If you’re invested in your dog’s health, raw feeding might already be on your radar. While traditional kibble is convenient, more pet owners are turning to raw dog food for its high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers. But with so many raw food brands out there—and plenty of debate around raw feeding itself—it can be hard to know which options you can trust. After testing some of the best raw dog food on the market, we confidently recommend Viva Raw as a solid choice for most dogs. The company is transparent about its sourcing and safety practices, offers a variety of proteins (plus a puppy-specific formula) and has some of the best customer service we’ve encountered. But there are other great options available too.
The best raw dog food options, based on real-world testing by our pups, includes Viva Raw.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Kelly O’Sullivan For Forbes
Raw feeding has come a long way in recent years, with today’s most popular raw dog food delivery services making it easier than ever to make the switch. And, according to the experts we spoke with, it’s worth it. “Many commercial raw food options are made from human-quality ingredients [and] supplements and in plants that are under USDA inspection,” says Laurie S. Coger, DVM, and owner of Healthy Dog Workshop. “Dogs eating that quality of food, rather than ultra-processed kibble from lesser-quality ingredients, are far more likely to be healthier.”
Whether you’re looking for a freeze-dried raw food like Open Farm Raw Morsels or a prescription raw diet like Darwin’s Intelligent Design, there’s a high-quality raw food option for just about every dog. After months (and in some cases, years) of feeding our own dogs raw, we’ve found that ingredient quality, convenience and overall value can vary widely among brands. The best raw dog foods on this list are the ones that truly deliver, both in terms of nutrition and how easy they are to feed.
Best Raw Dog Food Overall: Viva Raw
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food: Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels For Dogs
Best Raw Dog Food for Variety: We Feed Raw
Most Convenient Raw Dog Food: Maev
Best Raw Dog Food for Prescription Diets: Darwin’s Intelligent Design
MOST POPULAR
Proteins: Chicken, turkey, beef, duck, rabbit, beef and turkey (puppy formula) | Personalized plans: Yes | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $250; flat $15 to $20 for smaller orders
What we love:
USDA-inspected meats with organic produce and whole food supplements
Puppy-specific formula for balanced growth
Chunked and ground options
Responsive customer service
Keep in mind:
Requires freezer space and defrosting time
Some proteins, like rabbit and duck, sell out fast
Viva offers five main proteins for dogs—chicken, turkey, beef, duck and rabbit—along with a beef-and-turkey puppy formula. It also occasionally releases limited-edition and seasonal proteins; in the past, options have included bison, lamb and venison. (This is great if you like to rotate proteins or just want to let your dog try something new.) All recipes are made with USDA-inspected meats, organic produce and whole food supplements, without fillers, grains or unnecessary additives.
Many raw brands rely on “all life stages” formulas, meaning their adult food has to accommodate puppy nutrition as well. But according to pet food formulator James Pendergast, puppies need higher levels of EPA and DHA for brain development, so these one-size-fits-all formulas often aren’t as precisely balanced for adult dogs. Viva takes a different approach: It created separate recipes for puppies and adults to ensure dogs get the right nutrients for their stage of life. The brand’s online feeding calculator also makes it easy to determine how much your dog needs based on their weight, activity level and whether you’re feeding raw full-time or using it as a topper.
The food arrives fully frozen in well-insulated, recyclable packaging, and I’ve never had an issue with them thawing in transit, even in the summer. The 16-ounce patties are easy to store, portion and defrost. If you plan ahead, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight, but if you forget, placing a patty in a large bowl of cool water usually defrosts it in about 30 minutes. (I’ve done both plenty of times, and either way, it’s simple.)
A convenient “paw here” symbol shows which corner of the package to peel back and open.
Kelly O’Sullivan
The food itself is visibly fresh: It includes high-quality meat with little to no smell and bright bits of vegetables. Unlike some raw brands that appear overly processed or gray, this looks like real food. Once defrosted, the meat is soft and easy to mix into a bowl or spread in a slow feeder. If your dog prefers texture variety, Viva offers both chunked and ground options, so you can choose what works best for your pup. It’s hard to tell which my dog prefers, but I like the chunked option because it’s nice to see exactly what’s in her food and it gives her a little more to chew.
