Best Raw Meat Dog Food - Top Picks & Guide

Does your dog’s dinner bowl look suspiciously like dry, brown pebbles? Many dog owners feel a pang of guilt looking at that same old kibble. We want the best for our furry family members, but navigating the world of dog food can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right diet, especially when considering raw meat, brings up so many questions: Is it safe? Is it truly better? And where do you even start?

The raw food movement is growing fast, promising shinier coats and more energy for your pup. However, the sheer volume of information—and conflicting advice—can stop owners in their tracks. You worry about bacteria or missing nutrients. You want confidence in what you feed your best friend, not confusion.

This post cuts through the noise. We will clearly break down the benefits, address common safety concerns head-on, and give you practical steps to explore feeding raw meat. By the end, you will have the knowledge to decide if a raw diet is the right adventure for you and your dog. Let’s dive into the world of fresh, whole-food nutrition.

Top Raw Meat Dog Food Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

TRMC Real Meat Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef - 2lb Bag of USA-Crafted Grain-Free Real Meat Dog Food Sourced from Hormone-Free, Free-Range, Grass-Fed Beef - Digestible, All Natural, High Protein Beef

REAL HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY BEEF - Imagine a bowl filled with air dried dog food made with real human grade quality beefy goodness. This high protein dog food will have your pup's tail thumping with joy. It's not just real meat air dried dog food; it's a meaty party for their taste buds, crafted with care
NO MORE GRAINS OR PESKY ADDITIVES - Our beef dry dog food small bites are gentle on the tummy making it perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. No fillers, coloring, or artificial additives. Just pure wholesome, all-natural real meat dog food
GENTLY AIR-DRIED TO PAW-FECTION - Real Meat's secret air-drying process seals in the goodness, making every bite a punch of flavor and nutrition. This premium & nutritious beef dog food is perfectly bite-sized, making meal time something to look forward to
COMPLETE & BALANCED FOR EVERY PUP - Whether it's a full meal or just a topper, these dog food dry bites offer a delicious, holistic feast with vital vitamins and minerals. Perfect for dogs of all life stages and breeds, including puppies, adults, seniors, and small to large dog breeds
CRAFTED IN THE U.S. OF YAY - Ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches our holistic dog food is as premium, as it is affordable. Made with beef sourced from free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, and utterly happy cows straight from the USA & New Zealand

Bestseller No. 2

Nature's Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Whole Food Meal - Makes 18 Lbs Fresh Food with Muscle, Organ, Bone Broth, Whole Egg, Superfoods, Fish Oil Omega 3, 6, 9, Probiotics & Prebiotics (Beef)

Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.

Bestseller No. 3

Team Dog Raw Frozen Dog Food | 65% Beef Muscle, Organ Meats, Herring & Green Tripe for Dogs | All Natural Grain Free Dog Food for Optimal Health, Digestion & Coat | 24 x 1lb Rolls

COMPLETE & BALANCED PROTEIN POWERHOUSE: TEAM DOG's RAW dog food formula mirrors the ancestral diet of dogs, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet that modern dry food can't compete with. TEAM DOG RAW ensures the ideal balance of 65% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 25% organ meats and fish, for the most complete nutrition possible
RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER FOR DRY KIBBLE: TEAM DOG RAW is a cost-effective, high-quality choice you and your dog will love. TEAM DOG RAW has even the pickiest eaters licking the bowl clean. This real meat dog food is perfect for augmenting your dog's mealtime. TEAM DOG promotes feeding 75% dry dog food or kibble with 25% raw. Always consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog's unique nutritional needs are met. Team Dog Raw is not suitable for puppies
BETTER DIGESTION, FEWER SENSISTIVITIES: The combination of raw meat & green tripe for dogs in TEAM DOG RAW's blend has helped dogs with digestive issues. The 10% unwashed fatty tripe adds probiotics and enzymes for improved digestion, while organ meats like frozen beef heart, spleen and kidney support heart health with coenzyme Q10
HEALTHIER JOINTS, SKIN & COAT: Herring is an excellent source of low fat protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beef liver is packed with vitamins A and B as well as essential minerals. These high quality ingredients support healthy skin, a glossy coat, and offer a boost in energy and overall vitality
SUPERIOR, NO NONSENSE INGREDIENTS: While many raw dog food brands rely on fillers like grains or starches, TEAM DOG RAW is a grain free dog food that focuses on what matters – 100% raw meat, organ meats, and herring. This means no preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients, just pure nutrition your dog was meant to eat

Bestseller No. 4

360 Pet Nutrition Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food – Multi-Protein with Beef, Chicken, Fish, Liver & Organs, High Protein, Omega-3s, Fruits, Veggies & Superfoods, Grain-Free, No Fillers, 1 lb – Made in USA

Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.

