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UPDATE : DECEMBER 2024 - Wilsons received a Highly Commended award for Best Raw Dog Food by Your Dog Magazine voted for by readers |
Considering a Raw Food Revolution for Your Dog?
Wondering where to start? You've come to the right place!
Several companies in the UK market offer complete raw food diets, taking the guesswork out of meal preparation. These convenient options provide pre-portioned, balanced meals that meet your dog's nutritional needs.
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 4!
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 4 raw dog foods and what they have to offer you and of course your dog - Naturaw, Wilsons, Paleo Ridge and ProDog Raw.
Best Raw Dog Food At A Glance
⭐️ Best Raw Food Overall : View Naturaw |
⭐️ Best Value Raw Range: View Wilsons |
IN OUR ARTICLE
THE BEST RAW DOG FOODS UK
1. Best Raw Dog Food Overall
Naturaw
Who are Naturaw ?
In first place are multi-award winning Naturaw, an ethical, high quality British raw dog food brand.
We've awarded Naturaw first 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 leader.
Today's dog owners 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 (B-Corps are businesses held to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability).
For these reasons, Naturaw takes the top spot in our 2024 Best Raw Dog Food review.
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.
Their Complete raw food is 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.
Naturaw champions transparency. Their recipes clearly list all ingredients, making it easy for those of you with dogs who have allergies or sensitive stomachs to choose the perfect option.
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.
Atlantic mackerel, fruit, vegetables and botanicals, all natural 'functional' whole foods selected for their nutritional value.
Their extended range includes a variety of proteins - beef, lamb, free range chicken, 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. Remember, this is just a starting point, as your dog's activity level, treats, and lifestyle will influence their appetite.
Naturaw delivers their food frozen in convenient 500g 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.
You could opt to dip your toe in the water with 8 x 500g trays of their award-winning Forage range.
This 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.
Pre-packed with a wide selection of Original recipes they offer a great money saving option. Choose from either a Small Taster Box (16 x 500g trays) or a Large Taster Box (30 x 500g trays).
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 NATURAW discount code you get a further £5 off. Not to mention, if you set up a regular subscription you also get free treats.
If your dog suffers with allergies or a sensitive stomach the pre-packed Taster Boxes may not offer the customisation you're looking for. In which case, you can build your own box tailored to your dog with 16 or 30 x 500g trays.
Although you will need to pay for delivery with this approach, you are in the driving seat and can mix and match the Forage and Original collections.
Which brings us neatly onto next day delivery! Naturaw are the only raw dog food company in our review 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. We opted to start with 250g, which conveniently equates to half a tray. This portion size is not only easy to manage, but it also leaves room for dental chews and a few treats throughout the day.
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 felt that Naturaw was very reasonably priced. Clearly the Original Taster Boxes with their FREE delivery offer the best value for money, with prices starting at £1.33 a day.
If you are looking to trial the Forage range, Naturaw offer a smaller Trial Box. With 8 x 500g trays, you can make sure you're happy before committing to a larger delivery. Enter the code GO-FORAGING at checkout for free delivery on one Forage Trial Box.
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
One last point we thought it was worth mentioning, Naturaw have launched a range of powder supplements named Boosts.
The collection of raw dog food toppers includes Dental, Skin, Tummy and Senior Boosts all in recyclable packaging.
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 ethical 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 + Boosts - botanical supplements + Free delivery on Taster Boxes + Forage award winning range + Next day delivery |
Reasons to Avoid - Not the cheapest - No loyalty program |
Buying Options
For £5 OFF your first order,
simply use the discount code FREDDIESENTME
2. Best Value Raw Food
Wilsons
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 the best value.
Wilsons is the only company featured that provides both raw and cold pressed dry food formulated to be fed together.
As advocates of raw feeding ourselves, we were eager to experiment with combining Wilsons' raw and cold pressed ranges. This approach could potentially reduce your daily feeding costs without compromising on quality (and would be so convenient for weekends away)
👀 Our Top Tip : While Wilsons raw and cold pressed options are compatible, mixing raw food with other dry foods can be risky. Wilsons formulas are specifically designed to ensure digestion happens at the same rate, minimising the risk of stomach upset.
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).
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. This balanced ratio ensures your dog receives all the essential nutrients they need from a raw food diet.
A great choice of four recipes for experienced raw feeders who like to customise their dog's meals. It provides a solid base that you can supplement with additional ingredients at home.
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.
Turning our attention to their popular cold pressed range, these types of quality dry foods are still relatively new on the scene but growing in popularity rapidly.
Unlike traditional dry food produced with high heat, Wilsons' cold pressed food uses a gentler process that preserves nutrients.
