Have you ever wondered if raw meals for your pet could be the secret to a healthier life? Today, a few raw food brands are catching pet parents’ attention by offering meals packed with top-notch ingredients and balanced nutrition (that means the right mix of vitamins, minerals, and proteins).
Each brand brings its own special twist, creating recipes that feel as natural as a sunny stroll in the park. We’re looking at seven of the best raw pet food choices that might just be the perfect match for you and your furry friend.
Top Ranked Raw Pet Food Brands of 2023
When it comes to raw pet food, it's all about that perfect mix of uncooked meat, organs, and bones – all without any extra fillers. This year, four brands really stand out because they care about using high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients.
Naturaw takes the crown for Best Raw Food Overall. They use 100% human-grade meat sourced right here in the UK, working hand in hand with trusted local farmers, gamekeepers, and butchers. It’s like getting advice from a good friend who always looks out for your pet. Imagine a handy online calculator telling you to serve between 240 and 360 grams of food each day for a 12 kg dog – with a good starting point of around 250 grams.
Next, Wilsons is known as the Best Value Raw Food. Their range features an 80/10/10 mix as well as a Premium Complete blend that adds vegetables while keeping the wholesome mix of meat, bones, and offal front and center. With over 160 years of Scottish heritage behind them, their 500 g frozen trays not only deliver excellent quality at a fair price, but their feeding guidelines make it super easy – just serve 2 to 3% of your pet’s body weight.
Paleo Ridge wins the title for Best Raw Food Range. Their varied selection includes products for every stage of life, including a special range for puppies, and they even use eco-friendly packaging. Then there’s ProDog Raw, celebrated as the Best Raw Beginners Pack. Their offerings are affordable without sacrificing quality, featuring ingredients from trusted DEFRA-approved British suppliers.
One more brand to mention is We Feed Raw, which stands out for its convenient US delivery service. Their patties meet strict AAFCO nutritional standards, ensuring your furry friend gets a balanced meal.
Each brand earns its spot by meeting tough criteria – from responsible sourcing and balanced nutrition to fair pricing and expert reviews.
Premium Raw Canine Meal Choices: Brand Deep Dive
For Naturaw, every ingredient tells a story. They work with local farmers, gamekeepers, and butchers to bring meals straight from the source into your pet’s bowl. One pet parent said, "After switching to Naturaw, my dog’s energy visibly improved," showing how much care goes into every batch. Plus, their online feeding tool helps you choose the right portion without guessing.
Wilsons has a proud Scottish heritage that spans over 160 years. They mix traditional recipes with modern quality checks to create meals that feel like home-cooked goodness. One customer shared, "The natural aroma and texture remind me of home-cooked meals," highlighting their long-held commitment to excellence.
Both Naturaw and Wilsons care deeply about using the best ingredients and strict production methods. This thoughtful approach builds trust with pet parents everywhere. For more details on how they source and prepare each meal, see natural pet essentials.
Innovative Raw Pet Food Recipes and Sustainable Packaging
Paleo Ridge is showing us how fun and nutritious pet meals can be when paired with packaging that’s kind to the planet. This UK brand has impressed everyone by winning Best Raw Dog Food and launching a special Puppy range as of January 2025. Their recipes are designed to keep all the natural goodness intact so your pet gets the balanced nutrition they love, all wrapped in compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging. Just imagine serving your furry friend a meal in packaging that literally goes back to nature, it’s a treat for them and a win for our Earth.
ProDog Raw is another standout name, blending quality with smart convenience. They use human-grade meat from DEFRA-approved British Farm Assured suppliers (which means the meat meets strict safety and quality checks) to whip up meals that suit all kinds of pet routines. Whether it’s their Complete, Pure (an 80/10/10 blend), Puppy, or Economy Core range, there’s something for every pet. Plus, their frozen deliveries come with recyclable wool liners, helping to cut down on waste. With 16 bundle options to choose from, it’s never been easier to find the perfect mix for your pet’s needs.
- Creative recipes that preserve natural nutrition
- Innovative packaging that cares for the environment
- A wide range of meal bundles to fit every pet’s lifestyle
These ideas set a high standard for a wholesome and sustainable raw food experience for pets.
