Best* Raw Dog Food of 2023

Interested in a raw dog food diet for your pet? We’ve rounded up our best-selling raw dog food options most popular with Petco’s pet parent customers.

What to look for in raw dog food

Vitamins and minerals

Proper nutrition is essential for your pet, no matter what type of food. Make sure the brand you choose has the correct amount of calories, protein, fats, carbs, vitamins and minerals your pet needs to thrive.

High-quality ingredients

The process of cooking helps remove harmful pathogens and bacteria. The ingredients in your dog’s food should always come from reputable sources.

Delicious flavor

Eating can be a significant source of excitement and delight for your pet. Opt for flavors your dog loves.

Pet parent faves

These are some of the best raw dog food options most popular with Petco’s pet parents.

Compare All
Best Grain-free Raw Dry Dog Food for All Life Stages
Best Grain-free Raw Frozen Dog Food for Adult Dogs
Best Raw Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs
Best Grain-free Raw Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs
Best Grain-free Raw Frozen Dog Food Patties
Best Grain-free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for All Life Stages
Best Grain-free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for Adult Dogs

Dog Food Brand	First Ingredient	Life Stage	Grain-free	Food Form	Avg. Review*
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces	Chicken	All Life Stages	Yes	Dry	4.7/5
Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food	Chicken	Adult Dogs	Yes	Raw/Frozen	4.7/5
Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Dog Food	Beef	Adults Dogs	Yes	Raw/Frozen	4.5/5
Wellness CORE RawRev Wholesome Grains Ocean Recipe Dry Dog Food	Whitefish	Adult Dogs	No	Dry	4.4/5
Wellness CORE RawRev Natural Grain-Free Original Chicken with Freeze-Dried Turkey Dry Dog Food	Deboned Turkey	Adult Dogs	Yes	Dry	4.6/5
Instinct Frozen Raw Patties Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food	Chicken	Adult Dogs	Yes	Raw/frozen	4.7/5
ACANA Grain-Free High-Protein Fresh and Raw Animal Ingredients Ranch-Raised Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Patties Dog Food	Beef	All Life Stages	Yes	Freeze-dried	4.6/5
Sojos Complete Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food	Chicken	Adult Dogs	Yes	Raw freeze-dried	4.5/5

*Ratings as of April 6, 2022

Best Grain-free Raw Dry Dog Food for All Life Stages

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces

Instinct Raw Boost is a great way to transition your dog into a raw diet. It contains freeze-dried chunks of savory meat and the kibble they love. The different textures provide a satisfying mouthfeel for your pet, and a wholesome mix of cage-free chicken, fruits and veggies helps keep them satisfied until their next meal.

Available in 4 lb., 10 lb. and 21 lb. bags
No by-products
No corn or soy
No artificial flavors or colors
Rich in Omegas and antioxidants

Best Grain-free Raw Frozen Dog Food for Adult Dogs

Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Feeding your pet raw diet dog food is now quicker and easier with raw bites that store in your freezer, but their small size lets them thaw quickly. Take out the desired portion 5 to 15 minutes before mealtime, then serve.

Available in 3 lb. and 6 lb. resealable bags
Made of 85% chicken and chicken organs
No artificial preservatives or colors
No legumes or corn
No fillers

Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Dog Food

Lean meats like chicken and fish provide an excellent protein source. Still, it’s good to give your dog a variety of flavors. The meaty taste of beef is something many dogs love and is perfect for mixing with chicken flavor.

Available in 8 oz., 3 lb. and 6 lb. resealable bags
Made of 85% beef and beef organs
No fillers
No corn or legumes
No artificial flavors or colors

Best Raw Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs

Wellness CORE RawRev Wholesome Grains Ocean Recipe Dry Dog Food

Are you looking for a quality kibble but want the benefits of raw feeding? Wellness CORE provides some of the best freeze-dried raw dog food, along with the addition of wholesome grains to provide a complete diet for your pet.