There are 9 delicious recipes in the Premium range, each packed with quality ingredients, vitamins and minerals. Choices include Chicken, White Fish, Salmon, Turkey & Duck, Lamb, Venison & Trout, Haggis, Vegan and Insect. (Yes, you read correctly - for a taste of Scotland, Wilsons includes a wildly popular haggis flavour – perfect for the adventurous pup and their owner)!🏴
All are allergy friendly, with the majority grain free plus wheat free, chicken free and pea free options.
New to their Premium range this year is a specific Puppy food. This grain free chicken and salmon recipe is perfect for growing puppies. It's gentle on their tummies and packed with essential nutrients.
There’s also a Working Dog range made with a special blend of protein and carbohydrates, ideal for active, working dogs. All cold pressed recipes are suitable for dogs aged 2 months and upwards.
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 exceptionally high for dry dog food.
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
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 - 8kg (16 x 500g), 12kg (24 x 500g) or 16kg (32 x 500g). Whilst the larger delivery works out the best value, remember to consider the freezer space you will need.
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.
Our Top Tip : Remember, this is simply a starting point. It's always a good idea to monitor your dog's weight and adjust portions as needed.
As a direct comparison, Wilson's Variety Premium Box (70/10/10/10) with 16 x 500g works out cheaper per kg than Naturaw Forage and Paleo Plus range mixed boxes.
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.
🎄 If you decide to take a closer look at Wilsons before Christmas, why not treat your pup to a pack of their limited edition festive dog treats. Perfect for that Christmas Day post lunch walk, choose from Turkey & Cranberry or Mince Pie, both 100% natural and grain free.
Our Verdict - Whilst there are slightly less recipes to choose from compared to some other brands featured, we absolutely love their affordable trial boxes, amazing value variety packs, and the flexibility to combine raw and cold pressed diets is unique and cost saving.
Reasons to Buy + Money saving 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 Naturaw |
Buying Options
3. Best Raw Dog Food Range
Paleo Ridge
Who are Paleo Ridge?
Paleo Ridge are a multi award-winning raw dog food business in an ever-expanding market. Voted Best Raw Dog Food in the UK, their range offers complete alongside complementary raw dog foods for both experienced and those of you new to raw feeding.
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. They even include a useful printed 'switch to raw' guide.
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 at checkout
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 and the new 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.
Their Paleo Plus range, takes this a step further combining 95% meat, offal and bone with the added bonus of 5% natural superfoods. The Paleo Plus range achieves a 91% nutritional rating on AADF.
Paleo Ridge also recently launched two new recipes aimed at Senior Dogs - single protein flavours - lamb and Turkey.
These meals are tailored to the specific needs of aging dogs. With reduced bone content for easier digestion and a blend of immune-boosting superfoods like Reishi mushrooms, kale, broccoli, and carrots.
Both ranges offer a wide choice of recipes so it's easy to include plenty of variety in their diet. Paleo Ridge also offers a Special Diet (low-fat, low-purine, or low-phosphorus) recipe, formulated specifically for dogs with kidney issues and concerns.
The third range, the newly launched Essentials has been specially formulated to provide dogs with all the benefits of raw feeding while offering the best possible value to owners.
We tested their Essential range, the cheapest raw dog food of the four brands tested and Freddie our Cockapoo loved it.
When everyone is looking to make savings where possible, we think their Essentials range is worth exploring with a high nutritional rating of 81% on AADF.
Looking for a taste of raw food without breaking the bank? This collection of 6 recipes features a slightly higher ratio of vegetables to meat, making them a fantastic value option. It's the perfect entry point to explore the world of raw food without compromising on flavour or nutrition for your furry friend!
Regardless of which range you choose, you have an option to either buy the food in a variety bundle (hamper) or select individual recipes.
We originally reviewed the Switch to Raw Hamper. It contains a 8kg selection from both their Paleo Plus and Classic ranges so seemed the perfect place to start.
The bonus of buying a hamper (or bundle) instead of individual trays, is the benefit of free delivery so they work out great value for money. Plus their Classic range has recently been extended to offer more convenient 500g packs.
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.
Interestingly, compared to the other raw foods tested, Paleo Ridge has a coarser and chunkier consistency to their dog food. The food appeared less 'paste' like and the individual ingredients were easy to identify which our tester really liked. |
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
With excellent eco-credentials, all the product packaging is either compostable, biodegradable or recyclable.
The food is wrapped in Woolcool liners to keep it cool in transit and it's worth mentioning that there is a return service for these liners.
Paleo Ridge offer smaller 4kg minimum orders. This is perfect if you have limited storage space and it's worth noting that 4kg is the smallest minimum order quantity on offer by any of the companies we reviewed. |
How much does it cost ?
