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Best Raw Dog Foods : Tested & Reviewed for 2025

  • Writer: Smart Bark
    Smart Bark
  • Jul 29
  • 25 min read

Updated: 17 hours ago

We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate recommendations. Smart Bark is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more


Best Raw dog foods tested and reviewed

Considering a Raw Food Revolution for Your Dog?


Wondering where to start?  You've come to the right place!


Several companies in the UK offer complete raw food diets, with everything your dog needs to thrive, taking the guesswork out of meal preparation. These convenient options provide pre-portioned, balanced meals that meet all your dog's nutritional needs.


Pure Pet Food money-saving offer

But with so many brands available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.


Since 2020, Smart Bark has been diving deep into the world of raw dog food in the UK. We've reviewed leading companies, assessed their complete raw food diets, compared prices and nutritional ratings and even tested their customer service (because who wants to be left hanging?).


Freddie and his canine crew have put numerous raw food brands to the test, including Naturaw, ProDog Raw, Paleo Ridge, Wilsons, Bella+Duke, Nutriment, Nature's Menu, and Poppy's Picnic.


Only the best made it to our Top 5!

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This Buying Guide is your roadmap to navigating the raw food world. Whether you're a seasoned raw feeder or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you choose the perfect brand for your furry friend. Feel free to read the entire article or jump straight to the sections that pique your interest.


So let’s take a closer look at our top 5 raw dog foods and what they have to offer you and of course your dog - Bella+Duke, Naturaw, Wilsons, Paleo Ridge and ProDog Raw.


UPDATE : JULY 2025 - We've added Bella+Duke as our top pick for raw dog food.

raw dog food tested and reviewed


IN OUR ARTICLE


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THE BEST RAW DOG FOODS UK



Our Selection Process


Before we start, a quick word about how we choose which dog foods to feature.


All raw food brands were trialled in a home environment - real dogs, real people and real kitchens.


Our final choices for which companies to include on our short list, comes from a mix of reputation and reviews from other experts we trust. This is then combined with our hands-on experiences with all the brands featured in the review.


Logos of best raw dog food brands featured

Most of the products are sent to us by the companies involved and almost always as a result of our request. We only review the products we think are worth reviewing.


All the brands we test and recommend are DEFRA approved - basically these companies are recognised for their commitment to quality and safety in raw pet food production.


Oh, and we do check this article regularly to ensure that not only is the information current but there are no better raw dog foods to knock these companies off the top spot - hence the recent update to include Bella+Duke as our top pick for 2025.



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1. Best Raw Dog Food Overall

Bella+Duke


Who are Bella+Duke ?


In first place are multi-award winning Bella+Duke, a high quality British raw dog food brand.


We've awarded Bella+Duke first place in our review, not simply for their exceptionally high quality raw dog food but also their holistic, customer-focused raw feeding experience.


Bella+Duke - best raw dog food

We love their transparent ingredient sourcing, personalisation, range, strong customer support and robust safety certifications.


Bella+Duke has both RawSAFE and UK Pet Food certifications, providing you with a high level of reassurance regarding food safety and quality in production


Thanks to their unbeatable combination of quality, safety, and care, Bella+Duke takes the top spot, nudging Naturaw into second place this year.


Amazing Bella+Duke Raw Dog Food Offer!


Get your dog started with 50% off your first box, 30% off the second,

and 20% off the third


What’s in their range?


Looking for a single brand that keeps both your pooch and your kitty purring? Bella+Duke is the only brand in our review that has you covered for both raw dog and cat food, a total win for pet parents with a lively house full of tails and whiskers.


When it comes to dog food (seriously we know nothing about cats), they offer 4 ranges -


⭐️ Premium Complete

This is their crowd-pleaser, the one most dog lovers pick as their first step. Packed with over 80% meat plus bone, offal, seasonal veggies, berries, and a touch of healthy oils. Every recipe is proudly grain- and gluten-free, so even sensitive tummies can dig in


⭐️ Complete Superfood

Perfect for pups who need a little extra TLC, whether they're bouncing back from illness, growing up fast, enjoying their senior years, or nursing their own pups. The magic? Superfoods like turmeric, ginger, and kelp for that additional nutritional punch


⭐️ Complete

Tailored for your energetic working dogs, think herders, hunters, or simply canine athletes. This range is designed for sustained energy and endurance with high-quality protein at its core


⭐️ Pure Meat & Bone

Simple and pure, just meat, bone and offal. It’s an ideal base for pet chefs who want DIY meals or care for dogs with allergies or dietary sensitivities. All life stages from puppy to senior can enjoy this range


Bell+Duke full range

Each range comes with recipes crafted for puppy, adult, and senior dogs, so there’s truly a bowl for everyone, no matter their age or adventures.


