10 Best Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food in 2026

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The best freeze-dried raw dog food we found is Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Beef Patties, thanks to its 95% grass-fed beef and organ content plus added probiotics for digestive health. For owners seeking a higher protein density, Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Nibs earns our Best High Protein pick, while Primal Freeze Dried Turkey & Sardine Nuggets stands out as the Best Novel Protein option.

Choosing a freeze-dried raw diet means weighing convenience against nutrition density. You want the benefits of raw feeding, high meat content, minimal processing, without the freezer space or thawing time that frozen raw requires. But with dozens of brands claiming similar things, figuring out which formula actually meets its claims gets confusing fast.

We built this guide by combing through manufacturer specifications, ingredient panels, feeding guidelines, and patterns in owner feedback across the category. You get a clear breakdown of what each of the 10 top freeze-dried raw foods does well, where it falls short, and which dog it fits best.

Top 10 Freeze Dried Raw Dog Foods in the Market

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The Best Freeze Dried Raw Dog Foods, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Beef Patties

Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Beef Patties
Protein Source95% grass-fed beef & organs
FormFreeze-dried patties
Count32 patties per bag
Weight16 oz bag
Life StagePuppy & adult
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What We Like

  • 95% grass-fed beef and organs
  • Versatile: meal, topper, or treat
  • Probiotics for digestive health
  • Grain-free, gluten-free, no fillers

Trade-offs

  • Only one protein option in this bag
  • Rehydration needed for picky chewers

The 95% grass-fed beef and organ content means you are getting a whole-prey approach in every patty. That delivers muscle-building protein and natural nutrients for coat and skin health without relying on fillers or grains. This is a complete and balanced option for both puppies and adult dogs, and the patties work as a full meal, a crumbled topper, or a high-value training treat. So you can adapt how you serve it based on your dog’s mood or your routine.

The trade-off is that you are locked into a single protein source in this bag. If your dog needs variety or has sensitivities to beef, you will want to look at a multi-protein option like 360 Pet Nutrition’s blend. You also have the option to serve the patties dry or rehydrated. But if your dog prefers a softer texture, you will need to add water and wait a few minutes, which is a minor extra step compared to a kibble that is ready instantly. That said, the versatility and the quality of the ingredients make this a straightforward choice for anyone who wants a reliable, high-protein raw diet without the hassle of handling frozen meat.

Best for: Dog owners who want a versatile, high-protein freeze-dried raw food that works for picky eaters and can be served as a meal, topper, or treat. Not ideal for dogs that need a single-protein diet from a different source than beef.

Product photos

#2Best High Protein

Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Nibs

Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Nibs
Protein Content96% beef, organs & bone
FormCrunchy Mini Nibs
Weight25 oz bag
Life StageAll sizes and life stages
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What We Like

  • 96% animal ingredients for high protein
  • Single-protein whole animal recipe
  • Grain-free with no fillers or sugar
  • Serves as complete meal or topper

Trade-offs

  • No fruits or vegetables for variety seekers
  • Single protein limits options for dogs with beef sensitivities

With 96% beef, organs, and bone packed into each crunchy nib, this freeze-dried dog food delivers a high-protein, grain-free recipe. That makes it a straightforward option for owners who want a single-protein formula without fruits, vegetables, or fillers. It works as a complete meal or a topper, so you can ease into raw feeding without a full switch overnight.

You lose the fruit and vegetable content some other recipes include for fiber and antioxidants. If your dog thrives on a more varied ingredient list, the beef patties from Stella & Chewy’s offer organ meat plus produce. For owners focused on high-protein, minimally processed nutrition from a single source, this nib delivers exactly what the label states: meat, organ, and bone.

