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The 10 Best Raw Dog Food of 2020 Review

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Raw dog food packed and served on a plateRaw dog food is designed to resemble a mutt’s innate ancestral menu. It has since become quite a fad among dog breeders, thanks to the gains it presents. The oft-mentioned advantages of this form of dog dish are the development of a better coat, enhanced vitality, and improved dental health.

If you wish to introduce your four-legged companion to raw dog food, the products reviewed in this post make an excellent start. And for more information on raw mutt diets, there’s a comprehensive shopper’s guide below.

Signature Green Beef Tripe Patties for Dogs & Cats

Our Top Choice:

Green Beef Tripe Patties for Dogs & Cats is effortlessly the best raw dog food. Compared to the rest, this superfood is more nutritious, having packed excellent amounts of unsaturated fats, crude protein, omegas, and an ideal 1:1 calcium to phosphorous ratio. The perfectly regulated amount of phosphorous in this raw mutt food makes it safe for a dog on a kidney diet.

The “green” in the product name signifies the naturalness of this raw dog food. The tripe is unadulterated, making this raw dog delicacy similar to what your four-legged companion is supposed to eat naturally in the wild. Whether picky or not, your dog is sure to partake in this food, given its great taste and enticing smell.

Comparison Table

Features:
Our Rating:
Buy from:
Green Beef Tripe Patties for Dogs & Cats, 10 lbs
Green Beef Tripe Patties for Dogs & Cats
  • 10 pounds net weight
  • Non-GMO
  • 59 calories/ounce
  • Natural green beef tripe
  • 3-4-pound patties
  • Fresh for up to 24 months in the freezer
5
Spot and Tango fresh cooked pet meals
Spot & Tango Personalized Meal Plan
  • 12 natural components
  • Ready-to-serve
  • Customized plans
  • Home delivery
  • Vet formulated
4.9
Grocery Pup Turkey Pawella raw dog food
Turkey Pawella Recipe by Grocery Pup
  • Ground turkey
  • 543 kcal/patty
  • Non-GMO
  • Sous-vide prepped
  • Fresh
4.9
Pet Plate Chompin’ Chicken recipe
Fresh Cooked Recipes by Pet Plate
  • Kettle-cooked
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Great taste
  • Premium components
4.8
Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Humanely Raised Meat Recipe
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Grain Free
  • Turkey flavor
  • 5-ounce net weight
  • Super dish contents, e.g., coconut oil & turmeric
  • Zero-grain
4.6
Dr. Harvey's Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated Base Mix for Dogs
Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food
  • 3- and 6-pound pack variations
  • Contains 24 whole ingredients
  • All-natural components
  • Can last up to two months
4.5
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Recipe All Natural Dog Food Toppers
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost
  • Chicken, lamb, and beef varieties
  • 14oz pack
  • Makes 56 servings
  • Works as toppings or snacks
  • Freeze dried
4.5
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Stella's Super Beef Meal Mixers Grain-Free Dog Food Topper
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried
  • 18 lb. pack
  • Chicken is the primary ingredient
  • Minimum 48 percent crude protein
  • Zero-grains
4.6
Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Nuggets, 12 oz.
Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Raw Mutt Food
  • Primarily beef
  • No gluten or grain-sourced compounds
  • 12oz of food per bag
  • Nuggets form
4.5
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food & Topper Recipe
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food
  • Air-dried
  • 2 lb. a bag
  • Includes New Zealand green mussel
  • 96% beef and mussel
4.6

Types of Raw Food for Dogs

Raw dog food is not cooked in any way. Nonetheless, before being availed commercially, some things are done to guarantee quality over time. Contingent upon the process, raw food for a dog, can be classed as:

  • Frozen or refrigerated raw food: It’s minimally refined and contains no human-made preservers. This dish has to be reserved in the freezer and requires thawing before serving
  • Freeze-dried raw food: It is subjected to an extremely low temp to eliminate moisture from the contents
  • Dehydrated raw food: It has no water content and requires rehydration before use.

