Top 10 Fresh and Raw Dog Food Brands Loved by Pet Parents

Many dog parents feel stuck at feeding time. Kibble can hide fillers like soy and empty carbs. You might worry about your dog’s coat, joints, and digestive health. That doubt can leave you scratching your head.

Dr. Coger is a vet. She says raw pet food made from human-grade ingredients in USDA-inspected plants helps dogs more than ultra-processed kibble. We list ten top brands, from Viva Raw to Spot & Tango.

We break down each brand’s protein options, grain-free recipes, and tools like feeding calculators. Read on.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Coger, a vet, and Forbes Vetted praise fresh and raw meals made from human-grade ingredients in USDA-inspected plants over ultra-processed kibble for better coat, joint, and digestive health.
• The Farmer’s Dog tops fresh brands at $80/month (about $2–$12/day), with four recipes (beef, turkey, pork, chicken) that follow WSAVA guidelines, meet AAFCO standards, and ship free in biodegradable packs.
• Nom Nom ($140/month; ~$2.40/day) and Ollie ($88/month; $4–$10/day) deliver pre-portioned, lab-tested meals that meet AAFCO rules and offer tools like feeding calculators and virtual nutrition screens.
• Leading raw options include Spot & Tango (grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken; AAFCO-complete), We Feed Raw ($132/month; uses high-pressure processing), Open Farm ($75 for 31.5 oz; 95% pasture-raised; freeze-dried), and Viva Raw ($65/month; five meats), all using HPP or freeze-drying to kill germs.
• Budget-friendly picks like FreshPet (rolls at $6.47; ~$2/day), PetPlate ($99/month; $1.57–$3.79/day), and JustFoodForDogs ($95/month; $4.50–$6/day) still meet AAFCO for balanced nutrition and boost skin, coat, and gut health.

What makes The Farmer’s Dog a top choice?

Forbes Vetted names The Farmer’s Dog the top fresh dog food brand. It offers four personalized recipes with human-grade ingredients that pack essential nutrients. Plans start at $80 a month, roughly $2 to $12 a day based on your dog’s size.

The service includes free shipping and biodegradable packaging.

The meals follow WSAVA global nutrition guidelines to support skin, coat, and digestive health in active and senior pups. Four protein options span beef, turkey, pork, and chicken, though the packets do not unzip for easy storage.

Pet parents can serve these freshly made recipes with confidence. This brand ranks high among raw dog food brands for its vet-approved method.

Why do pet parents love Nom Nom?

Nom Nom costs start at $140 a month, about $2.40 per day. It delivers four fresh recipes every one to four weeks. Each plan uses human-grade ingredients. It sends pre-portioned meals for each day.

Labs test each batch for food safety. The menu meets AAFCO standards.

Detailed data shows omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin levels. Owners add treats and probiotics to boost gut flora. A DVM nod and a Forbes Vetted mention back its quality. Dogs skip processed food, gain skin and coat health, and show better digestive health.

What are the benefits of feeding Ollie to your dog?

Ollie plans start at $88 each month, or about $4 to $10 per day. Shipments arrive every 1 to 4 weeks with five fresh dog food recipes and two baked variants. You get up to four resealable bags per delivery to keep meals fresh.

Experts craft each meal to meet WSAVA global nutrition guidelines and back digestive health. Virtual screenings help match meals to food sensitivities.

Choice of fresh or oven baked meals lets you mix textures for picky eaters. You can even fit these into a raw feeding plan. Human-grade ingredients like chicken and beef organs pack in vitamins A and omega-3 fatty acids.

These recipes support digestive health, skin and coat health, and joint strength.

How does Spot & Tango stand out in raw dog food?

Spot & Tango ships fresh human-grade raw meat packs to your door. They use grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken, and organ cuts. Every pouch meets AAFCO standards, so your pup gets complete nutrition from muscle meat to essential fats.

Spot & Tango’s plan helps you feed raw with ease; their pre-portioned meals cut prep time and skip guesswork. Owners note better digestive health, firmer stools, and shinier skin and coat.

Dogs dig right in, tails wagging at each morsel.

What should you know about Darwin’s Natural Pet Products?

Plans begin at $84 per month. Vet nutritionists craft each meal for dogs with kidney, liver, or cancer concerns. Three lines fit every budget and need: Natural Selections free-range organic, BioLogics value, and Intelligent Design health-specific formulas.

Each frozen pack holds 36 ounces, split into four 8-ounce servings. You need a prescription for Intelligent Design formulas.