For this review, we put Bella+Duke’s Adult Dog + Premium Complete to the test, and let’s just say, our four-legged taste-tester was begging for more.



How do I order and how does the food arrive?


Every dog food brand in our review runs on a flexible subscription model which is the standard these days. Skip, pause or cancel whenever you like, hassle-free. No hoops, no guilt trips, just total freedom for you and your hungry hound.


When it comes to ordering, Bella+Duke take things a step further with a handy online quiz: just answer a few fun questions about your dog’s breed, age, activity, and general canine quirkiness.


Best dog food calculator questionnaire

You get a feeding recommendation tailored to your pup but remember, their daily food quantity suggestion is a starting point, let's be honest, you still know your dog best.


Once your plan is set up, Bella+Duke puts together a suggested menu for your pooch. Not feeling their picks? Mix it up! Craft a personalised menu from their recipe lineup, which includes:

🐾 Protein-Packed Chicken

🐾 Grass-Fed Lamb

🐾 Sustainable Fish

🐾 Nutrient-Rich Duck

🐾 Sustainable Salmon

🐾 Grass-Fed Beef Tripe

🐾 Higher-Welfare Turkey

🐾 Grass-Fed Beef


You can explore the recipes in detail, diving into every ingredient and we love that the recipes are completely transparent with a full list of percentages.


Bella+Duke packaging

Next, pick the box size that fits your life (and freezer). You then have three options - Taster Box (12 days of food), Most Popular (24 days of food) and Value Box (36 days of food).


The bigger the box, the better the deal per meal—but don’t forget to consider your available freezer space!


If you're curious, you could try the Taster Box, but we’d recommend making the most of their hefty discounts for your first three orders (that’s serious savings on the Most Popular or Value Box sizes).


All Bella+Duke's meals are delivered frozen in 500g trays, ready to stash till mealtime and free delivery makes life extra easy.


Meet Freddie, our 12kg Cockapoo and official mealtime critic!


While Bella+Duke suggested he’d need 300g a day, we played it cool and started him on 250g—super handy, since that’s exactly half a 500g tray plus that left a few calories for an evening dental stick and some training treats.


Dog eating Bella+Duke food

The only downside we found, and it's a flaw not a dealbreaker, was the packaging. It's not resealable and the paper wrapper was a big soggy having been in the freezer and fridge. We simply decanted the food - problem solved.


How did Freddie feel about it? He couldn't care less about the packaging and let’s just say he gave Bella+Duke two (very fluffy) paws up—bowls licked clean and a very happy wagging tail. Breakfast and dinner have become the highlight of his day!


How much does it cost?


We felt that Bella+Duke was very reasonably priced. The Adult + Premium Complete range worked out at £1.07 a day for the bigger Value Box rising to £1.78 after the first 3 box introductory offer.


Oh! and we nearly forgot to mention you can choose free treats with every order.


Our Verdict - The bottom line is that we give Bella+Duke a big thumbs up for any dog parent craving hassle-free, high quality raw nutrition. Their meals tick all the boxes, nutritious, convenient, and great value, making life easier for people with full calendars and hungry pups.


Bella+Duke’s flexible subscription and tasty, transparent recipes mean less stress and more wagging tails. Add in their generous introductory deal, and it’s the perfect time to dive into raw feeding and see if it’s a match for you and your dog.


  

Reasons to Buy 

+ Top-tier food safety and quality assurance

+ Wide range of protein options

+ Lifestage options for puppy, adult and seniors

+ Delivery size options

+ Full ingredient transparency

+ Free delivery

+ Money saving introductory offer

Reasons to Avoid

- Not the best packaging we've seen

 

Buying Options


Amazing Bella+Duke Raw Dog Food Offer!


Get your dog started with 50% off your first box, 30% off the second,

 and 20% off the third



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2. Best Luxury Raw Dog Food

Naturaw


Who are Naturaw?


We've awarded Naturaw second place in our review, not simply for their exceptionally high quality raw dog food but also their commitment to sustainability.


The highest rated raw dog food on the independent advice site - All About Dog Food, Naturaw stands out as a real contender.


Naturaw's award winning Forage range of raw dog food

Many of today's dog lovers increasingly prioritise sustainability when choosing food for their furry companions. 