Reviews of the 10 Best Raw Dishes for Mutts

Below are the top ten raw nourishments to acquire for your dog. Each product is accompanied by an in-depth review to assist you in deciding if it is something you’d consider acquiring. Compare the items to find the best raw dog food for your needs.

Our Favorite

Best Overall — Green Beef Tripe Patties for Dogs & Cats

Green Beef Tripe Patties for Dogs & Cats, 10 lbsIf you’re new to the market and want nothing but the best raw dog food, this would make a perfect place to start. It consists of one-hundred percent green beef tripe, making it an excellent source of protein for your four-legged companion. Apart from that, this raw food has other essential components such as omegas, calcium, and phosphorus, which are paramount for your mutt’s wellness.

This dog raw diet is quite straightforward to serve. You only have to separate the patties and put the proper portion to your dog’s munching bowl. To assist with the serving, there’s a guide defined by your mutt’s weight on the packaging.

Standout features:

  • 10 pounds net weight
  • Non-GMO
  • 59 calories/ounce
  • Natural green beef tripe
  • 3-4-pound patties
  • Fresh for up to 24 months in the freezer

Pros

  • All-natural
  • Long shelf life when frozen
  • Ideal calcium to phosphorous ratio
  • No gluten
  • Enhances the gut’s health

Cons

  • Needs to be frozen all the time when storing

Buy on Raw Paws

Spot and Tango fresh cooked pet mealsIf you fancy the liberty of customizing a dog raw food diet, this makes a worthy consideration. By responding to a series of short questions, you’ll develop a personalized nourishment plan for your mutt to keep them happy and in perfect form. This fresh nourishment is processed to your mutt’s liking at USDA-certified facilities and sent to your door no later than the expected arrival date.

Spot and Tango meals have a great smell and taste, guaranteed to get even the pickiest mutts to indulge. All plans have twelve ingredients formulated by vet nutritionists. No artificial components are included in the food.

Standout features:

  • 12 natural components
  • Ready-to-serve
  • Customized plans
  • Home delivery
  • Vet formulated

Pros

  • Great taste
  • Freedom to personalize meals
  • Whole components gathered from within the US
  • Home delivery

Cons

  • Quite expensive

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Grocery Pup Turkey Pawella raw dog foodIf you favor fresh sous-vide raw food made from people-appropriate material, this turkey recipe will make an ideal purchase. This food mix is the work of consulting vet nutritionists and meets the AAFCO mature mutt nutrient profile.

The Turkey Pawella Duo is gluten and soy-free, making it an excellent raw food choice for mutts that are allergic to these triggers. It is available in 2 variations: a two-pack and four-pack. You do not have to fret about storage because it’s packed in excellent bags that can be stacked properly in the freezer.

To serve this raw food to your dog, defrost a patty some moments before mealtime. Alternatively, place the patty in room temp water for twenty minutes for quicker results.

Standout aspects:

  • Ground turkey
  • 543 kcal/patty
  • Non-GMO
  • Sous-vide prepped
  • Fresh

Pros

  • Delicious turkey formula
  • 40% higher nutrient retention
  • Extra vital minerals
  • For all dog sizes

Cons

  • Pricey

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Pet Plate Chompin’ Chicken recipeIs your mutt struggling with stomach issues and a big waistline? It is time to switch them to a chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb formula by Pet plate. This company makes tasty dishes that even the pickiest canines will enjoy. The meals are well-cooked and fulfill the nutritional demands stipulated by the AAFCO for various phases of the mutt’s life.

Pet plate formulas are prepped in USDA-approved facilities. The dishes are kettle-cooked and have no artificial contents added. You can rest easy regarding the contents since everything that is included is human-standard.

