Raw feeding is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to give dogs a healthy and balanced diet.
The key thing with raw feeding is that you have to be careful that you get the right calories and nutrients for your dog, and this is why so many owners have turned to prepackaged raw dog food as opposed to making it themselves – it’s easier to achieve this balance.
But how are you supposed to pick raw dog food? How are you to know which ones are best and which should be avoided? We’re here to help you out with that part.
Picking a prepackaged raw dog food comes with its own set of challenges, and you want to make sure that you are selecting the right food for your dog’s health and growth.
We’ve taken the time to select some fantastic raw dog foods for your dog that they are sure to love, and you can find out more about them in this detailed guide.
1. Editors Pick
Nutriment Working Adult Dog Food
2. Budget Pick
James Wellbeloved Grain-Free Lamb
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. Nutriment
- 2. Southcliffe Pet Foods
- 3. True Instinct Raw Bites
- 4. Country Hunter
- 5. Nature’s Menu Complete Senior Nuggets
- 6. True Instinct Puppy Raw Bites
- 7. Nature’s Menu Turkey Mince
- 8. Bella and Duke Trial Box
- 9. Antiforte BARF Complete Supplements
- 10. Antiforte Beef Bones Supplement
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
There are some things that you should be keeping in mind before you decide on the perfect raw food for your dog. Luckily, we have a quick and comprehensive list of the big questions you need to ask.
Meat Quality. This is the main component of raw dog food, and you want to make sure that good quality meat is being used. There are many companies that try to get away with using cheap cuts of lean muscle meat instead of the good stuff that’s packed with protein.
These cheaper cuts are usually a lot higher in fat as well, which can be a problem for some dogs.
Organ Content. To keep the protein content at a healthy 14-19%, organ meat should be chucked in there too. Gross, I know, but your dog will love it.
Heart, liver, and kidney are all prime organs that contain a load of excellent nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to the health of your pooch.
Bone Content. The bone content of raw dog food is also an important aspect, as much so as the protein content. You don’t want too much or too little, and you will want to be careful not to choose a food that uses extra bone to cut down on costs.
Too much bone can lead to severe canine constipation due to them having an excess of calcium in their diets.
Fat Content. This boils down to saturated and unsaturated fat. The former is found in that white marbling that you see in meat and the latter is from vegetables and fish oils.
Unless you are feeding your dog a duck based meal (naturally very fatty) anything above 15% fat is a little suspicious and should be approached with caution.
Carbs and Veg. You’ll want low carbs and finely ground veg to aide digestion and the absorption of nutrients. You’ll also want a good variety of vegetables because they all have different nutritional benefits for your dog.
Just make sure that the vegetables are clearly listed on the packaging so that you can check for any your dog might be allergic to.
Supplements. Some raw dog foods come with supplements, others will not. Whether you give your dog these supplements or not all depends on if they have any allergies.
The most common supplements include kelp, apple cider vinegar, spirulina, and essential fatty acid oils. You can buy the supplements separately as well to add to the food as needed.
Allergies. As always, it is important to check the food you pick for anything that might cause your dog to have a reaction. Similarly, there are some great hypoallergenic raw dog foods out there that are worth trying.
1. Nutriment
Editor’s Pick
This raw dog food comes frozen, making it easier for you to store and requiring it to just be defrosted before you feed your pup. It contains 85% fresh meat and bone, an impressive number that is reflected in its 14.5% protein.
The fat content does sit at 16%, but this is due to the healthy fats that are found in fish. It’s loaded with omega 3 to promote a healthy and shiny coat, as well as plenty of nutrients to boost the immune system as well as keep bones and joints healthy.
The ash content is acceptable at a little over 3%.
- Key Ingredients: Scottish Farmed Atlantic Salmon, British Turkey with Bone, Fresh Carrots, Fresh Butternut Squash, Fresh Broccoli
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Frozen, natural, protein-rich
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Working dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a fantastic raw food to buy. It is full of great nutrients that will keep your dog happy and healthy.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
2. Southcliffe Pet Foods
Budget Pick
This meaty raw dog food arrives frozen for your convenience and consists of 80% meat. In addition to this, the remaining 20% is equally split between bone and oils.