Sustainability is woven into Naturaw's practices, from using 100% compostable packaging to powering their operations with solar energy. They even plant trees with every subscription! 


This commitment earned them the world's first B-Corporation accreditation in the raw dog food industry.


Naturaw have kindly offered Smart Bark readers £5 OFF their first order.

Simply use the Voucher Code FREDDIESENTME


What’s in their range?


Naturaw's commitment to quality shines through in their ingredients. By partnering with local farmers, gamekeepers, and butchers, they guarantee their comprehensive range features only the finest 100% human-grade, UK-sourced meat.


Naturaw raw dog food delivery

Their Complete raw food is vet approved, nutritionally designed and balanced to provide your dog with all the vital protein, vitamins and minerals they require.


It's worth noting that all their ranges are free from fillers and grains and all their poultry is free range.


The Naturaw range includes two collections:-


The Original (80/10/10) collection gives your dog everything they need to stay fit and active.


An assortment of vegetable-free recipes which are perfect for dogs suffering with allergies and the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) traditionalist.


Their extensive collection includes a wide range of protein options - chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, venison, beef, fish and pork combinations alongside a recipe specifically aimed at senior dogs needs.


Their newer, multi-award winning Forage range is a nutritionally complete raw food. It consists of the same high welfare British meat used in the Original ranges but importantly it's complemented with 10% superfood ingredients.


Naturaw's Forage food for dogs with superfoods

Atlantic mackerel, fruit, vegetables and botanicals, all natural 'functional' whole foods selected for their nutritional value.


Their extended range includes a variety of proteins - grass fed beef, grass fed lamb, free range chicken, free range turkey, free range pork, venison and a Pure Blend (which you can combine with their other foods).


For this review we tested a selection of both their Original and Forage ranges.



How do I order and how does the food arrive?


To help you determine how much food your dog needs, Naturaw offers a handy online raw food calculator (not as in-depth as Bella+Duke's).


Naturaw delivers their food frozen in convenient 500g (home compostable) trays, perfect for portion control. There's a minimum order of £30, but they also have a neat feature: a returns scheme for the wool liners!  Return these liners and get money off your next purchase.

Naturaw Forage and Natural Instinct great value Taster Box

You could opt to dip your toe in the water with 8 x 500g trays of their award-winning Forage range.


This Trial Box is a great way to make sure your dog loves the taste before committing to a larger box. You can even get FREE delivery using a code on their website.


On the other hand, you may prefer to take advantage of one of Naturaw's Original Taster Boxes with FREE delivery.


You definitely get more 'bang for your buck' with the Taster Boxes - not only do you get free delivery, the boxes offer a substantial saving over selecting the products individually.


Plus if you use our discount code you get a further £5 off, not to mention, set up a regular subscription for free treats.


Raw dog food in bowl

Which brings us neatly onto next day delivery! Naturaw are one of the only raw dog food companies that offer this service. So, if like us, you only realise that you're out of dog food when you are out of dog food, Naturaw could be the answer you're looking for!


How much does it cost?


Freddie, our 12kg Cockapoo, was initially estimated to need between 240g and 360g of Naturaw raw food daily. 


Dog with raw dog food and packaging

Naturaw offers a variety of options, and Freddie was a big fan! He enjoyed both the Original and Forage ranges, giving their offerings a pawsitive thumbs up.


We also loved that whilst the packaging isn't resealable, it is compostable and wool liners can be returned.


It's definitely worth considering a subscription as Naturaw also offer :

  • FREE TREATS with every Taster box when you subscribe

  • 5% OFF all other raw food when you subscribe


The truth is that Naturaw aren't the cheapest raw dog food on the market but you are paying slightly more for award winning quality and this level of sustainability.


Our Verdict - We recommend Naturaw as the perfect option for those dog-lovers looking to switch to sustainable and ethically sourced raw dog food. We particularly love the values of the company, the quality of their raw dog food and their sustainable packaging.


Reasons to Buy + 100% human-grade UK sourced meat + Commitment to sustainability + Original & Forage range + Free delivery on Taster Boxes + Forage award winning range + Next day delivery

Reasons to Avoid - Not the cheapest

Buying Options


For £5 OFF your first order,

simply use the discount code FREDDIESENTME



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3. Best Raw Beginners Pack

ProDog Raw


Who are ProDog Raw?


ProDog Raw really shines when it comes to mixing top-notch quality with great value. They only use human-grade meat from trusted DEFRA-approved, British Farm Assured farms, and their commitment has earned them well-deserved awards.


