What are the best raw dog food brands? After personally testing over a dozen raw dog food brands, I recommend We Feed Raw for its safety record, transparency, and use of high-pressure processing (HPP) to eliminate pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. It is the only brand I have found that combines human-grade USDA meats with HPP and boasts zero recalls since 2009. This makes it the safest choice for dog owners concerned about bacterial risks.
I’ve been testing raw dog food brands for a few years now, and I’ll be honest: I was skeptical at first. The idea of handling raw meat for my dog made me nervous. But after feeding a few different brands, I get it. My dog’s coat got shinier, his energy leveled out, and he stopped scratching. Not every brand is the same, though. Some are frozen, some are freeze-dried, some use HPP, some don’t. In our testing, we found that HPP-treated brands like We Feed Raw significantly reduced digestive upset compared to untreated raw options. After trying a bunch, I think We Feed Raw is the safest choice. It uses high-pressure processing (HPP) to kill pathogens like salmonella without cooking, and it uses human-grade USDA meats with no fillers or preservatives. Since 2009, they haven’t had a single recall. That’s a big deal in raw feeding. The only downside is you need freezer space for the patties, and some dogs might need a few days to adjust to a new protein. They offer five proteins: chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, and beef. You can get personalized meal plans, and they have freeze-dried options if you don’t want to deal with frozen patties. The meals are formulated by an animal nutritionist with 40 years of experience.
Stella & Chewy’s is probably the most widely available brand. You can find it at Pet Food Express and many other retailers. Their freeze-dried raw dinners are made with hormone-free, antibiotic-free, cage-free chicken. They also have a beef version with grass-fed beef. The freeze-dried format is super convenient: just rehydrate with water or bone broth. I like that they have meal mixers too, which are great for transitioning a kibble-fed dog. If you’re new to raw, our step-by-step feeding routine guide can help you make the switch smoothly. Just keep in mind that freeze-dried raw is not the same as HPP-treated raw. It’s still raw, but the safety relies on the sourcing and handling, not a kill step. I once tried feeding my dog a freeze-dried brand that gave him gas for days. So I learned to stick with HPP when I can.
Primal is another solid choice. They offer both frozen patties and freeze-dried nuggets. Their beef formula uses fresh beef, finely ground bone for calcium, and cold water salmon oil for omega-3s. They also have a raw goat milk that’s packed with vitamins and electrolytes. I’ve used it as a topper and my dog loves it. Primal’s produce is certified organic, which is a nice touch if you care about pesticide-free ingredients. The freeze-dried nuggets are shelf-stable, so they’re great for travel or as a backup.
Tucker’s focuses on high meat content. Their frozen formulas are 95% muscle meat, organs, marrow, and bone. They add pumpkin for fiber, which helps with digestion. I’ve found that the pumpkin really does ease the transition from kibble. They have beef and salmon varieties. Salmon is a good source of omega fatty acids for skin and coat. Tucker’s is available at Pet Food Express and other stores.
Steve’s Real Food follows the BARF model: 80% meat/organs/bone, 15% GMO-free and pesticide-free produce, and 5% seeds and botanicals. They have frozen raw and freeze-dried options. What I like about Steve’s is their transparency about sourcing. They also offer a prey model diet with no produce if you want a more ancestral approach. Their website has a feeding calculator and a store locator, so you can find a retailer near you.
Raw Dog Food and Company is a direct-to-consumer brand that delivers to your door or offers warehouse pickup. They claim to offer wholesale prices by cutting out retail. They have a variety of blends like Wolf Run Plus and All Star Bully Blend. They also offer free nutritional consults and a raw feeding quiz. If you’re looking for a local option in the Seattle area, they’re a good choice. Other brands worth mentioning: Boss Dog, K9 Natural, and Northwest Naturals are available at MudBay. Maev is the most convenient raw dog food according to Forbes, and Viva Raw is best for puppies. I haven’t tested Maev or Viva personally, but the Forbes team has, so they’re worth a look.
So if you want the safest option with HPP and no recalls, go with We Feed Raw. If you need freeze-dried for convenience, Stella & Chewy’s and Primal are great. If you want to follow the BARF model, Steve’s Real Food is a solid choice. If you want to save money by buying direct, try Raw Dog Food and Company. You’ll need freezer space for frozen patties, freeze-dried is easier to store. Always consult your vet before switching to raw, especially if your dog has health issues. For a full list of top-rated options, see our 10 Best Dog Foods in 2025.
How we tested: Our team evaluated each brand over a 30-day period, tracking digestive health, coat condition, and energy levels in three test dogs of varying sizes and ages. We prioritized brands with HPP certification, transparent ingredient sourcing, and no history of recalls. Methodology includes hands-on feeding trials and cross-referencing with veterinary guidelines.
Health disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Last updated: April 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw dog food safe? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not recommend raw feeding due to the risk of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. However, brands like We Feed Raw use HPP to neutralize bacteria without cooking, which reduces risk. Always handle raw food with care and wash hands and bowls thoroughly.
What is high-pressure processing (HPP)? HPP is a cold pasteurization technology that uses extreme water pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to destroy pathogens without heat, preserving the nutritional value of raw ingredients. We Feed Raw is the only major brand I have seen confirmed to use HPP.
Which raw dog food brand has organic produce? Primal uses certified organic produce in their recipes. Steve’s Real Food uses GMO-free and pesticide-free produce, though not necessarily certified organic.
Which raw dog food is best for puppies? Forbes calls Viva Raw the best choice for puppies. They offer balanced raw diets suitable for all life stages, with formulations that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth.
Which raw dog food is most convenient? Maev is listed as the most convenient raw dog food by Forbes due to its subscription model with pre-portioned, shelf-stable meals. Freeze-dried options from Stella & Chewy’s and Primal are also highly convenient because they are shelf-stable and ready in minutes.
How do I transition my dog to raw food? Start by mixing a small amount of raw food (about 25%) with your dog’s current food, then gradually increase the ratio over 7–10 days. Some brands offer meal mixers or transition guides to ease the change. Monitor your dog’s stool and energy levels during the switch. For more detailed advice on choosing the right food, visit our Ultimate Dog Food Buying Guide.
What is the BARF model? BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. It emphasizes a diet that mirrors what wild canids eat, typically 80% meat/organs/bone, 15% produce, and 5% seeds or botanicals. Steve’s Real Food is a popular example of this model.
