Category: Pets

When out walking in the rough scrubby area near to Dhahran Hills Lake I came across an Arabian Red Fox running across the rough ground at some distance from me. I managed to take one distant photo before it disappeared from view. As the photograph was taken in December the fox is in its winter coat that is thicker than the one it has in the summer months. The Red Fox is currently recognized as a single species and has the widest natural distribution of any terrestrial carnivore, possibly any terrestrial mammal. Its range spans approximately 70 million square kilometres encompassing much of Europe, Asia and North America and extending into North Africa, with an introduced population in Australia. The Arabian Red fox has very large ears for its size and is very thin and sandy coloured compared to the European Red Fox, and look very different.

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Many American English Coonhound parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for American English Coonhounds for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your American English Coonhound in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your American English Coonhound’s needs. Consider your American English Coonhound’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your American English Coonhound’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your American English Coonhound’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most American English Coonhound parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many American English Coonhound parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your American English Coonhound fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many American English Coonhound parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your American English Coonhound gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your American English Coonhound’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your American English Coonhound’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for American English Coonhound parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for American English Coonhounds: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for American English Coonhounds

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for American English Coonhounds

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for American English Coonhounds

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for American English Coonhounds on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for American English Coonhounds, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their American English Coonhound, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many American English Coonhound parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your American English Coonhound’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your American English Coonhound, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your American English Coonhound’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw American English Coonhound food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your American English Coonhound’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to American English Coonhounds with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried American English Coonhound foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this American English Coonhound food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of American English Coonhound food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your American English Coonhound isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for American English Coonhounds of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your American English Coonhound. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw American English Coonhound food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your American English Coonhound’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your American English Coonhound isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for American English Coonhounds with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your American English Coonhound based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your American English Coonhound.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for American English Coonhound parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your American English Coonhound, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your American English Coonhound extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for American English Coonhounds.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some American English Coonhound parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your American English Coonhound.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your American English Coonhound’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your American English Coonhound. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your American English Coonhound to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your American English Coonhound to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your American English Coonhound a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your American English Coonhound’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for American English Coonhounds Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for American English Coonhounds, as long as they provide a balanced diet. American English Coonhounds have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your American English Coonhound will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My American English Coonhound’s Stool?

Once a American English Coonhound gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can American English Coonhounds Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for American English Coonhounds. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your American English Coonhound’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your American English Coonhound is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your American English Coonhound’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for American English Coonhounds More Popular?

The number of American English Coonhound parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of American English Coonhound parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

American English Coonhound parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your American English Coonhound?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your American English Coonhound, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your American English Coonhound have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

If you’re looking to spoil your furry best friend with one of the best dog subscription boxes, we’ve got the list you need to make your search a little easier. Whether you want a subscription box for the toys, the treats, or both, any of our favorite boxes will delight your dog with every month that passes.

But boxes of toys and treats are about more than just pampering your pup.

While toys are cute, they also provide much-needed playtime. And play is about more than just fun. Playing with toys is an essential part of a well-adjusted dog’s life because playtime provides dogs with exercise and mental stimulation, improves behavior, and helps socialization and bonding. And did you know the best dog  treats can also help with all these things while being tasty too? Subscribing to a monthly box can help your dog live their best life while spoiling them!

But with dog boxes now flooding the market, which is the best dog subscription box? We’re here to help you make the right choice by explaining the factors to consider when shopping for your pup’s ideal box. This info, coupled with our list, will have you subscribing to your favorite box in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Subscription Boxes for Dogs

Why Subscribe to a Dog Subscription Box?

You love to spoil your dog with new treats and toys, so why not make life easy and have a box of goodies sent to the house? Your pup gets new things to try while you save money on stuff you probably would have purchased anyhow.

How Much Does a Dog Subscription Box Cost?

The price of monthly subscription boxes ranges based on the type of products you choose, how often you receive a shipment, and if you include multiple dogs in your subscription. But expect an average price of thirty dollars per month, with some box brands starting as low as fifteen dollars and ranging up to fifty dollars and above.

What Comes in the Best Dog Subscription Boxes?

If you can imagine a dog product, chances are, you’ll eventually come across it in your dog’s monthly subscription box! Boxes often include toys, treats, and essential dog gear like collars, leashes, grooming tools, and cleaning products. Others will include apparel, while still others provide health or dental solutions.

Can You Customize a Dog Subscription Box?

The best subscription boxes for dogs will allow you to customize treats and toys for your dog’s individual needs. After all, you don’t want to pay for monthly dog boxes with products your dog can’t use or doesn’t like. Look for boxes that allow you to tailor content options for toy types and treat options.

Do Dog Subscription Boxes Have Options for Dogs with Specialized Diets?

Most boxes will allow you to customize treats and chews for dogs with special dietary needs. Whether your pup needs grain-free options or has allergy considerations, the best subscription box for your dog will have just what they need to stay happy and healthy!

Factors to Consider About the Best Subscription Boxes for Dogs

Products

What is it you love to spoil your dog with the most? Toys and treats? Or are you interested in health and dental products? Maybe you’re looking for a monthly dog box with prizes for you and your furry one. You’re sure to find whatever you want in a subscription box when you start perusing the choices.

Dog Size and Breed

Breed type often determines size and energy levels, and both these factors play into choosing the best dog subscription boxes. Little dogs need toys made for their small mouths and statures, while the same is true of big dogs. Also, large-breed dogs tend to be the power chewers, so they’ll usually need more durable plush toys and stronger chew toys. Most companies curate their boxes according to weight and provide the option to choose your pup’s size during sign-up.

