There are lots of raw dog foods on the market, but not all are created equally. Very few services use high-quality ingredients. So, finding the best raw dog food delivery service can be quite a challenge. I’ve taken it upon myself to help you sort through the plethora of options.
Fortunately, I’ve researched, analyzed, and personally vetted the top options this year. I’ve looked at ingredient quality and selection, nutrition and guaranteed analysis, pricing, menu variety, and tons more. I wanted to find out if the meals meet USDA guidelines, if they’re hormone-, antibiotic-, and preservative-free, and whether they’re veterinarian-approved.
Overall, I found that We Feed Raw is the best raw dog food delivery service. It features complete and balanced meals that exceed AAFCO nutrition standards. All the meals are also developed by a Ph.D. pet nutritionist and are designed to provide your dog with all of his or her nutritional needs. You can also fill out a questionnaire that offers a personalized meal plan.
We Feed Raw – Best overall raw dog food
Maev – Best Ph.D. veterinarian-designed meals
Viva Raw – Best high-protein raw dog food
Open Farm – Best K9 raw food with grains
Chewy – Best gluten- and grain-free recipes
Meals formulated by pet nutritionists
6 raw food recipes
Various health benefits from the food
Current deal: Get 40% off your first box + Free Shipping!
We Feed Raw is a dog food delivery service specializing in raw meals. It prepares balanced and complete dishes that provide various health benefits for your furry friend. It also works closely with a team of experts to ensure that its meals are 100% safe and free of any contaminants. Its meals have 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and ground bone.
You can choose from duck-, chicken-, turkey-, lamb-, beef-, and venison-based dishes. However, some meals, like the Venison Patty, may include other proteins, such as beef liver or heart, for added nutrition and flavor.
Its recipes are formulated by a certified nutritionist with over 30 years of experience in animal nutrition and raw feeding. Besides, veterinarians approve all of the meals. What's more, its recipes comply with the AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) recommendations for all dog life stages.
The company sources only human-grade, USDA ingredients for its meals. It gets most of the ingredients from trusted farmers throughout the USA. Pasture-raised and grass-fed venison and lamb are from New Zealand, which you can learn more about in my colleague’s review.
I like that the company offers a questionnaire to customize your dog's meal plan. Based on your responses, it’ll suggest food options that best meet your pup’s dietary requirements. The questionnaire includes questions about your dog's age, breed, weight, and body composition (normal, under-, or over-weight).
Delivery boxes come in 3 sizes: Small, Classic, and Big. All boxes are designed to fit in a standard-sized refrigerator. The Small Box caters to small dogs. The Classic Box is suitable for medium-sized pups, and the Big Box is ideal for medium to large dogs.
We Feed Raw delivers to all 48 contiguous US states, but shipping isn’t always free. Delivery is free to any state except FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, PA, NJ, NY, NH, ME, CT, MA, and the District of Columbia. If you’re in any of those states, expect to pay between $60 and $100 for air shipping.
Though costs vary depending on your order size, pricing starts at $6.59/lb. The Small Box is the cheapest option, while the Big Box is the most expensive.
Beef or chicken as primary ingredients
Customization based on pet's age, weight, and health needs
Locally sourced, USDA-certified, and human-grade ingredients
Current deal: 20% Off Sitewide + FREE Gift
Maev sources ingredients for its raw food both domestically and internationally. The meals, crafted by experts in human-grade kitchens, cater to dogs of all ages and life stages. Beyond the primary meals aimed at bolstering general canine health, Maev also provides extras and bundles targeting specific health issues.
The offerings at Maev are selective. The company primarily offers 2 raw canine dishes with beef or chicken as the main ingredients. These dishes incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, including superfoods like zucchini, blueberries, kale, and potatoes, along with beneficial probiotics.
Additionally, Maev doesn't forget about dogs with specific health needs. It’s got bundles targeting a range of issues, such as digestive problems and joint discomfort. There's also a focus on puppies with a chicken-based meal and other age-related products.
A tool is available to help adjust portions based on your pet's age and weight. Even for bundled packages, you have flexibility in choosing the main protein, delivery, and portion sizes. Veterinary professionals have given Maev the green light with its biologically appropriate raw food. Learn more about this in my colleague’s full Maev review.