All recipes meet AAFCO standards with no fillers or preservatives. You buy direct through a meal plan builder tool. These pre-portioned meals use human-grade ingredients and raw dog food.

This option ranks among the few raw feeding choices for dogs on medical diets, while upholding strict food safety.

Why choose We Feed Raw for your dog’s diet?

Plans kick off at $132 per month for fresh and raw dog food. Flexible subscriptions let you pause or change meals anytime. Formulas meet AAFCO standards for balanced meals. Each 16-ounce patty lasts six months in your freezer.

Orders over $50 ship for free. A one-time bestsellers box greets new customers.

PhD nutritionist crafts each batch with high-pressure processing for safe raw feeding. Dogs gobble meals like there’s no tomorrow. You get six protein options: chicken, turkey, waterfowl, lamb, beef, game meat.

Freeze-dried morsels add crunch and nutrients. Direct home delivery makes mealtime easy. Pet parents report better digestive health and shinier coats.

What are the features of Viva Raw dog food?

Viva Raw plans start at $65. Menus list chicken, turkey, beef, duck, and rabbit. A puppy blend of beef and turkey aids growth. Government-inspected meats combine with organic produce and whole food supplements.

Each meal meets AAFCO standards in personalized recipes. Orders over $250 ship free, while smaller orders carry a $15 to $20 fee. Frozen chunks or ground meals arrive in insulated, eco-friendly packaging.

Puppy formula supports bone health and proper growth. You control delivery with a flexible subscription, skip or pause anytime. Customer service guides you through easy delivery management.

You feed raw dog food made with human-grade ingredients and free of grains. Viva Raw balances protein ratios and adds offal for extra nutrients.

What is unique about Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels?

Open Farm offers a 31.5-ounce bag of freeze-dried raw morsels for $75. The mix features 95% pasture-raised beef, organs, and bone, plus organic produce, superfoods, and vitamins. Pets can eat them as-is or rehydrate them with water.

This makes travel easy and helps pet parents test a raw feeding plan. You get AAFCO-compliant formulas with no custom options. Protein choices include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, surf & turf, and a puppy formula.

Orders over $50 ship free.

Each morsel carries a lot code for full traceability. Pet owners can check lab results for pathogens and heavy metals online. Open Farm sets high bars for food safety. Fans of grain-free dog food will like the meat-first profile.

Freeze-dried raw food packs full nutrients without thaw stress. These morsels support skin and coat health, digestive health, and weight management. Few raw dog food brands match that level of transparency.

How does PetPlate support fresh dog nutrition?

Subscriptions start at $99 per month, or $1.57 to $3.79 per day. The service sends six fresh and two baked recipes in recyclable containers every two weeks. Prices shift by protein, so you can choose salmon, beef, or turkey.

New customers can dip a paw in with a trial option before they commit.

PetPlate crafts fresh dog food with human-grade ingredients and follows AAFCO standards for balanced nutrition. Dogs get pre-portioned meals with omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, plus digestive health support.

Careful cooking locks in flavor and food safety, leaving key vitamins in place. Fresh boxes arrive ready to serve, so you feed your dog food that tastes like human food.

What does JustFoodForDogs offer pet owners?

Owners get fresh dog food made in human-grade kitchens. Chefs follow WSAVA global nutrition guidelines and AAFCO standards. Monthly plans start at $95, or $4.50 to $6 per day. Subscribers pick from 23 recipes, delivered every one to twelve weeks.

Shoppers earn free shipping on qualifying orders and can buy meals at Petco.

Veterinarians add prescription diets for health issues like arthritis or diabetes. Meals include organ meats, fish oil, and veggies to boost skin and coat health. Teams perform food safety checks to protect digestive health and the gut microbiome.

Recipes adapt to food sensitivities and support cardiovascular health.

Why consider FreshPet for your dog’s meals?

Pet owners save, with rolls starting at $6.47. A menu boasts 32 fresh dog food recipes. Plans start at $2 per day, so you can budget with ease. Forbes praises FreshPet for budget-conscious buyers.

Buyers lock in deliveries from one to six weeks. A free trial opens the door.

Some recipes meet human-grade dog food standards. Others follow AAFCO dog foods guidelines. Rolls need to finish within seven days, keeping food fresh. That plan suits busy schedules.

Dogs enjoy varied meals every week.

What are the key points about Raw Paws Pet Food?

