Quick Answer
"Rawdog dog food" generally refers to commercially prepared raw dog food brands that sell frozen or freeze-dried meals made from uncooked meat, organs, bones, and sometimes vegetables. These products are marketed as a more natural, species-appropriate diet, but they come with both benefits and safety considerations that every owner should weigh before switching.
What Is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food mimics what dogs might eat in the wild, uncooked animal proteins, bones, and organs. Unlike homemade raw diets, commercial raw dog foods are formulated to meet nutritional standards. For example, Steve's Real Food's original frozen raw dog food is a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) formulation composed of 80% meat/organ/bone and 15% GMO-free and pesticide-free produce. Other brands offer similar blends. Raw Health Canine Food says each batch is made with "only the freshest USDA Grade A meats" and is free of steroids, preservatives, fillers, and additives.
Many brands tout specific advantages. The Foundation Raw (I Feed Raw) states its raw food is ideal for dogs with allergies and sensitivities, avoiding common allergens such as corn, soy, wheat, or gluten. Leo's Raw Dog Food, a Chicago-based company, emphasizes 100% raw ingredients, high-quality sourcing, and over 25 years in business.
Brands also differ in formulation approach. Some, like Raw Dog Food and Company, claim to offer balanced raw diets for all life stages. Others, such as I Feed Raw, offer 80/10/10 blends (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organ) and AAFCO All Life Stages Compliant blends.
Safety and Veterinary Concerns
Raw meat diets are not without risk. According to the Riney Canine Health Center at Cornell University, a large 2017 epidemiologic study found that raw meat consumption was a significant risk factor for Salmonella shedding in dogs. Additionally, freeze-drying does not kill bacteria in the same way as cooking; in fact, scientists often use drying to preserve bacteria for study. Owners should be aware that raw treats and coated kibble carry similar risks.
No product testing was performed for this article. The claims above come from company websites and veterinary expert opinion. Always consult your vet before switching to a raw diet, especially if your dog has health problems or if you have young children or immunocompromised individuals in the home.
Decision Framework: How to Choose a Raw Dog Food
Follow these ordered steps to select a raw dog food that fits your dog's needs and your comfort level.
Step 1: Evaluate your dog's health and allergies
Check if your dog has food sensitivities or chronic issues like ear infections or digestive upset. Brands like I Feed Raw specifically market to dogs with allergies. If your dog has a known protein sensitivity, look for novel proteins (e.g., rabbit, venison) or single-protein blends.
Step 2: Choose a formulation type
Decide between BARF-style (with vegetables and grains) and prey-model (pure meat/bone/organ). Steve's Real Food follows BARF at 80/15/5 (meat/produce/supplements), while I Feed Raw offers 80/10/10 prey-model blends. Both can be nutritionally complete when properly formulated.
Step 3: Check sourcing and ingredient quality
Look for transparency in meat sourcing. Raw Health Canine Food uses USDA Grade A meats and avoids additives. Leo's Raw Dog Food sources from trusted farms. Avoid brands that use fillers, steroids, or preservatives.
Step 4: Assess safety and handling practices
Raw food requires careful storage and handling to prevent bacterial contamination. Freeze-dried products are convenient but carry the same bacterial risks as fresh raw. Brands like Raw Dog Food and Company offer feeding charts and safety info. Make sure you are comfortable with the level of hygiene needed.
Step 5: Transition gradually
Switch your dog from kibble to raw over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of raw with the old food. Monitor for digestive upset or changes in stool. Many brands provide transition guides or free nutritional consults, e.g., Raw Dog Food and Company offers a free nutritional consult.
Practical Takeaways
- Raw dog food can be a complete, species-appropriate diet if sourced from a reputable commercial brand.
- Always look for brands that clearly state their formulation (BARF, prey model) and ingredient sourcing.
- Be aware of the bacterial risks, especially with freeze-dried products, and follow safe handling practices.
- Consult with a veterinarian before starting a raw diet, particularly for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions.
References
- Raw Dog Food and Company: https://rawdogfoodandco.com
- Steve's Real Food Frozen Raw Dog Food: https://stevesrealfood.com/raw-dog-food/frozen-raw-dog-food
- Raw Health Canine Food: https://rawhealthcaninefood.com
- The Foundation Raw (I Feed Raw): https://ifeedraw.com
- Leo's Raw Dog Food: https://www.leosrawdogfood.com
- Riney Canine Health Center, Cornell University: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/raw-foods-dogs-evidence-based-advice-riney-canine-health-center