Maev’s ingredients are human-grade and USDA-certified, with local sourcing being the priority. The main components, whether beef or chicken, come alongside other nutritious items like green beans, blueberries, and peanut butter.
Other beneficial ingredients include eggs, fish oil, and various supplements. The company seems to really be proud of ensuring that the raw food maintains essential nutrients via flash-freezing. Personally, I’ve always been a huge fan of flash freezing – whether meats, veg, or anything else, as it really does lock in vital nutrients.
Maev's items, like supplemental bars, broth, and other products, are on the pricier side. For instance, the raw food ranges from $143 to $159 for a 5 lb pack. The price depends on the dog's age and the selected meal.
Bulk purchases can offer savings. Shipping fees also vary based on location and total order value. Returns of perishable items aren't accepted, and refunds for placed orders aren’t provided, so customers need to be certain before placing an order.
Prices start at $143 per bag, which can be seen as a bit pricey, albeit nearly on par with most other raw food competitors.
Option of ground recipes or “chunked”
Pure + mixed raw dog food recipes
USDA-inspected, humanely raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats
Current deal: Get 20% Off Your First Order
Viva Raw offers a solid selection of raw food options for dogs. You’ll find Emu & Venison, Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Duck, Rabbit, and a Turkey & Beef combination specifically for puppies.
The company provides 3 primary styles of food: ground or chunked mixed food (with meat and veg), or its “Pure”, meat-only line. Ground food offers a softer texture, whereas chunked food comes in a more solid texture which some dogs find more enjoyable to eat.
For instance, the chicken recipe primarily comprises humanely raised chicken without antibiotics or hormones. It’s also supplemented with organic fruits, vegetables, and natural supplements. This should indicate Viva Raw’s commitment to providing quality ingredients and avoiding fillers commonly found in lower-quality kibbles.
The "Pure" option contains solely meat products. The offerings from the Pure menu include Emu & Venison, Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Duck, and Rabbit. These meals primarily contain meat, ground bone, heart, gizzards, and liver without other ingredients.
It's worth noting that experts don't recommend feeding pets solely with the Pure option. Since dogs rely on a host of vitamins and minerals, this type of food may not provide a balanced diet. It’s only appropriate once in a while.
The company does use USDA-certified, humanely raised, antibiotic-free meats. These meats come from smaller farms that don't administer hormones or antibiotics and undergo third-party audits for humane treatment.
Another interesting thing is that the pet food is made in the same facilities as human food, which, to me, implies a high level of quality control. All of its offerings are made in small batches and are tested for pathogens.
Viva Raw's dog food options exhibit high levels of crude protein compared to many competitors. For example, the beef recipe has a crude protein level of 15.8%. Learn more about how Viva Raw is making the highest-protein raw food on the market today in my full review.
Pricing varies depending on the specific meal. For instance, the price of dog food ranges from $6 to $10.75 per 1-lb bag. It's worth noting that shipping is free for orders over $250, although this offer doesn't apply to Hawaii, Alaska, or certain areas of Texas and Montana. You can also place one-time orders or subscribe for recurring deliveries every 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks.
Easily trace the origin of ingredients
Climate strategy commitment
RawMix and Freeze Dried Raw recipes
Open Farm has 2 different raw food options. RawMix recipes which are nutrient-dense kibbles coated in a bone broth with a freeze-dried raw blend. The Freeze Dried Raw recipes are available as morsels or patties.
You'll find chunks of raw meat in the RawMix when you serve them to your pet. Front Range RawMix features pieces of beef and pork meat, while Open Prairie has chicken and turkey chunks. The Wild Ocean has pieces of salmon, whitefish, and rockfish. Depending on the chosen meal, these may contain whole-grain barley, pumpkin, carrots, and brown rice, among other ingredients.
Open Farm also has Grain-Free versions of the 3 RawMixes. These variations use substitutions like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and menhaden fish in place of whole-grain barley. You can purchase Grain-Free and Ancient Grains varieties in 3.5 lb and 20 lb packages.
The Freeze Dried Raw recipes are minimally processed and contain 95% meat, organ, and bones. There are 6 different protein options including beef and lamb. You can purchase a variety pack to support rotational feeding too.