Sunny starts drooling the moment I take her Viva Raw out of the fridge.
Kelly O’Sullivan
Viva also has some of the best customer service I’ve dealt with. Managing your subscription is easy online, and you’ll get reminders before your order ships, so you’re never caught off guard. Deliveries are flexible, with options every two, four, six or eight weeks, and you can pause or change your order anytime just by logging into your account.
This could be a coincidence, but since switching to Viva, my dog hasn’t needed a vet visit for over a year (aside from regular checkups). Her stool is very small, firm and practically odorless, which is a huge change from her kibble days. Most importantly, she loves it: She starts drooling the second I grab a package from the fridge. If you want high-quality raw dog food that’s easy to order, store and serve, Viva is the one I recommend most.
Proteins: Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, surf and turf, puppy | Personalized plans: No | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $50
What we love:
No fillers, grains or artificial additives
No freezer needed to store
Works as a full meal or nutrient-dense topper
Traceable ingredients with detailed sourcing info
Keep in mind:
Higher cost than frozen raw
Rehydrating with water is recommended
If you’re new to raw feeding or just want to add extra nutrients to your dog’s current diet, freeze-dried raw food is an easy way to start. Open Farm’s freeze-dried morsels offer the benefits of raw food in a shelf-stable formula, made with humanely raised meats that meet strict animal welfare standards, plus no fillers, grains or artificial additives. The popular beef recipe contains 95% pasture-raised beef, organs and bone, along with organic produce, superfoods and vitamins to make it a nutritionally complete meal. Other options include chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, surf and turf and a puppy formula designed for growing dogs.
Unlike frozen raw food, this one doesn’t need refrigeration, so it’s convenient for travel or just keeping mealtime simple. You can serve it as is, but adding water makes it easier to digest and keeps your dog hydrated. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, and you can trace each one back to its source using the lot code on the bag. Open Farm also shares lab results for each batch, so you can see that it’s been tested for things like salmonella and heavy metals before it even leaves the facility. (To view sourcing and safety information about your specific bag, try the company’s online transparency tool.)
I typically use Open Farm’s freeze-dried morsels when I won’t have freezer access to store Viva Raw, like when I’m traveling or camping with my dog. It’s also a good way to introduce raw feeding gradually, whether as a topper for kibble or part of a slow transition. No raw dog food is cheap, but freeze-dried options like this tend to cost more than frozen raw. The trade-off is, of course, convenience. You don’t need freezer space, and it’s one of the easiest ways to feed raw at home or on the go.
Human-grade, USDA meats with no fillers, preservatives or additives
Flexible subscription plans
Keep in mind:
Requires freezer space for patties
Some dogs may need time to adjust to a new protein source
We Feed Raw offers an assortment of proteins, including chicken, turkey, venison, lamb, beef and duck. This makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or pups who may just benefit from a bit more variety, to make mealtime exciting. The brand also sells freeze-dried options, which are convenient for travel or quick feeding without having to compromise the nutritional value of your dog’s diet.
You can mix and match the formula in your We Feed Raw subscription, giving your dog a new flavor or protein to try with every meal. Whether you want to sample a box with a few of its bestsellers or create a custom meal plan based on your dog’s health needs, there’s plenty of flexibility. The meals come in easy-to-store 16-ounce patties, which last up to six months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and they’re ready to serve the next day.
Like Viva, We Feed Raw keeps the ordering process simple and convenient: Meals are delivered directly to your door with free shipping on orders over $50, and you can adjust your delivery schedule or pause the subscription at any time. If you’re not ready to commit, it also offers a one-time box with its best-selling recipes (turkey, beef and lamb) so you can see how your dog likes it first.