They’re also big on educating pet parents, teaming up with the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society to make sure you get trustworthy advice every step of the way.


If you're on a budget, their 5kg Sample Pack is a brilliant, budget-friendly bundle to get your dog started on raw without stretching your wallet.


Prodog raw dog food sample pack

ProDog Raw also offer a popular 5kg Sample Pack specifically aimed at dog's with sensitivity issues. Made up entirely of novel proteins, this Sample Pack is perfect as it avoids allergies to more commonly farmed proteins.


For our review, we sampled a Mixed Bundle of ProDog Raw food for 12 weeks.


Buying Options

Ready to try ProDog Raw?

Enjoy 10% OFF your very first purchase – just use coupon code SMART10



What’s in their range?


Their raw dog food is divided into four ranges - Complete, Pure 80/10/10, Puppy and Economy Core.


ProDog Raw Dog food in bowl with packaging

The Complete Range is all about options, think of it as the doggy buffet! Every meal is perfectly balanced, so you can handpick your pooch’s favorites or snag a money-saving bundle. Plus, the complete range scored a tasty 92% nutritional rating on AADF, so you know every bowl is packed with goodness.


The Pure Recipes are for the DIY dog chef in all of us. With an exact 80/10/10 blend of meat, bone, and organs, and an impressive 95% AADF rating, it’s the ultimate base for anyone who likes to sprinkle in their own twist.


The Puppy Range is whipped up into a finer mince, making it just right for tiny mouths and teething pups, so even the littlest pups can lap it up with ease.


And last but definitely not least, there’s the Economy Core Range. This one’s perfect for anyone looking for serious value, but still packing a 95% AADF nutritional punch.


Ingredients for chicken recipe dog food

If you’re new to raw, we'd recommend starting with their balanced Complete Range available in either 500g or 1kg trays. Consisting of a massive collection of recipes from chicken and duck to white fish and even rabbit there's plenty of variety for your dog.


We were particularly impressed with ProDog Raw's extensive exotic protein range including goose, venison and wild boar for those dogs suffering from allergies and intolerances.


The Complete recipes also incorporate a selection of fruit and vegetables, sea kelp and Scottish salmon oil alongside the main proteins.


How do I order and how does the food arrive?


The food is delivered frozen, wrapped in wool liners to keep it cold in transit and these wool liners are recyclable.


Place all your trays directly into your freezer. Once defrosted the food lasts 4 days in the fridge.


ProDog Complete raw dog food in freezer

Their raw dog food calculator suggested 260g daily for a 12 kg adult dog. As with some of the other raw foods reviewed, we offered half a tray (250g) knowing we could give a few additional treats without overfeeding.


Consider the freezer space you will need to set aside for storage. As you can see, we have a particularly compact freezer but could comfortably fit in 2-3 weeks worth of trays.


We found the 500g tubs easier to accurately divide into meals than the larger 1kg tubs and easier to slot into the freezer drawers. It's worth mentioning that all the packaging is plastic and whilst it's recyclable it doesn't seem that environmentally friendly compared to Naturaw.


How much does it cost?


ProDog Raw offers a convenient and budget-conscious solution with their selection of 16 different bundles. 


We love these bundles as they combine various raw food options at a discount compared to buying individual trays. You can expect savings of between 15% to 17% depending on the bundle you choose.


Cockapoo and box of proDog Raw dog food

For a 12kg dog, the cheapest 'Mixed Bundle' costs £1.32 a day which is excellent value. The Bundles all have free delivery.


However, an important consideration is the freezer space you will need as the smallest ProDog Raw Bundles are 10kg.


You can of course opt to build your own box by choosing your favourite recipes. Bear in mind that the 500g trays work out slightly more expensive per 100g than the 1kg trays.


Delivery is charged at a flat £9.91, so larger orders are better value.


ProDog Raw also offer a reRAWds loyalty scheme. Collect points on purchases which you can use for money off future purchases.


Freddie adored ProDog Raw and he actually devoured the complete bowl the minute it was served which never happened with his kibble meals.



Our Verdict - ProDog Raw delivers a well-rounded, great-value range that’s hard to beat. From their money-saving bundles with free delivery to an impressive variety of exotic proteins, there’s something to suit every dog’s needs and preferences.


Their loyalty scheme is a nice bonus for regular customers, and the budget-friendly Economy range makes raw feeding more accessible for everyone. If you're looking for choice, quality, and savings in one place, ProDog Raw is well worth a try.


