Best Raw Meat For Dogs - Top Picks & Guide

Does your dog stare longingly at your dinner plate, making you wonder if they should be eating something more… primal? For many dog owners, the idea of feeding raw meat is both exciting and a little scary. You hear amazing stories about shiny coats and better digestion, but then you worry about safety and getting the balance just right. It feels like everyone has a different opinion!

Choosing the best raw diet can feel like navigating a minefield of information. Should you buy pre-made grinds? Which bones are safe? Many people feel overwhelmed and end up sticking to the same old kibble, even if they suspect their dog could thrive on something more natural. We understand that concern completely—you want the best for your furry family member without risking their health.

This article cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what raw feeding means, explain the key benefits, and give you practical steps to start safely. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing the right raw meats and building a balanced, healthy diet for your dog. Let’s dive into the world of canine nutrition and unlock your dog’s best health!

Top Raw Meat For Dogs Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

TRMC Real Meat Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef - 2lb Bag of USA-Crafted Grain-Free Real Meat Dog Food Sourced from Hormone-Free, Free-Range, Grass-Fed Beef - Digestible, All Natural, High Protein Beef

REAL HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY BEEF - Imagine a bowl filled with air dried dog food made with real human grade quality beefy goodness. This high protein dog food will have your pup's tail thumping with joy. It's not just real meat air dried dog food; it's a meaty party for their taste buds, crafted with care
NO MORE GRAINS OR PESKY ADDITIVES - Our beef dry dog food small bites are gentle on the tummy making it perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. No fillers, coloring, or artificial additives. Just pure wholesome, all-natural real meat dog food
GENTLY AIR-DRIED TO PAW-FECTION - Real Meat's secret air-drying process seals in the goodness, making every bite a punch of flavor and nutrition. This premium & nutritious beef dog food is perfectly bite-sized, making meal time something to look forward to
COMPLETE & BALANCED FOR EVERY PUP - Whether it's a full meal or just a topper, these dog food dry bites offer a delicious, holistic feast with vital vitamins and minerals. Perfect for dogs of all life stages and breeds, including puppies, adults, seniors, and small to large dog breeds
CRAFTED IN THE U.S. OF YAY - Ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches our holistic dog food is as premium, as it is affordable. Made with beef sourced from free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, and utterly happy cows straight from the USA & New Zealand

Bestseller No. 2

Team Dog Raw Frozen Dog Food | 65% Beef Muscle, Organ Meats, Herring & Green Tripe for Dogs | All Natural Grain Free Dog Food for Optimal Health, Digestion & Coat | 24 x 1lb Rolls

COMPLETE & BALANCED PROTEIN POWERHOUSE: TEAM DOG's RAW dog food formula mirrors the ancestral diet of dogs, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet that modern dry food can't compete with. TEAM DOG RAW ensures the ideal balance of 65% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 25% organ meats and fish, for the most complete nutrition possible
RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER FOR DRY KIBBLE: TEAM DOG RAW is a cost-effective, high-quality choice you and your dog will love. TEAM DOG RAW has even the pickiest eaters licking the bowl clean. This real meat dog food is perfect for augmenting your dog's mealtime. TEAM DOG promotes feeding 75% dry dog food or kibble with 25% raw. Always consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog's unique nutritional needs are met. Team Dog Raw is not suitable for puppies
BETTER DIGESTION, FEWER SENSISTIVITIES: The combination of raw meat & green tripe for dogs in TEAM DOG RAW's blend has helped dogs with digestive issues. The 10% unwashed fatty tripe adds probiotics and enzymes for improved digestion, while organ meats like frozen beef heart, spleen and kidney support heart health with coenzyme Q10
HEALTHIER JOINTS, SKIN & COAT: Herring is an excellent source of low fat protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beef liver is packed with vitamins A and B as well as essential minerals. These high quality ingredients support healthy skin, a glossy coat, and offer a boost in energy and overall vitality
SUPERIOR, NO NONSENSE INGREDIENTS: While many raw dog food brands rely on fillers like grains or starches, TEAM DOG RAW is a grain free dog food that focuses on what matters – 100% raw meat, organ meats, and herring. This means no preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients, just pure nutrition your dog was meant to eat

Bestseller No. 3

Vital Essentials Single Ingredient Beef Liver Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

Bestseller No. 4

Vital Essentials Single Ingredient Chicken Hearts Dog Treats, 1.9 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEART DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (20 Pack) - Fresh Pet Food Made in USA, Grass-Fed Beef, Natural Dog Food Rolls, Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food

ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD ROLL AND CAT FOOD ROLL: Raw Paws beef frozen dog food roll is made from 100% natural beef dogs and cats and even ferrets love! This single-protein cat food and dog food beef recipe has no preservatives, fillers or additives. High-protein grain free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat health, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your pet will love our raw frozen dog food and beef cat food!
CAT FOOD AND DOG FOOD MADE IN USA ONLY: Our frozen raw dog food beef blend comes from grass fed beef sourced from Indiana family farms. We partner with local farmers to guarantee the best beef dog food and cat food made from healthy free-range cows raised in humane living conditions. When you feed your pet raw blend beef grain free dog food and cat food, you’re imitating your pet’s natural, species-appropriate diet, which helps your pet achieve optimal health, vibrancy, and longevity.
NUTRIENT-DENSE ALL BEEF DOG FOOD AND CAT FOOD: Not only is our dog and cat food beef roll irresistible, our raw beef dog food has a blend of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ and 10% bone. Raw fresh dog food and cat food made from beef is rich in the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine, both of which are essential for cardiac health but are often lacking in pet food. High in iron, copper and zinc, our all natural beef raw food for dogs and cats has vitamins that are vital for health and vitality.
EASY-TO-SERVE CAT AND DOG BEEF ROLL: Our 1-lb cat food and dog food log is super easy and convenient to handle, serve and store! Simply thaw the dog and cat tube food and serve as needed or partially thaw our frozen dog food and cat food in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions or form into cat food and dog food patties for future feedings. The convenient size of our grain free dog food roll also makes it simple to rotate proteins for all your pets.
WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and strive to ensure that you and your pet are truly happy. Meeting your expectations is our top priority at Raw Paws Pet, Inc.

Bestseller No. 6

Happy Howie's Soft Meat Roll Treat - Soft Dog Food Rolls, Natural Ingredients, for All Dogs, Made in USA - Beef, Lamb, Turkey, 7 Oz (Pack of 3)

VERSATILE AND DELICIOUS - Reward your dog with our Soft Meat Roll Treats! Grate over food to enhance meals or press over a pill to give your dog medicine effortlessly
GREAT FOR ALL DOGS - Happy Howie’s Soft Meat Roll Treats suit all breeds and life stages. Cut to size for customizable portions, catering to your dog's needs perfectly
COST EFFICIENT - When you buy a Happy Howie’s Soft Meat Roll Treats, you pay less per ounce of a treat than most other natural dog treats. Best of all, your dog will love the taste
REFRIGERATE AFTER OPENING - Happy Howie’s Soft Meat Roll Treat doesn’t need to be refrigerated until after you cut it open. Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze it for even longer storage
MADE IN USA - Our products feature solely natural ingredients loved by dogs, crafted in our Detroit, Michigan, USA factory

Bestseller No. 7

Four Leaf Rover Guts & Glory - Freeze Dried Organs for Dogs - with 100% Grass-Fed New Zealand Beef - Rich in Minerals - Veterinarian Formulated - 30 Large Dog Servings

Guts & Glory is the ultimate way to top off kibble, cooked or raw diets. This freeze-dried blend of liver, heart, kidney, pancreas and spleen delivers unique nutrients for your dog's organs, like naturally occurring taurine for healthy hearts and enzymes for a happy pancreas. Satisfy your dog's inner wolf with these gifts from the wild!
100% GRASS-FED BEEF: From New Zealand rBGH-free beef.
VETERINARIAN FORMULATED: Formulated by a holistic veterinarian for maximum safety and benefit.
A GOOD SOURCE OF TAURINE: Contains beef heart for heart-healthy taurine.
PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: 3rd party tested to be low in heavy metals. No fillers.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food for Dogs & Cats - Beef Recipe, 1-lb Rolls (10-Count) - Fresh Pet Food Made in USA, Grass-Fed Beef Log, Natural Dog Food Rolls, Raw Frozen Dog Food & Cat Food

ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD ROLL AND CAT FOOD ROLL: Raw Paws beef frozen dog food roll is made from 100% natural beef dogs and cats and even ferrets love! This single-protein cat food and dog food beef recipe has no preservatives, fillers or additives. High-protein grain free beef dog food and cat food that is fully digestible, improves skin and coat health, supports oral hygiene and helps pets build and maintain lean muscle mass. Your pet will love our raw frozen dog food and beef cat food!
CAT FOOD AND DOG FOOD MADE IN USA ONLY: Our frozen raw dog food beef blend comes from grass fed beef sourced from Indiana family farms. We partner with local farmers to guarantee the best beef dog food and cat food made from healthy free-range cows raised in humane living conditions. When you feed your pet raw blend beef grain free dog food and cat food, you’re imitating your pet’s natural, species-appropriate diet, which helps your pet achieve optimal health, vibrancy, and longevity.
NUTRIENT-DENSE ALL BEEF DOG FOOD AND CAT FOOD: Not only is our dog and cat food beef roll irresistible, our raw beef dog food has a blend of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ and 10% bone. Raw fresh dog food and cat food made from beef is rich in the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine, both of which are essential for cardiac health but are often lacking in pet food. High in iron, copper and zinc, our all natural beef raw food for dogs and cats has vitamins that are vital for health and vitality.
EASY-TO-SERVE CAT AND DOG BEEF ROLL: Our 1-lb cat food and dog food log is super easy and convenient to handle, serve and store! Simply thaw the dog and cat tube food and serve as needed or partially thaw our frozen dog food and cat food in the fridge and cut into portions with a serrated knife. Refreeze extra portions or form into cat food and dog food patties for future feedings. The convenient size of our grain free dog food roll also makes it simple to rotate proteins for all your pets.
WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and strive to ensure that you and your pet are truly happy. Meeting your expectations is our top priority at Raw Paws Pet, Inc.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Raw Meat Dog Food