Available in 4 lb. and 18 lb. bags
Contains 100% raw whitefish
Pre-mixed
Suitable for all breeds
Naturally preserved

Best Grain-free Raw Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs

Wellness CORE RawRev Natural Grain-Free Original Chicken with Freeze-Dried Turkey Dry Dog Food

Does your dog have sensitivities? Turkey is one of the best proteins to give your pet if they’re sensitive to certain proteins. It’s easily digestible and a great freeze-dried option for a dry raw dog food diet. This recipe contains delicious, raw deboned turkey, filling potatoes and peas. Combined with a variety of fruits and veggies, your dog can benefit from a raw diet while feeling full and satisfied.

Available in 4 lb., 10 lb. and 20 lb. bags
Contains 100% raw turkey
Pre-mixed
Suitable for all breeds
Naturally preserved

Best Grain-free Raw Frozen Dog Food Patties

Instinct Frozen Raw Patties Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Treat your dog to their favorite Instinct raw recipe in hearty burger form. This delicious patty gives your pet something to really sink their teeth into. Simply thaw overnight so it’s ready for them to enjoy.

Available in 6 lb. resealable bags
Makes your raw food diet for dogs easier with convenient patties
Contains 85% chicken and chicken organs
No fillers
No artificial colors or preservatives

Best Grain-free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for All Life Stages

ACANA Grain-Free High-Protein Fresh and Raw Animal Ingredients Ranch-Raised Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Patties Dog Food

These delicious beef patties are bone broth infused, providing extra nutrients and a savory saltiness your dog will love. The freeze-dried patties can be crumbled over kibble or rehydrated with warm water for a tasty meal.

Available in 14 oz. bags
Compatible with a WholePrey diet
Made with 90% quality animal ingredients
Designed for all breeds
High in protein

Best Grain-free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for Adult Dogs

Sojos Complete Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

The best raw food for dogs doesn’t have to be complicated. Sojos Complete makes it simple—the bags are smaller in size, but when reconstituted, the smaller size makes 10 lbs. of dog food, and the larger bag makes a whopping 70 lbs. Easy to store and easy to serve. Simply add water, wait 15 minutes and present your pup with a complete meal.

Available in 1.75 lb. and 7 lb. bags
No artificial colors or flavors
No fillers
Gluten-free
Contains real chicken with a filling mix of fruits and veggies

*Based on petco.com sales data.

Learn More About Raw Dog Food

Do vets recommend a raw diet for my dog?

When it comes to nutrition, you should always consult your vet before making any major changes like switching to a raw diet. Dogs are susceptible to pathogens and bacteria that can cause illness in raw food, so it’s good to ensure this meal plan is compatible with their health history.

It’s also important to consider the other human members of your family as well. Do you have little ones that have access to your pet’s food? Many babies and toddlers will often be fascinated by what their dog is eating and want to taste it. If that food is raw, it could make your child very sick.

Age can also be a factor. Many vets don’t recommend a raw diet for puppies or older dogs. Always check the life stage determination on the product and consult your vet. And never feed your dog raw meat bought from the store. The raw dog food options on this list are taken through specific processes to ensure their safety for feeding your pet and are not the same as raw meat.

For more information about caring for your pup, check out our Dog Care Sheet.

Which raw food is best for dogs?

When feeding your dog a raw food diet, it’s important to ensure it is properly sanitized for your dog’s consumption. You may be tempted to give them raw meat not cooked from your dinner, but that can make your pet sick. Consult your veterinarian before deciding on the best diet for your dog.

It’s important to remember that canines need certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. Only feeding your dog meat isn’t a good idea. Most commercial dog foods provide those nutrients and follow safety measures when making the formulas for those meals. When looking for the best brand of raw dog food, research how the food is made and make sure the meat is handled properly.

Can I feed my dog raw food every day?

Yes, if it’s raw dog food specifically designed for dogs and is approved by your vet. Most commercial dog food has a handy chart on the back that can help you determine how much is needed per serving, usually by weight. A raw food diet for dogs may be a great option for your pet, as long as the food is handled properly and your vet approves it.