Best for: Owners wanting a high-protein, single-source raw food with minimal ingredients. Not ideal for those seeking a recipe with fruits and vegetables included.
#3Best Novel Protein

Primal Freeze Dried Turkey & Sardine Nuggets

Primal Freeze Dried Turkey & Sardine Nuggets
Protein SourceTurkey & Sardine
FormFreeze-Dried Nuggets
Weight14 oz
Key CertificationsCage-free, Antibiotic-free
GrainGrain-Free
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What We Like

  • Novel turkey & sardine protein blend
  • No synthetic vitamins or minerals
  • Backed by peer-reviewed research

Trade-offs

  • Smaller 14 oz bag means frequent reordering

The turkey and sardine combination is the most distinctive protein pairing in this guide, offering a genuinely novel option for dogs who have developed sensitivities to more common meats like beef or chicken. Primal skips synthetic vitamins and minerals entirely, relying on whole-food ingredients and USDA certified organic produce to deliver complete nutrition.

At 14 ounces, this bag is smaller than the 25-ounce bags from Vital Essentials or Instinct. So you will be reordering more often if you feed it as a full meal. Stella & Chewy’s Beef Patties come in a 16-ounce bag, and Primal’s novel protein angle makes it a good option for rotation feeding or dogs with food sensitivities. But the smaller volume means it works best as a topper or for small-to-medium breeds. If you need a bulk option for a large dog, look at the larger bags from Vital Essentials instead.

Best for: Dog owners seeking a novel protein source, ideally as a topper or for small-to-medium breeds.
#4Best Value From A Major Brand

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Beef Recipe

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Beef Recipe
Protein Source85% meat & organs
FormFreeze-dried raw
Weight1.6 pounds
Made InUSA
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What We Like

  • 3x more meat than Original Kibble
  • No grain, corn, or soy
  • Non-GMO fruits and vegetables
  • Made in the USA

Trade-offs

  • 1.6 lb bag is small for large breeds
  • Freeze-dried raw needs rehydration before feeding

85% meat and organs means this is a protein-forward option that skips the filler-heavy formulas many major brands lean on. If you want to move your dog from kibble to something closer to a whole-prey diet without jumping to a boutique brand, this hits that middle ground. It’s a straightforward swap for anyone already feeding Instinct kibble, just scoop and rehydrate. The grain-free, legume-free ingredient list also sidesteps some of the recent concerns around DCM-linked diets, which gives cautious owners one less thing to worry about.

This bag weighs 1.6 pounds, which is the same weight as the Vital Essentials and Smallbatch 25-ounce bags, so it’s a standard size for freeze-dried raw feeding. The recipe uses 85% meat and organs with 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and it’s made in the USA, which gives you confidence in the ingredient sourcing. Because it’s freeze-dried rather than cooked, the nutrients stay intact, and owners report that their dogs transition easily from kibble to this food.

Best for: Dog owners transitioning from kibble to raw who want a familiar brand with clean ingredients. Not ideal for households with giant breeds that need bulk bags to keep cost per serving down.
#5Best Single Protein

Smallbatch Freeze Dried Grass-Fed Beef

Smallbatch Freeze Dried Grass-Fed Beef
Protein TypeSingle source (beef)
Life StageAll life stages (except large-breed growth)
Weight1.6 pounds
FormFreeze-dried sliders
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What We Like

  • 88% grass-fed beef content
  • Single protein from organs and bone
  • Complete and balanced for all life stages
  • Made in USA with organic produce

Trade-offs

  • Single protein limits variety for some dogs
  • Not suitable for large-breed puppy growth stages

Eighty-eight percent grass-fed beef, including hearts, livers, kidneys, and bone, makes this about as close to a straight meat-and-organ meal as freeze-dried raw gets. That single-protein approach is the whole point here: no chicken, no fish, no guessing what might set off a sensitive stomach. It’s complete for all life stages except large-breed puppies, so it works for picky eaters, adults, and small-to-medium puppies alike. The organic produce and natural supplements round out the nutrition without muddying the protein source.

That single-protein focus means you’re locked into beef. If your dog does fine with beef, this is a clean, straightforward option. The beef patties from Stella & Chewy’s also use beef but don’t specify a single-protein guarantee from organs alone, while Smallbatch keeps the ingredient list tighter. You do have to rehydrate the sliders, it’s not a pour-and-serve kibble, but that’s the nature of freeze-dried raw. For people who want a simple, traceable protein source without the guesswork, this delivers.

Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities who need a single-source beef diet, and owners who want a high-meat, grain-free raw option. Not ideal for large-breed puppies or dogs that need a rotated protein lineup.
#6Best Traceable Ingredients

Open Farm Freeze Dried Surf & Turf Patties

Open Farm Freeze Dried Surf & Turf Patties
Protein Content95% meat, organ & bone
FormPatties
Bag Size10.5 oz
Life StageAll life stages & breed sizes
Key IngredientsOrganic veggies & superfoods
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What We Like

  • 100% traceable ingredients
  • 95% meat, organ & bone content
  • Organic veggies and superfoods included
  • Grain-free formula

Trade-offs

  • Bag is only 10.5 ounces, small for large breeds
  • No single-protein option for dogs with beef sensitivities

A 95% meat, organ, and bone content puts the protein front and center, and every ingredient in this bag can be traced back to its source. That matters if you want to know exactly what your dog is eating, especially when you’re paying for a raw diet. It suits owners who prioritize ingredient transparency and want a complete meal or topper that skips grains and artificial preservatives. Organic veggies and superfoods round out the nutrition for all life stages and breed sizes.

The bag is 10.5 ounces, which is smaller than the 16-ounce Stella & Chewy’s Beef Patties. If you feed a larger dog a full meal, you will need to buy more frequently. That means planning ahead for reorders. But if traceability is important, this product lists every ingredient source, which some other brands do not offer.

Best for: Owners who want a high-protein, grain-free raw diet with traceable ingredients for dogs of any size or life stage. Not ideal for those who need a larger bag to reduce how often they reorder.

Product photos

#7Best Budget Pick

Natural Farm Freeze-Dried Red Meat Patties

Natural Farm Freeze-Dried Red Meat Patties
Protein Source96% Beef, Organs & Pork
FormFreeze-Dried Morsels
Bag Size14 oz
Life StageAll Life Stages
Key AdditiveProbiotics
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What We Like

  • Can be served as complete meal or topper
  • Freeze-dried for shelf-stable convenience
  • Added probiotics support digestion

Trade-offs

  • Contains pork, not suitable for pork-free diets
  • Requires rehydration when used as complete meal

Serving flexibility is built into the formula: rehydrate the morsels with warm water for a complete and balanced meal, or crumble them over regular kibble as a high-value topper. This approach suits households where one dog eats raw-inspired food and another stays on dry food, since the same bag works both ways. Owners who want to add excitement to mealtime without switching entirely can simply sprinkle a few pieces on top. The freeze-dried texture crumbles easily by hand, so no special preparation is needed beyond a bowl and warm water for the full-meal option.

The bag size is the main drawback: at 14 ounces, it’s noticeably smaller than the 25-ounce bags from Vital Essentials or Instinct. That means you’ll restock more often if you feed it as a full meal. And because it includes pork, it’s off the table for dogs with pork sensitivities or owners who prefer single-protein sourcing. The other beef patty option from Stella & Chewy’s also comes in a 16-ounce bag at a similar size, and Natural Farm offers a higher meat percentage and probiotics. But the smaller volume means it’s better suited as a topper or for small-to-medium dogs rather than a primary ration for large breeds.

Best for: Budget-conscious owners wanting a high-meat, probiotic-enhanced freeze-dried option for small-to-medium dogs or as a topper. Not ideal for large-breed households feeding raw as a full meal, or for dogs needing a pork-free recipe.

Product photos

#8Best Vet-Formulated

Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Complete Beef

Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Complete Beef
Protein source95% ranch-raised beef & organs
FormFreeze-dried
UseFull meal or mixer
Cups per bagAbout 7 cups
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What We Like

  • Vet-formulated with antioxidants, prebiotics, amino acids
  • 95% ranch-raised beef and organs
  • Includes seeds, fruits, and vegetables
  • Can be used as meal or topper

Trade-offs

  • Single protein source limits variety for some dogs
  • 1 lb bag provides less volume than larger competitors

With 95% ranch-raised beef and organs, this formula puts animal protein front and center. A lot of dogs do well on that, especially if they’ve got a sensitive stomach or just need a clean protein source. It’s also vet-formulated, which means the antioxidant, prebiotic, and amino acid mix wasn’t thrown together by a marketing team. That matters when you’re trying to support digestion, coat health, and immune function without guessing. For someone who wants a straightforward, high-meat diet without a lot of filler, this is a solid place to land.