Standout aspects:

  • Kettle-cooked
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Great taste
  • Premium components

Pros

  • Improved digestion
  • Weight-regulating diet
  • Allergy relief
  • Promotes healthy coat development

Cons

  • Not available readily

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Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Humanely Raised Meat RecipeAny dog that enjoys turkey will enjoy this nourishment. It can be given as either an entire dish or a mixer, thus allowing you to utilize the food according to your capability to buy another batch. This raw food is certified humane, meaning that the turkey is raised in the most humane way possible. All serving sessions are guaranteed to be fun since you only have to scoop, pour some water, and empty the right amount of treat to the mutt’s feeding bowl.

Standout features:

  • Turkey flavor
  • 5-ounce net weight
  • Super dish contents, e.g., coconut oil & turmeric
  • Zero-grain

Pros

  • Certified humane
  • Easy serving
  • Eighty percent animal protein
  • Natural meats

Cons

  • Fairly small size

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Dr. Harvey's Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated Base Mix for DogsThis commercial raw dog food created and sold by Dr. Harvey is a pre-mixed balanced diet that can be used for pups, full-grown, and older canines. It’s available in a 3- or 6-pound bag. That’s about 28 lb. for the small packet after rehydration.

Among the items used by the manufacturer to formulate this recipe are nine different beneficial plants, including broccoli, celery, and carrot, goat milk powder, ground eggshells, bone, sesame, and chia seeds, blueberries, apples, etc. The food is devoid of chemical colors or preservation, or meal fillers.

Since this raw food brand is a non-grain and uses natural ingredients, it is an ideal buy for animals that have food-triggered allergies or digestion problems. To prepare the meal, add the recommended quantity into a feeding bowl and pour hot water. Leave it to soak for about eight minutes and then add meat and some oil. A 3 lb. pack can last a medium 30-50 pounds adult dog about two to three weeks.

Standout features:

  • 3- and 6-pound pack variations
  • Contains 24 whole ingredients
  • All-natural components
  • Can last up to two months

Pros

  • Good source of greens, antioxidants, energy, and calcium
  • Suitable for canines suffering from food sensitivities or gut issues
  • Affordable alternative
  • Quick and easy to serve

Cons

  • Not very high in protein (works best as a base mix)

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Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Recipe All Natural Dog Food ToppersThis frozen raw dog food made by Instinct is a nutrient-rich topper that canine owners can procure to increase taste and variety to regular dry chow. It’s made primarily made of fresh chicken and its organs (you can also go for beef or lamb variants). It’s further enriched with fruits and greens. This product doesn’t include any grains, potato, dyes, synthetic preservation, or by-products.

The 14oz sack lasts for as much as 56 servings. You may also add to any base meal. Since it’s rich in protein from animal flesh, it can help make picky canines interested in their meal.

The drying through the freezing process of the frozen uncooked ingredients helps it to last long without refrigeration. The food also undergoes minimal processing, thereby guaranteeing that nearly all the naturally occurring nutrients in raw meat, greens, and fruits stay intact. Aside from supplementing food, the bits work well as a reward for your furry buddy.

Standout features:

  • Chicken, lamb, and beef varieties
  • 14oz pack
  • Makes 56 servings
  • Works as toppings or snacks
  • Freeze dried

Pros

  • Rich protein content
  • Long shelf life
  • Feeds canines of any age
  • Zero grains, by-products, or potatoes

Cons

  • Can be quite expensive

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Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Stella's Super Beef Meal Mixers Grain-Free Dog Food TopperAnother good raw topper for your mutt’s diet is this raw food dog from Stella & Chewy’s. It’s a wonderful source of premium protein, fat, and fiber for your furry friend. This food is composed of 95 percent chicken- along with the organs and bones before the drying procedure. The remaining compounds are majorly fruits and greens.

The product is raw and natural, which is good for adding nutrition and encouraging your pup to finish up his/her food. Also, the food contains just one source of protein. That makes it a suitable alternative for food-sensitive mutts. One 18 lb. bag contains approximately eight scoops in the form of pellets. A quarter-cup serving will give your dog about 50 calories.

