Every pet parent wants the best for their furry companion, and a big part of that comes down to what’s in their bowl. The right dog food can mean the difference between a sluggish pup and one that’s full of energy, has a shiny coat, and enjoys a long, healthy life.
Whether you’re considering a raw diet, fresh meals, or grain-free options, brands like Primal, Stella & Chewy’s, Freshpet, and Nulo are known for their top-tier, nutrient-packed meals made with real raw meat dogs and organic ingredients.
So, is a raw diet the right choice for your dog? Let’s explore the benefits, the best raw meat options, and top-rated brands of best raw meat meals for dogs that make feeding raw both easy and nutritious.
Why Raw Meat is a Game-Changer for Dogs
Switching to a raw diet can have transformative effects on your pup’s health. Here’s why more pet owners are making the switch:
1. Better Digestion – Raw diets are free from artificial additives and fillers, making them gentler on your dog’s digestive system.
2. Healthier Skin & Shiner Coat – Packed with essential fatty acids, the best raw meat meals for dogs help reduce skin irritations and give your pup that glossy, healthy coat.
3. Stronger Immune System – Fresh, natural proteins and nutrients help boost your dog’s immune defenses, reducing the risk of illness.
4. Improved Dental Health – Chewing raw bones naturally scrapes away plaque and tartar, promoting healthier teeth and gums.
5. Higher Energy Levels – Many dog owners report that their pets become more active and energetic after transitioning to a raw diet.
Best Raw Meat Dog Options
Not all meats are created equal! Here are some of the top choices for a well-rounded raw diet:
- Raw Beef – High in protein, rich in iron and zinc, and great for overall muscle development.
- Raw Chicken – A lean, easy-to-digest protein packed with glucosamine for joint health.
- Raw Turkey – A lower-fat option that’s ideal for weight management and dogs eat with food sensitivities.
- Raw Lamb – A fantastic source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, great for pups allergic to poultry.
- Raw Duck – A higher-fat protein that’s excellent raw food for active dogs and those with food allergies.
- Salmon & Sardines – Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, joints, and heart.
- Raw Organ Meats (Beef Liver, Kidney, Heart) – Nutrient-dense superfoods that should make up 10-15% of a raw diet for maximum health benefits.
Important Things to Consider When Feeding Raw
While raw diets can be incredibly beneficial, they require careful planning to ensure your dog gets complete nutrition. You need to keep the following in mind:
1. Balance is Key – A proper raw diet should include muscle meat, organ meat, meaty bones, and supplements to provide all essential nutrients.
2. Food Safety First – Always buy fresh, high-quality meat from trusted sources. Store raw food in the freezer and thaw in the fridge. Wash hands and clean all surfaces after handling raw food to prevent contamination.
3. Portion Control Matters – Adult dogs typically need 2-3% of their body weight in raw food daily. Puppies require more frequent meals with slightly higher portions to support growth.
The Best Raw Meat Meals for Dogs Brands in 2025
If preparing raw meals from scratch sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—several high-quality brands offer convenient, balanced raw meals. Here are some of the best:
1. Instinct Raw Meat Meals For Dogs
If you’re looking for a prey model raw diet without the hassle of refrigeration, Instinct Raw Meals Real Beef Recipe might be exactly what you need. Packed with high-quality beef and nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, this freeze-dried formula delivers a protein-rich, grain-free meal that supports muscle growth, digestion, and a shiny coat.
Key Features:
- 85% beef, and 15% non-GMO fruits & vegetables for balanced nutrition.
- Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients, giving dogs a prey model raw diet experience with added convenience.
- No artificial colors, preservatives, or grains—just clean, wholesome ingredients.
Customer Experience:
Many dog parents rave about how even the pickiest eaters devour this food. Some noticed an improvement in their senior dogs’ digestion and energy levels. However, a few buyers mentioned that while the quality is top-notch, the price makes it hard to use as a daily raw dog meal.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality protein for muscle and coat health. | On the pricier side for long-term feeding. |
| Supports digestion and overall well-being. | Portion sizes may feel small for large dogs. |
| Dogs seem to love the taste. |
Final Verdict of Raw Meat Meals For Dogs:
If you’re looking for a premium, raw alternative that supports digestion and coat health, Instinct Raw Meals is a solid choice—especially if budget isn’t a concern.