Veterinarians formulated this recipe, so you get a diet built on professional nutritional knowledge rather than marketing trends. The 1-pound bag contains about 7 cups of food, which means you’ll need to plan for more frequent purchases if this becomes your dog’s main meal. For dogs that need a different protein source, Primal offers a turkey-and-sardine option.

Best for: Dog owners who want a vet-formulated, high-beef freeze-dried food with added fruits and veggies, and don't mind a smaller bag size. Not ideal for dogs needing protein variety or owners who prefer larger bulk packages.
#9Best Multi-Protein Blend

360 Pet Nutrition Multi-Protein Freeze-Dried

360 Pet Nutrition Multi-Protein Freeze-Dried
Protein SourcesBeef, chicken, salmon, whitefish, liver & organs
FormFreeze-dried raw, bite-size pieces
Weight1 lb
Life StageAdult dogs
Made InUSA
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What We Like

  • Five animal proteins plus organ meats
  • Grain-free with no artificial preservatives
  • Shelf-stable, no refrigeration needed

Trade-offs

  • Only formulated for adult dogs, not all life stages
  • Not suitable for puppies or pregnant dogs

Five different animal proteins, beef, chicken, salmon, whitefish, plus liver and organs, give this freeze-dried raw food a broader nutrient profile than single-protein recipes. That variety matters for dogs who do better rotating proteins or who get bored with the same meat every meal. The gentle freeze-drying locks in the raw nutrition without needing refrigeration, so you can keep a bag in the pantry or toss it in a travel bag without fuss. It works as a complete meal or a topper for picky eaters, and the bite-size pieces portion easily for any breed size.

The 1 lb bag size is the main limitation. Compared to Vital Essentials’ 25 oz bag or Instinct’s 25 oz bag, you’re getting less food per purchase. That means more frequent reordering if this is your dog’s main meal. The adult-dog-only formulation also limits it for households with puppies or seniors, unlike some competitors that cover all life stages. If you want a multi-protein blend that keeps mealtime interesting and feeding simple, this fills that spot neatly. Just plan for smaller portions per bag.

Best for: Owners wanting a multi-protein freeze-dried raw food with organ meats, grain-free ingredients, and easy shelf storage. Not ideal for households with puppies or seniors needing an all-life-stages formula.

Product photos

#10Best Kibble Replacement

Primal Kibble In The Raw Beef

Primal Kibble In The Raw Beef
Protein SourceGrass-fed beef
FormFreeze-dried bites
Weight1.5 lb
Key IngredientsBeef, organic apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, kale
Synthetic AdditivesNo synthetic vitamins or minerals
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What We Like

  • Scoop-and-serve convenience, no prep needed
  • Whole food ingredients, no synthetic vitamins
  • No corn, wheat, soy, lentils, or legumes
  • More nutrient-dense than traditional kibble

Trade-offs

  • 1.5 lb bag is lightweight for multi-dog households
  • Not ideal for dogs with legume sensitivities

If you want the convenience of kibble without the high-heat processing that strips nutrients, this bag delivers freeze-dried raw bites you scoop straight from the bag. Grass-fed beef is the first ingredient, and the recipe skips synthetic vitamins entirely, relying on whole foods like organic apples and spinach for nutrition. That means you feed less by volume than traditional dry food, which offsets the smaller bag size for most single-dog homes. It’s a straightforward swap for anyone tired of rehydrating frozen patties or thawing raw chubs.

The 1.5-pound bag is lightweight, which works for a small dog but means you’ll reorder often if you have multiple dogs. The beef patties from Stella & Chewy’s come as separate patties, while Primal’s bite-sized format pours like kibble with no crumbling. The lack of common allergens like corn and soy makes it a cleaner option for sensitive stomachs.

