Best Frozen Raw Dog Food Brands (2026): 17 Brands Compared
Kai with a bowl of BJ’s Raw
Feeding dogs a raw diet is more popular than ever. When I got my first dog in 2014, raw feeding was still pretty niche—at least where I lived and among the dog owners I knew. Fast forward to 2026, and it’s gone mainstream, with many owners saying they’ve seen benefits like shinier coats, cleaner teeth, steadier energy, and smaller, firmer stools.
With that surge in interest has come a huge wave of raw dog food brands. They vary a lot in format and texture (patties, nuggets, grinds), price point, and packaging. In this guide, I’m doing an in-depth comparison of some of the most popular frozen raw brands available today.
Disclosure: A few brands provided small samples for this comparison, but most of the products were purchased by me. I’ve also included affiliate links and discount codes for certain brands—when you use them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This is a beast of a blog post, so I’ve included links to jump to sections where applicable!
Brands Reviewed:
Summary:
Brand Reviews
Darwin’s Pet
I fed Darwin’s a few years ago, and my dogs always did well on it overall. The main thing I notice is that Darwin’s tends to thaw with more liquid than many other frozen raw brands. It’s also on the lower calorie-per-ounce side compared to a lot of raw diets, which usually means a higher-moisture and/or leaner formula. In my case, one of my dogs struggled to maintain/gain weight on Darwin’s unless I fed more than the suggested amount. If you have a large, very active dog, you may need to feed more than the recommended amount—which can get expensive quickly!
They offer three product lines for dogs: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are positioned as their premium meals (free-range meats and organic vegetables), while BioLogics are their more budget-friendly “value” meals.
What really sets Darwin’s apart is Intelligent Design—one of the few raw brands offering targeted formulas for specific health needs. Their four Intelligent Design recipes are prescription-only: Cancer Support, Liver Support, Kidney Support, and Joint & Musculoskeletal Support.
How it comes: 8 oz (individually packaged)
Proteins available: Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Duck, Lamb
Price (example): $8.50/lb (BioLogics Beef)
Where to buy: Online at darwinspet.com. Click here to get 50% off
We Feed Raw
Friends of mine have been feeding We Feed Raw for several years now, but this is our first time to try it with our dogs! As a first-time customer, I see that they are very subscription-focused. They do offer à la carte box options, but the selections appear limited, and there doesn’t seem to be a way to customize how much of each protein you receive. When you set up your pet profile, you can note allergies, but the ordering flow still seems geared toward a set rotation rather than full protein-by-protein control.
Pricing is interesting with their subscription model. They use a more averaged pricing approach: Chicken, Beef, and Turkey are all priced the same (around $8.89/lb), while Lamb and Duck are higher (around $9.89/lb). Compared to brands where chicken and beef are the clear budget options, this makes lamb and duck relatively more affordable, but makes the “basic” proteins more expensive.
How it comes: 6 oz or 16 oz (individually packaged)
Proteins available: Turkey, Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Duck
Price (example): $8.89/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at wefeedraw.com (Click here to get $50 off)
RawFed K9
RawFed K9 is another brand I’ve fed frequently over the years. They sell 30 lb boxes that come split into two 15 lb boxes. Each 15 lb box contains 30 flat 0.5 lb square patties, stacked in a bag and separated with freezer paper. This packaging is pretty unique—I haven’t seen many other brands do it this way. Because we go through a lot of food each day, I often put the whole bag in a fridge drawer to thaw. What I really appreciate about RawFed K9 is how practical it is for heavy raw-feeding households—easy to store, quick to thaw, and the portions are simple to grab and go.
Texture-wise, it seems to have less visible moisture than a lot of other frozen raw brands. That drier, ground-beef-like texture may make it easier to handle if you’re squeamish about wetter raw foods.
Aside from the packaging, one of the biggest highlights is protein variety (see below). RawFed K9 also sells Pure Meat patties in Beef, Chicken, Pork and Salmon for DIY feeders. These are single-protein grinds that make it easy to mix your own ratios instead of relying on an already balanced blend. They also offer some more calorie-dense options (like their beef), which can be great for active dogs.
