Does your dog’s food bowl ever feel like a mystery box? You want the best for your furry friend, but navigating the world of dog food can be overwhelming. Especially when you hear about “raw dry” options, it’s easy to feel confused and unsure where to start. You worry about what’s truly in the bag and if it’s the healthiest choice for your dog’s energy and happiness.
Choosing the right food is a big deal. You want to feel confident that you’re giving your dog the nutrition they need to thrive, not just survive. But the sheer variety of “raw dry” formulas out there can make your head spin. What does “raw” even mean in this context? How do you know if it’s good for your dog’s digestion or if it has all the right vitamins and minerals?
This post is here to clear the air. We’ll break down what raw dry dog food really is, explore its potential benefits, and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture and feel ready to make a smart choice for your dog’s well-being. Let’s dive in and discover how to feed your dog with confidence.
Top Raw Dry Dog Food Recommendations
- UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FRESHDRIED RAW: 3x more real meat & nutrient-rich organs than Instinct Original Kibble, delivering high-quality animal protein for strong, lean muscles
- MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Never cooked and less processed than kibble to preserve ingredient integrity and nutrients
- POWER OF RAW: Feeding raw supports lean muscles, strong bones, healthy digestion, immune health, improved energy & vitality, and a vibrant skin & coat
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with 85% meat & organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins & minerals— free from grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors & preservatives
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- 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.
- WHOLESOME ANCIENT GRAINS - This high protein dog food recipe blends wild caught salmon and ancient grains like oats and quinoa. Each serving delivers fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal nutrition daily.
- COMPLETE BALANCED NUTRITION - Crafted as a grain inclusive dry food, this wild salmon ancient grains formula provides balanced nutrition for all life stages. Real wild caught salmon rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids is the first ingredient.
- RECOMMENDED FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS - Wholesome, unrefined ancient grains are often recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs, less active or senior dogs. Made without peas, potatoes, or legumes, to offer gentle nourishment.
- NON GMO FRUITS VEGGIES - Made with superfoods like pumpkin, quinoa, and coconut oil, this dry food contains no artificial flavors or artificial preservatives. Nutrient rich ingredients to create a balanced and optimal nutritional profile.
- TRACEABLE HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS - Every ingredient in this wild caught salmon ancient grain recipe is third party certified and traceable to its source. Carefully selected components provide transparency and confidence in every bowl.
- HUMANELY SOURCED POULTRY - Crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey, this flavorful 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.
- A Whole, Balanced Diet in Every Scoop: Our Jinx Atlantic Salmon is a nutrient-dense dry dog food recipe crafted with real salmon, sweet potato, and carrot offering premium nutrition for puppy, adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes. 4 LB bag.
- Supports Strong Muscles: Our kibble is made with real Atlantic Salmon as the first ingredient, delivering high-quality protein to support lean muscle development.
- Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat: Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon and flaxseed, this formula helps nourish your dog’s skin while promoting a soft, shiny coat.
- Digestive Support & Immune Health: Made with fiber-rich sweet potatoes, live probiotics, and superfoods with essential vitamins, this kibble for dogs supports a healthy gut, easy digestion, and a strong immune system with every bite.
- Crafted in the USA with Clean Ingredients: No corn, wheat, soy, fillers, or artificial preservatives. Jinx dog food offers clean, high-quality nutrition. Every bowl is packed with responsibly sourced ingredients your pup deserves.
- Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: We slowly oven roast our food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
- Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
- Safely Made in the USA with only wholesome ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals - entirely free from fillers. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.
- Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.
- For Pet Parents, By Pet Parents: All dogs deserve the very best - that’s why as a small business Pawstruck only makes natural & healthy recipes that we proudly feed our own dogs, using the strictest of quality standards.
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
- 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.
