation provides balanced, lifelong nutrition for your dog, while also supporting their fur, skin, joints, and overall immunity.

As a raw food diet, Maev Raw Dog Food offers a number of benefits over traditional kibble. A growing body of scientific evidence points to the health benefits of raw food and to the dangers of commercial pet food manufacturing (high temps, low ingredient quality standards, and little to no traceability).

Overall, we believe that Maev Raw Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to provide their dog with a healthy, balanced, and biologically appropriate diet.

4. Raw Paws Raw Signature Blend Grass-Fed Frozen Beef Raw Dog Food & Cat Food, 8-oz Patties, 20-lbs Made in USA Small-Batch Raw Raw Diet Frozen Dog Food Frozen Raw Cat Food Raw Food for Dogs

If you want to treat your pet to a high-quality, all-natural beef raw food, Raw Paws Raw Signature Blend Grass-Fed Frozen Beef Raw Dog Food & Cat Food is a great choice.

Pros

Made from 100% beef with no preservatives, fillers or additives
Made in USA only with grass-fed beef from Indiana family farms
Nutrient-dense with 80% muscle meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone

Cons

Some customers reported the product arrived unfrozen and not fresh
Some dogs experienced digestive issues after eating this product
Some picky eaters may not like the taste

Weve been feeding our dog Raw Paws Raw Signature Blend Grass-Fed Frozen Beef Raw Dog Food & Cat Food for a few weeks now, and were impressed with the quality of the product. Its made from 100% beef, which we love, and there are no preservatives, fillers or additives. Our dog seems to enjoy the taste, and weve noticed an improvement in his coat and overall health.

One thing to note is that some customers reported the product arrived unfrozen and not fresh. We didnt experience this issue ourselves, but its something to keep in mind. Additionally, some dogs experienced digestive issues after eating this product, so it may not be suitable for all pets. Finally, some picky eaters may not like the taste, so its worth trying a smaller quantity first before committing to a larger order.

Overall, were happy with Raw Paws Raw Signature Blend Grass-Fed Frozen Beef Raw Dog Food & Cat Food and would recommend it to other pet owners looking for a high-quality, all-natural beef raw food.

5. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food, 4 lb. Bag Beef 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If youre looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that is packed with protein and other essential nutrients, then you should definitely consider Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food.

Pros

Made with freeze-dried raw beef as the #1 ingredient
Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Contains probiotics and omega fatty acids for a healthy digestive system and skin/coat health

Cons

More expensive than some other dog foods on the market
Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried raw pieces
Contains peas, which some dogs may be allergic to

Our dogs absolutely love this food, and we love that its made with high-quality, real ingredients. The small kibble size is perfect for our small breed dogs, and the freeze-dried raw pieces add a nice texture and flavor that our dogs go crazy for. We also appreciate that this food includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as probiotics and omega fatty acids for a healthy digestive system and skin/coat health.

One downside to this food is that it is more expensive than some other dog foods on the market. However, we feel that the high-quality ingredients and benefits are worth the extra cost. Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried raw pieces, but we have not had any issues with our dogs not eating them. Finally, this food contains peas, which some dogs may be allergic to, so its important to keep that in mind if your dog has any food allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that is packed with protein and other essential nutrients.

6. Tuckers Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Beef & Pumpkin Formula 14oz

If youre looking for a high-quality raw dog food thats easy to prepare and made with all-natural ingredients, then Tuckers Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

Made with 95% meat sourced exclusively from the USA
3-in-1 product that can be used as a full diet, treat, or topper for picky dogs
Complete and balanced dog food for all life stages

Cons

Takes longer to rehydrate than advertised
Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
Expensive compared to other dog food options

We recently tried Tuckers Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The beef and pumpkin formula is made with 95% meat sourced exclusively from the USA, which is a big plus for us as responsible dog owners. We also appreciate that its a complete and balanced dog food that can be used for all life stages.

One of the things we like about Tuckers Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is that its a 3-in-1 product. You can use it as a full diet, a treat, or crumble it up and use it as a topper for picky eaters. This makes it a versatile option that can be used in a variety of ways.

However, we did find that it takes longer to rehydrate than the 2-3 minutes advertised on the packaging. It actually took closer to 10 minutes for the food to fully rehydrate, which can be a downside if youre in a hurry. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so its important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dogs reaction.

Overall, we would recommend Tuckers Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food for dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food thats easy to prepare and versatile. However, it is on the expensive side compared to other dog food options, so it may not be the best choice for everyone.

