Finding the perfect dog food raw can be tricky with so many choices out there. Your furry friend deserves a diet that keeps them energetic, supports growth, and promotes overall health. That’s why we’ve reviewed 5 top-rated Best Raw Dog Food for Puppies options to help you decide! Stella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties offer raw, freeze-dried nutrition made with grass-fed lamb. Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Food delivers high-protein, grain-free goodness with real chicken.
ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Food provides a biologically appropriate recipe packed with fresh, raw ingredients. Purina Puppy Chow High Protein Dog Raw Food is an affordable, nutrient-rich option for growing pups. Primal Kibble in the Raw Chicken Recipe combines raw nutrition with kibble convenience. No matter your dog’s needs, there’s a perfect match here!
Why Go Raw?
Puppies are in their prime growth phase, and nutrition plays a crucial role in their development. Raw diets for puppies revolve around unprocessed ingredients that retain their natural nutrients. By avoiding high-heat cooking processes, raw dog food preserves essential enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins crucial for your puppy’s growth. Benefits often include:
- High-Quality Protein: Supports muscle growth and development.
- Healthy Fats: Essential for brain development and energy.
- Digestible Nutrients: No fillers, just bioavailable vitamins and minerals.
- Stronger Immune System: Promotes gut health and reduces inflammation.
- Shinier Coat & Healthy Skin: Natural omega fatty acids enhance coat quality.
- Improved Coat: Puppies on raw diets often sport shinier, healthier fur, thanks to high omega-3 and omega-6 content.
- Better Digestion: Many raw feeders report firmer stools and fewer tummy troubles in their dogs.
- Healthy Growth: With a focus on muscle and bone development, raw diets aim to provide the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for growing pups.
What to Look for in Raw Dog Food for Puppies
When selecting raw food for your pup, keep these factors in mind:
- Balanced Nutrients – Puppies need a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and calcium.
- Human-Grade Ingredients – Ensure the food is free from additives and fillers.
- Appropriate Bone Content – Puppies require the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for strong bones.
- Organ Meats Inclusion – Liver, kidneys, and heart provide vital nutrients.
- Convenience & Storage – Choose frozen or freeze-dried options based on your lifestyle.
Ingredients to Look For
Not all dog foods are created equal, so it’s essential to vet your options. High-quality products often include:
- Muscle Meat – The cornerstone of raw diets, providing essential proteins.
- Organ Meat – Hearts, livers, and kidneys are nutrient-dense superfoods for your puppy.
- Bones – A natural source of calcium and phosphorus to strengthen growing skeletons.
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruits – Low-carb options like spinach, blueberries, and carrots offer antioxidants and fiber.
- Supplements – Look for natural inclusions like fish oil, coconut oil, or kelp powder for added benefits.
The Top 5 Best Raw Dog Foods for Puppies
1. Stella & Chewy’s Best Freeze-dried dog food
Stella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties bring the benefits of a raw diet in an easy-to-serve freeze-dried form. Made with 95% grass-fed lamb, organs, and bone, this meal is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Key Features
- Made with responsibly sourced, grass-fed lamb
- 100% organic fruits and vegetables
- Freeze-dried for easy serving—serve as is or rehydrate
- Enhanced with probiotics for digestion support
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and no artificial preservatives
User Experience of Best Freeze Dried Dog Food
Pet parents rave about its convenience and nutritional benefits. Dogs love the taste, and it’s particularly beneficial for picky eaters or those needing a nutritional boost. However, some owners mention its premium price as a drawback.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, grass-fed lamb | Pricey compared to other brands |
| Great for sensitive stomachs | Can be messy to break into pieces |
| Supports healthy digestion |
Final Verdict
Ideal for pet owners seeking a high-quality, raw diet alternative for their dogs. If budget isn’t a concern, this is a fantastic option for optimal nutrition.
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2. Instinct The Best Raw Dog Food For Puppies
Instinct Raw Bites offers a premium, high-protein diet for growing puppies. Made with cage-free chicken and freeze-dried to preserve nutrients, this formula supports muscle development, digestion, and overall well-being.
Key Features
- Made with cage-free chicken, beef organs, and cod
- DHA for brain and eye development
- No grain, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial additives
- Freeze-dried raw pieces for enhanced nutrition
- Supports digestion, bone health, and muscle growth
User Experience
Puppy owners appreciate the high protein and nutrient density. The raw bites retain a natural taste that puppies love, but some find the texture a bit hard for smaller breeds.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High-protein formula for growth | No bad Review |
| Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients | |
| No artificial preservatives or fillers |
Final Verdict of the The Best Raw Dog Food For Puppies
A great choice for pet parents wanting a raw, high-protein meal for their puppies. While it may take time for some pups to adjust, the benefits outweigh the cons.
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3. ORIJEN Best Raw Dog Food For Large Breed Puppies
ORIJEN Puppy Large provides a biologically appropriate diet for growing large-breed puppies. With 85% animal ingredients, it mimics a natural ancestral diet and is packed with protein and healthy fats.