2. Stella & Chewy’s Best Raw Meats For Dogs
For dogs that crave variety in their protein sources, Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble is a fantastic option. This recipe is inspired by a whole-prey diet, combining multiple types of meat into a convenient dry food format with a delicious raw coating.
Key Features:
- Includes raw beef, pork, lamb, bison, raw venison, and goat—a true meat lover’s dream.
- 90% protein from real animal sources for a high-energy, nutrient-dense meal.
- No artificial fillers, grains, or unnecessary additives.
User Experience:
Dogs love the taste and the variety of proteins, making it a great pick for picky eaters. One pet parent appreciated how it combines raw nutrition with kibble convenience. The only downside? Some customers noted that prices have been going up.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Packed with diverse, high-quality proteins. | Can be expensive, especially for large dogs. |
| Whole-prey nutrition for a well-balanced diet. | Recent price increases have frustrated some buyers. |
| Dogs enjoy the rich, meaty flavor. |
Final Verdict of Best Raw Meats For Dogs:
If you’re after a high-protein, grain-free kibble with the benefits of raw meat for dogs, this is a fantastic choice, though budget-conscious shoppers might want to keep an eye out for discounts.
3. Nature’s Best Raw Meat Diet For Dog
If human-grade ingredients and digestive health are high on your list, Nature’s Diet Fresh Beef Simply Raw could be a great match. Made in small batches in the USA, this freeze-dried formula contains omega fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics for a healthier gut and shinier coat.
Key Features:
- Made in small batches in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
- Freeze-dried for a longer shelf life while retaining nutrition.
- Rich in protein, probiotics, and omega fatty acids to support digestion and coat health.
User Experience of Best Raw Meat Diet For Dog:
Many pet parents love the freshness of the ingredients and the noticeable improvement in their dog’s coat. However, some found the texture a bit too powdery, making it messier to serve.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Human-grade ingredients for premium nutrition. | Some bags arrive with a powdery consistency. |
| Supports digestion with probiotics and prebiotics. | It may not have enough meat content for certain dogs. |
| Dogs seem to love the taste. |
Final Verdict:
An excellent choice for pet owners looking for fresh, high-quality, digestive-supportive food, though dogs that prefer chunkier textures may not enjoy it as much.
4. Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Food
For pet owners who prioritize digestive health and clean ingredients, Instinct’s Freeze-Dried Raw Food offers a nutrient-rich, grain-free option that’s easy to serve. This recipe provides all the benefits of raw meat for dogs without the prep work.
Key Features:
- 85% beef, 15% fruits and veggies for a balanced diet.
- Freeze-dried to maintain nutrients while being easier to store.
- No artificial colors, grains, or preservatives—just pure, natural ingredients.
User Experience of Best Raw Meals For Dogs:
Many dog owners praise its digestibility and high-quality ingredients, with some using it as a topper to enhance their dogs’ meals. However, portion sizes might feel small, especially for bigger breeds.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for digestion and gut health. | May not be cost-effective for larger dogs. |
| Versatile—can be used as a raw meal or a topper. | Some customers find the portion sizes too small. |
| Free from artificial additives. |
Final Verdict:
A great option for owners wanting a natural, protein-rich raw diet, but may not be the most budget-friendly choice for large dogs.
5. Primal Kibble Organic Raw Food Diet For Dogs
Want to combine raw nutrition with kibble convenience? Primal Kibble in the Raw Beef Recipe features grass-fed beef and organic produce, freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavor—a balanced meal without synthetic additives.
Key Features
- Made with grass-fed beef & organic ingredients
- Freeze-dried to retain essential nutrients
- No synthetic vitamins, minerals, or artificial additives
User Experience of Organic Raw Food Diet For Dogs
Pet owners love how even picky eaters enjoy this food! The soft, crumbly texture is great for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. Many customers also mention the pleasant smell, unlike traditional kibble.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, natural ingredients | Pricey compared to regular kibble |
| Easy to digest & great for picky eaters | Some dogs take time to adjust to freeze-dried food |
| Convenient, scoop-and-serve formula |
Final Verdict
A great option if you want premium, nutrient-packed kibble that delivers raw nutrition—well worth it for those who prioritize quality!
6. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Foods For Dogs
If your pup craves raw, high-protein meals, Stella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties deliver 95% grass-fed lamb, organs, and bone. This grain-free formula mimics a wild diet for optimal health and digestion.