7. Tuckers Raw Frozen Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Pork, Bison & Pumpkin Formula 14oz

If youre looking for a high-quality frozen raw dog food, then Tuckers Raw Frozen Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

Made with 95% meat sourced exclusively from the USA
A 3-in-1 product that can be used as a full diet, treat, or crumbled and used as a topper for picky dogs
Rehydrates in just 2-3 minutes, making it simple and easy to serve

Cons

Some customers have reported that the nuggets can be hard and dry
The price point may be higher than some other frozen raw dog food options
The product is only available in one flavor (Pork Bison)

We recently tried Tuckers Raw Frozen Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fact that its made with 95% meat sourced exclusively from the USA is a big plus for us. We also appreciate that its a 3-in-1 product that can be used as a full diet, treat, or topper. This makes it a versatile option for picky eaters or dogs with dietary restrictions.

One thing to note is that some customers have reported that the nuggets can be hard and dry. We didnt experience this issue ourselves, but its something to keep in mind. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other frozen raw dog food options, but we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we would recommend Tuckers Raw Frozen Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food to any dog owner looking for a high-quality frozen raw dog food option. Its easy to prepare, made with quality ingredients, and versatile enough to suit a variety of dietary needs.

8. Maev Raw Dog Food

If youre looking for a healthy and natural way to feed your dog, then Maev Raw Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

Made with human-grade, USDA, and AAFCO-approved beef
No mess or prep required
Supplemented for skin and coat health

Cons

Expensive compared to other dog foods
Some customers reported receiving bags with too much fat
Not suitable for dogs with vegetable allergies

Maev Raw Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients that provide a complete and balanced raw food diet for your dog. The beef used in this dog food is human-grade, USDA, and AAFCO-approved, ensuring that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.

One of the best things about Maev Raw Dog Food is that it requires no mess or prep work. The food is flash frozen for freshness, and it comes ready to eat. All you need to do is open the bag, pour the food into your dogs bowl, and serve.

Another great feature of Maev Raw Dog Food is that it is supplemented for skin and coat health. The Omega 6:3 fish oils in this dog food are rich in the good kind of fatty acids that support fur, skin, joints, and overall immunity.

However, Maev Raw Dog Food is more expensive than other dog foods on the market. Some customers have reported receiving bags with too much fat, which can upset their dogs digestive system. Additionally, this dog food is not suitable for dogs with vegetable allergies.

Overall, if youre looking for a high-quality raw dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your dog, then Maev Raw Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best frozen raw dog food, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features you should look at before making a purchase:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the quality of ingredients. Look for products that contain high-quality meat, such as beef, chicken, or turkey, as the primary ingredient. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products.

Nutritional Value

Its essential to choose a frozen raw dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pet. Look for products that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for dog food. Check the label for information on the percentage of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Variety

Dogs need a varied diet to stay healthy. Look for products that offer a range of protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. Some products also include vegetables and fruits, which can provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Packaging

Frozen raw dog food should be packaged in a way that keeps it fresh and safe for your pet. Look for products that are vacuum-sealed or packed in individual servings. Make sure the packaging is sturdy and leak-proof, so the food doesnt spoil or contaminate other items in your freezer.

Price

Frozen raw dog food can be more expensive than traditional kibble. However, its essential to choose a product that fits within your budget. Look for products that offer good value for money, taking into account the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and packaging.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best frozen raw dog food for your pets needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good brands of frozen raw dog food?

There are many good brands of frozen raw dog food available in the market. Some popular ones include Primal Pet Foods, Stella & Chewys, Natures Variety, and Instinct. It is important to choose a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and follows proper food safety and handling procedures.

What are the benefits of feeding my dog frozen raw food?

Feeding your dog frozen raw food can have several benefits. It can improve their coat and skin health, increase their energy levels, and promote healthy digestion. Raw food also contains essential nutrients that may be lacking in processed dog food.

Is frozen raw dog food safe for dogs to eat?

Yes, frozen raw dog food is safe for dogs to eat if handled and prepared properly. It is important to follow the manufacturers instructions for thawing and serving the food, and to practice good food safety and hygiene.

Can frozen raw dog food help with allergies in dogs?

Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in processed dog food. Feeding them frozen raw dog food that is free from common allergens such as grains and artificial preservatives may help alleviate their symptoms.

What is the difference between freeze-dried and frozen raw dog food?

Freeze-dried dog food is dehydrated and has had all the moisture removed, while frozen raw dog food is kept frozen until it is ready to be served. Freeze-dried food is lightweight and easy to store, but may not be as nutritionally complete as frozen raw food.

Are there any affordable options for frozen raw dog food?

While frozen raw dog food can be more expensive than processed dog food, there are some affordable options available. Some brands offer bulk discounts or have loyalty programs that can help reduce the cost. Additionally, making your own raw dog food at home using fresh ingredients can be a cost-effective alternative.

Featured Image by Gentle Dog Trainers from Pixabay