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Best Raw Dog Food 2024
Written by Jasmine Sawatzky
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 08/25/2023, edited: 03/12/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Raw diets for dogs have been gaining popularity over the years, but is it right for your fur-family? Our pup’s ancestors were mostly carnivorous and hunted for prey, and therefore would have eaten mostly raw meats. These days, your domesticated doggo can get back to their ancestral raw diet in more convenient freeze-dried or frozen raw meats to better match what their bodies were made to digest.
Many dieticians, pet parents, and some vets have touted the benefits of a raw dog food diet. Things like a shinier coat, a stronger immune system, or easing digestive issues and allergies can all come from a raw diet! But buyer beware, this diet is not for all dogs, such as for some puppies and seniors, so it’s important to talk to your vet before making the switch.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best raw dog foods on the market. Some are even recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, a member of Wag!’s licensed veterinary team. Let’s dig in!
Overview
Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites
Vet recommended
Halo’s premium freeze-dried raw recipes are made up of 99% real meat and organs. It’s minimally processed to preserve the natural flavor and nutrients found in raw food.
Halo’s recipes are made in the USA with vitamin C for immune support and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. This food is formulated to meet AAFCO standards.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah personally recommends Halo dog food to her clients. “Halo’s science-based recipes are geared towards your pet’s breed size and life stage. Their food contains high-quality protein sources, and they offer a money-back guarantee if you or your pet are not completely satisfied.”
Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites variations:
- Beef
- Turkey
- Whitefish
- Turducken
Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Minimally processed
- Low carbohydrates
- High-quality ingredients
- Made in the USA
Considerations & Concerns
- Does not state whether fish is farmed or wild-caught
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- More expensive than traditional dog food
What pet parents say about Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites
“My dogs, once again, are excited about eating dog food! One even spins as I set her bowl down. They love it, I love it cause it doesn’t stink. We are all happy for now. I just haven’t told them I can’t afford it. I use it as a topper. I know they pick the nuggets out first.”
“Halo is very high quality and I use these as both training treats and a meal topper to help my dog eat. Not all dogs are big eaters. I like this brand a lot as does my vet and I buy many of their product. My dog is always very excited when he sees the bag come out.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Halo Pets.
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
Vet recommended
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is another excellent freeze-dried raw choice for your doggo. This dog food is made up of 81% real premium cuts of meat, as well as veggies, fruits, and seeds.
In the Essential Wellness recipe for adults, animal protein comes from turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. It’s all minimally processed to preserve the nutrients that keep your canine in tip-top shape, featuring tasty superfoods like sweet potato, blueberries, apples, ginger, and more.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah says, “Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend dog food is a freeze-dried raw food that is minimally processed, free from synthetic vitamin and mineral powders, and is formulated with premium ingredients to support your dog’s skin, mobility, immune system, and digestion.”
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend variations:
- Essential Wellness
- Essential Wellness Premium Origin featuring lamb, venison, beef and mackerel
- Small Breed
- Healthy Growth for Puppies
- Active Vitality for Seniors
- Sensitivity Select for Sensitive Skin and Tummies
- Radiant Select for Skin and Coat Support
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Highly palatable
- Minimally processed
- Nutritionally dense
- Stores well
Considerations & Concerns
- More expensive than other dog foods
- Several negative reviews about the brand’s customer service
What pet parents say about Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
“Our daughter's 13-year-old Terrier loves it!!! Even though he has minimal teeth, he manages to woof his meal down at record speed. He has fired up his "zoomies", (which this breed is known for doing). He's flat-out a happy dog!”
“My dog does fantastic on this food. I have a 5 lb [Chihuahua] and she couldn't be healthier- beautiful coat, consistent [bowel movements], healthy, happy, and strong. The price is high, but it's worth it. She was at the vet recently for xylitol poisoning and had to be hospitalized. The vet was concerned because she wouldn't eat the wet food they gave her... I said "Hold my kombucha", ran home, got her Dr. Marty's, and returned. She was trying to gobble the freeze-dried bits before I could even add water. She LOVES this stuff [...]”
Read more reviews on Better Business Bureau.
Product image sourced from the Amazon website. Copyright California Pet Partners, LLC.
We Feed Raw Dog Food
We Feed Raw is one of the only frozen raw dog food companies that specialize in meal kit delivery for pets. Because their food is never heated or cooked, it has the highest digestibility.
These products are carefully crafted to mimic a dog's natural diet, incorporating high-quality, human-grade ingredients such as lean meats, vegetables, and essential nutrients. It’s packaged according to portion sizes and delivered frozen right to your door. Just thaw and feed!