Key Features
- 95% real lamb, organs & bone
- Freeze-dried for easy serving
- Probiotics are included for sensitive stomachs
User Experience:
Customers love the easy preparation and rich nutrition. One user found it perfect as a late-night snack, while another noticed increased energy levels in their beagle. However, some batches contained visible fur, which concerned a few buyers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-protein and grain-free | Pricey for long-term feeding |
| Great for dogs with digestive issues | Occasional concerns about quality control |
| Can be served dry or rehydrated |
Final Verdict of Raw Foods For Dogs
A fantastic choice for pet owners wanting a protein-rich, raw diet that supports digestion and overall health.
7. Freshpet Best Raw Meat For Dogs to Eat
Freshpet Vital Beef & Lamb is a fresh, non-GMO, grain-free dog food made with real beef, lamb, and eggs. Designed to support healthy metabolism, joints, and a shiny coat, it’s a great option for pet parents who prefer minimally processed meals.
Key Features
- Freshly cooked with high-quality ingredients
- Packed with antioxidants and vitamins
- No preservatives, meat meals, or by-products
User Experience:
Many dogs love the taste! One owner shared that their pup devours it eagerly at every meal. However, another user noticed that their Frenchie developed skin allergies, indicating it may not be suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fresh, high-protein formula | Some dogs may develop allergies |
| No artificial additives or preservatives | Larger bite sizes may not suit smaller breeds |
| Supports healthy joints and the immune system |
Final Verdict of Best Raw Meat For Dogs to Eat
A fresh, nutritious alternative to traditional kibble—ideal for pet parents looking for high-quality, minimally processed meals.
8. Nulo Best Raw Meat Food For Dog
Nulo Freestyle is a freeze-dried, raw-inspired dog food made with 82% raw turkey, organs, and bone, plus wholesome cranberries for added antioxidants. This formula supports digestive and immune health with added probiotics.
Key Features
- 82% turkey, organs & bone
- Probiotic-infused for better digestion
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
User Experience of Best Raw Meat Food For Dog
Dogs love the flavor, especially when used as a topper! However, some pet owners found it too expensive, and a few reported that their dogs refused to eat it altogether.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality raw nutrition | Expensive for long-term feeding |
| Supports digestive health | Some dogs may not like the taste |
| Versatile—can be a topper or full meal |
Final Verdict
A fantastic choice for pet parents seeking a gut-friendly, raw-based diet—if you’re willing to invest in premium nutrition.
Q1.What’s the healthiest dog food option?
Ans. The healthiest choices contain real meat, organic vegetables, and essential nutrients. Top brands like Primal, Stella & Chewy’s, Freshpet, and Nulo offer high-protein, grain-free, and freeze-dried raw options that pack a nutritional punch.
Q2.Is freeze-dried raw dog food better than kibble?
Ans. Absolutely! Freeze-dried raw retains more natural nutrients, flavors, and digestive enzymes compared to traditional kibble. This leads to better digestion, a shinier coat, and stronger immunity.
Q3.What’s the best dog food for picky eaters?
Ans. Dogs with fussy eating habits tend to love Primal Kibble in the Raw, Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties, and Freshpet Fresh Dog Food—thanks to their real meat content and natural flavors.
Q4.What’s the best grain-free dog food?
Ans. If your pup has allergies or a sensitive stomach, Nulo Freestyle and Freshpet Vital are excellent grain-free options packed with high-quality proteins and essential nutrients.
Q5.Does fresh dog food improve digestion?
Ans. Yes! Fresh, minimally processed food like Freshpet and Primal is much easier on the digestive system, helping to reduce bloating, food sensitivities, and allergies.
Q6.Is raw dog food safe for all breeds?
Ans. Yes, but portion control is key! Freeze-dried raw diets from Stella & Chewy’s, Primal, and Nulo are formulated for dogs of all sizes, ensuring they get a balanced diet.
Q7.Which dog food is best for weight management?
Ans. Stella & Chewy’s Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties are a fantastic choice—they’re high in protein and free from unnecessary fillers, making them ideal for maintaining a healthy weight.
Q8.Is premium dog food worth the price?
Ans. Definitely! Investing in high-quality dog food leads to better health, fewer vet visits, and a longer, happier life for your furry friend.