Key Features
- Fish and poultry are the first 5 ingredients
- High in protein and fat for optimal growth
- Includes WholePrey ingredients (organs and bones)
- Grain-free and no artificial additives
- Freeze-dried coating for enhanced flavor
User Experience
Owners love the high-quality ingredients and improved digestion in their puppies. Some report shinier coats and increased energy, while a few note that picky eaters may not take to it immediately.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High-protein, premium ingredients | Not all dogs love the taste |
| Supports digestion and skin health | More expensive than traditional kibble |
| Grain-free with no artificial fillers |
Final Verdict of Best Raw Dog Food For Large-Breed Puppies
Perfect for large-breed puppy owners who want top-tier nutrition. If your pup is a picky eater, mixing it with wet food might help.
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4. Purina Best Pet Food For Puppies Chow
Purina Puppy Chow is a budget-friendly, protein-rich formula designed specifically for large-breed puppies. With 27.5% protein and essential nutrients, it supports strong muscle and bone development.
Key Features
- 27.5% protein for muscle growth
- DHA for brain development
- Calcium for strong bones and teeth
- Made in Purina-owned U.S. facilities
- Affordable compared to premium brands
User Experience
Many pet parents report noticeable improvements in weight gain and coat health. However, some dogs don’t seem to find it as palatable as other brands.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly | Some puppies may refuse to eat it |
| Supports muscle and bone growth | May cause frequent bowel movements |
| Contains DHA for brain health |
Final Verdict of Best Pet Food For Puppies
A great option for large-breed puppy owners looking for an affordable, nutrient-rich diet. However, picky eaters may need time to adjust.
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5. Primal Kibble Best Raw Dog Food Recipes
Primal Kibble in the Raw blends the convenience of kibble with the benefits of raw feeding. Made with cage-free chicken and organic ingredients, this freeze-dried formula offers high-quality nutrition.
Key Features
- Made with cage-free chicken and organic produce
- Freeze-dried to retain nutritional value
- No synthetic vitamins or minerals
- Easy to serve—just scoop and serve
- Supports digestion and optimal health
User Experience
Owners appreciate the raw nutrition without the hassle of fresh raw diets. Some report confusion regarding storage and feeding guidelines, but overall, dogs love the taste and digestibility.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality raw ingredients | Higher price than traditional kibble |
| Easy to serve, like kibble | Some inconsistencies in kibble size |
| No synthetic additives |
Final Verdict of Best Raw Dog Food Recipes
A fantastic option for dog owners who want raw nutrition in a convenient format. Worth the investment if you’re prioritizing high-quality, whole-food raw ingredients.
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Transitioning Your Puppy to a Raw Diet
Switching from kibble to raw dog food for puppies should be done gradually to avoid digestive issues:
- Start Slow – Mix small portions of raw food with your puppy’s current diet.
- Monitor Digestion – Watch for changes in stool and energy levels.
- Hydration Matters – Ensure your pup drinks enough water.
- Variety is Key – Rotate proteins to provide a well-rounded nutrient profile.
- Stick to Safe Handling Practices – Store raw food properly to prevent contamination.
What to Avoid
While raw food is great, it’s critical to steer clear of:
- Contaminated or Low-Quality Meats – Always opt for high-grade, fresh ingredients.
- Ingredients with Added Sugars or Artificial Preservatives – These can be harmful to your puppy’s health.
- Poor Bone-to-Meat Ratios – Imbalanced calcium intake can affect bone development.
Top Recommendations of Brands
While we can’t rank specific brands, here are categories to explore:
- Pre-Made Raw Options – Perfect for busy owners, pre-packaged raw meals are balanced and ready to serve.
- DIY Raw Feeding – A popular option among enthusiasts, allowing you full control over ingredients.
Transitioning Tips
If you’re switching your puppy to a raw diet, do it gradually. Mix raw food with your pup’s current diet in increasing proportions over a week. This ensures their sensitive stomach adjusts to the new routine smoothly.
Top 5 FAQs About the Best Raw Dog Food for Puppies Brands
Q1. Which dog food is best for a sensitive stomach?
Ans. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, Stella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties and Primal Kibble in the Raw Chicken Recipe are excellent choices. Both offer raw, high-quality ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and grains that can cause digestive issues.
Q2. What is the best high-protein dog food for puppies?
Ans. For puppies that need extra protein for growth, ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Food and Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Food are top picks. They contain real meat, essential fatty acids, and nutrients like DHA for brain and eye development.
Q3. Which dog food is the most budget-friendly?
Ans. Purina Puppy Chow High Protein Dog Food is the most affordable option while still providing essential nutrients for growing puppies. It contains real chicken, DHA, and calcium to support healthy muscles and bones.
Q4. What is the healthiest raw dog food option?
Ans. If you’re looking for raw nutrition, Stella & Chewy’s and Primal Kibble in the Raw are top choices. Both provide minimally processed, freeze-dried raw ingredients that maintain their natural nutrients.
Q5. Which dog food offers the most balanced nutrition?
Ans. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Food is one of the most well-rounded choices, offering a biologically appropriate mix of fresh and raw poultry, fish, and nutrient-dense WholePrey ingredients to mimic a natural diet.
Conclusion of Best Raw Dog Food for Puppies
Choosing the right dog food depends on your pup’s specific needs. Whether you’re looking for raw, high-protein, budget-friendly, or digestion-friendly options, this list has something for every dog. Stella & Chewy’s, Instinct, ORIJEN, Purina Puppy Chow, and Primal all offer top-quality nutrition to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Invest in the best for your dog and see the difference in their energy, coat, and overall well-being!