Standout features:

  • 18 lb. pack
  • Chicken is the primary ingredient
  • Minimum 48 percent crude protein
  • Zero-grains

Pros

  • 95% poultry with bone & organs
  • Enhanced with numerous supplements and probiotics
  • Decent-sized pellets

Cons

  • Pricey for a small bag

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Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Nuggets, 12 oz.If you’re thinking of adding raw beef nutrition to your canine’s diet, this brand from Northwest Naturals might just be what you need. One bag contains twelve ounces of chewable freeze-dried bits. This raw food dog is made of 80 percent beef. The other 20 percent is fresh produce as well as mineral and vit. supplements.

The nuggets, about an inch long, maybe dished out at they are or in conjunction with dry food. Dog guardians may as well use it as a snack or reward. Other meat options are on sale for canines that can’t consume beef.

Standout features:

  • Primarily beef
  • No gluten or grain-sourced compounds
  • 12oz of food per bag
  • Nuggets form

Pros

  • 80 percent protein
  • Natural, tasty, and easy to blend with other products
  • A product of America

Cons

  • Crumbles easily if not handled with care

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ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food & Topper RecipeThis product is a limited ingredient and natural raw dog food that has undergone a gentle drying process in the open air. It may be procured in a one-kilogram sack and may be administered by itself or with other products as a protein topping. Since it’s a limited component formula, it can offer relief for a dog suffering from sensitivities affecting the skin, fur, and gut.

The formula is around a third of the density of components before the dehydration procedure. So, even a tiny portion is very rich in nutrients. Apart from flesh, organs, and bone, it’s also composed of kelp, tripe, and mussel.

Standout features:

  • Air-dried
  • 2 lb. a bag
  • Includes New Zealand green mussel
  • 96% beef and mussel

Pros

  • Preserved naturally through air-drying
  • Zero fillers such as legumes, rice, potatoes, etc.
  • Limited ingredient

Cons

  • Costly if you have a huge dog or multiple animals

Buy on Amazon

Tips for Choosing the Right Kind of Product

Other than ease of access, there’re some things that you need to pay attention to when shopping for the best raw dog food. Always pick a renowned brand, check the specifications on the cover, and consider the following:

Usability

Husky dog holds a piece of raw meat in her mouthRaw food that demands less prep time is ideal if you do not wish to deal with meats over an extended duration. Pick ready-to-eat kibble over food that necessitates mixing to spare yourself from lengthy preparations.

Handling and Storage

Administering raw meat to your mutt is quite a risk all the time. Therefore, the least you can do is to purchase food that has been appropriately handled when in transit, especially if it is frozen raw food.

Affordability

Raw foods for dogs are not that reasonably priced. As such, it makes sense to acquaint your mutt with this dish if you can afford it in the long-term. And remember, do not compromise on the standard to save a buck. It’s advisable to go with a reasonably priced option, e.g., a treat instead of whole nourishment.

Enjoyability

You want your picky dog to eat. So, ensure that you settle on a brand that similar dogs enjoy. Check customer assessments to see what others say about how their mutts received a specific raw food.

Zero-grain

Check if the raw food has corn, rice, soy, or any other seeds. If you wish for the same or do not, just be certain to purchase the right item.

Here are some more worthy considerations:

  • Protein: You need to feed your dog a minimal amount of eighteen percent protein daily. Note, amounts higher than this are recommended. When scouting for raw dog food, it’s sensible to ascertain that the №1 content is flesh from a source that your dog isn’t allergic to
  • Bones: Next to raw meat, bones are the second most essential component in a raw dog food diet. They provide useful minerals such as calcium and phosphorous
  • Supplements: Go for raw dishes with extras that will benefit their health. Some of the supplements you require in your dog food are apple cider vinegar and omegas
  • Fat: Avoid brands with too much fat in their raw food. You need a dish with fifteen percent of fat, at most.

