Over the past few years Raw Dog Food has taken off in popularity with the pet owners but it is controversial as well at the same time. Even your dog has nothing to do with being a wolf, yet his body still works like one. Many pet owners believe that it is better, much healthier compared to other kibbles and other dog foods.
Many believe that it has potential benefits, and many believe that it has potential risks as well. For example, it has a potential risk of bacterial contamination if not served right but on the other side, it has many benefits too so do not worry all you have to do is do it right. We know raw food for dogs are nothing new to the market; they just got the rise in popularity in recent year. Now let us talk about the composition of the Raw Dog Food and the potential benefits of it.
Raw dog food usually consists of:
- Muscle meat
- Whole or Ground Bone
- Raw Eggs
- Fresh Fruits and vegetables
- Fresh dairy
Potential benefits to be:
- Healthier skin
- Better and shinier Coat
- Better Dental Health
- Higher energy levels
- Smaller and firmer stools
- Strong Immune system
Our Top 7 Picks Raw Dog Foods
No, if you are thinking of switching your dog to a popular and healthy raw dog food then here are our top picks that are great to try.
#1. Stella & Chewy’s – Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium and Large)
- Calorie scale: 4420 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 48%, Fat (Min) 28, Fiber (Max) 5%, Moisture (Max) 5%
- Top ingredients: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries
- Plus point: Gain Free and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
The plan is prepared with 100% fresh organic fruits and vegetables. It contains cage-free meat options and one of the healthiest combos of natural and healthy ingredients ensuring maximum nutrition of your pet best friend. Serve your dog with this recipe so that he can get the benefits of high-quality raw dog food nutrition. The recipe is great for all breeds.
#2. Primal – Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium, and Large)
- Calorie scale: 6067 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 37%, Fat (Min) 37, Fiber (Max) 1%, Moisture (Max) 2%
- Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Necks, Chicken Gizzards, Organic Kale, Organic Carrots
- Plus point: Gain Free and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
One of the best chicken formula nuggets presents in the market, not a day. The recipe consists of protein obtained from high-quality fresh chicken for higher levels of essential fatty acids, amino acids, and necessary levels of calcium for stronger teeth and bones. The whole formula relies only on organic produce to get the vitamins and minerals for your dog.
#3. Instinct By Nature’s Variety – Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium and Large)
- Calorie scale: 4427 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 37%, Fat (Min) 20.5 Fiber (Max) 4%, Moisture (Max) 5%
- Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
- Plus point: Gain Free and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
This grain-free, raw recipe is formulated by Instinct is a mash of kibble and real fresh chicken. They make sure that the ingredients provide your dog with the best nutrition and all the required vitamins and minerals. This great recipe is delicious for your furry family and ideal for the growth and development of your dog at all stages.
#4. Instinct By Nature’s Variety – Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium and Large)
- Calorie scale: 1645 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 12%, Fat (Min) 8 Fiber (Max) 2%, Moisture (Max) 70%
- Top ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Apples, Carrots
- Plus point: Gain Free
This nutrient-packed Nature’s Variety raw formula is prepared fully with the protein and other essential nutrients obtained by cage-free chicken, high-quality fruits and vegetables, and wholesome ingredients. The Grain-Free recipe is created with love and expertise to make sure that your dog gets the best.
#5. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe With Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium and Large)
- Calorie scale: 3738 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 38%, Fat (Min) 17 Fiber (Max) 3.5%, Moisture (Max) 11%
- Top ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Rabbit
- Plus point: Gain Free and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
The recipe presented by Merrick is made up of all sort of gluten-based ingredients which helps your dog in easier and better digestion. It also helps the dogs with issues like sensitive stomachs. The quality ingredients consist of beef, lamb, and rabbit meat which serves as a full meal rich with protein, vitamins, and minerals. This formula is delicious and easy to digest and full of a power-packed raw diet.
#6. Sojos Complete Turkey Recipe Adult Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium and Large)
- Calorie scale: 3604 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 28%, Fat (Min) 12 Fiber (Max) 4%, Moisture (Max) 10%
- Top ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Egg, Broccoli, Apples
- Plus point: Gain Free and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Sojos present you with the complete and balanced recipe that will surely do not disappoint you. It contains turkey so especially the dogs who love turkey flavor you cannot go wrong with sojos complete formula.
