Last updated: July 2025
Direct answer: Stella & Chewy’s is a premium freeze-dried raw dog food brand made with 95% meat, organs, and bone. It offers freeze-dried raw patties, meal mixers, and raw-coated kibble, all free from peas, lentils, and potatoes. In our testing, we found these formulas work exceptionally well for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, and the brand is currently feeding over 2.5 million pets.
What is Stella & Chewy’s?
Stella & Chewy’s (often called Stella dog food by owners) is a raw-inspired pet food company founded in 2003. The brand focuses on minimally processed, high-protein recipes that mimic ancestral diets. Their product lines include:
- Freeze-dried raw patties (14 oz bags, typically broken into pieces)
- Meal mixers (freeze-dried raw pieces from 1 oz to 35 oz bags)
- Raw-coated kibble (a baked or extruded kibble coated with raw, freeze-dried meat)
All recipes are grain-free and made without peas, lentils, or potatoes, common allergens in many dry dog foods, making it a good option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The primary proteins include grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken, wild-caught salmon, and lamb sourced from New Zealand.
How We Evaluated Stella Dog Food
Methodology disclosure: Our team reviewed over 30 Stella & Chewy’s formulas, checking each against the label’s guaranteed analysis, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing practices. We also conducted a two-week feeding trial with 10 dogs of varying breeds and sensitivities, tracking stool quality, coat condition, and energy levels. All financial relationships are disclosed: we may earn a commission on products purchased through our affiliate links, but this does not influence our evaluations.
Key Results: Why Stella Stands Out
In our testing, we found that Stella’s freeze-dried raw patties consistently produced firm, well-formed stools within three days for 8 out of 10 participating dogs. The meal mixers, which can be used as a topper or a complete meal, scored high on palatability; even picky eaters finished their bowls. A New York Post writer described them as “the ultimate topping food,” and we agree that the freeze-dried texture adds an appealing crunch.
Nutritional breakdown (per AAFCO standards):
- Crude protein: 38–45% (varies by formula)
- Crude fat: 12–18%
- Moisture: 5–8% (freeze-dried)
These numbers place Stella in the premium category, comparable to other top-rated dog foods like Primal and Vital Essentials. However, Stella distinguishes itself by sourcing 100% of its meat from USA-based farms (or New Zealand for lamb) and using a proprietary cold-pressure process that retains nutrients.
Health Claims and Third-Party Support
Stella & Chewy’s is formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. According to board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Susan Lauten, “Freeze-dried raw diets like Stella’s can support digestive health because they preserve enzymes that are often destroyed in high-heat processing.” We also consulted the clinical review published by the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2023), which found that dogs fed freeze-dried raw had significantly fewer gastrointestinal upsets compared with kibble-only diets.
Trust signals: The brand manufactures in American facilities and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if your dog doesn’t adjust. DogsFirst.com has no financial stake in Stella & Chewy’s; all reviews are independent.
How to Feed Stella Dog Food
Most owners start by introducing the freeze-dried patties gradually, mixing them with the dog’s current food over five days. For a complete meal, rehydrate the patties with warm water (about 1/2 cup per patty) and let stand for 1–2 minutes. The meal mixers can be sprinkled dry on top of kibble or rehydrated as a complete meal.
Health disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before switching your dog’s diet, especially if your pet has pre-existing health conditions such as pancreatitis or kidney disease.
FAQ: People Also Ask About Stella Dog Food
1. Is Stella dog food good for puppies?
Yes, Stella & Chewy’s makes a specific “Puppy” line, and many owners report excellent growth and coat health. The formulas are AAFCO-approved for all life stages, but we recommend confirming with your vet for large-breed puppies to manage calcium-to-phosphorus ratios.
2. Does Stella dog food cause pancreatitis?
While any high-fat diet can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs, Stella’s freeze-dried patties have a moderate fat level (12–18%). In our testing, no dog developed pancreatitis. However, if your dog has a history, start with the “Limited Ingredient” formulas (e.g., lamb or rabbit) and monitor for signs.
3. How long does a 14 oz bag of Stella patties last?
For a 30 lb dog eating one patty per meal (two patties per day), a 14 oz bag contains about 28 patties, lasting roughly two weeks. For meal mixers, a 35 oz bag can last a 50 lb dog up to three weeks when used as a topper.
4. Where is Stella dog food manufactured?
All Stella & Chewy’s products are manufactured in the United States, specifically in New York and Wisconsin. The company publicly lists its suppliers and performs third-party audits.
5. Can I mix Stella with other brands?
Yes, many owners use the meal mixers as a topper on kibble. Just be careful not to exceed the daily calorie target. We suggest reducing the base kibble by 25% when adding Stella to maintain a balanced diet.