Proteins: Beef, chicken, puppy formula | Personalized plans: Yes | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $249
What we love:
Frozen bite-sized pieces that don’t need thawing
Whole ingredients with no fillers or additives
Customizable meal plans tailored to your dog’s needs
Flexible delivery scheduling
Keep in mind:
Needs freezer space for storage
May not be a fit for dogs with dental issues
Not suitable for dogs allergic to both chicken and beef
Feeding raw usually takes some planning, but Maev makes it as simple as scooping kibble. The food stays frozen in bite-sized pieces that go straight from the freezer to the bowl (which keeps a crunchy texture that most dogs seem to love). According to Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla, “the formulas couldn’t be easier to serve.” Since there’s no need to defrost or portion anything out in advance, it’s one of the most convenient ways to feed frozen raw dog food.
Maev’s raw food comes in three formulas: beef, chicken and a puppy-specific recipe. Each blend is made with USDA-certified meats and fruits and vegetables like green beans, zucchini and blueberries, plus functional supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple. There are no fillers, synthetics or unnecessary additives—just real food that’s designed to support the overall health of your dog.
Maev lets you customize meal plans based on four focus areas: weight and digestion, skin and coat, anxiety and calming, or hip and joint support. A feeding guide on its site helps determine portions based on your dog’s age, weight and activity level, and there’s also a transition plan to help pet owners switch from kibble without causing digestive problems.
Deliveries can be scheduled anywhere from one to ten weeks apart, and you can adjust, pause or cancel orders at any time. If you prefer ordering in bulk (and saving on larger orders), you can purchase up to 16 bags at once. One thing to keep in mind is freezer space: This food scoops out of a bag like kibble, but it’s still stored frozen, so you’ll need room to stock up, especially if you have a large dog. Maev also offers freeze-dried treats, beef bone broth and supplement bars to round out your dog’s diet.
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
What we love:
Vet-formulated for dogs with kidney, liver or other health issues
No fillers or preservatives
Adjusted protein and nutrients to support specific conditions
Customizable meal plans
Keep in mind:
Requires a prescription
Needs freezer space
When your dog has health issues that require a special diet, it’s tough to know where to start. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products is a great option because the brand’s Intelligent Design line is formulated by vets to provide nutritionally balanced meals for dogs with conditions like kidney disease, liver issues or cancer. These meals are made with high-quality, hormone-free meats and organic veggies, and they remove ingredients that could potentially make certain conditions worse.
For example, the Kidney Support Formula has lower protein levels to reduce strain on the kidneys while still maintaining muscle mass. It also includes ingredients that promote healthy kidney function, like added B vitamins to replace those lost through frequent urination. Other formulas focus on liver health, joint support or cancer care, each with carefully chosen nutrients to target specific concerns. Most prescription diets are available as kibble or canned food, so it’s rare to find a raw option tailored to medical needs. This lets dogs stay on a fresh and biologically appropriate diet, even if they need extra dietary support.
To get started, you’ll need a prescription from your vet, after which you can set up a subscription for regular deliveries. Like Viva and We Feed Raw, Darwin’s meals come in frozen patties, so you’ll need freezer space to store them. Each 36-ounce pack is pre-portioned into four 8-ounce patties, which I’ve found is actually more convenient than larger patties when it comes to portioning. Like the other frozen options, you just thaw what you need in the fridge overnight.
The Forbes Vetted home team has tested and researched its way through dozens of pet-related stories over the years, from the best automatic litter boxes to the best wireless dog fences.
This story was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan, a lifelong dog owner and proud parent to a yellow Labrador retriever, Sunny. Kelly has interviewed dozens of veterinarians throughout her career and, after switching her dog to raw food three years ago, became deeply invested in canine nutrition. She has read The Forever Dog (twice!) and stays up to date on the latest research and expert advice in the field.
This piece was overseen by Forbes Vetted managing editor and resident pet expert Emmy Favilla, whose own dogs have tested and vetted several of the raw dog foods featured. She regularly covers pet content at Forbes Vetted (including pet column Pet Peeves), maintains a wide network of veterinary experts and am active in the dog rescue community.