  

Reasons to Buy

  + Great value sample packs

  + Money-saving bundles

  + Wide range of proteins including exotics

  + Loyalty scheme

Reasons to Avoid

 - Expensive delivery charge (non-bundles)

 - Lots of plastic packaging

 

Buying Options


Ready to try ProDog Raw?

Enjoy 10% OFF your very first purchase – just use coupon code SMART10



Are You Accidentally Feeding Your Dog These Top 10 Toxic Foods?



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4. Best Value Raw Food

Wilsons

Your Dog magazine award for Wilsons raw dog food

Who are Wilsons?


Next to feature is Wilsons, a distinguished name in the UK pet food industry. Founded in Scotland over 160 years ago, Wilsons has grown from a family business to a leader with two state-of-the-art facilities. 


Remarkably, despite their size, they've maintained a commitment to simplicity and local sourcing.


What makes Wilsons unique? They offer a combination option not found with other brands in this review that make them great value.


Wilsons selection of raw dog food

Wilsons is the only brand in our review that offers both raw and cold pressed dry dog food specially formulated to be fed together.


As raw feeding fans ourselves, we were excited to try mixing Wilsons' raw and cold pressed ranges. This combo could be a great way to cut down on daily feeding costs without skimping on quality—and would be super handy for weekends away when freezer space is an issue.




What’s in their range?


Wilsons complete raw dog food is available in two ranges - 80/10/10 (meat, bones & offal) and Premium Complete with a combination of 70/10/10/10 (meat, bone, offal plus vegetables).


Wilsons premium complete raw dog food range

Both ranges offer single source protein, grain-free recipes in 500g trays. On the nutritional rating website AADF, the 80/10/10 raw range achieves a very high 82% and the Premium Complete raw range 89%.


The 80/10/10 was the original range and this traditional blend follows a well-established formula: 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% offal. 


The Premium Complete (70/10/10/10) has been developed with the addition of vegetables (carrot, spinach, apple, broccoli and kale), herbs and minerals to the blend. This collection offers a stress-free alternative with a selection of high quality nutritional superfoods already added.


The range boasts 6 Premium recipes -

🐾 Salmon Medley

🐾 Beef Hotpot

🐾 Chicken Casserole

🐾 Turkey Dinner

🐾 Steak & Kidney

🐾 Lamb Tagine


We should also mention that new to their raw range this year is a specific Puppy food. This grain-free raw chicken and salmon recipe is perfect for growing puppies. It's gentle on their tummies and packed with essential nutrients.


Wilsons cold pressed dog food range for testing

Let's have a look at their popular cold pressed range. Unlike traditional dry food produced with high heat, Wilsons' cold pressed food uses a gentler process that preserves nutrients.


Trying out a new food can be an expensive business so we love that Wilsons also offer a sample box of both the Premium and Working Dog range, these 100g bags are perfect to test out the various recipes.

Their cold pressed range achieves an average rating of 75% which I don't need to tell you is pretty high for dry dog food.



How do I order and how does the food arrive?


OK back to their raw range. The food arrives frozen in 500g trays. You have the option to select one of their variety packs or you can opt to order the recipes individually.


There are two Variety Packs - Premium Complete and Variety 80/10/10 and Wilsons offers 3 delivery sizes - 6kg (12 x 500g), 12kg (24 x 500g) or 24kg (48 x 500g).


Whilst the larger delivery works out the best value, remember to consider the additional freezer space you will need (48 x 500g trays is a lot of dog food)!


Wilsons raw dog food stored in a home freezer

Looking to dip your toe in the water ? We particularly like their Trial Boxes with only 6 x 500g in a mix of flavours (you can opt for either Premium or Core range).


We think that this offers you a great opportunity to try their dog food before buying a large quantity.


Once you're happy, and we're sure you will be, you can enjoy greater savings by taking advantage of Wilsons Subscribe and Save for 10% off regular orders.


How much does it cost?


Wilsons provide clear feeding guidelines that estimate daily food intake based on your dog's body weight. These guidelines recommend a range of 2% to 3% of your dog's body weight per day.


Wilson range of raw and cold pressed dog food

The largest, best value Wilson's Variety Premium Box is (24kg) works out at £1.67 per day for a 12kg dog. This drops to £1.50 if you opt for the Subscribe and Save 10%.


It's worth mentioning that delivery is free when spending over £30 or ordering a max of two trial boxes.

Better still, the Trial Sample Boxes are great value at under £20.


