Top 10 Best Raw Dog Food Brands

Feeding dogs a raw diet can support digestion, coat health, and overall vitality, but many owners worry about storage, prep, and ingredient sourcing. Freeze-dried raw foods offer a practical way to deliver raw nutrition without the hassle or mess.

Nutra Complete Beef stands out for its high percentage of ranch-raised beef and organs, providing a protein-rich, minimally processed meal. It’s ideal for pet owners seeking a convenient, nutrient-dense raw food or a topper to enhance their dog’s regular diet.

• 95% ranch-raised beef and organs for easily digestible protein and essential nutrients
• Blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables including flaxseed, blueberry, and spinach for balanced nutrition
• Versatile use as a complete meal or mixer, making it easy to boost any diet

Compared to traditional kibble or wet food, this freeze-dried option prioritizes whole-animal ingredients and nutritional variety. The main tradeoff is a higher price point per serving compared to standard kibble.

Raw feeding often means extra prep and cleanup, which can be a barrier for busy pet owners. Kibble in the Raw delivers the benefits of raw nutrition in a dry, scoopable format that’s as easy to serve as traditional kibble.

This product shines for its no-prep, no-hydration approach, combining wild-caught fish and crate-free pork with organic produce. It’s best for those who want the digestibility and nutrition of raw food with the simplicity of dry feeding.

• Freeze-dried raw protein from fish and pork for optimized nutrition and flavor
• Ready to serve with no prep or hydration required, saving time
• Whole food ingredients like organic kale, apples, and carrots, with no synthetic additives

Unlike most freeze-dried or raw foods, this option is as convenient as kibble but avoids fillers and overprocessing. The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost compared to standard dry dog food.

Small breed dogs often have unique nutritional needs and may struggle with large kibble or overly rich foods. This dry food blends crunchy kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, offering balanced nutrition in a size and formula tailored for small dogs.

Instinct RawBoost is best for owners of small breeds who want the benefits of raw nutrition without switching entirely from dry food. It’s designed to support joint health, strong teeth, and healthy weight.

• Tailored for small breeds: Includes calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin
• Blend of kibble and freeze-dried raw: Offers texture and boosted nutrition
• No grains or by-product meals: Clean ingredient list for sensitive dogs

Compared to full raw or refrigerated diets, this product prioritizes convenience and breed-specific nutrition. The tradeoff is less raw content than pure freeze-dried or air-dried meals.

Some owners want the nutrition of raw food but prefer a shelf-stable, ready-to-serve option with a unique texture. This air-dried beef food offers a jerky-like consistency, making it easy to feed as a meal, treat, or topper.

ZIWI Peak is ideal for those seeking a grain-free, high-protein food with the benefits of air-dried preservation. It’s especially suitable for dogs who enjoy chewy textures or for owners who want a raw alternative without refrigeration.

• Air-dried processing: Retains nutrients and creates a shelf-stable product
• Free-range beef and organs: Ethically sourced from New Zealand
• No fillers or artificial additives: Grain-free and nutrient-dense

Compared to freeze-dried or refrigerated foods, this product prioritizes shelf stability and texture. The tradeoff is a different mouthfeel that may not appeal to all dogs.

Some dogs benefit from the taste and nutrition of raw food, but owners may prefer the familiarity and ease of kibble. A blend of both can offer a balanced approach for households transitioning to raw or seeking variety.

Instinct RawBoost Beef Blend combines crunchy kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, supporting digestive, immune, and joint health. It’s best for pet owners who want to introduce raw nutrition without fully giving up kibble.

• USA-raised beef as first ingredient for high-quality protein
• 6-in-1 health benefits supporting digestion, skin, heart, and more
• No grains or artificial preservatives for sensitive diets

Compared to standard kibble, this blend offers more nutritional diversity and texture. The tradeoff is a higher price and the need to monitor portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.

Dogs with diverse dietary needs or picky appetites often benefit from a food that offers variety in protein sources. 360 Pet Nutrition Freeze-Dried Raw Multi-Protein provides a balanced mix of meats, organ meats, fruits, and vegetables, making it suitable for dogs with changing preferences or those needing a broader nutrient profile.

This option is well-suited for pet owners seeking flexibility—use it as a complete meal or as a topper to enhance your dog's regular food. The bite-sized pieces are convenient for all breeds and sizes, streamlining mealtime.

• Multi-protein blend: Includes real meat and organ meats for a range of nutrients
• Freeze-dried convenience: No refrigeration needed, stores easily, and retains natural taste
• Versatile serving: Can be used as a meal or food topper for added variety

Compared to single-protein or less flexible options, this formula prioritizes variety and adaptability. The main tradeoff is that it may not suit dogs with specific protein sensitivities.

Some dogs need the benefits of raw nutrition but do best on a kibble-based diet, especially if they have sensitivities or require whole grains. Raw-coated kibble bridges this gap, offering enhanced flavor and nutrition.

Instinct Be Natural Raw Coated Salmon & Brown Rice features wild-caught salmon and is coated in freeze-dried raw, making it a good fit for dogs needing a balanced, minimally processed diet with whole grains.

• Wild-caught salmon as first ingredient for omega-3s and lean protein
• Freeze-dried raw coating delivers extra nutrition and taste
• No corn, wheat, or soy for sensitive digestion

Compared to standard kibble, this product adds raw nutrition and higher-quality proteins. The tradeoff is less protein variety and not being fully grain-free.

Small breed dogs often require specialized nutrition and smaller kibble sizes. Nature's Blend Small Breed Freeze-Dried Seafood Formula addresses these needs with a seafood-based recipe tailored for adult small breeds.

This option is best for owners of small dogs seeking an alternative to traditional meat-based foods, especially for pets with sensitivities or preferences for fish.

• Seafood-based formula: Provides a unique protein source for variety and sensitive dogs
• Designed for small breeds: Appropriate kibble size and nutrient balance
• Adult-specific nutrition: Formulated for adult dogs' dietary needs

Compared to standard beef or chicken options, this formula prioritizes seafood protein and breed-specific needs. The tradeoff is that it may not be suitable for larger breeds or puppies.

Many pet owners want to feed their dogs a raw-inspired diet but are concerned about sourcing and sustainability. Ethically sourced ingredients can provide peace of mind while supporting animal welfare.

Open Farm RawMix uses animal welfare certified meats and combines them with freeze-dried raw and bone broth for a nutrient-rich, grain-free kibble. It’s best for those who value transparent sourcing and want to support responsible farming practices.

• Animal welfare certified beef, lamb, and pork for ethical sourcing
• Freeze-dried raw and bone broth for added nutrition and taste
• Grain-free and no byproducts for sensitive dogs

Compared to conventional kibble or raw foods, this product prioritizes ethical sourcing and ingredient transparency. The tradeoff is a higher price and a focus on specific proteins.

Many pet owners want to feed their dogs a raw-inspired diet but are concerned about sourcing and sustainability. Ethically sourced ingredients can provide peace of mind while supporting animal welfare.

Open Farm RawMix uses animal welfare certified meats and combines them with freeze-dried raw and bone broth for a nutrient-rich, grain-free kibble. It’s best for those who value transparent sourcing and want to support responsible farming practices.

• Animal welfare certified beef, lamb, and pork for ethical sourcing
• Freeze-dried raw and bone broth for added nutrition and taste
• Grain-free and no byproducts for sensitive dogs

Compared to conventional kibble or raw foods, this product prioritizes ethical sourcing and ingredient transparency. The tradeoff is a higher price and a focus on specific proteins.