Every dog owner will know first hand the heartbreak of seeing their dog feeling unwell. Indeed, us canine lovers only want what’s best for our pets, and an integral part of their wellbeing is related to diet.
It’s also an element of a dog’s wellbeing that is the complete responsibility of the pet owner, so you’ve got to make your decisions count. But if your puppy experiences health conditions, or if you’re looking for an alternative to regular kibble, you may be curious about a raw dog food diet.
A raw dog food diet is designed to feed your pet the way their ancestors ate. Raw food is considered by some to be biologically appropriate for dogs because of their genetic makeup, with supporters of the diet suggesting its potential benefits include giving your dog a glossier coat, less smelly poos, higher energy levels, healthier skin and cleaner teeth.
That said, a raw food diet for your dog isn’t without its risks and detractors, with some vets concerned about the sometimes unbalanced nature of such a diet, the potential for choking on whole bones, and the bacteria found in raw meat threatening both the dog’s and human health. Because of this, it’s not recommended for a dog who shares a home with immunocompromised residents to be on a raw food diet.
Because of these risks, the veterinary charity PDSA recommends that ‘’If you do choose a raw diet after consulting your vet, always choose a commercially prepared one’’. With that in mind, today we’re considering some commercially prepared raw dog foods on the market.
TOP RECOMMENDED RAW FOOD PRODUCTS FOR DOGS
Switching to a raw diet can be tricky and doesn’t happen overnight. The right balance of meat, vegetables, and superfoods is key to ensuring that your canine gets the proper nutrients it deserves. Additionally, you need to consider factors such as your pet’s age, size, activity levels, and the presence of any food intolerances.
It also helps to familiarise yourself with the different types of raw dog food on the market. These include frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated raw dog food. Unlike frozen food, freeze-dried options don’t need to be kept in the freezer. Meanwhile, dehydrated raw dog food is usually mixed with water, so it returns to its natural state.
Anyway, without further ado, here are the best commercially prepared raw dog food products reviewed.
Ella & Co
From James Middleton, the brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, Ella & Co offers freeze-dried raw food and cold-pressed food for dogs.
Ella & Co comes in three flavours – freeze-dried chicken, beef, and cold-pressed fish. They use human-grade ingredients (meat, fruit, veggies) without any fillers, preservatives, or grains.
Interestingly, the company offer a 14-day trial with free shipping (and 25% off their normal prices) so you can figure out if this option is suitable for your canine. It should be noted that, depending on the size and activity levels of your dogs, a subscription to Ella & Co is at the top end of the price range; two weeks worth of food for an adult dog weighing 30kg will cost you just shy of £50. Food fit for royalty, indeed.
Nature’s Menu
The frozen raw range from Nature’s Menu includes beef, turkey and duck, all of which are 80% meat and are delivered as nuggets that you count out and then let thaw. Their recipes are bone free (mitigating the choking hazard we previously mentioned), do not use meat meals, are grain free and great for dogs with sensitive tummies.
Their recipe sticks to whole meat without any hidden ingredients; reassuring for those concerned about their dog’s digestion. What’s more, the formula includes vitamins A, D, and E to help boost your furry friend’s immunity and healthy skin, too. Result!
The price point is fairly modest here (1kg of their succulent duck range, for instance, will set you back £5.49). If you have a medium or large sized dog, this is a very reputable company with an excellent product. They even offer next day delivery.
Poppy’s Picnic
One of the UK’s biggest raw dog food companies around and with a successful Dragon’s Den appearance under their belt (or should that be ‘collar’?), Poppy’s Picnic offers balanced food that contains all that your dog needs for optimal health.
The company offer 14 different products which use high quality meat from fourth generation butchers in Wiltshire, including liver and kidney, as well as bone, veggies and herbs to make sure your dog’s needs are met. In fact, these guys are FEDIAF certified as being nutritionally balanced, which will be reassuring for pet owners.
That said, a subscription to Poppy’s Picnic is the most expensive on our list. As an example, for a fairly active, 30 kg adult dog, you’ll be paying £65 every 12 days for their Mighty Mince range.
The guys at Poppy’s Picnic also do cat food, by the way.
ROCKETO
ROCKETO offers a tried and true approach to canine nutrition and wellness, stocking a wide range of dehydrated raw organic food and treats with 100% human-grade ingredients. Every product is nutritionally balanced and vet-approved, meeting the requirements set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) without having to resort to synthetic fortification methods.
This is achieved by patent-awarded technology; the ingredients are air-dried at 40°C to preserve all nutrients. Unlike some other options in your local pet shop, ROCKETO offers food that is free from toxins, low-carb, 100% natural, clean, and convenient.
On top of all that, air-dried food weighs four times less than fresh food options, so it’s more affordable than the others on our list – two weeks worth of the company’s Organic Chicken range will set you back £23.99, for instance.
The only downside is that the product takes 5 working days for delivery, though if you have a subscription plan in place, this isn’t a problem, as the company will send out the product in advance of your desired day of arrival.
THE BOTTOM LINE
You don’t have to limit your dog to homemade raw meals that take time to prepare; not the ideal option if you lead a busy lifestyle, and not recommended by vets, either.
Instead, pre-made raw dog food is not only convenient, but you also know that your pet eats a quality, healthy diet. Not all raw food products can address every dog’s issues, so picking one tailored to their palate and condition is essential to keep your dog happy and healthy.