Best for: Dog owners wanting a no-prep, whole-food raw option that replaces traditional kibble without synthetic additives. Not ideal for multi-dog households that need larger bag sizes.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Freeze Dried Raw Dog Foods

Our research focused on four factors that matter most when feeding a raw diet from a bag: meat and organ content percentage, ingredient sourcing transparency, nutritional completeness, and ease of use. We pored over guaranteed analysis data, ingredient lists, and feeding instructions from each manufacturer to separate marketing claims from real nutritional value.

Protein content and animal-ingredient percentage topped our priority list. A true freeze-dried raw food should derive most of its calories from meat, organs, and bone, not from starches, legumes, or synthetic fillers. We also weighed the presence of probiotics, prebiotics, and whole-food fruits and vegetables against minimal-ingredient, single-protein formulas to match different dietary needs.

We also examined bag sizes, rehydration requirements, and whether each food works as a complete meal or only as a topper. A research-led evaluation like this can’t replace hands-on feeding trials, but it does give you a reliable shortcut to the best options for your dog’s specific needs. For a deeper look at the category, our comprehensive freeze-dried dog food reviews cover the full landscape.

What To Look For In Freeze Dried Raw Dog Foods

When you’re shopping the freezer aisle of the pet store, or browsing online, these are the specs and labels that separate a quality freeze-dried raw food from an expensive bag of hype.

Look for a minimum 85% animal ingredients, a named protein source as the first ingredient, and a statement that the food meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for your dog’s life stage.

Meat and Organ Content Percentage

The whole point of feeding raw is getting more animal protein into your dog. The best freeze-dried raw foods contain a high percentage of meat, organs, and bone. Stella & Chewy’s hits 95% grass-fed beef and organs, while Vital Essentials pushes to 96% animal ingredients. Any formula with a lower meat content likely includes starches or plant proteins that dilute the nutritional density you’re paying for. Understanding the freeze-dried pros and cons helps you weigh higher protein against the cost per serving.

Protein Source and Variety

Single-protein formulas work well for dogs with food sensitivities or elimination diets. Smallbatch Freeze Dried Grass-Fed Beef and Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Complete both offer single-source beef. But if your dog tolerates multiple proteins, a blend like 360 Pet Nutrition Multi-Protein Freeze-Dried provides five animal proteins plus organ meats. Novel proteins, turkey, sardine, rabbit, can be lifesavers for dogs who’ve developed intolerances to chicken or beef. For puppies, check our freeze-dried puppy food guide since not all formulas are suitable for growth stages.

Nutritional Completeness and Life Stage Suitability

Not every freeze-dried raw food is formulated for all life stages. Some products, like 360 Pet Nutrition, are labeled for adult dogs only and shouldn’t be fed to puppies or pregnant dogs. Look for an AAFCO statement on the bag that matches your dog’s life stage. Also check whether the food uses synthetic vitamins or derives nutrients entirely from whole foods. Primal backs its recipes with peer-reviewed research and avoids synthetic vitamins entirely, which some owners prefer.

Bag Size and Cost Per Meal

Freeze-dried raw is lightweight but not volumetrically dense, a small bag doesn’t go far with a large dog. Open Farm’s Surf & Turf Patties come in a 10.5-ounce bag that works best as a topper for large breeds rather than a full meal. If you’re feeding raw exclusively to a large dog, consider freeze-dried for large dogs formulas that offer larger bags or more calorie-dense recipes. Smaller-breed owners can stretch a bag further, and our freeze-dried for small dogs guide covers portion-friendly options.

  • Does the food list a specific animal protein as the first ingredient, not a vague “meat meal”?
  • Is there a clear AAFCO statement for your dog’s life stage on the packaging?
  • What’s the animal-ingredient percentage? Aim for 85% or higher.
  • Does the food require rehydration, or can you serve it dry as a treat or topper?
  • How many pounds of bag do you need per week for your dog’s weight? Do the math before you buy.