Uncooked Dog Food FAQs

What do you want to know about raw food for canines? Lots of other dog owners have the same questions you do. So, check out these FAQs to find answers to your top concerns:

It Is Safe to Administer Raw Food to My Dog?

Yes. If handled correctly, raw food isn’t harmful to a dog. In fact, it provides a host of benefits, including a shiny coat, healthy skin, clean teeth, and high energy.

Are Raw Frozen Mutt Foods Harmless?

Pathogens and sharp bone edges contribute to the greatest risk in raw food for pets. However, most established commercial dog food brands pose no risk to your animal as bones are crushed to fine particles, and the food is examined for harmful bacteria. However, ensure you keep the food in the environment recommended by the manufacturer.

What Kind of Things Are Contained in Raw Food for Mutts?

What Kind of Things Are Contained in Raw Food for Mutts?Most raw dog food brands contain diverse ingredients. However, most have animal protein as the primary compound. Typical raw mutt food, such as what is reviewed above, contains:

  • Meat along with the bone
  • Bones (mostly crushed)
  • Organs, e.g., liver, kidneys, etc.
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Veggies
  • Fruits
  • Seeds
  • Supplements

What Quantity of Raw Food Is Appropriate to Give to My Dog?

Usually, the manufacturer will put down the feeding guidelines on the raw food product (mostly at the back of the pack). These instructions will recommend portions based on your animal’s weight and life stage. However, the general rule is to feed about 2 to 4 percent of your mutt’s weight.

If your dog is tiny, the higher side of the percentage is best, but if your canine is large, go for the lower percentage. However, guidelines are just meant to give you a rough idea. So, ensure you observe your dog keenly the first few meals and adjust as needed.

How Much Time Can Raw Canine Food Go for Without Refrigeration?

Raw pet food is essentially made up of uncooked meat and shouldn’t be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours continuously as it will spoil. As such, make sure you thaw just what your canine can eat at a time. It there’s any leftovers after feeding, store it in the refrigerator immediately.

Raw Mutt Food: Usage

Like any other new addition to the daily chow, you should bring in the raw food slowly, especially if they are new to raw animal flesh. If you are planning to utilize it as a topping, you can begin with three or four pieces along with the usual food and observe how they react. Also, continue examining your dog even after eating and more so when they poop.

If all goes well, you can slowly start to increase the portions. A proper transition may take around a week. It’s crucial to follow the preparation, portion size, and storage guidelines on the packaging too.

Raw Mutt Food & Fat

With raw canine food, it’s often easy to go overboard with fat. Fat is critical in your canine’s diet as it helps in boosting immunity and nerve functioning. However, it’s got a lot of calories, with little important minerals. If it’s present in excess in the chow, therefore, your dog will be denied adequate vitamins and minerals.

Also, long term consumption of high-fat content can lead to other health complications. Cheaper raw meat will likely have quite a bit of fat. As a rule of thumb, go for food with around 10 percent fat and not more than 20 percent.

Summary & Final Recommendations

Raw food for canines comes with tons of benefits and can make most picky eaters excited about mealtimes. There numerous variations and recipes in the market for raw food. Green Beef Tripe Patties from Raw Paws Pet Food stands out as the best overall raw dog product. But there are other competitive options from Spot & Tango, Dr. Harvey, Instinct, among others.

Have you identified your best frozen raw dog food yet? Or do you possess information that you’d like to add? Comment below.

Images credits: RawPawsPetFood.comSpotandTango.comGroceryPup.comPetPlate.com, Amazon.com & photo stocks

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Author

Max Gordon

Dr. Gordon has been a contributor to a range of pet media since his study at Drexel University in Philadelphia. He does not miss a chance to do in-depth research backed by his own examinations. Along with writing his own pieces, Dr. Gordon does fact-checking of the articles.

View all posts by Max Gordon | DogsRecommend.com