How it comes: 8 oz patties, 3 oz medallions, 5 lb rolls
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Duck, Lamb, Turkey, Salmon, Rabbit, Quail, Beaver, Bison, Venison, Kangaroo
Price (example): $6.05/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at rawfedk9.com/JAKOBA. Use code JAKOBA to save 10%
BJ’s Raw
BJ’s Raw is one I still feed regularly, and I’m a big fan! It comes in 2 lb tubs with resealable lids, which makes it easy to portion what you need and save the rest. It usually takes about a day to thaw enough to portion and serve.
They offer both Complete Meals (Mixes) and Protein Blends. The Mixes are meant to be ready-to-feed “complete meal” blends, and many of their Mixes follow an 80/10/10 style ratio (though they note some recipes don’t, so it’s worth checking the product description). Protein Blends are single-protein grinds for people doing more of a DIY approach. They also highlight that their mixes are made with no synthetic vitamins or minerals, relying on whole-food ingredients instead.
When you open a new tub, you might notice the outside looks a little pale while the inside is a more vibrant pink. That’s normal—just oxidation from the outer layer being exposed to air.
One of my favorite things about BJ’s Raw is the protein variety and the seasonal specialty mixes. Some blends are seasonal, but they keep a lot of options available year-round. They also encourage mixing and matching recipes for variety.
How it comes: 2 lb tubs (10 and 38 lb tubs available for a few formulas)
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Rabbit, Venison, Goat, Salmon
Price (example): $6.89/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at bjsrawpetfood.com/VONJAKOBA Use codes VONJAKOBA and JAKOBASHIP to get 25% off + free shipping on your first order
Midwest Legacy Beef
I’ve been feeding Midwest Legacy for years, mainly because it’s been one of the most affordable, reliable beef options I’ve found. I typically bought their boneless Raw Beef (muscle meat only) and used it with my own base mix. Even at the lower price point, the quality has always been excellent, and their larger rolls have been some of the most durable packaging I’ve used with no leaking issues.
They’ve also expanded their lineup quite a bit recently. In addition to their classic 80/10/10 beef-based blends, they now offer Legacy PLUS, a Complete & Balanced option formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages (including growth of large dogs). They’ve added more variety beyond beef as well, including blends with fish (like Pollock + Beef and Herring + Beef) and novelty proteins such as Wild Boar. They also introduced a very low-fat option inspired by a pancreatitis dog (“Bridget’s Blend,” listed as a 3% fat formula). For people who don’t want to deal with a giant 5 lb roll, they now offer multiple 1 and 2 lb sleeve sizes.
Note (March 2026): Midwest Legacy is currently rebuilding after a facility fire, so product availability may be limited at the time you read this.
How it comes: 1, 2 or 5 lb rolls
Proteins available: Beef, Wild Boar
Price (example): $4.55/lb (Beef Legacy)
Where to buy: Online at midwestlegacybeef.com/JAKOBA Use code JAKOBA to get 10% off
Bones & Co
Bones & Co markets their frozen raw as “ketogenic raw,” meaning their recipes are 95% meat, organs, and bone, <1% carbohydrates, and formulated with a 1:1 fat-to-protein ratio.
Portioning is easy, and they offer multiple formats depending on your dog’s size (see below). Their 1:1 recipes are single-protein and Complete & Balanced for all life stages, meeting and exceeding AAFCO standards. Another thing I like is that they emphasize using whole food ingredients rather than relying on a synthetic vitamin/mineral premix or artificial additives the way many complete diets do. They also note that the added vitamin E comes from U.S.-sourced, non-GMO sunflower seeds.
They also sell a 2:1 (fat:protein) K.E.T.O. Cube, which they describe as a more “therapeutic” option for dogs with higher fat needs and for promoting a deeper state of ketosis. They recommend using it as a supportive tool and partnering with a holistic/integrative vet, especially for dogs with metabolic health concerns.
This is one of the easiest raw options to keep in rotation—super convenient formats, clean portioning, and it was a big hit with my dogs.
How it comes: 8 oz patties, 8 oz (individually packaged), 1.5 oz minis or mini bites.
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Duck, Lamb, Turkey
Price (example): $7.43/lb
Where to buy: In-Store (use store locator)
Smallbatch Pets
Smallbatch comes in patties that are easy to thaw and portion. The grind is very fine, which helps it thaw faster and makes it easier to crumble and portion without a lot of mess. Appearance-wise, this is one of the brands that looks more brown on the outside with a pink center. That color shift is normal and happens when the outer layer is exposed to air (oxidation).