Open Farm commits itself to ethical and sustainable ingredient sourcing. It partners with suppliers who let their animals roam, providing them with nutritious diets free from hormones and antibiotics.
You can track the source of each ingredient in your dog's meal if you wish to learn more. All you have to do is find the lot code on the bag and type it into the designated search bar on the Open Farm website. Check out my colleague’s in-depth Open Farm review to learn more about the service’s ingredient-sourcing policy.
You don't need to refrigerate Open Farm's RawMix dishes. Instead, keep them in a cool and dry place in their original packaging. Once opened, ensure your pet eats the food within 2 months.
Open Farm doesn't have a questionnaire to help you customize your pet's meals, but We Feed Raw does. Consider taking We Feed Raw's quick quiz for an easier way to tailor meals to your pet’s needs.
Open Farm offers delivery to most locations in the continental USA. So, this service isn’t suitable for you if you live in Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico. Free shipping is available for orders over $50. Orders under $50 incur a flat-rate shipping fee of $5.99. Delivery typically takes 3 to 5 days, including weekends, from the order date.
The price per meal primarily depends on the meal you choose and the package size. Of course, your dog's appetite plays a big part, too. The price for the 3.5 lb recipe starts at Pet meals starting from $7 / day. Still, consider purchasing a 20 lb package because it provides better value for money.
Dry, Freeze Dried, and Frozen raw meals
Hundreds of options from different manufacturers
Beef-, lamb-, and duck-based dishes
Chewy has a wide selection of raw meals and treats for your pup. You can browse hundreds of options from dozens of manufacturers. Its meals may include a variety of proteins and complementary ingredients such as grains, fruits, and veggies (including some organic produce). But that’s not all – Chewy also has toppers and mixers in its inventory too.
Although this may seem overwhelming, you can use site filters to narrow your search. You'll find Special Diet, Flavor, Lifestage, and Breed Size, among other filters. Special Diet, for example, includes Chicken-Free, Gluten-Free, and Grain-Free filters. You can also choose breed-specific filters like Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, and Giant Breeds.
Chewy's range includes meals with various types of protein. Options here include lamb, turkey, beef, chicken, pork, or salmon. If you prefer feeding your dog high-quality raw meat with no added fruit or veg, check out We Feed Raw instead.
The company also has a range of 50 toppers and mixers for you to choose from. These contain various proteins, including beef, chicken, and salmon. It seems that Chewy has an impressive food selection. Learn more in my colleague’s tested Chewy review.
There are lots of different types of raw meals including dry, freeze-dried, and frozen food. Keep in mind that there are no vets or nutritionists on board. If that’s important to you, check out Maev instead.
When selecting raw food for your pet on Chewy, it's crucial to read each pack's details. Brands differ in ingredients and nutrition, so examining product information helps you choose the right option for your pet's needs. Careful review ensures an informed decision, aligning with your pet's health and dietary preferences.
You qualify for delivery if you live anywhere but Alaska or Hawaii. You should expect delivery to take up to 3 days from when you place an order, and you don't pay delivery expenses if your purchase is over $49. Otherwise, you’ll pay $4.95.
The cost per Chewy's meal or treat varies depending on the selected product. Prices start at <$2 per meal.
Raw dog meals and treats available
30+ raw dog food options
ALPHA-Prey, Prey, and BARF models available
Raw Paws Pet Food, a family-owned business, provides a range of raw food and toys for dogs (and other pets). It gets its offerings from local farms, ensuring a broad spectrum of protein choices.
Aside from the food, it also offers treats, chews, supplements, and accessories. Its dry kibble selection is more limited, particularly in the grain-free category. For pet chews, it boasts about 80 varieties, though the majority are for dogs, and a few for cats (if you have any!). It also stocks health supplements that address digestion, skin, coat, and joint issues.
I personally like a few products I think you might enjoy, too. The Turkey Necks for medium to large dogs, the Green Lamb Tripe Sticks from free-range lambs, and Grain Free Dental Chews are especially good for puppies and small dogs.
However, you should be aware of some limitations. There might be limited options for non-raw food, occasional bone fragments in the food, and potential high shipping charges.
