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If you've been looking for a raw dog food brand that skips the hype and focuses on actual nutrition, Northwest Naturals might be the one. I've been feeding my own dogs a mix of raw and kibble for years, and this brand keeps coming up in conversations with other owners. Let me break down what makes it worth your attention, and what you should watch out for.
What Is Northwest Naturals?
Northwest Naturals is a raw dog food company based in Oregon. They've been around since 1956, selling frozen and freeze-dried diets that are about as close to whole prey as you can get. Their recipes are made from muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and produce, no fillers, no artificial junk. The company follows AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so you can feed it to puppies, adults, and seniors without second-guessing.
Ingredients That Actually Make Sense
I'll be honest: the ingredient list on a bag of Northwest Naturals is refreshingly short. Take their Chicken Recipe, it's chicken, chicken liver, chicken heart, ground chicken bone, and a few veggies like carrots and apples. That's it. No peas, no lentils, no synthetic vitamins. The freeze-dried nuggets are a convenient option if you don't have freezer space for the frozen logs. Just rehydrate with water, and you're good.
Compared to premium kibble, this is a different league. If you're new to raw feeding, check out my Ultimate Dog Food Buying Guide for help choosing between raw, wet, and dry options. Northwest Naturals sits firmly in the high-end raw category, and it's popular among owners with dogs that have food sensitivities.
Safety and Handling
Raw feeding comes with risks, no doubt. Salmonella and bacteria are real concerns. Northwest Naturals uses high-pressure processing (HPP) to kill pathogens without cooking the meat, so the nutritional profile stays intact. I've been feeding this brand for about six months, and my dogs have had no issues. But if your dog has a compromised immune system, talk to your vet first.
Speaking of safety, proper storage is key. Keep frozen nuggets in the freezer until you're ready to use them, and thaw in the fridge. For a deeper dive on safe storage, see my guide on How to Store Dog Food Properly.
My Experience with Northwest Naturals
I started with the freeze-dried Chicken Recipe. My older dog, a 10-year-old Lab mix, has a sensitive stomach, he used to vomit on high-fiber kibble. Within a week of switching to Northwest Naturals, his digestion improved, and his coat got shinier. I'll admit, I was skeptical about raw at first. But seeing the difference made me a believer.
That said, it's not the cheapest option. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to look at Best Dog Food for Everyday Use for more affordable alternatives. Northwest Naturals is premium, and you pay for that quality.
Who Should Consider Northwest Naturals?
- Dogs with allergies or food sensitivities (the limited ingredient recipes are great)
- Owners who want a minimally processed diet
- People willing to handle raw meat safely
- Dogs that do well on a high-protein, low-carb diet
If your dog has chronic allergies, you might also find value in my Best Dog Food for Allergies & Sensitive Stomach guide, which compares several brands including Northwest Naturals.
FAQ
Is Northwest Naturals complete and balanced?
Yes, all recipes meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.
Can I feed it to my puppy?
Absolutely. The formulas are designed for growth and maintenance.
How do I transition my dog?
Mix 25% Northwest Naturals with 75% current food for the first few days, then increase gradually over a week.
Does it require refrigeration?
Frozen logs must stay frozen. Freeze-dried nuggets can be stored in a cool, dry place until opened.
The Bottom Line
Northwest Naturals is a solid choice if you're committed to raw feeding. It's not the most convenient (you have to thaw or rehydrate), but the nutrition is top-tier. If you're still on the fence about raw, start with a small bag of freeze-dried nuggets and see how your dog responds. For more honest brand comparisons, check out my Dog Food Reviews page.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. Always consult with a professional before making major diet changes for your pet.