However, if you're looking for a super affordable way to add raw to your dog's diet, you could opt to feed half raw and half cold pressed. This would reduce the daily costs considerably.


Let's face it, traveling with raw food which needs refrigerating can be a hassle. The ability to switch to Wilsons' cold pressed for travel or occasional situations is a major benefit for busy pet parents.



Our Verdict - Whilst there are slightly less recipes to choose from compared to some other brands featured, we absolutely love their affordable trial boxes, variety packs, and the flexibility to combine raw and cold pressed diets is unique and cost saving.

Reasons to Buy 

+ Hassle -free variety packs

+ Great value trial packs

+ Cost effective mix of raw & cold pressed

+ Convenient for travel

+ Additional range of treats and supplements

Reasons to Avoid

  - Smaller recipe selection

  - Lower AADF nutritional rating than others

Buying Options


If you're interested in finding out more about the Wilsons range - take a look at our in-depth review - Wilsons Dog Food Review : Raw, Fresh, Cold Pressed, and More


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5. Best Raw Dog Food Selection

Paleo Ridge


Who are Paleo Ridge?


Paleo Ridge offers complete alongside complementary raw dog foods for both experienced and those of you new to raw feeding.


Paleo Ridge raw fed dog

For beginners, Paleo Ridge take the guesswork out of the move to raw dog food. A well thought through 'Switch to Raw Hamper' contains everything you need to make a super smooth transition.


Better still, they offer the Essentials range, which is their entry level, cheapest frozen raw dog food offering great value for money.


It's this attention to detail that PaleoRidge offer their dog loving customers, which led us to 'dip our toe in the water' and trial their raw dog food.


We reviewed a selection from the Paleo Ridge range over the course of 12 weeks and recommend it as a great all-round raw food if you're looking to make the switch.


Get 20% OFF your first 2 orders with discount code NEWCUSTOMER

OR

Existing customers can enjoy 10% OFF using code 10DISCOUNT


What’s in their Range?


Their complete raw dog food is available in a choice of three ranges - Classic, Paleo Plus & Essentials.


The Classic range adopts the popular 80/10/10 principle with each meal containing 80% human-grade, outdoor-reared meat, 10% offal and 10% bone.


This is perfect for dogs with allergies as you can carefully monitor additions and ingredients. The Classic range achieves an average nutritional rating of 85% on AADF website.


Paleo Ridge raw dog food packaging - new branding

Their Paleo Plus range, takes this a step further combining 95% meat, offal and bone with the added bonus of 5% natural superfoods. This range achieves a high 91% nutritional rating on AADF.


Got a dog with kidney woes or a sensitive tummy? Paleo Ridge has your back with their Special Diet recipe, carefully crafted to be low in fat, purine, or phosphorus, just what the vet ordered for pups with kidney issues.


For the golden oldies, there are two Senior dog recipes with less bone (gentler on delicate tummies) and a splash of immune-boosting superfoods to keep them sprightly.


New addition to the family? Their Paleo Puppy collection is packed with choice: turkey, lamb, chicken and beef tripe, and duck recipes. Your growing pup will have no chance to get bored, and you can rest easy knowing they’re getting all the right nutrition.


If you’re keen to save some pennies, don’t look past Paleo Ridge’s Essential range.


It’s designed to deliver the nutritional punch of raw feeding at the friendliest price point. We put it to the test with Freddie, our Cockapoo taste-tester (and expert beggar). Verdict? Bowls licked clean, every time.


Yes, the Essentials range lands at 81% on the AADF nutritional scale, so not quite hitting the lofty heights of Paleo Plus or Classic, but honestly, that’s still a fantastic score. For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on your dog’s wellbeing, we think it’s definitely worth a try!


Essentials range of dog food from Paleo Ridge

No matter which Paleo Ridge range catches your eye, you can either mix things up with a variety bundle (formerly called a hamper) or handpick each recipe individually. This flexibility makes it super simple to tailor your order, whether you want to try a broad selection or stick to your pup’s favorites


We kicked things off by sampling the Switch to Raw Hamper, a generous 8kg box combining both Paleo Plus and Classic recipes. It was the ideal starting point, making it easy to get a taste of their bestsellers and plenty of variety for our dog.


Henry our cockapoo taste tester

Four-year-old cockapoo, Henry, put a new raw food hamper to the test during his dietary switch from kibble. Our canine connoisseur's family initially harbored two worries about the raw food transition :


  • The first hurdle they anticipated was the transition process itself and any potential digestive upset that might come with it. Thankfully, Henry sailed through the switch with no issues!

