Best Raw Dog Food

Raw dog food formulas — minimally-processed, high-protein.

Raw dog food (RMBD — raw meat-based diets) is minimally processed: uncooked muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bone, sometimes with vegetables. Proponents argue it's the closest commercial format to an ancestral diet; critics cite bacterial-pathogen risks (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria — real, recurring recall reasons) and the difficulty of balancing micronutrients without supplements. Most major veterinary associations (AVMA, WSAVA) advise against raw for households with immunocompromised members or young children. Commercial frozen or freeze-dried raw is safer than homemade — pathogen kill steps and nutrient verification are part of the process. This guide ranks the AAFCO-compliant commercial raw options.

Top picks

1. Stella and Chewy's Dandy Lamb Dinner by Stella & Chewy's — Score: 98
2. Stella and Chewy's Surf N' Turf Frozen Dinner by Stella & Chewy's — Score: 98
3. Stella and Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Frozen Raw Dinner Patties by Stella & Chewy's — Score: 98
4. Stella's Super Beef Dinner by Stella & Chewy's — Score: 98
5. Open Farm RawMix Front Range Grain Free by Open Farm — Score: 97
6. Open Farm RawMix Wild Ocean & Ancient Grains by Open Farm — Score: 97
7. Open Farm RawMix Front Range & Ancient Grains by Open Farm — Score: 97
8. Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Grain Free by Open Farm — Score: 97
9. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free with Real Chicken by Instinct — Score: 94
10. Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Chicken and Brown Rice by Instinct — Score: 90
11. Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy by Instinct — Score: 90
12. Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Recipe Light with Real Chicken and Brown Rice by Instinct — Score: 90
13. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Recipe by Merrick — Score: 90
14. Only Natural Pet RawBlends Adult Dog Food - Grain Free, With Raw Bites, Red Meat Feast by Only Natural Pet — Score: 87
15. AllProvide Premium Raw Ready to Cook Beef Recipe by AllProvide Premium Raw Ready To Cook — Score: 80
16. AllProvide Premium Raw Ready to Cook Chicken Recipe by AllProvide Premium Raw Ready To Cook — Score: 80
17. AllProvide Premium Raw Ready to Cook Harvest Veggie Mix by AllProvide Premium Raw Ready To Cook — Score: 80
18. AllProvide Premium Raw Ready to Cook Pork Recipe by AllProvide Premium Raw Ready To Cook — Score: 80
19. Bravo! Balance Beef Formula by Bravo! Balance — Score: 80
20. Bravo! Balance Chicken Formula by Bravo! Balance — Score: 80
21. Bravo! Balance Turkey Formula by Bravo! Balance — Score: 80
22. Genesis RAW Beef Blend by Genesis — Score: 80
23. Genesis RAW Chicken Blend by Genesis — Score: 80
24. Genesis RAW Lamb Blend by Genesis — Score: 80
25. Genesis RAW Turkey Blend by Genesis — Score: 80

AAFCO-compliant complete diet

Many raw diets are sold as "frozen meat" — not nutritionally complete. AAFCO-compliant raw diets are formulated to meet all nutrient minimums for the labeled life stage.

HPP (high-pressure processing)

HPP applies extreme pressure to kill pathogens without cooking. Most premium raw brands use HPP — significantly reduces Salmonella and E. coli risk while keeping the raw nutritional profile.

Named whole proteins, named organs

"Beef muscle, beef liver, beef heart, beef kidney" — the best raw diets disclose every cut. Generic "meat" or "organ" descriptors are weaker.

Frequently asked questions

Is raw food safe for dogs?

For most healthy dogs, commercial HPP-treated raw is safe. Caveats: don't feed raw to immunocompromised dogs or to households with immunocompromised humans (organ transplant recipients, infants, elderly). Salmonella can shed in feces even when the dog is asymptomatic.

Are homemade raw diets OK?

Hard to do nutritionally. Studies of homemade raw diets consistently find calcium, phosphorus, and trace mineral imbalances. If you go homemade, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on the recipe.

Does raw food really clean teeth?

Raw meaty bones provide more dental benefit than kibble — the chewing action and slightly abrasive texture do reduce tartar. The benefit is real but modest; not a replacement for brushing or professional cleaning.

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