What really stands out about Smallbatch is that their recipes are single-source protein, which can be especially helpful for dogs with protein sensitivities.
They also don’t rely on a synthetic vitamin/mineral premix to meet AAFCO standards. Instead, they formulate using naturally derived nutrients from whole foods, including additions like raw apple cider vinegar, pollock oil, and sustainably harvested organic ocean kelp.
How it comes: 1 oz sliders or 8 oz patties
Proteins available: Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Duck, Lamb, Rabbit, Pork
Price (example): $7.83/lb
Where to buy: In-Store (use store locator)
Oma’s Pride
The first thing I noticed about Oma’s Pride is the quality packaging. We had the 8 oz packages that are thick and easy to open. They also sell larger bricks if you’d rather save money and portion it out yourself. Texture-wise, it’s a finely ground meat base with visible veggie pieces mixed in.
Oma’s Pride splits their dog recipes into two clear categories: Complete Recipes and Signature Mixes. Their Complete Recipes include meat, organs, bone, select veggies, and a special nutrient mix, and they’re designed to meet and exceed AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages—so nothing needs to be added or rotated to make the meal “complete.” Their Signature Mixes are meant for rotational feeding: they contain meat, bones, organs, and veggies, but they are not labeled complete & balanced (no nutrient mix), so the idea is to feed them in rotation to create balance over time. You can also pair well with simple “whole food” add-ins like green tripe, sardines, eggs, kefir/goat milk, kelp, or ground seeds to help round out nutrients over time.
How it comes: 8 oz or 4lb (individually packaged)
Proteins available: Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Lamb
Price (example): $8.20/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at shop.omaspride.com/vonjakoba Use code VONJAKOBA40 for 40% off your first order
Boss Dog
Boss Dog is a brand we used to feed regularly (and you’ll even spot some of my dogs’ photos on their site!). Their food is a very fine grind formed into thin patties, which thaw quickly and are easy to break up and portion. They also offer “Boss Nuggs”—small nuggets you can weigh out for more precise portions, which is convenient if you like measuring meals and only thawing what you need. These nuggets are smaller than the other nuggets we reviewed and would be an excellent option for small dogs!
What really differentiates Boss Dog is their probiotic focus. They use BC30 probiotics (a spore-based probiotic designed to survive the digestive tract) and they “front load” their recipes so the finished meals still contain 500 million probiotics per serving after production. They’re very vocal that probiotic dosages vary widely across the industry, and they’re trying to set a higher standard by using meaningful levels rather than “label dressing.”
They also emphasize high-quality, single-protein recipes, sourcing protein from humane farms in the Pacific Northwest. Their formulas are intentionally limited ingredient and non-GMO, with no corn, wheat, soy, gluten, or fillers.
How it comes: 8 oz patties or nuggets
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Fish, Turkey, Pork
Price (example): $8.33/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at bossnationbrands.com. Use code JAKOBA15 to save 15%. And while it’s unrelated to raw food, I have to mention their tactical collars—they’re genuinely solid and worth a look if you like that style!
Northwest Naturals
We tried the frozen nuggets from Northwest Naturals and loved how fast they thawed. They even note their nuggets are designed to thaw fast and can be thawed at room temp in about 10–20 minutes, depending on portion size.
Northwest Naturals says their proteins are U.S.-sourced with a few exceptions, including lamb and green mussels from New Zealand and rabbit from France. Northwest Naturals has also been transitioning recipes to “whole food” nutrient sources rather than synthetic vitamin packs.
They emphasize their use of proteinated (chelated) minerals—minerals bonded to amino acids for easier absorption. Their FAQ specifically claims proteinated minerals can increase bioavailability by about 5%–15%, and they claim using them is a sign of a quality dog food.
How it comes: nuggets, 4 oz bars or 5 lb rolls
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Trout, Turkey, Whitefish & Salmon
Price (example): $6.33/lb
Where to buy: In-Store (use store locator)
Tucker’s Raw
Tucker’s Raw is another brand we’ve fed over the years, and it’s one of the more affordable complete & balanced premade raw options—especially if you buy the 20 lb bulk box.