  • Their second concern was the extra prep time raw feeding might require. While it's true that raw food takes a bit more planning than simply pouring kibble at dinnertime (defrosting is key!), it wasn't a major obstacle.


How do I order and how does the food arrive?


We have to be honest, out of all the brands we tried, Paleo Ridge’s website left us scratching our heads the most. At times, the stock situation was pretty dire (just two out of six Essentials recipes were actually available during our experience), making it a challenge to pick what we wanted.


Their Raw Feeding Calculator is…well, basic. It’s literally just a weight input, so compared to other brands (hello, Bella+Duke’s detailed questionnaire!) it felt like a bit of a letdown.


And a little grumble: despite what we hoped, the Switch to Raw Bundle didn’t qualify for free delivery, which was disappointing after seeing other brands offer it.


On a brighter note, the portion size options at Paleo Ridge are brilliant—you can choose from 250g, 500g, or 1kg packs to suit your needs. Next day delivery is available, and best of all, all the packaging is compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable, so you can feel good about your order’s impact on the planet


Paleo ridge complete raw dog food in a freezer

How much does it cost?


Paleo Ridge suggested that Henry should consume approx. 240g–300g of dog food daily. For the Switch to Raw Hamper this worked out at costing £1.72 for 240g a day.


If you choose to feed entirely from the slightly cheaper Classic range this would reduce the price further to approx. £1.26 a day. Their new Essentials range is better value still, at approx. £1.14 a day.


Our reviewer noticed smaller and firmer dog poo (could mean less poo bags) and Henry's coat appeared softer and shinier.


They were so pleased with Paleo Ridge that they are continuing to feed a raw diet and have invested in a small freezer for the garage so they can place even larger and better value orders.


Our Verdict - Paleo Ridge offers three tasty ranges - Paleo Plus, Classic, and Essential, so there’s a meaty match for every pup and every budget. We especially love their wallet-friendly Essential range. It gives your dog all the benefits of high-quality raw feeding at a fraction of the price, making it a pawsome pick for cost-conscious dog lovers who don’t want to compromise on nutrition


Reasons to Buy

 + Award-winning food

 + Switch to Raw Bundle

 + 8kg money-saving bundles

 + Cheapest Essentials range

 + Small 4kg minimum orders 

Reasons to Avoid

- Additional delivery costs

- Basic raw food calculator

- Lots of out of stock products (in testing)


Buying Option

Get 20% OFF your first 2 orders with discount code NEWCUSTOMER at checkout

OR

Existing customers can enjoy 10% OFF using code 10DISCOUNT



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OUR VERDICT


All the companies featured in our article – Bella+Duke, Naturaw, Wilsons, Paleo Ridge and ProDog Raw offer beautifully balanced and complete raw dog food which is approved by nutritionists.


If you're looking for a great company to start your journey with raw feeding, we would suggest Bella+Duke. They tick all the boxes for quality, price & range. They also offer extensive educational resources, active customer support, and a community of over 25,000 raw feeders, making it easier for newcomers to raw feeding to find help and answers.


For those dog lovers looking for ethically sourced high quality raw dog food alongside 100% compostable packaging and a commitment to sustainability, then Naturaw is definitely worth a closer look.


We must mention ProDog Raw's great value sample packs and Paleo Ridge's Essential Range and the variety packs from Wilsons, all of which are a wonderful idea if you want to dip your toe in the water without the financial outlay.


Raw dog food ingredients in dishes


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RAW DOG FOOD BUYING GUIDE


Before you dive headfirst into a freezer full of dog food, here's our top tips to picking the right raw dog food for your dog and you :


Minimum Order and Tub Size

All the companies here deliver their raw dog food direct to your door.


Our first bit of advice is to be aware that raw dog food arrives frozen and needs to be stored in your freezer until needed. Consider your storage space and what's more, take a look at the delivery intervals and minimum order sizes on offer by each company.


Sample & Trial Packs

This is a great way to make sure your dog loves the food before you make a large financial commitment. Also look out for transition bundles which can help you manage the switch to a raw diet.


Ranges

Do you need to take account of allergies, an older dog's dietary needs or a puppies nutritional requirements ?


We've highlighted not just the standard raw range but also any other specific ranges on offer by each company.


Variety

Raw feeding for dogs should not only aim to be balanced and nutritious but also include lots of variety. When selecting your products, ideally you should be aiming to feed at least 5-6 different protein types over a 2-month period. Most mixed bundles offer a great value and varied selection.