Raw Paws serves pups a Prey Model diet or a BARF style raw dog food. It ships 80/10/10 grinds, freeze-dried morsels, toppers and treats sorted by size or hardness. The brand covers raw feeding with a wide mix of meal types and pre-portioned meals.

Some fans call a thaw-and-serve bag a pantry pal for busy woofs.

Each recipe uses human-grade dog food ingredients for top nutritional value. Grain-free dog food options support pups with sensitive stomachs and food sensitivities. Freeze-drying locks in nutrients, while high-pressure processing cuts germs without heat.

Dogs dig the boost to digestive health and shiny skin and coat.

How does Rebel Raw cater to dogs’ dietary needs?

Rebel Raw offers BARF recipes that match AAFCO standards for all life stages and large breeds. They pack meals in trays from six to 32 ounces for easy portion control. Each batch uses 100% human-grade ingredients like grass-fed beef and organic veggies.

New customers get 20% off, and orders over $200 ship free nationwide.

Chefs formulate each recipe for nutritional completeness, supporting skin and coat health, digestive health, and strong bones. This raw feeding concept mirrors ancestral diets without fancy jargon.

Portion control tools let you measure meals fast, so you can ditch the kitchen scale. Your dog rides a wave of steady energy, with fewer tummy upsets and a shinier coat.

What makes Soul’y Raw a popular option?

Soul’y Raw earns praise for its strict Prey Model plan. Each meal uses grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, organic turkey, and wild salmon. The menu stays grain-free, and skips all plant fillers.

The brand avoids high-pressure processing (HPP) to leave every dish fresh. Staff handcraft orders in California or Arizona. Each plate arrives frozen, pre-portioned, and packed with raw dog food goodness.

Fans of human-grade ingredients applaud this brand. Soul’y Raw sources meat with no hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or chemicals. Owners see glossy skin and soft coat, and find better digestion.

The firm meets AAFCO standards for balanced nutrition. Dogs lick bowls clean, enjoying pure raw feeding.

What are the key benefits of fresh and raw dog food?

Fresh and raw meals use whole ingredients. They come straight from human-grade sources in USDA-inspected plants. Dogs chew on real meat and veggies. Their coats gain a glossy shine.

Better digestion and firmer stools often follow. Many pups enjoy fewer tummy upsets. Meals may use high-pressure processing to kill harmful germs. This helps cut bacterial risks without cooking.

Kibble faces more recalls for salmonella and E coli than raw dog food.

Vets spot brighter eyes and fresher breath in pups on raw diets. Freeze-dried raw food and frozen raw meals lock in vitamins like D and C. They pack omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Grain-free dog food can ease gut woes in dogs with sensitivities. Puppy nutrition formulas support growing bones. Recipes meet AAFCO standards. They mirror a dog’s ancestral diet for prime energy.

How can you safely transition your dog to fresh or raw food?

Switching to fresh or raw food can boost your dog’s energy, skin and coat health, and digestive health. Go gradually to avoid diarrhea, bloating, or other gastrointestinal upset.

1. Consult Dr. Smith, a veterinary nutritionist, to set safe goals and cover food safety.
2. Ask your vet for a Maev Transition Guide that maps steps from kibble to raw dog food.
3. Order a trial box, such as The Farmer’s Dog Starter Kit, to introduce fresh dog food in small portions.
4. Use the Nom Nom Feeding Calculator to balance calories, protein, and fat for your pup.
5. Start at 25% new food during days one and two, shift to 50% on days three and four, increase to 75% on days five and six, reach full swap by day seven.
6. Track stool quality and digestive health each day to spot diarrhea or constipation.
7. Watch for food sensitivities, especially with grain-free or high-protein formulas.
8. Store pre-portioned meals of human-grade dog food sealed and frozen below 0°F, thaw in the fridge overnight.
9. Try freeze-dried raw morsels from a trial kit to ease the shift into freeze drying options.
10. Schedule follow-up exams to adjust amounts and check for nutrient deficiencies.

What are the common misconceptions about raw dog food?

Many pet parents fear raw dog food carries bacteria, but dogs’ acidic stomachs handle germs better than ours. The FDA looks at human health, not pet foods safety. AAFCO standards set nutrient profiles, they do not approve any brands.

Some veterinarians warn against raw diets, yet a few VMDs watch pups thrive with less tummy trouble. Poor handling, not raw itself, causes most problems.

Some people worry freeze dried or high-pressure processing breaks benefits. HPP kills pathogens, and freeze-dried meals keep vitamin D and vitamin C. Others doubt skin and coat health, but omega-3 fatty acids boost shine.