What makes Tucker’s unique is that they emulsify every recipe—basically a very fine “purée” texture—so you won’t see distinct chunks of organ/veg the way you do with some other brands. They say the smaller particle size increases surface area and can help pets absorb nutrients more efficiently.
They also keep the formula concept very consistent across proteins: Tucker’s describes their diets as 95% meat, organ, bone, and marrow + 5% pumpkin as the fiber source. Pumpkin is included in every recipe, and they specifically state they don’t use additional fruits/vegetables because they don’t believe dogs need extra carb sources.
How it comes: 4 oz, 8 oz or 16 oz (individually packaged)
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Salmon, Turkey, Lamb, Duck, Bison
Price (example): $5.40/lb (Bulk Box)
Where to buy: In-Store (use store locator)
Raw Delivery MN
Raw Delivery MN sells some of the cheapest DIY-style raw I’ve found online, especially if you’re looking for 80/10/10 blends. Their “Premium Mixes” are built around the classic 80% meat / 10% bone / 10% organ concept. It’s important to note these mixes are not Complete & Balanced per AAFCO, so they’re best suited for DIY raw feeders who understand how to build balance over time (or who are working with a nutritionist).
One thing I like is the protein variety, including options you don’t see everywhere like beaver, bison, and rabbit. Just keep in mind not every product is strictly 80/10/10—some items are labeled more like whole-prey style grinds with a different bone/organ ratio—so it’s worth reading each product description if you’re feeding to a specific ratio.
Most of their raw comes in 5 lb frozen tubes, which can be a lot more hands-on in preparing meals. You’ll probably have to partially thaw, weigh into meal portions, and refreeze, or plan to feed through the tube within a few days. We’ve also had a consistent issue with some tubes leaking while thawing, so I recommend thawing them in a bowl or on a tray just in case. They also offer case discounts on certain items, which can make the per-pound price even more competitive if you’re feeding a lot of raw.
We’ve fed most of the grinds here, and the only one my dogs don’t consistently like is the Turkey MST Boneless—it has that distinct mechanically separated texture, and for whatever reason it’s just not a favorite in our house.
How it comes: 5 lb tubes, 4 oz patties for select products
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Salmon, Turkey, Beaver, Duck, Bison, Lamb, Rabbit
Price (example): $3.98/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at https://www.rawdeliverymn.com/
Iron Dog Raw
Iron Dog Raw is a brand I hadn’t heard of until recently, and I was honestly pretty impressed—both the packaging and the meat quality felt a step up from what I expected at this price point. The grind is more of a medium grind (you can still see tiny meat pieces), and my dogs absolutely loved it.
Like a few other “prey model” brands, these are not marketed as Complete & Balanced per AAFCO, so they’re best for DIY raw feeders or anyone intentionally feeding 80/10/10-style blends and balancing over time. Their Supreme Blend is described as hand-deboned raw beef plus a blend of organs (they specifically mention liver, spleen, and kidney) and marrow-filled ground bone.
They’re also adding more variety beyond beef. For example, their turkey recipe highlights a very simple ingredient list (ground turkey, turkey bone, turkey heart, turkey liver, turkey gizzard), which is nice if you prefer minimal-ingredient blends.
How it comes: 2 lb tubes
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Turkey
Price (example): $4.53/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at irondograw.com Save $5 with code JAKOBA
Answers Pet Food
Answers is a brand I’ve heard of for years but never tried until recently. They’re known for fermenting their food, which they say increases nutritional value. They claim the bacteria in fermented foods help “pre-digest” nutrients, making them easier to digest and absorb, and that it supports a healthier microbiome. They even position it as a more “functional” approach to feeding—almost like food-as-supportive-medicine. They also emphasize that they don’t use synthetic vitamins/additives, relying on fermentation and whole-food ingredients instead.
Answers has two main frozen raw product lines for dogs: Mighty Raw and Simply Protein. Mighty Raw is their “complete and balanced” line, designed to be fed as a full diet. Simply Protein, on the other hand, is a DIY-style base. It’s not meant to be a complete meal on its own, but a meat-and-bone blend you can build on if you’re feeding 80/10/10 style and prefer to add your own variety and supplements.
