Best Raw Dog Foods: A Natural Diet for Healthier, Happier Dogs
On your search for the best raw dog food to keep your pup healthy naturally? You’re not alone. An increasing number of pet owners are ditching the processed, chemical-laden, factory-made kibble that has been the staple of doggy diets since the advent of commercial pet food in the early 20th century for what they believe is a more natural, healthier option — raw meat.
A raw diet is formulated to mimic a dog’s natural behavior. Raw diets offer dogs protein-rich nutrition that’s more species-appropriate than the fillers in commercial dog food, and this difference helps dogs thrive.
Raw Dog Food: The Ancestral Diet Your Dog Was Born to Eat
Wolves, whose closest relative in the dog world is thought to be the Siberian husky, are carnivorous, and dogs are their direct descendants. In the wild, a wolf isn’t chomping, munching on kibble from a bag; it’s hunting a whole prey animal and eating everything, from muscle meat to bone marrow to nutrient-rich organs.
Many commercial kibbles today contain as much as 50% carbohydrates, and a dog’s body isn’t built for that level of digestion on a cellular level. And that’s why so many dog owners are switching to raw feeding, as it’s a healthier and more natural option.
Raw vs. Kibble: Why Is Raw Dog Food Better?
There’s no denying the convenience of dry food. Just scoop and serve. However, in terms of nutrition, dry food is seriously lacking.
High in carbs and low in essential fats and high-quality protein, kibble is a far cry from what dogs are genetically predisposed to eating. The top raw dog food, however, is rich in animal proteins, healthy fats, and nutrients that support long-term health.
Best Raw Dog Foods Which Boost Dog Health
Pet parents who make the switch to raw food frequently notice a variety of improvements. Here are just a few:
- Smaller, firmer stools
- Easier digestion
- Less itching and fewer allergies
- Increased energy and better weight maintenance
In some cases, anxious owners will even watch chronic conditions like arthritis and digestive issues improve after they make the change to raw feeding.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
There were some challenges when raw feeding. The most obvious is convenience — uncooked meals mean less freezer space, fewer defrosting sessions, and safer food handling.
Then there’s the concern about bacteria — think Salmonella or E. coli. Luckily, a dog’s system is primarily designed to process raw meat. The greater danger is to people, so it is still essential to follow best hygiene practices when preparing raw food.
How to Choose the Best Raw Dog Foods
With a seemingly endless number of options to choose from, it can be daunting to find the best raw dog food. Find complete and balanced raw formulas that cater to your dog’s size, breed, life stage, and health needs.
At Dogfoodsy, we’ve tried and reviewed the largest raw dog food companies to help you make the best choice for your dog.
Final Verdict: Should You Feed Your Dog Raw?
Feeding your dog raw is more than a trend; it’s a step back in time to what they were meant to eat. Better digestion, healthier skin, and glossier coats — the results of the best raw dog foods are easy to see.
So, if you’re considering converting, read our comprehensive guide today and discover the best-rated raw food for your pup.
1. Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe
Ranch, Chicken Recipe: Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe is a high-protein, limited-ingredient, yummy Ranch Chicken Recipe that received 4.8/5 rating from Dogfoodsy.
In this recipe, chicken serves as the primary source of protein, which is a digestible and lean source of meat. It also contains chicken liver, which provides vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron for immune and energy support. Thoughtfully added extras, such as steamed barley, flaxseed, and sweet potatoes, help with digestion, support healthy skin and coat, and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Dry Matter Analysis On a dry matter basis, this food contains 34.2% protein, 22.8% fat, and 30.3% carbohydrates, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Vet-formulated and free of fillers, meat meals, and artificial preservatives, this freeze-dried product is a stellar option for dog owners seeking premium, clean, limited-ingredient nutrition. (View On Amazon)
Why We Like It:
- Made in human-grade kitchens for superior quality control
- Uses USDA-inspected meats for trusted protein sources
- Free from fillers, meat meals, and artificial preservatives
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, chicken liver, steamed barley, flaxseed, sweet potatoes |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Content | 34.2% |
| AAFCO Standards | All life stages |
| Best For | All dogs (breeds and sizes) |
Read our full review of the Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Dog Food
Where to Buy:
Easily accessible, fast delivery, and often includes special discounts for Prime members.
Buy on Amazon
2. Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Grass-Fed Beef
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Recipe also received Dogfoodsy’s second-highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of seven freeze-dried raw recipes in our review of Open Farm’s range.
The bulk of its protein is high-quality, grass-fed beef. According to the dry matter label analysis, this recipe contains 43% protein, 40% fat, and 9% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 93%.
This high-quality, high-protein recipe provides all the energy, nutrients, and high-impact taste your dog needs to thrive, regardless of the size or breed of dog you have. (View On Amazon)
Why We Like It:
- Made with 100% traceable ingredients
- Human grade quality for superior nutrition
- No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
- Meat Recipe with Non-GMO Superfoods
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidney, organic butternut squash |
| Type | Freeze-dried raw |
| Protein Content | 43% |
| AAFCO Standards | All life stages |
| Best For | All dogs (breeds and sizes) |
Read our full review of the Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Grass-Fed Beef
Where to Buy:
Easily accessible, fast delivery, and often includes special discounts for Prime members.
Buy on Amazon