Nutritional Benefits of Raw Pet Food: Expert Evaluations
Raw pet food keeps vital enzymes and amino acids intact (these help break down food and support strong bodies). That means each bite holds the natural goodness of real ingredients. Imagine this: one overheated meal lost almost 40% of its enzymes, which are key for smooth digestion. Really makes you think, right?
Going raw brings noticeable health perks. Many pet parents see healthier skin and a glossier coat on their furry friends. Digestion gets a boost too, as the natural enzymes work wonders for a happy tummy. Some even notice cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and fewer allergies. One pet owner shared, "My dog’s coat looks vibrant and clean ever since switching to raw." It’s a warm reminder that balanced nutrition truly shows its benefits.
A raw diet can also give a pet’s immune system a stronger shield, helping them fend off common bugs. Weight control becomes easier when meals are packed with quality calories and no extra fillers found in many cooked foods. Here’s a quick look at the benefits:
- Better skin and a shinier coat
- Smoother digestion
- Fewer allergies
- Cleaner teeth
- A stronger immune system
- Easier weight control
Now, let’s compare formats. Frozen raw food does the best job of preserving enzymes, keeping the meal as natural as possible. Freeze-dried options last longer on the shelf but might have a bit less moisture and fewer enzymes. All this shows why so many pet parents and experts prefer raw feeding, it delivers a nutrient-packed, organic diet that truly supports overall pet health.
Raw Pet Food Buying Guide 2023: Selection Tips and Transition Strategies
When you start looking for raw pet food, try picking up trial packs or sample sizes first. Many brands have high minimum orders, and a small sample helps you see if the recipe works for your furry friend. Also, some suppliers offer loyalty programs that can make switching to a raw diet easier on your budget over time.
It can be fun to mix things up by rotating your pet’s protein sources. Aim for 5 to 6 different proteins over a couple of months. Imagine trying chicken and turkey one month, then switching to beef or lamb the next. One pet parent once said, "Rotating proteins keeps my dog excited about mealtime," which shows how a bit of variety can boost both taste and nutrition.
Storing raw meals needs a bit of planning too. It’s best to have a separate freezer just for raw pet food, this stops it from mixing with your family groceries. Pre-portion each pack so you avoid thawing and refreezing, which keeps the food fresh and full of the nutrients your pet needs.
When you decide to transition to a raw diet, go slowly. Start by mixing a small spoonful of raw food into your pet’s usual feed. Keep an eye on any changes in their stool or behavior, and adjust the mix gradually. One pet owner mentioned, "I slowly increased the raw portion until my dog adjusted seamlessly." Also, try not to mix raw with dry food in the same meal; this helps prevent any tummy troubles. A slow-feeder bowl can also help your pet eat at a comfortable pace.
Remember, a raw diet naturally has more moisture, which means less waste and lower water use. This is a nice bonus if you're trying to keep your pet’s meals both nutritious and eco-friendly. For more tips on what to avoid in pet food, feel free to check out ingredients to avoid in dog food.
Homemade Raw Pet Meals vs. Delivery Services
Making raw meals for your pet at home means you’re in charge of every ingredient. But balancing the diet just right (AAFCO standards, which are guidelines for pet nutrition) can be really challenging. It’s not always easy to find top-quality protein, mix the perfect amount of organs and muscle meat, and make sure no nutrients are missing. One pet parent even said, "I spent hours tweaking recipes only to find a vitamin was missing." This kind of careful recipe work takes a lot of research and know-how.
On the other hand, services like We Feed Raw take the guesswork out of pet meals. They send you pre-measured patties that meet AAFCO guidelines, even for large-breed puppies. With these meals, you get exact portions and less waste, plus you avoid all the hassle of cooking from scratch. It’s no wonder many pet parents love how flexible and reliable these subscriptions can be.
Some key differences:
- Cost vs convenience
- Sourcing the right ingredients vs the ease of delivery
This side-by-side look helps you choose the option that fits your busy life best.
Final Words
In the action, we broke down top raw food picks like Naturaw, Wilsons, Paleo Ridge, and ProDog Raw. The post mixed hands-on guidance with expert nutritional evaluations and smart buying tips, offering a balanced look at raw pet food benefits. You got the lowdown on expert-approved selection, portioning tips, and eco-friendly packaging, all to help you choose from the best raw pet food brands 2023. This practical guide is set to give your pet a healthier, happier diet, one well-informed decision at a time.