In our house, the turkey patties thawed quickly and were a fine grind, but what stood out more than the texture was that it felt like a “different category” than standard raw because of the fermentation focus. If your dog is new to fermented foods, this is one I’d transition slowly and pay attention to stool changes at first. Some dogs adjust immediately, and others need a little time.
How it comes: 8 oz patties, 1 lb chubs, nibbles
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey
Price (example): $11.26/lb (Beef - Bulk Box)
Where to buy: In-Store (use store locator) or online at answerspetfood.com/
Buck Wild Bison
Buck Wild Bison is a brand we came across recently and were pleasantly surprised by! Honestly it’s one of my dog’s favorites. Both the packaging and the meat quality was excellent. Their blends come in convenient 1 lb portions, and the grind is more of a medium grind where you can still see small bits of meat. What really sets them apart is their “one animal, one meal” approach: they say each batch is made from a single animal and includes the full range of parts (muscle meat plus organ/tendon/cartilage) to mimic an ancestral diet.
They’re best known for bison, but they also offer elk, which is a novel protein you don’t see often in frozen raw. They describe elk as naturally leaner than beef or bison, which could make it a good fit for dogs that do better on lower-fat proteins. Buck Wild also says they use the same human-grade meat animals for their pet food that they use for their human meat products, and this appears to be a major reason their pricing is higher than many other raw options. If sourcing quality is a top priority for you, this alone can help justify the premium price.
One thing to note: Buck Wild isn’t marketed as Complete & Balanced per AAFCO, so it’s best suited for raw feeders who are comfortable evaluating DIY-style diets. Rather than a strict 80/10/10 “PMR” ratio, their approach is more whole-animal / whole-prey style. The idea is that using the full range of parts from a single animal naturally creates a more balanced nutrient profile over time, without relying on a vitamin/mineral premix. They also note there’s no mechanically separated meat, and that the green tripe can have a strong odor.
How it comes: 1 lb tubes
Proteins available: Bison, Beef, Elk
Price (example): $10.50/lb (Beef - Bulk Box)
Where to buy: Online at buckwildbison.com Use code JAKOBA to save 10% off
Viva Raw
We recently tried Viva Raw for the first time, and it’s pretty much exactly what I’d expect from a high-quality raw food. The ground version has a medium grind where you can actually see bits of meat (and some visible produce), instead of being ground into a smooth paste. I’ve noticed my dogs tend to prefer that slightly coarser texture. They also offer a chunked option for dogs who like more texture—Viva says the pieces are typically 1–2 inches.
One of the biggest things that sets Viva apart is how they approach “complete & balanced.” Their core dog line is formulated to AAFCO standards, and they emphasize using whole food supplements (vs relying only on a standard synthetic premix) for bioavailability and absorption. They use “superfood” add-ins like green mussels, shiitake mushrooms, organic ginger and Icelandic kelp. Viva Raw also rotates in limited-edition recipes every 3-4 months, which can be a nice way to add more variety or occasionally include novel proteins like elk or venison!
If you’re a DIY feeder, Viva also sells a separate line called Pure Recipes. These are 80/10/10 mixes without added veggies or supplements, and Viva notes you’ll need to add your own extras to make them complete and balanced.
How it comes: 1 lb (individually packaged)
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Rabbit
Price (example): $7.75/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at vivarawpets.com Use code VONJAKOBA to get 60% off your first order + free shipping on their Sampler Box
Steve’s Real Food
Steve’s Real Food is a brand we’ve known about for years and decided to finally try for this blog post. Their original frozen raw line is based on a B.A.R.F. formulation: 80% meat/organ/bone, 15% produce, and 5% “value-added” whole-food ingredients (like New Zealand green-lipped mussel, coconut oil, and raw goat milk).
What makes Steve’s stand out is that they say their diets are complete & balanced for all life stages while still being made without synthetic vitamins—they position it as a “whole foods” approach (no synthetic vitamin packs, no grains/corn/soy, no artificial colors/preservatives).
How it comes: 8 oz patties, nuggets
Proteins available: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Whitefish, Turkey
Price (example): $6.80/lb (Beef)
Where to buy: Online at rawpetfood.com/JAKOBA. Use code JAKOBA for 25% off your first order
Protein Summary
Here’s an overview of the proteins each brand offers. I generally recommend rotating proteins over time to support variety in your dog’s diet, and it can be a helpful strategy for dogs that tend to develop sensitivities. If your dog already has allergies, this chart also makes it easier to spot brands that carry more novel protein options.