Navigating its website is straightforward, thanks to user-friendly filters. You can efficiently find products and use the "Serving Calculator" to gauge the correct food amount based on your dog’s specifics. When you order, expect products in eco-friendly foam containers with dry ice, ensuring freshness. Each item has a clear label, and while many are ready to serve, some might need chilling first.
Raw Paws Pet Food delivers across the continental US, with delivery times ranging between 1-6 days. It ships efficiently, often on the same day for certain early orders. Once dispatched, you'll receive a tracking number, or you can opt to collect from its Indianapolis warehouse.
Regarding pricing, Raw Paws Pet Food caters to various budgets. Pricing starts at From $10.99/lb. Find out more about the different pricing models in our full review.
You get free shipping for non-frozen products over $49 otherwise you’ll pay $7.99. For frozen items, free shipping kicks in over $199. For smaller orders, there’s a $30 shipping charge. Although there’s no money-back policy, it emphasizes customer satisfaction. I recommend contacting support with any questions or concerns.
Food is made in small batches directly in the US
1 recipe includes 99% organic wild elk + venison (deer meat)
No hormones, antibiotics, fillers, preservatives, grains, or by-products
Raw Wild offers a single type of raw meal for dogs: a blend of organic wild elk and venison. This unique combination ensures dogs receive high-quality protein, essential for their muscle development and overall health.
Though it doesn’t offer the largest selection, I can appreciate the dedication to a single meal. Wild elk and venison guarantee a consistent and superior product in terms of nutrition and taste.
Thanks to the wild-caught nature of the meat, the animals are free from undesirable content. For instance, the meat is free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals that are common in farmed meats. Learn more in our Raw Wild review.
Moreover, wild game is known for being lean and rich in essential nutrients. Such a diet closely resembles what dogs' ancestors would’ve naturally consumed in the wild.
Raw Wild's meals are also enhanced with a mix of vitamins and minerals to create a balanced diet for dogs. These additions ensure that the food meets or exceeds the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. As a result, I think you can be confident that your pup is getting a comprehensive diet without needing to supplement it further.
I found that ordering from Raw Wild is a pretty seamless experience. There’s only 1 type of food and 1 order size for your first order – a single 12-lb trial box. This is probably the simplest ordering system I’ve ever seen!
In terms of sustainability, wild game sourcing also means there's a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional farming. It aligns with the preferences of environmentally-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
Price-wise, Raw Wild's meals might come at a premium, especially compared to standard commercial dog foods. I do find that the investment is worthwhile, though, considering the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits it offers. That said, prices start at $11.64 per lb.
There are 3 different order sizes to choose from. The more you order, the cheaper the cost per pound of food. Order sizes are 12, 24, or 48 individual 1 lb packs.
Online pet pharmacy
Get your pet meds too
Vitamins and supplements for dogs
PetCareRx is an online pharmacy for dogs with various products on offer. And if your canine experiences digestive issues, Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers should be of help.
Its Grain Free Gut Health mixers contain ingredients that most dogs like. They can promote your pet's digestive health while satisfying their taste buds at the same time. If you’re after food for dogs with upset bellies, check out our selection of the top 10 food services for pets with sensitive stomachs.
The product contains probiotics and fiber that can work wonders for your pet's tummy. Plus, the item features cage-free chicken meat and various whole-food ingredients. Regarding poultry, the mix includes chicken liver, heart, and ground bone.
As for other ingredients, you’ll find sweet potatoes and pumpkin, which are known for their digestive benefits. Additional ingredients are chicory root and apple cider vinegar.
PetCareRx sources only top-quality ingredients from around the world for this product, which it makes in the USA. Also, note that the package doesn't contain any potentially harmful by-products. It's clear of fillers – such as grain, corn, or wheat – preservatives, artificial flavors, or anything similar.
Being an online pharmacy, PetCareRx doesn't have an extensive food assortment of any kind, as our expert reviewer pointed out. For full meals, you should look at the services higher up on my list like We Feed Raw and Open Farm.
PetCareRx ships its products to pet owners in the mainland US and its territories. Standard shipping won't cost you a thing if your order matches $48. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a $5.99 delivery fee, unless you're a PetPlus member. Considering the price of the Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, you'll need to purchase a few packages to qualify for free shipping.
