Does your dog deserve the very best when it comes to mealtime? You might be wondering if there’s a better way to feed your furry friend than the usual bags of kibble. Many pet parents feel the same way, wrestling with confusing labels and a sea of choices when looking for what’s truly good for their dog. It can feel overwhelming to figure out which “raw kibble” options are actually healthy and safe, leading to worry about your dog’s well-being.
But what if choosing the right raw kibble could be simple? In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of raw kibble dog food. We’ll break down what it really is, why it’s becoming so popular, and how to spot the good stuff from the not-so-good. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in understanding raw kibble and making a choice that will have your dog wagging their tail with delight at every meal.
Top Raw Kibble Dog Food Recommendations
- REAL BEEF. RAW NUTRITION MADE EASY: Made with grass-fed beef, this 100% freeze-dried raw protein dog food delivers protein-rich nutrition in a convenient scoop-and-serve format—no prep, thawing, or hydration required.
- FREEZE-DRIED & MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Gently freeze-dried to help preserve nutrients and flavor, offering a dry dog food alternative to traditional kibble without high-heat cooking or overprocessing.
- SCOOP & SERVE CONVENIENCE: Designed as a true kibble replacement, these freeze-dried bites are ready to serve straight from the bag—bringing raw nutrition into your daily routine with zero hassle.
- HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE, BACKED BY RESEARCH: Crafted with individually prepared ingredients and backed by peer-reviewed research, this recipe supports improved digestibility, nutrient absorption, and gut health compared to heavily processed foods.
- WHOLE FOOD INGREDIENTS, NO SYNTHETICS: Made with real beef, organic apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and kale, and no synthetic vitamins or minerals—delivering nutrition from recognizable, whole food sources.
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
- REAL BEEF. RAW NUTRITION MADE EASY: Made with grass-fed beef, this 100% freeze-dried raw protein dog food delivers protein-rich nutrition in a convenient scoop-and-serve format—no prep, thawing, or hydration required.
- FREEZE-DRIED & MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Gently freeze-dried to help preserve nutrients and flavor, offering a dry dog food alternative to traditional kibble without high-heat cooking or overprocessing.
- SCOOP & SERVE CONVENIENCE: Designed as a true kibble replacement, these freeze-dried bites are ready to serve straight from the bag—bringing raw nutrition into your daily routine with zero hassle.
- HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE, BACKED BY RESEARCH: Crafted with individually prepared ingredients and backed by peer-reviewed research, this recipe supports improved digestibility, nutrient absorption, and gut health compared to heavily processed foods.
- WHOLE FOOD INGREDIENTS, NO SYNTHETICS: Made with real beef, organic apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and kale, and no synthetic vitamins or minerals—delivering nutrition from recognizable, whole food sources.
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- CHICKEN RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein from cage-free chicken, this recipe supports lean muscles, energy, and vitality. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a meal your dog will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, and apples- no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support a strong immune system and healthy skin & coat.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens to help support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- PICKY EATER APPROVED - Premium kibble coated with freeze-dried raw ingredients creates an irresistible taste even the pickiest dogs can't resist.
- HIGH-PROTEIN, LOW-CARB DIET - 93% of protein from six premium poultry sources including chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose & duck, with nutrient-dense "whole prey" ingredients - muscle meat, organ meats and cartilage - providing the nutrition dogs naturally crave with fewer carbohydrates.
- UNIQUE FREEZE-DRIED RAW BLEND - Kibble coated with freeze-dried raw food plus inclusion of freeze-dried raw chunks gives you convenient dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw.
- PREMIUM NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Low-carb, grain-free and legume-free formula with no potatoes, peas, lentils, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- SUPPORTS WHOLE BODY HEALTH - Fortified with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics for digestive support, and taurine for heart health. Rich in omega fatty acids from chia seeds and salmon oil for healthy skin & coat, plus antioxidants to support immune system health.
- HUMANELY SOURCED MEAT - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb and pork, this irresistible recipe includes nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone with non-GMO grains, fruits, and veggies.
- RAWMIX - These recipes offer pet parents whole-prey, meat-focused, nutrient dense, kibble recipes with the added benefits of bone broth and freeze dried raw. These diets include meat, organs and bone broth, and deliver optimal taste and nutrition for your pet!
- REWILD YOUR DOG’S BOWL - Perfect for pet parents that are seeking to feed animals as they thrive in the wild, with protein-focused diets, and the convenient, added nutrient of freeze-dried raw. For those pet parents curious about raw nutrition, but not yet ready to fully switch to raw, RawMix is a great option for your furry friend.
- QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - At Open Farm we believe that great nutrition is rooted in the integrity of our ingredients. All of the meat, organ and bones included in these recipes are sourced from 3rd party animal welfare certified farms. By working exclusively with farmers who share our commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices, we can make better food for your pets, while also doing some good for family farms, farm animals and the environment.