We Feed Raw Dog Food variations:
- Venison
- Duck
- Beef
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Lamb
We Feed Raw Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Contains human-grade ingredients
- Limited ingredients
- Free shipping in the US
- Made with high-pressure processing to remove harmful pathogens
Considerations & Concerns
- Not much variety for dogs with a beef or poultry allergy
- Requires freezer storage space for bulk deliveries
- More expensive than other dog foods
- Requires time to thaw
What pet parents say about We Feed Raw
“Highly impressed! Our picky eater, who made us stand at her bowl while she unwillingly nibbled for about 15 minutes every feeding, no matter what we fed her, has gobbled this up in 30 seconds every time it is placed in front of her. Arrived frozen - great packaging and feeding instructions. They have checked on us several times to make sure our dog is happy with it. Will be a repeat customer!”
“So far, everything has been wonderful. My dog loves the food and eats it with gusto. I switched to this food because Tanner has a lot of food allergies and I was struggling to find any food he could eat without something he was allergic to in it. He is still licking his paws and rubbing his face on the carpet, but we are still in the transition phase, and haven't completely cut out his old food yet. I can tell the licking and rubbing is less than it was before and I'm hopeful that his allergy issues will be a thing of the past once he's completely transitioned to the raw food.”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the We Feed Raw website. Copyright We Feed Raw.
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Vet recommended
Open Farm delivers food your dog will crave and pet parents can trust. It’s made up of 95% meat, bones, and organs, and comes in four raw patty flavors and six raw kibble flavors. It’s the most convenient way to give your pup a true-prey model diet.
This furbulous brand skips the wheat, corn, and potato in favor of fresh superfoods like pumpkin and blueberries for extra wellness and an honest balanced diet. Mix it into meals as either dry nuggets or use its absorbency to rehydrate it with a little water for soft, moist bites.
“Open Farm dog food is formulated with high-quality ingredients and does not contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. The company also prioritizes the use of ethically sourced and humanely raised ingredients,” notes Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food variations:
- Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Patties
- Grass-Fed Beef Freeze Dried Raw Patties
- Harvest Chicken Freeze Dried Raw Patties
- Homestead Turkey Freeze Dried Raw Patties
- Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
- Grass-Fed Beef Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
- Pasture-raised Lamb Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
- Homestead Turkey Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
- Harvest Chicken Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
- Farmer’s Table Pork Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Wide selection of flavors
- High-quality ingredients
- Minimally processed
- Convenient for pet parents
- Customizable subscription
Considerations & Concerns
- The Homestead Turkey has a high fat-to-protein ratio
- More expensive than other dog foods
What pet parents say about Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
“My dog is a super picky eater and I took years to find something that she would eat. She loves this stuff. Yes, it's expensive for the amount but I no longer buy countless bags of dog food to try on her and end up throwing out.”
“This food is so worth it for my mini Aussie doodle. Leo has a partially collapsed trachea. Raw food is so good for reducing inflammation. The ingredients in this are also extremely clean and transparent.”
Read more reviews on Amazon.
Product image sourced from the Open Farm website. Copyright Open Farm Pet.
Instinct Raw Dog Foods
Best variety of raw choices
Instinct stands out from the pack in their high variety of offerings for pet parents seeking the right raw diet for their pups.
Using whole meat and organs, non-GMO fruits, veggies, and other wholesome ingredients, raw ingredients are frozen or freeze-dried in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients.
For those wanting a complete and fully raw diet, Instinct offers Frozen Raw Meals, Frozen Raw Longevity Meals, Freeze-Dried Raw Meals, and Freeze-Dried Longevity Meals.
However, it also offers several options for a partly raw diet with its Raw Boost, Raw Whole Grain and Raw Longevity lines that blend its freeze-dried raw pieces with their cooked kibble.
For the true beginner, Instinct also offers raw-coated kibble in 3 varieties, Original, Be Natural and Limited Ingredient Diet.
And if you'd like to mix the freeze-dried pieces with your pup's regular kibble for a truly customizable experience, try the Raw Boost Mixers.
For whatever level of raw feeding you are looking for, Instinct has you covered!
Instinct Raw Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- High-quality ingredients
- Focus on sustainable and environmentally-responsible practices
- Wide variety of recipes
Considerations & Concerns
- Raw food is more likely to be contaminated with bacteria
- Requires freeze storage space
- Requires time to thaw
What pet parents say about Instinct Frozen Raw Meals
“In their old age my dogs have become picky eaters. They love this food. They get it morning and evening with their high-quality kibble. This is always gone as soon as I set it down. So happy I found something that is good for them and that they will eat.”
“These ship in a well-lined box with dry ice and insulation. They arrive still frozen ready to pop into the freezer! I love the care with which they pack and ship these frozen items. I have two picky little pets-a young cat who likes only the chicken variety and a 12 lb Havanese dog who likes only the beef. This product comes in both the preferred meats and it is well received by my picky pair. Great price too!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Agrolimen.
FAQ
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