PetCareRx has a wide range of products you can find useful for your pet, though. Among others, you can find items that can help your pet get rid of fleas, ticks, and many other nasty health issues or parasites. And the pricing can be competitive given that the most affordable product costs $1.99/1.4oz.
Starting Price | Minimum Order | Best For | Meal Type | Shipping | Active Deals | |
$6.59/lb | 30 lbs per order | Dogs that prefer raw food | Raw | Free | Get 40% off your first box + Free Shipping! from We Feed Raw | |
$143 per bag | 10 lbs per order | Dogs that prefer raw food | Raw | Free or $9.98 | 20% Off Sitewide + FREE Gift from Maev | |
$5.75/lb | At least 10 lbs per order | Dogs that prefer raw food | Raw | Free for orders over $250 or around $10 to 20 (free shipping unavailable to certain areas of TX and MT) | Get 20% Off Your First Order from Viva Raw | |
Pet meals starting from $7 / day | 1 item for one-time purchase | Dogs that prefer raw food or other types like dry or mixed | RawMix, Fresh, Dry, Wet | Free or $5.99 | Save up to 20% on first time orders with code DR20 from Open Farm | |
<$2 per meal | 1 item for one-time purchase | Dogs that prefer raw food or other types like dry or mixed | Raw, Dry, Wet, Fresh & Prepared | Free or $4.95 | Save 35% On Your First Order from Chewy | |
From $10.99/lb | No minimum | Dogs that prefer raw food | Raw, green tripe, frozen, freeze-dried, toppers | Free, $7.99, or $30 | Save 15% on your first Autoship! Code: AUTO from Raw Paws Pet Food | |
$11.64 per lb | 12 lbs (1-lb packages) | Dogs that prefer raw food | Raw | Free to $100, depending on state of residence | 25% off on your first order from RawWild | |
$1.99/1.4oz | 1 item for one-time purchase | Dogs that prefer raw food | Dry, Wet, Freeze Dried | Free or $5.99 | Get 25% off your order with code: CARE25 from PetCareRx |
Stick to the following tips to help you find the best raw dog food delivery service for you:
Research the various pet food delivery services on offer. The disparities between firms supplying raw dog food are significant. Some, like We Feed Raw, comply with rigorous AAFCO protocols and ensure their products are 100% safe through testing, while others do not. Additionally, prioritize meals that are formulated by nutritionists and approved by veterinarians for your quadrupedal family member.
Figure out whether your dog’s diet should include grains. Dog food delivery services have grain-free meals and meals containing various grains, such as barley and millet. Maev, for example, is a service that I highly recommend.
Look for services offering meal customization quizzes. That way, you provide your pup with the best possible meal plan. These quizzes typically ask about your dog's breed, age, weight, activity level, and health concerns. Based on your answers, the service generates a personalized meal plan. Viva Raw offers a useful quiz.
Many pup owners consider We Feed Raw the best raw dog food delivery service. Certified nutritionists formulate its meals while vets approve them. Plus, the company follows AAFCO procedures to ensure safety. It also sources high-quality ingredients and has a meal customization quiz for tailored nutrition.
Yes, ordering raw dog food online is often cheaper than buying it from a physical store. Many online pet food delivery services offer special deals, particularly for new subscribers, and free shipping. For example, Maev offers a nice discount for new customers – 20% Off Sitewide + FREE Gift.
Yes, you can order raw dog food online through various dog food delivery services, such as Viva Raw. This is 1 of my favorite companies, as it offers around 16 total dog food options. You can choose from the regular meals, which include a high level of crude protein and superfood veg, or the “Pure” option, which comprises only meat and meat products.
Some promising research suggests that raw food could improve a dog’s overall health. Raw food may also boost energy, cognitive functioning, and mood, and provide better weight control, among other benefits.
Raw dog food is more expensive than kibble for several reasons. For example, it’s less popular, takes longer to make, requires more actual product, and weighs more to ship across the country. It’s also generally tested thoroughly and is often human-grade, which can’t be said about most kibbles on the market.
Additionally, high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed and cage-free meat, can contribute to the higher cost. I’ve found Chewy to be a budget-friendly option if you’re looking to save some cash when shopping for raw dog food.