Bestseller No. 5

Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Chicken & Turkey, Open Prairie Recipe, 20lb Bag

HUMANELY SOURCED POULTRY - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey, this flavorful recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with non-GMO grains, fruits, and veggies.
RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.

Bestseller No. 6

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain & Legume Free Red Meat Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag

Love Is Raw: Our Raw Coated dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat
Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your dog will love: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat — perfect for dogs with poultry allergies
Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 89% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, cartilage and organ meat such as beef kidney
Grain-Free: Easy for dogs of all life stages to digest, our nutritious, grain-free recipe has NO unnecessary fillers and only the finest ingredients
Supports Whole Body Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, our Raw Coated formula helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health

SaleBestseller No. 7

Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack) - Fresh Pet Food Made in USA, Grass-Fed Beef, Natural Dog Food Rolls, Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food

ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD ROLL AND CAT FOOD ROLL: Raw Paws beef frozen dog food roll is made from 100% natural beef dogs and cats and even ferrets love! This single-protein cat food and dog food beef recipe has no preservatives, fillers or additives. High-protein grain free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat health, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your pet will love our raw frozen dog food and beef cat food!
CAT FOOD AND DOG FOOD MADE IN USA ONLY: Our frozen raw dog food beef blend comes from grass fed beef sourced from Indiana family farms. We partner with local farmers to guarantee the best beef dog food and cat food made from healthy free-range cows raised in humane living conditions. When you feed your pet raw blend beef grain free dog food and cat food, you’re imitating your pet’s natural, species-appropriate diet, which helps your pet achieve optimal health, vibrancy, and longevity.
NUTRIENT-DENSE ALL BEEF DOG FOOD AND CAT FOOD: Not only is our dog and cat food beef roll irresistible, our raw beef dog food has a blend of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ and 10% bone. Raw fresh dog food and cat food made from beef is rich in the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine, both of which are essential for cardiac health but are often lacking in pet food. High in iron, copper and zinc, our all natural beef raw food for dogs and cats has vitamins that are vital for health and vitality.
EASY-TO-SERVE CAT AND DOG BEEF ROLL: Our 1-lb cat food and dog food log is super easy and convenient to handle, serve and store! Simply thaw the dog and cat tube food and serve as needed or partially thaw our frozen dog food and cat food in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions or form into cat food and dog food patties for future feedings. The convenient size of our grain free dog food roll also makes it simple to rotate proteins for all your pets.
WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and strive to ensure that you and your pet are truly happy. Meeting your expectations is our top priority at Raw Paws Pet, Inc.

Bestseller No. 8

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties - Remarkable Red Meat Blend - High Protein Grain-Free Puppy & Dog Food - Perfect For Picky Eaters - 14 oz

EXCEPTIONAL FOR PICKY EATERS -- Consistently entices even the most finicky dogs to eat when other foods fail -- our freeze-dried raw patties deliver irresistible taste that transforms mealtime for selective dogs.
95% RED MEAT, ORGANS & BONE -- Premium freeze-dried raw nutrition with whole-prey approach combines beef, lamb, and goat for diverse protein that supports muscle development, digestibility, and natural nutrients for coat, skin, and overall health.
VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS -- Perfect as complete meals, crumbled food toppers, or high-value training treats -- ideal for puppies and adult dogs with options to serve dry or rehydrated with water.
BALANCED NUTRITION FOR ALL LIFE STAGES -- Complete and balanced diet for growing puppies and adult dogs with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat -- free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
MADE IN USA WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS -- Small-batch production with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, responsibly-sourced ingredients, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors -- trusted by thousands of pet parents.

The Raw Deal: Your Essential Buying Guide for Raw Dog Food

Switching your dog to a raw food diet can feel like a big step. This guide simplifies what you need to know to choose the best raw meat dog food for your furry friend.