It contains a good amount of protein at 15%, and the fat content remains in the safe region of 14%. The ash content is also fairly low at 4%, which is good for those who want as much natural produce as possible in their dog food. The meat itself is great quality and it comes at a very affordable price.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, beef, bone, offal
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Complete, frozen
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Budget Pick
Should You Buy it?
Yes, it’s a good choice for a budget pick. It doesn’t have the balance that mince vegetables usually bring, so we would recommend using a supplement with this particular food.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
Read Here : Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
3. True Instinct Raw Bites
Best Grain-Free Raw Food
This raw food was made for dogs that can’t handle grains, providing them with delicious raw dog food that they can really thrive on. Despite the high meat content, the protein level is a little low at 12%, but this is not disastrously so.
The fat content comes in at a good 10%, balancing the contents and creating a rounded meal. The quality of the meat is superb, with prime cuts and superfoods mixed together to create something nutritiously pleasing that promotes healthy joints, bones, and a strong immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Beef, carrots, apples, peas, butternut squash
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Grain-free, allergies
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a fantastic raw dog food to try. While many raw foods are free from grains anyway, it is always god to be safe and go with one that has been approved as such. Nutritious, healthy, and delicious, your dog is sure to love it.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. Country Hunter
Ideal for Working Dogs
These tasty frozen nuggets make for an exciting mealtime treat that your dog will be excited about every day.
It contains 80% meat, which is reflected in its 14% protein content. This is nicely balanced by a good fat level of 9% and a low ash content of 2%.
It’s a nutritionally complete meal, with a nice balance of meat and vegetables to give your dog slow-release energy throughout the day while also supporting their joints and immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Lamb, mint, peas, green beans, apples
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Nuggets, frozen
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Working dogs
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely, this is a great food for working dogs to gather energy and thrive in their daily work. It’s full of nutrition and the perfect choice for active and energetic pups.
Sample Buyer Review
— Wendy Lawrence
5. Nature’s Menu Complete Senior Nuggets
For Mature Dogs
Delicious frozen nuggets make this the perfect food for finicky seniors that want something more than standard dog food.
The protein content sits just below our preferred average at 13%, but this is still a good number for raw dog food. It’s also low in fat with only 5%, and there is an impressive 1.5% ash to give them more nutrition in each dish.
Meat and bones are balanced nicely within the meal, and it is packed with good vegetables that provide plenty of nutritious value for joints, bones, and skin.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, white fish, sweet potato, peas, carrots
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain-free, nuggets
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable For: Mature dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is an excellent senior food that has been chopped into manageable and tasty nuggets that will allow them to enjoy their meal while also receiving the nutrition they need to support their bodies.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
6. True Instinct Puppy Raw Bites
For Wild Puppies
These yummy little nuggets are perfect for growing puppies who need something small and meaty to snack on each mealtime. The food itself is 80% meat, which provides a very nice protein content of 14% as well as 13% fat.
This means that they get the calories and energy they need to zoom around all day and also encourages healthy growth. It’s completely grain-free to avoid any allergies or stomach upsets while also being free from artificial nasties.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, carrots, apples, peas, sweet potato
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain-free, frozen, nuggets
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: All-rounder
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a brilliant food to help puppies thrive and grow up strong. It’s nutritionally balanced while also providing them with plenty of energy to run, play, and explore all day.
Sample Buyer Review
— Stella Whitley
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Nature’s Menu Turkey Mince
Best Low Fat Pick
This frozen pack of turkey mince is ideal for creating delicious bowls of raw dog food for your dog at home. As one of the leanest meats on the market, turkey is ideal for pups that need to lose a little weight or who are on a diet.
The protein count for this pack comes in at an excellent 17%, while the fat is much lower at 10%. The ash levels are a little high at 6%, but the benefit of pure turkey easily overcomes this. All you need are some veggies or supplements to make this the perfect meal.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Pure meat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Weightloss, dieting
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. It’s a great low-fat food for your dog to enjoy. You will need to use supplements with this, but they are very inexpensive.