Dogs with kidney disease or chronic disease may need a veterinary prescription diet. Safe prep brings safer food, better bowel movements, stronger dental health, less plaque and gum disease.

What factors should you consider when choosing a raw dog food brand?

Picking the right raw dog food brand sets your pet up for health and happiness. You need solid safety checks and clear nutrition facts.

1. Look for human-grade, USDA-inspected ingredients to support skin and coat health.
2. Seek nutrient profile analysis that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages.
3. Verify high-pressure processing technology in freeze-dried raw food to ensure food safety.
4. Gauge protein variety to manage food sensitivities and boost digestive health.
5. Consider grain-free dog food if your dog shows allergy or intolerance signs.
6. Review ingredient traceability through transparent sourcing and third-party lab testing.
7. Assess delivery options, subscription customization, and pre-portioned meals for convenience.
8. Check omega-3 fatty acid levels for joint support and cognitive health.
9. Measure shipping reliability from real reviews to get fresh meals on time.
10. Opt for recipes free of wheat and milk to reduce autoimmune disorder risks.

Why is consulting your vet important before switching your dog’s diet?

Consulting your vet can cut health risks. American Veterinary Medical Association warns against raw or undercooked animal protein due to possible bacterial threats. Dogs with weak immune systems or those on chemo may face serious issues.

Vet teams help you meet AAFCO standards and adjust meals under a veterinary prescription diet.

Proper vet advice can guide raw dog food transitions safely. They track digestive health markers, skin and coat health, plus food safety with grain-free dog food or freeze-dried raw food.

High-pressure processing (HPP) and human-grade dog food choices suit many sensitive stomach pals. This expert help cuts guesswork, and it keeps tails wagging longer.

What are the frequently asked questions about raw dog food?

Many dog owners ask about raw dog food. These questions help them pick the right meals.

1. Is raw dog food safe? High-pressure processing (HPP) kills bacteria, and strict food safety steps protect dogs.
2. How do I switch diets? Start fresh dog food slow, and mix raw meals over ten days to guard digestive health.
3. Will my dog get balanced nutrition? Pick makers that meet AAFCO standards or use a veterinary prescription diet plan.
4. Can raw improve skin and coat? Many raw meals add omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
5. How much does raw cost? Fresh and raw dog food runs higher than kibble, but pre-portioned meals cut waste.
6. Where can I find trusted makers? The Farmer’s Dog, We Feed Raw, Viva Raw, Nom Nom serve human-grade dog food.
7. Do puppies need raw meals? Puppy nutrition needs more calcium and protein, so choose a plan made for young dogs.
8. Are there options for allergies? Grain-free dog food and raw feeding often ease food sensitivities for sensitive stomachs.
9. How long can I store raw meals? Frozen food lasts up to six months in a freezer, while freeze-dried raw food stays fresh for months on a shelf.
10. Do veterinary clinicians support fresh or raw diets? Many recommend human-grade ingredients, but they caution on a gradual transition to avoid tummy upset.

Which fresh and raw dog food options are budget-friendly?

Here are some wallet-friendly picks for fresh and raw meals.

What do readers recommend about fresh and raw dog food brands?

Viva Raw wins praise for fresh and raw formulas, clear menus, more than a dozen protein types, a puppy plan, and fast support. Fans cite its AAFCO compliance, plus high-pressure processing that kills harmful bacteria.

Open Farm draws cheers with traceable chicken, beef, lamb and turkey, each batch passes lab tests, and freeze-dried raw morsels make park snacks easy. We Feed Raw grabs thumbs-up for protein variety and flexible subscriptions, it sends human-grade dog food, and many dogs skip gassy nights with firmer stools.

Darwin’s earns trust with vet-formulated, prescription-ready raw diet packs. Readers share how picky pups scoop bowls clean, show less itch, and boast softer coats. Rebel Raw and Soul’y Raw earn nods for fresh ingredients, grass-fed beef and no fillers in sight, owners rave about shinier coats and happier tummies.

Energy leaps up, skin glows from omega-3 fatty acids, and dinner feels like playtime.

Takeaways

Fresh and raw meals boost dogs’ digestive health and skin and coat care. Packed with essential fats and lean proteins, these diets ease sensitive stomachs. Brands that use special processing meet strict food safety and AAFCO standards.

Inspected meats and human-quality food make meals safe and tasty. Talk to your vet, use a nutritional tool, and watch your pup thrive.