Key Features to Look For in Raw Dog Food

Good raw food mimics what a dog would eat in the wild. Look for these important signs:

1. Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Essential Vitamins and Minerals: The food must contain everything your dog needs to stay healthy. Look for labels that state it meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, etc.).
Variety of Ingredients: A healthy raw diet includes muscle meat, organs (like liver and kidney), and bone.

2. Proper Meat Ratios

The best raw foods follow a general ratio to ensure balance:

80% Muscle Meat: This is the main protein source.
10% Edible Bone: Provides calcium and phosphorus.
10% Organ Meat: Includes nutrient-dense liver and other secreting organs.

Important Materials: What Should Be Inside?

The quality of the ingredients matters a lot. You want to feed your dog the best.

Source of Protein

Check the first few ingredients. They should list whole cuts of meat, not just meat “by-products.”

Best Choices: Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish.
Consider Allergies: If your dog is sensitive, choose novel proteins like duck or venison.

Supplements and Additives

Raw food should primarily be meat, bone, and organ. Some brands add vegetables or fruits for extra fiber and antioxidants. These additions are generally okay if they don’t make up the bulk of the meal.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all raw foods are created equal. Pay attention to how the food is processed and handled.

Quality Boosters (What Makes it Better)

Human-Grade Ingredients: This means the meat used would be safe for humans to eat, indicating higher sourcing standards.
Flash-Frozen: Quick freezing locks in nutrients and prevents bacterial growth better than slow freezing.
Tested for Pathogens: Reputable companies test their batches for harmful bacteria like Salmonella.

Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)

Excessive Fillers: Watch out for high amounts of grains, corn, or soy. These are not natural to a dog’s diet.
Irradiated Food: Some processing uses radiation to kill bacteria, but this can reduce some nutritional value.
Unclear Sourcing: If a brand hides where they get their meat, that’s a red flag.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you feed the raw food affects your daily routine.

Preparation Styles

Raw dog food comes in a few main formats:

Pre-ground/Patties: This is the easiest option. You just thaw and serve. It’s great for busy owners.
Complete Grind: A ground mix that you portion out yourself.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself): This involves buying every ingredient separately. It offers the most control but takes the most time.

Who Benefits Most?

Owners often switch to raw food for specific reasons:

Dogs with chronic skin issues or allergies.
Dogs needing to maintain a lean, athletic body weight.
Owners who want maximum control over their dog’s diet.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Dog Food

Q: Is raw dog food safe from bacteria like Salmonella?

A: Reputable raw food brands test their products rigorously. While any raw meat carries a risk, proper handling (thawing in the fridge, cleaning bowls immediately) greatly lowers the danger for your dog.

Q: How long does raw food last once I thaw it?

A: Generally, thawed raw food lasts about two to three days in the refrigerator. Always follow the specific instructions on the package.

Q: Do I need to add anything else to a complete raw meal?

A: If you buy a product labeled “Complete and Balanced,” you should not need to add anything. If you use a DIY approach, you must add supplements to make it balanced.

Q: My dog has a sensitive stomach. Can I start with raw food?

A: Yes, but transition slowly! Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with their old food. Watch for any digestive upset.

Q: Does raw food cost more than kibble?

A: Usually, yes. Raw food is often more expensive because it uses higher-quality, whole ingredients.

Q: Can I mix raw food with dry kibble?

A: Most veterinarians advise against mixing them in the same bowl. They digest at different rates, which can sometimes cause stomach issues.

Q: What is the difference between freeze-dried and frozen raw?

A: Frozen raw is completely raw and needs thawing. Freeze-dried raw has the moisture removed; it is shelf-stable until you add water back to it.

Q: How do I know if the bone content is correct?

A: The bone should make up about 10% of the total diet. If the food is properly ground and mixed, the calcium and phosphorus levels will be correct if the manufacturer followed standards.

Q: What if my dog won’t eat it cold?

A: You can let the portion sit on the counter for about 10–15 minutes before feeding time to take the chill off. Do not warm it up like human food.

Q: Are vegetarian additions in raw food a good thing?

A: A small amount of vegetables can add fiber and vitamins. However, dogs are carnivores; the majority of the meal must be meat, bone, and organs.