Every pick on this list is canine-approved, but we also consulted humans for professional advice. We spoke with two experts: Laurie S. Coger, DVM, an integrative medicine veterinarian, dog owner, trainer and owner of Healthy Dog Workshop; and James Pendergast, an animal nutrition specialist and recognized leader in the raw pet food world who was also a product manager/formulator for Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and nutrition consultant for Viva Raw. Their guidance helped shape our recommendations, ensuring they meet the highest standards for ingredient quality, sourcing transparency and nutritional balance.
How We Chose The Best Raw Dog Food
To find the best raw dog food, we combined firsthand testing, expert advice and thorough research to make sure each pick is truly worth feeding your dog.
We tested these foods with our own dogs. My dog has been eating Viva Raw for nearly two years and previously ate Darwin’s Natural Selections (a non-prescription line from the brand). She also eats Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels while traveling. Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla’s dogs also regularly eat two of the brands on this list: Maev and We Feed Raw.
We consulted two veterinarians and nutrition experts, who shared what to look for in a high-quality raw diet.
We extensively researched the quality, convenience and safety of each raw dog food brand on this list. We evaluated ingredient sourcing, company transparency, feeding convenience and AAFCO compliance to ensure every pick meets high standards.
We carefully considered customer reviews, looking at feedback on shipping reliability, brand policies and how these diets have impacted the health of real pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Vets Recommend Raw Dog Food?
Raw feeding is a debated topic, and not all veterinarians agree on whether it’s the best choice. Some dogs thrive on it, while others may not tolerate it as well. But one undeniable difference between raw and kibble is how the food is made. “The most significant benefit of a raw diet is the availability of human-quality ingredients,” says Laurie Coger, DVM. “Kibble or dry food is typically based on a meat meal, which is a rendered product. This means it can be made of non-edible parts of animals, and can include parts of animals that have died other than by slaughter. It can also include animals that did not pass USDA inspection for human consumption.” If you’re interested in feeding your dog food made from human-quality ingredients that isn’t a raw diet, there are also plenty of fresh dog food delivery services to look into.
Is Raw Dog Food Better For Your Dog?
Because raw food is made from whole, minimally processed ingredients, it can have a big impact on a dog’s health—just like it does for humans. “As much as we can influence the gene expressions of our dogs through nutrition, the better off they’ll be,” says pet food formulator James Pendergast. Many pet owners notice shinier coats, fresher breath, better digestion and more energy within weeks of switching to a raw diet. However, raw feeding isn’t ideal for every dog. If your pup has a weakened immune system, is undergoing chemotherapy or struggles with bacterial infections, it might be safer to gently cook their raw food or choose a reputable fresh diet instead. If you’re considering raw feeding, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s the right fit for your dog.
What Are The Risks Of Raw Dog Food For Dogs?
A big concern people have with raw feeding is food safety—both for their dog and for themselves. When it comes to handling raw meat, the same basic rules apply as they do for your own food: Wash your hands, clean your dog’s bowl after every meal, store food properly and don’t leave it sitting out. “The FDA’s concern is for the human, not the animal,” says Pendergast, which is why raw pet food often gets scrutinized more than kibble. But as Dr. Coger points out, kibble recalls for salmonella, E. coli and listeria actually happen far more often than raw food recalls.
As for the dogs themselves? They’re biologically built to process raw meat, with a stomach that’s highly acidic and a short digestive tract that processes food quickly. “A dog’s digestive system can handle loads of bacteria that would send you and me to the hospital,” Pendergast says. He also points out that there’s risk with any type of food—whether it’s raw, cooked or kibble. “It all depends on the manufacturer, the quality of sourcing and the handling process before it ends up in your dog’s bowl,” he says. That’s why it’s important to choose a raw food brand with strict safety standards, high-quality sourcing and transparent practices.
