As pet owners become increasingly conscious of their furry friends' health, the raw dog food diet has gained significant traction. This trend is rooted in the belief that a raw diet more closely mimics what wild animals would naturally consume, potentially offering numerous benefits like shinier coats and increased energy levels. However, navigating the myriad of raw dog food brands available can be daunting, with each promising unique advantages. For those eager to provide their dogs with the best, explore our list of the top raw dog food brands below.
Illustration of raw dog food
Best brands of raw dog food in 2025
Primal Pet Foods
Primal Pet Foods is a pioneering brand in the raw pet food industry, founded by Matt Koss in 2001, with a mission to improve pet health through raw and fresh foods. The company has successfully introduced innovative products like Kibble in the Raw, which combines the benefits of raw nutrition with the convenience of kibble, using a freeze-drying process that retains 92% digestibility of essential amino acids. Primal Pet Foods has been collaborating with the University of Illinois on research to enhance the understanding of alternative feeding formats. Their products are crafted with responsibly sourced proteins, organic fruits and vegetables, and no synthetic vitamins or minerals. With manufacturing facilities in the USA, Primal Pet Foods sets high standards for quality and safety. For more details about their offerings, visit the Primal Pet Foods website.
Stella & Chewy's
Stella & Chewy's is a leading producer of raw dog food, renowned for its high-quality, sustainably sourced products that mirror a pet's ancestral diet with 85-98% meat, organs, and bone. Founded in 2003 and based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the company generated $52.4 million in annual revenue in 2021 and employs 635 people across its two facilities. Stella & Chewy's offers a variety of products, including freeze-dried raw dinners, treats, and dental chews, which are available in Petco stores, online retailers, and through their new direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform. The brand continues to grow in popularity, especially as pet owners increasingly use raw options as toppers, mix-ins, and treats. With a strong commitment to whole body health, Stella & Chewy's products support a healthy weight, optimal digestion, cleaner teeth, and a shiny coat.
Instinct Raw
Instinct Raw is a leading producer of raw dog food, known for its high-quality, minimally processed ingredients and commitment to pet nutrition. Founded in 2002 by the Milligan family, Instinct has developed recipes in partnership with the University of Nebraska and PhD-level nutritionists, ensuring their products meet the highest nutritional standards. Their raw diets are designed to provide benefits such as a strengthened immune system, improved digestion, and a softer, shinier coat, with products like the Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free containing over 40% dry matter protein and 18% fat. For more information about Instinct Raw and their dedication to pet nutrition, visit their official website.
The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen is renowned for its high-quality, human-grade dehydrated dog food, featuring significant amounts of named meats as the primary source of animal protein. With a dry matter protein reading of 27% and a fat level of 15%, their products align with above-average protein and near-average fat and carbohydrate content compared to typical dry dog foods. The company has completed rigorous AAFCO Feeding Trials, exceeding standards over 18 months with excellent health outcomes for the participating dogs. Their ingredients include wholesome components like free-range chicken, organic barley, flaxseeds, and carrots, ensuring a nutritious diet. The Honest Kitchen has also achieved FDA approval to label its products as "human grade," reflecting their commitment to using only human-edible components. For more insights into their offerings, visit their comprehensive dog food review.
Darwin's Natural Pet Products
Darwin's Natural Pet Products is a highly regarded brand in the raw dog food market, known for its high-quality, all-natural pet meals. Founded in 2004, the company has seen significant growth, with sales doubling approximately every 18 months. Their premium product line, Natural Selections, features free-range meats and organic vegetables, with a nutrient profile that includes 50% dry matter protein, 26.9% fat, and virtually 0% carbohydrates. This composition reflects an above-average protein and fat content, making it an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a raw diet. Despite recent FDA advisories on certain lots, the brand remains committed to using the highest quality ingredients and providing personalized customer service.
Northwest Naturals
Northwest Naturals is a highly regarded producer of raw dog food, known for its high-quality, grain-free, and USDA-inspected ingredients. The brand offers a range of freeze-dried and frozen raw dog foods, with a significant amount of meat content, such as 80% meat in their Beef Recipe Raw Frozen Dog Food. Their products boast an above-average protein content of around 43% on a dry matter basis and a fat level of 36%, making them an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a balanced and nutritious diet for their dogs. Founded in 1956 in Portland, Oregon, Northwest Naturals has a long history of providing nutritious raw diet options that meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and all life stages. Their products are enthusiastically recommended by pet food advisors due to their superior nutritional profile and convenience. For more detailed information, visit their official website.
BARF World
BARF World is a renowned brand in the raw dog food market, known for its biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diets that are complete and carefully balanced, comprising muscle meat, organs, bone-connector tissue, and finely ground bone, along with fruits, veggies, vitamins, and minerals. This family-owned company stands out for its commitment to health, ensuring that all products are free from unwanted ingredients that could harm pets. BARF World's products are sold exclusively online and shipped in frozen containers, similar to Omaha steaks, offering various packaging options such as two-pound chubs and freeze-dried packages. The brand's focus on nutrition and safety has made it a preferred choice among pet owners seeking premium raw pet food. With a strong online presence, BARF World continues to innovate and expand its market reach.
Smallbatch Pets
Smallbatch Pets is highly regarded as one of the best producers of raw dog food, offering a range of seven frozen raw dog food recipes, each with a perfect score of 10/10. Their products are characterized by high protein content, with an average of 53% protein and 33% fat on a dry matter basis, and are free from plant-based protein boosters and GMOs. Founded in 2005 in San Francisco, Smallbatch uses organic, non-GMO produce and humane, free-range animal sources. The brand has received a 5-star rating from The Dog Food Advisor and is praised for its abundant use of named meats and organs. Despite past recalls, Smallbatch has rectified production issues and ensures close involvement in all food production processes.
Steve's Real Food
Steve's Real Food is a leading producer of raw dog food, known for its high-quality, balanced, and complete diets. Their frozen raw dog food follows the B.A.R.F. model, consisting of 80% meat/organ/bone, 15% GMO-free and pesticide-free produce, and 5% value-added ingredients. The brand uses 100% certified USDA inspected raw meats and sources ingredients from family farms without added hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides. Steve's Real Food stands out for its convenient packaging, providing 20% more nutrition than other high-quality raw foods, and is expected to contribute to the growing frozen and freeze-dried pet food market, which is projected to increase by USD 2,468.92 million from 2022 to 2027.
K9 Natural
K9 Natural is a renowned producer of high-quality raw dog food, known for its above-average protein content of 44% and mean fat level of 39%, with carbohydrates at just 9%. The brand, founded nearly five years ago by Geoff Bowers and Bruce Mayhew, has grown significantly, achieving a turnover of $5 million and expanding to 22 employees by 2011. K9 Natural's products are formulated to meet AAFCO requirements for all life stages and are manufactured in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, using sustainably sourced ingredients from the human supply chain. Their freeze-dried feasts are complete, balanced, and nutrient-dense, making them ideal for dogs, including those prone to allergies. The company ensures strict food safety standards, with regular audits by the New Zealand Government's Ministry for Primary Industries.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.