Their online Dog Food Calculator suggests how much to feed based on your dog's weight.
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.
Reasons to Buy + Award-winning food + Switch to Raw Bundle + 8kg money-saving bundles + Cheapest Essentials range + Small 4kg minimum orders + Travel pouches available |
Reasons to Avoid - Freezer space needed |
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
3. Best Raw Beginners Pack
ProDog Raw
Who are ProDog Raw?
ProDog Raw stands out for its commitment to quality and affordability. They use only human-grade meat from DEFRA-approved and British Farm Assured sources, and their dedication to excellence has been recognised with awards.
ProDog Raw is also passionate about customer education, and they collaborate with the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society to ensure pet parents have access to reliable information.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Look no further than ProDog Raw's fantastic value 5kg Sample Pack – a perfect way to introduce your dog to raw food without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, this gives new customers an excellent opportunity to trial ProDog raw food without making a big financial commitment.
The Sample Pack includes 5kg of premium raw food, 2 packs of healthy treats and free shipping for a great price.
ProDog Raw have also extended their popular 5kg Sample Packs to include one specifically aimed at dog's with sensitivity issues. Made up entirely of novel proteins, this Sample Pack avoids allergies to more commonly farmed proteins.
ProDog Raw's offer several different ways for customers to save money including a customer loyalty scheme and 16 pre-packed money-saving bundles with free delivery. |
For our review, we sampled a mixed bundle of ProDog Raw for 12 weeks.
Buying Options
What’s in their range ?
Their raw meat dog food is divided into three ranges - Complete, Pure 80/10/10, Puppy and Economy Core
The Complete range as the name suggests, is a wide selection of perfectly balanced complete meals which chosen individually or as a money-saving bundle. This range has a nutritional rating of 92% on AADF.
The Pure recipes provide an exact 80/10/10 ratio of meat, bone and organs., with a 95% AADF rating. It makes a perfect base for customers wishing to create their own customised dog food.
The Puppy range is blended to a finer mince consistency which is perfect for young pups developing mouths and teeth.
A new addition to their range is their Economy Core range. Designed to be a complementary raw food which you can add to, with a AADF nutritional rating of 95%.
This further extends the options available for adding variety to your dog's diet.
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 collection of recipes from chicken and duck to white fish and even rabbit there's plenty of variety for your dog.
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?
Like Naturaw and paleo Ridge, 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.
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 easily 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.
These bundles combine various raw food options at a discount compared to buying individual trays. You can expect savings of 15% to 17% depending on the bundle you choose, making raw feeding a more affordable option.
For a 12kg dog, the cheapest 'Mixed Bundle' costs £1.32 a day which is excellent value. However, an important downside to consider is that you will need significant freezer space as the smallest ProDog Raw Bundles are 10kg.
You can of course 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 and it's worth noting that bundles have the bonus of free delivery.
Freddie adored ProDog Raw and he actually devoured the complete bowl the minute it was served which never happened his kibble based meals.
We also noticed some benefits almost immediately. Notably his poop which is smaller, firmer and less smelly so less poo bags 👍🏽
Reasons to Buy + Great value sample packs + Money saving bundles + Loyalty scheme offer |
Reasons to Avoid - Expensive delivery charge (non-bundles) - Freezer space required for 10kg bundles - Lots of plastic packaging |
Buying Options
Are You Accidentally Feeding Your Dog These Top 10 Toxic Foods?
OUR VERDICT
All the companies featured in our article – Naturaw, Wilsons, Paleo Ridge and ProDog Raw offer beautifully balanced and complete raw dog food which is approved by nutritionists.
They all rate highly for nutritional value on AADF (All About Dog Food website).
If you're looking for a great company to start your journey with raw feeding, we would suggest Naturaw. 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.
If you're searching for a great raw food at a good price, we would suggest taking a look at the trial and variety packs from Wilsons. Plus take a closer look at their cold pressed range too, which you can mix in keeping the cost down and the nutritional value high - win: win!
Lastly we must mention ProDog Raw's great value sample packs and Paleo Ridge's Essential Range which are a wonderful idea if you want to dip your toe in the water without the financial outlay.
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.
RAW FEEDING FAQ'S
Can I make my own raw dog food ?
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 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.
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.
We also found the poop was 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.
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 |
OUR SELECTION PROCESS
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 was then combined with our hands-on experiences with all the brands featured in the review. All four raw food brands were trialled in a home environment - real dogs, real people and real kitchens.
Almost all our 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.
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
Thanks for dropping by and reading our in-depth review of the best raw dog food in the UK, we really do hope it was helpful.