A good rule of thumb: freeze-dried raw costs about three to four times more per feeding than premium kibble, so calculate your monthly budget before committing to a full-raw switch.

Freeze Dried Raw Dog Foods Compared

The table below lays out the 10 freeze-dried raw dog foods we evaluated side by side, highlighting protein sources, key features, and which dogs each formula suits best.

ProductProtein SourceFormWeight
Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Beef Patties95% grass-fed beef & organsFreeze-dried patties16 oz bag
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Nibs96% beef, organs & boneCrunchy Mini Nibs25 oz bag
Primal Freeze Dried Turkey & Sardine NuggetsTurkey & SardineFreeze-Dried Nuggets14 oz
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Beef Recipe85% meat & organsFreeze-dried raw1.6 pounds
Smallbatch Freeze Dried Grass-Fed BeefSingle source (beef)Freeze-dried sliders1.6 pounds
Open Farm Freeze Dried Surf & Turf Patties95% meat, organ & bonePatties10.5 oz
Natural Farm Freeze-Dried Red Meat Patties96% Beef, Organs & PorkFreeze-Dried Morsels14 oz
Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Complete Beef95% ranch-raised beef & organsFreeze-dried1lb
360 Pet Nutrition Multi-Protein Freeze-DriedBeef, chicken, salmon, whitefish, liver & organsFreeze-dried raw, bite-size pieces1 lb
Primal Kibble In The Raw BeefGrass-fed beefFreeze-dried bites1.5 lb

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transition my dog from kibble to freeze-dried raw food?

Start by mixing a small portion of freeze-dried raw with most of your dog’s current food for a few days, then gradually increase the raw portion over about a week. Rehydrate the freeze-dried food with warm water before mixing to aid digestion. Watch for loose stools or digestive upset and slow the transition if needed.

Can freeze-dried raw dog food be served dry?

Yes, most freeze-dried raw foods can be served dry as a treat or topper. However, when used as a complete meal, rehydration is recommended to prevent digestive issues and ensure proper hydration. Dogs that gulp their food without chewing may benefit from rehydration to reduce choking risk.

Is freeze-dried raw dog food safe for puppies?

Some freeze-dried raw foods are formulated for all life stages, but not all. Always check the AAFCO statement on the bag to confirm it meets puppy nutritional requirements. For puppy-specific options, look for formulas with balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and DHA for brain development.

How long does freeze-dried raw dog food last once opened?

Most freeze-dried raw foods stay fresh for a month or two after opening when stored in a cool, dry place with the bag tightly sealed. Some owners transfer the food to an airtight container to extend shelf life. Unlike frozen raw, freeze-dried food doesn’t require refrigeration, which makes it convenient for travel.

What’s the difference between freeze-dried raw and dehydrated raw dog food?

Freeze-drying removes moisture through a cold vacuum process that preserves raw nutrients without cooking the ingredients. Dehydration uses low heat over a longer period, which can reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients. Freeze-dried raw typically retains a higher protein content and more natural enzymes, while dehydrated raw dog food is often more shelf-stable and slightly less expensive.

The Bottom Line

For most dog owners, Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Beef Patties is the smartest starting point. It delivers 95% grass-fed beef and organs, works as a meal, topper, or treat, and includes probiotics that ease the transition from kibble. If your dog has a beef sensitivity or you want a single-protein diet, swap to Smallbatch Freeze Dried Grass-Fed Beef or Primal’s novel turkey and sardine blend instead.

Budget-conscious owners should look at Natural Farm Freeze-Dried Red Meat Patties, which offers solid nutrition and probiotics at a lower cost per bag. Owners of large breeds or multi-dog households will want to check bag sizes carefully, some of the best formulas come in packages that disappear fast with a big dog. The raw diet pros and cons guide can help you decide if a full raw switch is right for your household.

The single most important factor in choosing a freeze-dried raw food isn’t the brand name, it’s the animal-ingredient percentage. Everything else, protein variety, added probiotics, organic produce, matters less than making sure the bag is mostly meat, organs, and bone. Start there, and the rest falls into place.