- MADE WITH FINEST INGREDIENTS - As with all Open Farm products, our farm-to-bowl ingredients are 100% traceable and crafted in a way that respects animal welfare and the planet.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Raw Dry Dog Food
Thinking about switching your furry friend to raw dry dog food? This guide helps you understand what to look for. It’s a popular choice for many dog owners seeking a natural and healthy diet for their pets.
What is Raw Dry Dog Food?
Raw dry dog food, often called freeze-dried raw or dehydrated raw, is made from raw ingredients. These ingredients are then freeze-dried or dehydrated to remove moisture. This process preserves nutrients and makes the food shelf-stable, like kibble. It’s a convenient way to give your dog the benefits of a raw diet without the mess.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing raw dry dog food, several features matter.
- Ingredient Quality: Look for whole, recognizable ingredients. This means real meat, organs, and vegetables. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
- Protein Source: The first few ingredients should be high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.
- Nutrient Balance: The food should be formulated to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
- Minimal Processing: Freeze-drying is a preferred method. It retains more nutrients than high-heat cooking.
- No Artificial Additives: Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The “materials” in dog food are its ingredients. For raw dry food, these are crucial.
- Meat and Organs: This is the foundation. Think muscle meat, liver, heart, and kidney. These provide essential amino acids and vitamins.
- Fruits and Vegetables: These add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Berries, sweet potatoes, and spinach are common.
- Bone Content: Ground bone is a good source of calcium and phosphorus.
- Healthy Fats: Ingredients like fish oil offer omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make raw dry dog food better or worse.
- Improved Quality:
- High-quality protein sources listed first.
- Limited ingredient lists can be good for sensitive dogs.
- Freeze-drying over other dehydration methods.
- Transparency about sourcing and manufacturing.
- Reduced Quality:
- Ingredient splitting (where multiple forms of the same grain are listed separately to push meat down the list).
- By-products from unknown sources.
- Added sugars or artificial preservatives.
- Excessive fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many dog owners switch to raw dry food for specific reasons.
- Improved Digestion: Some dogs experience fewer digestive issues like gas or loose stools.
- Shinier Coats and Healthier Skin: The nutrient-rich ingredients can lead to visible improvements.
- Increased Energy Levels: Dogs might appear more energetic and playful.
- Weight Management: The high protein content can help dogs feel fuller and maintain a healthy weight.
- Convenience: It’s easier to serve than traditional raw food, with a longer shelf life.
This type of food works well for dogs of all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and can be a great option for picky eaters or dogs with certain health sensitivities. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Raw Dry Dog Food
Q: What exactly is raw dry dog food?
A: It’s dog food made from raw ingredients that are then freeze-dried or dehydrated to remove water, making it shelf-stable and convenient.
Q: Is raw dry dog food safe?
A: Yes, when made by reputable companies using proper safety protocols, it is safe. The freeze-drying or dehydration process helps reduce bacterial risks.
Q: What are the main benefits of feeding raw dry dog food?
A: Benefits often include improved digestion, a shinier coat, healthier skin, increased energy, and better weight management.
Q: How do I transition my dog to raw dry food?
A: You should transition slowly over 7-10 days. Mix a small amount of the new food with their old food, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old.
Q: Can I feed raw dry dog food to my puppy?
A: Yes, many raw dry dog food brands are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies.
Q: How much raw dry dog food should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding guidelines vary by brand and your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Always check the packaging or consult your vet.
Q: Does raw dry dog food require refrigeration?
A: Once opened, some brands recommend refrigeration to maintain freshness, while others can be stored in a cool, dry place. Check the product label.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like the taste?
A: You can try adding a little warm water to rehydrate it, which can enhance the aroma and flavor. Some dogs may need a longer transition period.
Q: Are there any potential downsides to raw dry dog food?
A: Some dogs may have sensitive stomachs during the transition. It can also be more expensive than traditional kibble.
Q: Where can I buy raw dry dog food?
A: You can find it at most pet supply stores, online retailers, and some specialty pet food shops.