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Raw dog food has become a popular choice among pet owners worldwide due to its benefits for canine health and well-being. High in quality protein and free from artificial additives, raw dog food more closely mimics a dog’s natural diet in the wild. However, to reap the maximum benefits, it’s crucial to choose the right raw dog food.
The best raw dog food should contain substantial amounts of high-quality protein, be low in carbohydrates, and include a balance of essential nutrients. In essence, it should meet your dog’s dietary needs while also being palatable. Using subpar raw dog food can lead to nutritional imbalances, digestive issues, and other health concerns.
When purchasing raw dog food, pay close attention to the ingredients. The food should consist mainly of meat, organs, and bones, and if necessary, a small amount of fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best raw dog food. We have researched, tested, and assessed diverse raw dog food brands and types to identify those that deliver optimal health benefits. By the end of this piece, you will have all the important information needed to make an informed decision regarding the best raw food for your dog.
Best Raw Dog Food
Choosing the best raw food for your dog is of vital importance for their health and happiness. The food must be high in quality protein, balanced in essential nutrients, and free from artificial additives. Given the abundance of options in the market, it can indeed be a daunting task to pick the most suitable one for your pet. Therefore, we’ve tastefully curated a list of the top-performing raw food for dogs assembled from our thorough testing and evaluation, to assist you in making a well-informed decision.
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz
If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free, and protein-packed dog food, then Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The mini nibs are easy to break apart, making it simple to mix with water or feed dry.
- The recipe contains raw turkey, which is a great source of protein for your dog.
- The ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring the highest quality.
Cons
- The price point is a bit higher compared to other dog food options.
- The packaging can be a bit messy when trying to scoop out the food.
- Some dogs may not enjoy the texture of the mini nibs.
We’ve been using Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s energy levels and overall health. The mini nibs are easy to mix with water, and our dog loves the taste of the raw turkey.
One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s grain-free, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The recipe also contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and nutrients.
However, the price point is a bit higher compared to other dog food options, which may not be ideal for some pet owners. Additionally, the packaging can be a bit messy when trying to scoop out the food, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, protein-packed dog food that’s easy to mix and provides essential vitamins and nutrients, then Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz is definitely worth considering.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties – Grain Free Dog Food, Protein Rich Stella’s Super Beef Recipe – 14 oz Bag
If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s also raw and freeze-dried, then Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Made with 95% cage-free poultry and beef with organs, plus 100% certified grass-fed beef, all sustainably sourced in the USA
- No added hormones, antibiotics, grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings
- Complete and balanced for all life stages
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the patties are very dry and crumbly, making it difficult to rehydrate them properly
- The price is quite high compared to other dog foods on the market
- The bags are quite small, so you’ll need to order frequently if you have a large dog
We’ve been using Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Our dog loves the taste, and we love that it’s made with 100% certified grass-fed beef and cage-free poultry.
One of the things we really like about this dog food is that it’s complete and balanced for all life stages, so we don’t have to worry about switching to a different brand or formula as our dog grows older. It’s also made without any added hormones, antibiotics, grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
However, we have noticed that the patties can be quite dry and crumbly, which can make it difficult to rehydrate them properly. We’ve found that it’s best to break the patties up into small pieces and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties to other dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s also raw and freeze-dried.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Duck Duck Goose Meal Mixer – Dog Food Topper for Small & Large Breeds – Grain Free, Protein Rich Recipe – 3.5 oz Bag
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious dog food topper, Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Duck Duck Goose Meal Mixer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made with 95% cage-free duck and goose with organic fruits and vegetables
- Contains no added grains, potato, tapioca, or fillers
- Complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages
Cons
- A bit expensive compared to other dog food toppers
- Some dogs might not like the taste of duck and goose
- The pieces are quite small, so it might be challenging to use as a complete meal
We’ve been using Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Duck Duck Goose Meal Mixer as a topper for our dog’s regular food, and we’re impressed with the results. Our dog loves the taste of the duck and goose, and we appreciate that the ingredients are all-natural and sourced from trusted suppliers.
One of the best things about this product is that it’s made with 95% cage-free duck and goose, so it’s packed with protein and other essential nutrients. We also appreciate that it contains no added grains, potato, tapioca, or fillers, so we know our dog is getting the best possible nutrition.
Another great thing about this product is that it’s complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, so it can be used for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. We’ve noticed that our dog has more energy and a shinier coat since we started using this product.
While this product is a bit expensive compared to other dog food toppers, we think it’s worth the investment for the quality of ingredients and the health benefits it provides. However, some dogs might not like the taste of duck and goose, so it’s important to introduce it to them slowly.
Overall, we highly recommend Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Duck Duck Goose Meal Mixer for any dog owner looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious dog food topper.
Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Freeze-Dried Meat (Adult, Small Breed, 4 lbs)
If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food for your small breed dog, Wellness CORE RawRev is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The addition of real freeze-dried raw chicken provides a significant protein boost, making this a great option for dogs who need more protein in their diet.
- The kibble is small and easy to chew, making it a good choice for small breed dogs.