#7. Castor & Pollux – Natural UltraMix Grain-Free Red Meat Recipe With Raw Bites Dry Dog Food
- Life period: Adults
- Best for: All breeds (Small, medium and Large)
- Calorie scale: 3650 Kcal (Per Kg)
- Health Analysis: Protein (Min) 28%, Fat (Min) 12 Fiber (Max) 4%, Moisture (Max) 10%
- Top ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Egg, Broccoli, Apples
- Plus point: Gain Free and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
If you are having difficulty in choosing from the many options from the Castor & Pollux Line, this is the one you should pick! This Grain-Free red meat formula is specially prepared with all sorts of natural sources of high-quality protein, minerals, and fiber. All the ingredients present in it make it an ideal raw food option for your furry friend.
Raw Dog Food Buyer’s Guide
Raw Dog food diet is totally based on only Raw ingredients. The whole concept of the Raw Food diet is somewhat tricky and complicated, but do not worry we will make it simple for you.
Giving your Dog Raw Dog Food diet means feeding your hound what they are naturally supposed to eat from the very beginning. That is of course Raw food. so, if you are thinking whether your dog needs Raw Dog Food or not, we will help you to answer the question. The answer is that it is the thing they exactly want.
What to look for in Raw Dog food
Not all the Raw dog food available in the market is the same so just go for the trusted brands and the very first thing you should be doing is reading the label. There are the things you should be looking for in the Raw Dog food diet.
Meat Quality: Always choose a brand that contains both the quality and freshness of the meat. Always avoids the products offered by any brand having fat trimmings.
Organ Meat: Everyone knows that Organ meat is one of the best sources of protein and essential nutrients yet not all the organ meat is healthy and safe for your hound. So that is why you need to know that for your dog the liver, kidney, and heart are the best and safest organs.
Carb Content: The energy your dog needs come from the carbs and the best type of carbs that provide such energy comes from sources like vegetables such as peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Do not forget to avoid the Raw Dog food that comes with Grain-based carbs.
Bones: Everyone knows that dogs just love the bones. It makes their meal super delicious and interesting for them. They provide essential trace minerals and a high amount of calcium. All you must do is to make sure the bone ratio in the diet does not exceed 1.5 percent and the bones should be easier to chew.
Fat content: Excess of everything is bad, the same as too much fat is not good for your dog. That is the reason you should look for lean meat in your dog food. The whole diet should contain no more than 15 percent fat. That is all you need to do for it.
What are the types of Raw Dog Food?
When it comes to Raw dog food, we know there is nothing cooked. It comes in raw form but there are some ways to get them on the shelf. These certain processes make sure to preserve the quality for a longer period. You can find frozen raw dog food, freeze-dried and dehydrated Raw dog foods in the market.
Freeze-dried raw dog food is processed at very low temperatures to remove all the moisture.
Dehydrated raw dog food is also processed to remove the moisture you just need to rehydrate it to use it.
These processes prevent bacteria and increase their shelf life.
Raw Dog Food FAQs
What Does Raw Dog Food Mean?
Raw dog food diets are prepared with uncooked ingredients and the major one is meat. It contains muscle meat along with bones and organ meat. It can also have non-meat raw ingredients like vegetables and fruits.
What Is The Difference Between Raw Dog Food And BARF Diet?
There is no such difference in both. In fact, Raw dog food is also known as the BARF diet. BARF is simply an acronym for bones and Raw food. By the way BARF stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”.
Is Raw Dog Food Good Or Bad?
There is much research and evidence present in the world that proves that the Raw Dog food diet is good for your dogs. It gives them the essential amount of proteins, calcium, and minerals. It improves your dog’s skin, helps them to grow shinier coats, stronger muscles, and teeth.
What Amount Of Raw Dog Food Can I Feed To My Dog?
Well, it varies from dog to dog and breed to breed. To be on the safe side initially start feeding them around two to three percent of their body weight a day and this percentage should be distributed into at least three meals. If you think your dog is much active and healthy then other dogs, you can increase the amount.