Feeding your dog raw meat can offer great benefits. It mimics a diet dogs ate in the wild. However, choosing the right raw food is important. This guide helps you pick the best option for your furry friend.

Key Features to Look For

Good raw dog food has a few important features. These make sure your dog gets the right nutrition.

Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Look for AAFCO Statement: The packaging must say the food meets the nutritional levels set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). This means it has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.
Variety of Ingredients: The best raw foods include muscle meat, organs (like liver and kidney), and ground bone. This mix provides a full diet.

Source and Handling

Sourcing Transparency: Find out where the meat comes from. Locally sourced or humanely raised meat is often better.
Handling Practices: The food should be prepared in clean, regulated facilities. This reduces the risk of harmful bacteria.

Important Materials in Raw Diets

Raw diets are not just plain meat. They need specific components for complete health.

Protein Sources

Muscle Meat: This is the main part. Good options include chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Choose single-protein sources if your dog has allergies.
Organs: Liver, heart, and kidney are packed with vitamins. They should make up about 10% of the meal.

Fats, Bones, and Produce

Healthy Fats: Fats provide energy. Look for sources like fish oil for omega-3s.
Ground Bone: Bones provide calcium and phosphorus. They must be ground finely so they are safe to eat.
Vegetables and Fruit (Optional but helpful): Some raw mixes add small amounts of vegetables like carrots or spinach for added fiber and antioxidants.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all raw foods are made equal. Some things boost quality, while others lower it.

Quality Boosters

Flash Freezing: Food that is quickly frozen locks in nutrients better than food that thaws and refreezes.
Minimal Processing: Less handling means fewer chances for contamination and better nutrient retention.

Quality Reducers

Fillers: Avoid raw foods that add grains, corn, or excessive plant matter. Raw diets should be meat-heavy.
Unclear Labeling: If the company does not clearly list what parts of the animal are used, the quality might be lower.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use raw food affects your decision.

Ease of Use

Pre-Portioned Packs: Many owners prefer meals already divided into daily serving sizes. This saves time when preparing food.
Storage Needs: Raw food takes up a lot of freezer space. Make sure you have enough room before committing to a bulk purchase.

When to Use Raw Food

Transitioning: If you switch from kibble, do it slowly. Mix a little raw food with the old food over a week.
Specific Health Needs: Some dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs thrive on raw diets. Talk to your vet first if your dog has existing health issues.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Meat Dog Food

Q: Is raw meat safe for my dog to eat?

A: Yes, when prepared correctly, raw meat is generally safe. The main concern is bacteria like Salmonella, but a dog’s digestive system is much better at handling this than ours.

Q: What is the most important thing to check on the label?

A: Look for the AAFCO statement confirming the food is nutritionally complete for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages).

Q: Do I need to add anything else to a complete raw meal?

A: If the label states it is “complete and balanced,” you do not need to add supplements. If it is only a “supplement” or “intermittent feeding” product, you must add other things.

Q: How much raw food should I feed my dog?

A: Most dogs eat between 2% and 3% of their ideal body weight daily, split into two meals. This amount changes based on your dog’s activity level.

Q: Can I mix raw food with dry kibble?

A: Most experts advise against mixing them in the same bowl. Raw meat digests faster than kibble, which can cause stomach upset.

Q: How long can raw food stay in the refrigerator?

A: Once thawed, raw food should be kept in the fridge for no more than three to four days. Always keep it sealed tightly.

Q: What if my dog is a picky eater?

A: Some dogs need time to adjust. Try feeding at the same time each day. If they don’t eat it after 15 minutes, take it away and try again later. Don’t leave it out all day.

Q: Are bones in raw food dangerous?

A: Only ground bone included in commercial raw mixes is considered safe. Whole, cooked bones are dangerous because they splinter.

Q: What does “human-grade” mean for dog food?

A: Human-grade means the ingredients are fit for human consumption. While this sounds great, it doesn’t always mean the final product is more nutritious for dogs.

Q: Should puppies eat raw food?

A: Puppies need very specific calcium and phosphorus ratios for proper bone growth. Only feed raw food formulated specifically for growing puppies, and check with your veterinarian first.