- 100% TRANSPARENCY: As a part of our commitment to transparent sourcing practices, we provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, because where pet foods come from shouldn’t be a mystery.
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- FISH & PORK RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein from wild-caught fish and crate-free pork, this recipe is packed with flavor and delivers premium nutrition with omega fatty acids to support muscle health and joint function.
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic kale, spinach, apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and joint health.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens to help support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- Love Is Raw: Our Raw Blend dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; the flavor and nutrition of raw is in every bite with freeze-dried raw coating, plus freeze-dried raw chunks
- Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six poultry-free animal protein sources: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat
- Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 90% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, organ meat and cartilage
- Grain-Free: Our nutritious, grain-free recipe is easy for dogs of all life stages to digest, with no unnecessary fillers and only the finest ingredients
- Supports Whole Body Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, our Raw Blend formula helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Raw Kibble for Your Dog
Finding the right food for your furry friend can be a big decision. Raw kibble is a popular choice for many dog owners. It offers some benefits of raw food but in a convenient kibble form. This guide will help you understand what to look for.
What is Raw Kibble?
Raw kibble isn’t truly raw. It’s made with raw ingredients that are then gently dehydrated or freeze-dried. This process keeps many of the nutrients intact. It’s a great middle ground for owners who want the benefits of raw without the mess and storage challenges.
Key Features to Look For
1. High-Quality Protein Sources
Dogs are carnivores. They need good protein. Look for kibble where the first few ingredients are named meats like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Avoid generic “meat by-products.” These are often lower quality. Good protein helps build strong muscles.
2. Minimal Fillers and Grains
Some kibble uses a lot of grains or starchy fillers. These can be hard for dogs to digest. They don’t offer much nutritional value. Look for foods with fewer grains or grain-free options. This is especially important for dogs with sensitivities.
3. Added Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They support a healthy immune system. Good sources include sweet potatoes, blueberries, spinach, and carrots. These add color and nutrition.
4. Probiotics and Prebiotics
These are good for your dog’s tummy. Probiotics are good bacteria. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria. A healthy gut helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. It also boosts the immune system.
5. No Artificial Additives
Avoid kibble with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These offer no health benefits. They can sometimes cause allergies or digestive upset in dogs. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) are better.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients is key. Always check the ingredient list. Here’s what’s important:
- Named Meat Sources: Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, etc.
- Wholesome Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, oats (if not grain-free).
- Healthy Fats: Fish oil, flaxseed, chicken fat (from a named source).
- Vitamins and Minerals: Often added to ensure a balanced diet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Gentle Processing: Freeze-drying or low-heat dehydration preserves nutrients.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): Good for dogs with allergies.
- Transparency: Brands that share where their ingredients come from.
- Nutritional Adequacy Statements: Look for AAFCO statements confirming the food is complete and balanced.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Generic Meat By-products: Less nutritious and harder to digest.
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives: Can cause health problems.
- Excessive Fillers: Corn, wheat, soy in large amounts.
- High Ash Content: Can indicate a lot of bone meal, which may not be ideal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many owners choose raw kibble because it’s easier than feeding a fully raw diet. It’s shelf-stable and convenient for travel. Dogs often enjoy the taste. It can be a good option for:
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Owners transitioning from traditional kibble.
- Owners who want the benefits of raw without the hassle.
- Dogs who need a nutrient-dense diet for energy and health.
Raw Kibble Dog Food: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: What are the main benefits of raw kibble?
A: Raw kibble offers the nutritional benefits of raw food in a convenient, shelf-stable form. It can improve digestion, coat health, and energy levels.
Q: Is raw kibble safe for all dogs?
A: Yes, raw kibble is generally safe. It undergoes processing to reduce bacteria risks. Always transition slowly to avoid stomach upset.
Q: How do I transition my dog to raw kibble?
A: Mix a small amount of the new kibble with your dog’s old food. Gradually increase the new food and decrease the old food over 7-10 days.
Q: What is the difference between raw kibble and traditional kibble?
A: Raw kibble uses gently processed raw ingredients, retaining more nutrients. Traditional kibble is cooked at high temperatures, which can destroy nutrients.
Q: How much raw kibble should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding amounts vary by dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Check the feeding guide on the product packaging.
Q: Can raw kibble help with my dog’s allergies?
A: Yes, many raw kibble brands use limited ingredients and high-quality proteins that can help dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.
Q: Does raw kibble smell bad?
A: Raw kibble usually has a mild, natural smell from the meat ingredients, which many dogs find appealing. It’s generally less offensive than some traditional kibbles.
Q: Is raw kibble more expensive than regular kibble?
A: It can be. The higher quality ingredients and processing methods often lead to a higher price point, but many owners find the health benefits worth the cost.
Q: Where should I store raw kibble?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it’s best to seal the bag tightly or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I mix raw kibble with other foods?
A: Yes, you can mix it with wet food or other healthy toppers. However, avoid mixing it with traditional kibble as the different digestion rates can cause upset.