Different protein options offered by popular frozen raw dog food brands
Pricing Summary
As much as we’d all love to feed the “best” option no matter what, most of us are balancing quality and budget. To make this comparison as fair as possible, I put together a table comparing price per lb using beef as the standard since every brand in this guide offers it.
The pricing shown reflects the lowest available price I could find at the time of writing, including shipping when necessary. In other words, if a brand offers bulk discounts or free shipping above a certain order amount, I used that price. Brands marked with an asterisk (*) are Complete & Balanced (AAFCO), and when a brand offers multiple beef options, I used the price for their Complete & Balanced beef formula (not a DIY/PMR blend).
I also included calories per ounce because calorie density affects what you actually spend to feed your dog. If a food is lower in calories per ounce, you’ll typically need to feed more volume to meet your dog’s needs—so a cheaper price per pound doesn’t always mean a cheaper cost to feed. I also included price per calorie as if you feed based on calories, some of the more expensive brands actually end up being cheaper longterm.
Comparing the price of beef per lb for frozen raw dog food brands
Co-Ops and Route-Delivery Distributors
Another more affordable option is buying through co-ops or monthly route-delivery distributors like Ross Wells/Titan, Texas Tripe, and Mathis. These options are often closer to $2–$3 per pound instead of the higher prices many retail raw brands charge. However, you often have to buy in bulk (at least 30 lbs) and buy 5 lb tubes to get the most affordable price. A lot of these brands sell PMR-style blends, though some do offer complete and balanced formulas as well (like Ross Wells).
With most of these distributors, they have monthly drop-off locations where you order online ahead of time, then show up on pickup day to grab your bulk order for the month. So they aren’t always as simple as tossing a few bags into your cart online, but for people who have access to a co-op or route nearby — especially multi-dog households — they can make raw feeding a lot more affordable.
How it comes:
There are four main ways frozen raw dog food typically comes: individually sealed packs, patties, rolls, and nuggets—and each has its own advantages.
Individually sealed packs are the most convenient and mess-free. They’re easy to thaw, simple to portion, and great if you want grab-and-serve meals without handling a larger block of raw food. They also make it easy to stay consistent with portions, since each pack is pre-measured.
Patties are a good middle ground for convenience and value. They stack well in the freezer, thaw relatively quickly (especially thinner patties), and are easy to break apart or portion once slightly thawed. Patties are also helpful if you like rotating proteins, because you can thaw a couple at a time without committing to a large amount.
Tubes (chubs/rolls) are usually the cheapest per pound and are great for multi-dog households or high-volume feeding. They do require more prep since you’ll need to thaw, portion, and store leftovers, but they’re ideal if you don’t mind a little extra handling. This format is also popular for DIY feeders who want a simple base to mix with their own add-ins.
Nuggets are perfect for precise portioning and flexibility. I honestly didn’t realize just how convenient nuggets were until trying them out for this blog post! You can thaw only what you need for a meal and keep the rest of the bag frozen. They literally thaw out enough to eat within 20 minutes. They also tend to be one of the easiest forms for smaller dogs. Nuggets are also convenient for adding variety, since you can mix proteins without thawing a full patty or roll.
A side-by-side look at different frozen raw formats, from tubes and nuggets to patties and individually packaged portions
Individually sealed packs: Darwin’s Pet, We Feed Raw, Oma’s Pride, Tucker’s Raw, Viva Raw, Bones & Co
Patties: RawFed K9, Bones & Co, Smallbatch Pets, Boss Dog, Answers Pet Food, Steve’s Real Food, Northwest Naturals
Tubes (chubs/rolls): Midwest Legacy Beef, Raw Delivery MN, Iron Dog Raw, Buck Wild Bison, RawFed K9, Northwest Naturals
Nuggets: Northwest Naturals, Boss Dog, Bones & Co, Steve’s Real Food, Answers Pet Food
Complete & Balanced vs DIY Raw (PMR / 80/10/10 / Whole Animal)
When you’re comparing raw foods, one of the biggest differences between brands is whether the recipe is Complete & Balanced or meant for DIY feeding. A food labeled Complete & Balanced is formulated to meet established nutrient profiles (referencing AAFCO standards). This matters because dogs don’t just need meat and protein—they need the right levels of calcium, phosphorus, fatty acids, vitamins, trace minerals, etc.