- The formula is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Cons
- The price point is a bit higher than some other small breed dog foods on the market.
- The bag is quite small, so you’ll need to reorder fairly frequently if you have multiple dogs or a large dog.
- Some dogs may not be fans of the slightly different texture and taste of the freeze-dried chicken.
We’ve been feeding our small breed dog Wellness CORE RawRev for a few weeks now, and we’ve been really impressed with the results. The addition of the freeze-dried raw chicken has definitely made a noticeable difference in our dog’s energy levels and overall health.
One thing to keep in mind is that the kibble is quite small, so if you have a larger breed dog, this may not be the best option for you. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other small breed dog foods on the market, so this may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Wellness CORE RawRev to other small breed dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that provides a significant protein boost.
ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete, 100% Freeze Dried Veterinarian Formulated Raw Dog Food with Antioxidants Prebiotics and Amino Acids, (Beef, 16 Ounce)
If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food that is easy to serve and has all the benefits of a raw diet, then ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete is worth considering.
Pros
- The 100% complete and balanced raw formula is veterinarian formulated and made with human-grade ingredients, so you can be confident that your dog is getting the best nutrition possible.
- The freeze-dried raw nuggets are easy to serve and can be mixed with water or broth for a delicious meal. They also contain probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health and immunity.
- Nutra Complete is made in the USA and is trusted by veterinarians and pet owners worldwide.
Cons
- The price point may be higher than some other raw dog food options on the market.
- Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the beef flavor as much as other proteins.
- The resealable bag may not be as airtight as some pet owners would like, leading to freezer burn or spoilage.
We’ve been using ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete for a few weeks now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s energy levels and overall health. The freeze-dried nuggets are easy to serve and mix with water, and our dog loves the taste of the beef flavor.
One of the things we appreciate most about Nutra Complete is that it’s a complete and balanced raw diet, so we don’t have to worry about supplementing with additional vitamins or minerals. The formula is veterinarian-approved and made with high-quality ingredients, so we feel confident that our dog is getting the nutrition he needs to thrive.
While the price point may be higher than some other raw dog food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the freeze-dried nuggets make it worth the investment. However, some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the beef flavor as much as other proteins, so it’s important to keep that in mind when making a purchase.
Overall, we highly recommend ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete for any pet owner looking for a high-quality, convenient, and complete raw dog food option.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best raw dog food, there are several factors to consider. We have researched and tested various products to provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to look for.
Ingredients
The first thing to consider when choosing a raw dog food is the ingredients. Look for products that contain high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients such as muscle meat, bones, and organs. Avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.
Nutritional Content
It’s important to choose a raw dog food that provides your pet with all the necessary nutrients. Look for products that contain a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Additionally, make sure the product contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.
Texture and Consistency
The texture and consistency of the raw dog food is also an important factor to consider. Look for products that have a variety of textures, such as ground meat, bone chunks, and organ pieces. This will help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and prevent boredom with their food.
Price
Price is always a consideration when choosing a pet food. While it’s important to choose a high-quality product, it’s also important to find one that fits within your budget. Compare prices of different raw dog food brands and consider purchasing in bulk to save money.
Safety
Finally, make sure the raw dog food you choose is safe for your pet to consume. Look for products that are sourced from reputable suppliers and have been tested for contaminants such as bacteria and heavy metals.
In summary, when choosing the best raw dog food, look for products that contain high-quality ingredients, provide proper nutritional content, have a variety of textures and consistencies, fit within your budget, and are safe for your pet to consume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of feeding raw food to dogs?
Feeding raw food to dogs has several benefits. Raw food is more natural and nutrient-dense than cooked food. It can help improve a dog’s digestion, boost their immune system, and promote healthier skin and coat. Additionally, raw food can help prevent dental issues and reduce the risk of obesity.
How do I safely transition my dog from kibble to raw food?
Transitioning a dog from kibble to raw food should be done gradually to avoid digestive issues. Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with the kibble and gradually increase the amount of raw food over several days or weeks. It’s important to monitor your dog’s digestion and overall health during the transition period.
What should I look for in a high-quality raw dog food brand?
When choosing a raw dog food brand, look for products that are made with high-quality, natural ingredients. The ingredients should be sourced from reputable suppliers and the food should be free from fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. Additionally, look for brands that have a good reputation and positive customer reviews.
Can raw food diets improve a dog’s dental health?
Yes, raw food diets can improve a dog’s dental health. Raw food is more natural and helps promote healthy teeth and gums. The act of chewing raw bones can also help remove plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth.
How do I store raw dog food to maintain its freshness and safety?
Raw dog food should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness and safety. When purchasing raw food, look for products that are vacuum-sealed or come in air-tight containers to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Additionally, make sure to label and date the containers to keep track of expiration dates.
What are the best options for homemade raw dog food?
Homemade raw dog food can be a great option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with the highest quality of nutrition. Some of the best options for homemade raw dog food include muscle meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. It’s important to make sure that the ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers and that the food is balanced and nutrient-dense.