Sample Buyer Review
— Paula Edwards
8. Bella and Duke Trial Box
Top Hypoallergenic Pick
Made from fresh meat, bones, and seasonal vegetables, it provides the perfect combination and balance of them all. In total, it contains 85% meat and bone for your dog to enjoy, and this is matched by an impressive 15% of protein.
It does contain 16% fat, which is a little higher than our threshold, but it is not massively over the limit and still remains a healthy choice.
The ash content is only 2%, and it is loaded with fantastic nutrition from the meat and veg included, promoting a healthy immune system as well as good joint and muscle care.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey Meat With Bone and Liver, Beef, Seasonal Winter Vegetables: Carrot, Butternut Squash, Green Leaf
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain-free, hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Allergies
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a great hypoallergenic food that your dog is sure to love and thrive on. It’s gentle on their bodies while also providing them with everything they need to maintain a healthy body.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
9. Antiforte BARF Complete Supplements
Top Supplement Pick
Supplements are important for dogs to get the most out of raw food that is not nutritionally complete, and this one does just that.
It is loaded with essential nutrients to promote health and help your dog to lead a better life. The power contains 18.6% protein and 6% fat for balance and health that will blend in easily with your chosen raw dog food. Just a sprinkle over the dish and you’re done, it’s as easy as that.
- Key Ingredients: Eco-marine algae, malt germ, brewer’s yeast, seaweed meal, natural eggshell powder
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Supplement
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Supplement
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a great supplement to buy for your dog. Sprinkled on their food, it provides them with everything they need to get the most out of their raw diet.
Sample Buyer Review
— Susan
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Antiforte Beef Bones Supplement
Best Supplement
This ground bone supplement merely needs to be sprinkled on your dog’s food for them to benefit from the fantastic nutrients provided by bone. It’s full of calcium, which is important for all dogs but especially puppies and those who are pregnant.
As a result of being solely ground bone, it has a protein composition of 51% and 7.1% fat. It’s easy to mix in with the food, and dogs quite like the taste – especially when it has been mixed in with their raw dog food.
- Key Ingredients: Meat and bone meal
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Supplement
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Supplement, pregnant dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is an excellent supplement. Not all raw foods come with bone, and this is an important addition for calcium and other essential nutrients.
Sample Buyer Review
— Matthews
FAQs
Is Raw Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Yes, raw dog food is really good for your dog. It mimics the kind of diet they would have in the wild and is a lot more natural than feeding them kibble or even tinned wet food. You just have to make sure you get the right balance and provide them with supplements if needed.
Can I Mix Kibble and Raw Food?
No, you cannot mix kibble and raw food. This is because they are digested at different rates, and so feeding your dog a mixture of both can cause stomach upsets. Raw dog food takes 4-6 hours to digest, while kibble takes much longer at 8-10 hours.
Do Raw Fed Dogs Live Longer?
Raw fed dogs do not necessarily live longer than those on a diet of kibble or wet food. There are some studies that suggest raw fed dogs will live an extra three years on average compared to those who are fed standard dog food.
However, there has not been an extensive amount of time or wide enough studies to verify if this is true in general or just of the studies conducted.
Are There Risks to Raw Feeding?
Yes, there are some risks to raw feeding. There is the potential for a dog to choke on a chunk of bone that is too large or for it to cause an internal puncture. They may also break their teeth if it is a very tough piece.
There is also the risk of harmful bacteria being spread to animals and humans through any raw meat being used. However, the risk of any of this happening does remain very low.
Read Here: How to Treat Dog Indigestion?
Final Thoughts
Finding good raw dog food diet can feel impossible, especially when you’ve been researching on the web and find so many different warnings. Hopefully, this guide to the best raw dog food has been able to help you find something that your dog loves and you are comfortable feeding them.
Each of the brands we have chosen brings something different to the table, sticking to our usual process of finding food for every dog – even those who need something a little special.
With a good range of prices and ingredients, as well as the option to buy supplements to go with your chosen raw food, you should be perfectly kitted out to start your new raw dog food diet by the end of this.
What did you think of our guide to the best raw dog food? Did you find the perfect meal, or are you still left searching? We love hearing from you, so leave us a message in the comments below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.