This is especially important for puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, and large-breed growth stages. Growing dogs need consistent, correct nutrient ratios (especially calcium and phosphorus), and “almost balanced” can become a problem quickly during growth. For that reason, most puppy owners are best served by sticking with a Complete & Balanced diet unless they’re working with a qualified canine nutrition professional.
Brands with Complete & Balanced diets reviewed in this blog: Darwin’s Pet, We Feed Raw, BJ’s Raw, Bones & Co, Smallbatch Pets, Oma’s Pride, Northwest Naturals, Tucker’s Raw, Answers (Mighty Raw), Viva Raw, Steve’s Real Food, Boss Dog, Midwest Legacy (Legacy PLUS)
Kai walking towards a bowl of Boss Dog frozen raw patties
What is 80/10/10 (PMR)?
You’ll often see DIY raw diets described as PMR (Prey Model Raw) or 80/10/10, which generally means:
80% muscle meat
10% bone
10% organ (often with about half of that being liver)
These blends can be a great option for experienced DIY feeders, but they are not automatically complete and balanced in the AAFCO sense. Most dogs still need additional variety and/or targeted add-ins over time (for example, omega-3 sources like sardines/fish oil, vitamin E, iodine/kelp, etc.). If you choose this approach, it’s worth doing research or working with a professional so you’re not missing key nutrients long-term.
Brands with 80/10/10 PMR-style blends reviewed in this blog: Raw Delivery MN, Iron Dog Raw, RawFed K9, BJ’s Raw (many mixes), Oma’s Pride (Signature Mixes), Midwest Legacy
Kai with a tub of BJ’s Raw
What is a “Whole Animal” / “Whole Prey” style diet?
Some brands focus on a whole animal approach (sometimes called whole-prey style), where the goal is to include a broad range of parts from a single animal—muscle meat plus organs, connective tissue, cartilage, sometimes tripe, etc.—with the idea that this mimics what a dog would naturally eat and provides a wider nutrient spectrum than muscle meat alone. Like 80/10/10 blends, these diets are typically aimed at DIY/raw feeders and are not always labeled Complete & Balanced, so the same rule applies: you should understand how it’s meant to be used and whether you need to rotate proteins or add specific nutrients.
Whole Animal diet reviewed in this blog: Buck Wild Bison
If you’re ever unsure which type of diet a product is, look for language like “Complete & Balanced,” “AAFCO,” or a nutritional adequacy statement. If it’s a DIY/PMR blend, it will often say something like “for supplemental feeding,” “rotational feeding,” or “not intended as a complete diet.”
My Recommendations:
Raw feeding has become more popular as more dog owners look for ways to feed the best they can. Many choose raw because their dogs seem to enjoy it more, and some owners report benefits like better digestion, improved stool quality, and more consistent energy. With so many brands on the market, though, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming — so below are a few standout picks from the brands we reviewed.
Best Value (Complete & Balanced)
Midwest Legacy PLUS — the most affordable complete & balanced option in this guide.
Tucker’s Raw — one of the best budget-friendly complete & balanced raws, especially in bulk boxes.
Northwest Naturals — great price per lb when purchasing their 5 lb rolls.
Best Protein Variety
RawFed K9 — biggest protein list in this guide, including multiple novelty options like rabbit, quail, beaver, and kangaroo.
BJ’s Raw — huge rotating menu plus specialty mixes, so it’s easy to keep variety without switching brands.
Raw Delivery MN — wide protein selection at budget pricing, including novelty proteins that most brands don’t offer.
Most Convenient (individually sealed servings or nuggets shipped directly to your door)
We Feed Raw, Darwin’s Pet, Viva Raw, Oma’s Pride— individually packaged portions + subscription ordering makes feeding raw as “set it and forget it” as it gets.
Boss Dog, Steve’s Real Food — nuggets make portioning easy and you can thaw only what you need. Boss Dog’s extra small nuggets are perfect for small dogs.
Best Whole-Food Based Diets (Complete & Balanced)
Smallbatch Pets — whole-food nutrient approach (no traditional vitamin/mineral premix), with single-source proteins that are great for sensitive dogs.