Loyalty Scheme & Introductory Offers

Some companies run loyalty schemes so you can save money long term, others offer deep-cut introductory offers and most offer a Subscribe & Save option for regular deliveries. All are worth considering and we try to provide the latest information on each.




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RAW FEEDING FAQ'S


Can I make my own raw dog food ?


Of course and many people do. DIY raw food can be a rewarding adventure, but it's not for the faint of heart. Unless you're a seasoned pro with a deep understanding of nutrition, ratios, and safe handling, it can be tricky to get it right.


If you're up for the challenge, we'd definitely recommend considering adding a supplement to help fill in any nutritional gaps.


GWF Nutrition's Raw Aid for dogs

GWF Nutrition are a UK-based brand with over 50 years of experience in animal nutrition. They offer Raw Aid for dogs. This high-spec supplement packs a punch with 27 essential vitamins and minerals. 


It's grain-free and perfect for dogs on an 80-10-10 raw diet. The tiny, tasty pellets are easy to mix into your dog's food, making it a hassle-free way to boost their nutrition.


Get 10% OFF with discount code SMARTBARK



Do I need a lot of freezer storage ?


We would suggest that you consider investing in a small freezer just for raw dog food.


It may initially seem like an extravagance, but by taking advantage of the larger order volumes you can save a considerable amount of money - offsetting the initial cost of the freezer.


What's more, if you are concerned about the hygiene issues surrounding raw food, storing your dog food separately from your own fresh food would make sense.


Do raw fed dogs poop less ?


Absolutely. As dogs are able to absorb far more of the ingredients in raw food, there is considerably less waste. Less waste, less poop to scoop.


Are we the only ones to discuss stool quality ? Freddie tended to be on the 'loose' side and we were delighted that with all raw foods tested, the stools were more solid and more compact making it so much easier to pick up.


Can puppies eat raw dog food?


Puppies can thrive on raw food and all the companies we tested offer a specific 'Puppy' range of raw dog food (apart from Paleo Ridge). They all have lots of information about feeding puppy a raw diet to make sure they flourish during that all important first year.


Do raw fed dogs drink less water ?


Raw dog food contains a higher moisture level than dry dog foods. Dogs are therefore much more hydrated and need less additional water. Of course they'll always prefer a nice muddy puddle to drink from rather than their own water bowl !


Why shouldn't you feed raw dog food ?


The key to feeding raw dog food is ensuring that you can maintain a high level of hygiene. After all, it is raw food so has a higher illness risk to people living in the house.


All the foods we reviewed are complete diets so you are not actually preparing any raw food, simply dishing it up. Any bowls, containers and implements should be washed immediately just as if you were preparing raw chicken.


Can I mix raw and dry dog foods ?


As a rule dry and raw foods are consumed by your dog's digestive system at very different rates. A combination diet would cause your dog considerable stomach upset. It's definitely a case of one food or the other, certainly not both.


However ,Wilsons cold pressed dry food fed alongside their raw food is an option as they break down at the same rate.


Will my dog lose weight on raw ?


We found this to be the case. As raw has a lot less carbohydrates and bulking ingredients, it is possible that your dog will gradually lose weight.


You know your dog best, keep an eye on the amount you are feeding and your scales and adjust the food portions as necessary. Freddie lost some excess weight and looked trimmer and healthier.


My dog inhales the raw food. How can I slow them down ?


Many dog lovers find that their dogs eat the raw food exceptionally quickly so you could consider a slow feeder dog bowl.


SodaPup Honeycomb eBowl slow feeder for dogs

These specially designed slow feeder bowls or anti-gulp bowls, can encourage the greediest of dogs to eat at a slower pace by making them forage around the bowl for their food.


This in turn reduces the risk of bloating and generally improves your dog's gut health. We explore a range of the best slow feeder bowls - 10 Best Slow Feeder Bowls


You might be interested ....

Swapping dog foods is relatively straight forward if you follow the guidelines. Whilst all the companies in our article offer information on transition, we explore your options in-depth - How to Switch to Raw Dog Food


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Thanks for dropping by and reading our in-depth review of the best raw dog food in the UK, we really hope it was helpful in selecting the best food for your dog.


More Articles...

Why Trust Smart Bark ?

Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.

 

With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.

 

Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).

 

No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.

 

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Smart Bark is a dog product review and recommendation destination for dog lovers. Discover the best UK dog brands, healthy dog treats and food, trending dog accessories and in-depth buying guides. 

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