Steve’s Real Food — BARF-style, complete & balanced, and explicitly avoids synthetic vitamin packs while still being easy to feed.
BJ’s Raw — complete meal mixes with lots of variety, and they highlight no synthetic vitamins/minerals in their formulas.
Answers (Mighty Raw) — fermented raw with a strong “food-as-functional-support” philosophy, and they market no synthetic vitamins/additives.
Bones & Co - single-protein 1:1 recipes with a whole-food ingredient approach, no synthetic vitamin premix or artificial additives; they note their added vitamin E comes from U.S.-sourced, non-GMO sunflower seeds.
Runner-ups
Viva Raw, Northwest Naturals — whole-food forward, but include added Vitamin E/tocopherols as an antioxidant.
Most Calorie-Dense* (great for very active dogs)
Buck Wild Bison — the highest calorie option in this guide at about ~81 calories per oz (per the brand). They attribute the higher calorie density to using the entire animal, including more of the natural fat that often gets trimmed off in conventional processing—so it’s a great option if your dog needs more calories in less volume.
RawFed K9 — listed about 72 calories per oz. Some of their blends run higher in calories because they intentionally include richer cuts and maintain a higher average fat level.
Answers (Mighty Raw) — one of the more calorie-dense options compared to many frozen raw brands.
*Calorie density varies by recipe and protein—I am comparing Beef in this example.
Raw Feeding Tools I Actually Use (Optional, but Helpful)
If you’re feeding raw regularly, a few simple tools make it cleaner, faster, and way less annoying day-to-day:
Thawing tray — thaws frozen food very fast! Perfect for times their food isn’t thawed enough
Kitchen scale — makes portioning nuggets/tubes accurate (especially for dogs who need precise calories).
Stainless steel bowls — durable, easy to sanitize, and the simplest “no fuss” option for raw (great for most households).
Ceramic bowls (alternative) — heavier and won’t slide as much; a nice option if your dog pushes bowls around (just avoid chipped/cracked ones).
Dedicated cutting board (raw-only) — keeps prep sanitary and makes portioning easier without cross-contamination.
Large tube container (6 lb) — perfect for storing large 5 lb rolls and portioning out with the included cutter!
Storage containers - great for preparing meals in advance, especially when dealing with bulk tubes
Kai with a bowl of Boss Dog frozen raw patties
In Conclusion
Overall, all of the brands featured here are excellent foods, and the “best” one really comes down to your dog’s needs and your personal preferences. My dogs tend to prefer coarser grinds with more texture versus the super fine grinds/emulsions some brands use. That said, some dogs do better on finer textures, and many owners find they’re easier to portion and mix.
Format matters just as much as the ingredients. Large tubes are usually the cheapest per pound, but they can be a pain to thaw and portion. Individually sealed packs are super convenient—especially for larger dogs when each pack lines up closely with a meal. Nuggets might be the most convenient day-to-day since you can thaw only what you need, though they’re often a bit more expensive.
There are also great options for dog owners who prefer a more “whole food” approach, whether that means avoiding a traditional vitamin/mineral premix or choosing brands that rely more heavily on food-based ingredients. All in all, if you’re interested in feeding frozen raw—whether complete & balanced or a DIY approach—there are plenty of great options to choose from!
Discounts Summary
Here are the discounts mentioned in this post (offers can change over time, so if something doesn’t apply at checkout, check the brand’s site for the most current promo):
RawFed K9: 10% off with code JAKOBA (rawfedk9.com/JAKOBA)
BJ’s Raw: 25% off + free shipping with codes VONJAKOBA and JAKOBASHIP (bjsrawpetfood.com/VONJAKOBA)
Midwest Legacy Beef: 10% off with code JAKOBA (midwestlegacybeef.com/JAKOBA)
Oma’s Pride: 40% off your first order with code VONJAKOBA40 (shop.omaspride.com/vonjakoba)
Boss Dog: 15% off with code JAKOBA15 (bossnationbrands.com)
Iron Dog Raw: $5 off with code JAKOBA (irondograw.com)
Buck Wild Bison: 10% off with code JAKOBA (buckwildbison.com)
Viva Raw: 60% off your first order + free shipping on their Sampler Box with code VONJAKOBA (vivarawpets.com)