Toy Materials

Heavy chewers need tough toys and if your pup is one who really sinks their teeth into their toys, look for a pet subscription box that features toys made for heavy chewers. These boxes will also include treats that are great for gnawing. But if your furry friend likes soft and plush toys instead, look for options that allow customization and specifically mention soft toy options.

Dietary Needs

During sign-up, many dog crate subscription brands will ask if your dog has allergies or dietary restrictions. To learn more about a company’s treat offerings, read over the FAQs on their website to find out what nutritional needs they can accommodate before you commit. And if you’re concerned about the quality of the treats your dog eats, look for boxes that offer snacks with human-grade ingredients without artificial additives.

The Best Subscription Boxes for Dogs Summary

1. Best Overall – BarkBox
2. Best for Treats – Wüfers
3. Best for Customizing – PupJoy Build Your Own Box
4. Best for Toys – Pooch Perks
5. Best for Dental Health – Bark Bright

The 5 Best Dog Subscription Boxes: An In-Depth Look

#1 – BarkBox – Best Overall

What Comes With This Dog Subscription Box?

Coming up with the best-themed boxes, BarkBox makes your dog’s day with two toys, two treats, and one chewy treat. The toys are tailored to your dog’s size and playstyle, while the treats take your dog’s allergy and diet preferences into account when building your monthly box. During sign-up, you can also purchase add-ons like extra toys or treats. And if your pup is one who tears into toys, check out BarkBox’s Super Chewer Box. It comes packed with two tough toys, two full-sized bags of treats, and two meaty chews for chomping.

What Dogs Will Love This Monthly Subscription Box?

BarkBox is an overall win for the best monthly dog subscription box because it’s made for every dog! With their adorable themes and varied options in toy selections, there’s something for pups, great and small. And because it’s completely customizable, you can get precisely what your dog wants. But if your dog isn’t one hundred percent happy, the BarkBox pack is there to make it right.

Pros:

• Customizable for your dog’s play style and dietary needs
• Offers a 100% Happy Guarantee
• Highly-rated and trusted option
• Amazing customer service
• Easy to cancel
• Lots of plush toys

Cons:

• Some plush toy offerings don’t stand up to heavy use
• Some customers report repeat toys

Price: Starting at $23 per month; plans based on dog size

Frequency: Monthly; boxes shipped within the first two weeks of each month

Shipping: Standard shipping rates apply, but if you choose a $9 add-on to your monthly plan, you’ll qualify for free shipping.

Special Offers: Get a double first box for free! 

#2 –Wüfers – Best for Treats

What Comes with This Dog Subscription Box?

With Wüfers Cookie Club, you’ll choose the themed cookie box your dog will love most, and they deliver gourmet, hand-designed dog cookies straight to your door. These deluxe cookies are baked and decorated with locally-sourced, human-grade ingredients in Ontario, Canada. And these are no small cookies; some can be as large as six inches. That’s multiple servings for dogs of any size! Because they arrive individually wrapped, cookies stay fresh for up to fifteen months without freezing or refrigeration.

What Dogs Will Love This Monthly Subscription Box?

Any pup who craves the taste of a yummy cookie will dig this treat box! And because Wüfers allows you to add additional boxes for less than thirty dollars, this fun cookie club is one of the best subscription boxes for multiple dogs.

Pros

• Made with human-grade ingredients
• Baked with Whole Wheat and Spelt Flour
• Dogs love the taste
• Cute, themed designs
• Individually wrapped for freshness
• No refrigeration or freezing needed
• Skip boxes whenever you need

Cons

• Not for dogs with some dietary restrictions
• No substitutes or customization

Price: $44.95 without a subscription. Month-to-month subscription costs $39.95 per box. Prepay for a year and get each box for $36.95.

Frequency: Monthly, but you can choose a frequency of every other month with the month-to-month option.

Shipping: Standard shipping is free with orders over $30. Depending on your location, paid 2-day express shipping is also available at checkout. Ships to the US only through their website, but Canadian shoppers can buy via Amazon.

Special Offers: Choose the annual billing option and receive a FREE birthday or gotcha day Cookie Box.

What Comes With This Dog Subscription Box?

With a focus on responsibly-made and give-back goods, PupJoy lets you build your own box, so you pick out the treats and toys you know your dog will love. Simply choose your pup’s correct size and decide if you want your box to contain three, four, or five items. After you’ve selected your number of items, choose how you want to fill out the box from options for Soft & Chewy Treats, Crunchy Treats, Jerky Treats, Plush Toys, Fetch Toys, and Tug Toys.

PupJoy also offers pre-built boxes if you’d rather be surprised by the contents. And if you’ve got a dog who loves to chew, their Power Chewers Box is one of the best dog subscription boxes for super chewers on the market.

What Dogs Will Love This Monthly Subscription Box?

From petite pups to hefty hounds, dogs of all ages will find pleasure in a PupJoy box!

Pros

• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Free shipping
• Adorable and sturdy toys
• Never includes products with artificial or dangerous ingredients
• Includes environmentally-friendly goods, packaging, and ethical supply chains
• Update or cancel whenever you want

Cons

• Some toys may be too large for small dogs

Price: Build-your-own-box prices start at $28.50 per month, while prebuilt boxes begin at $30.99 monthly. And whether you customize or opt for variety, you can purchase a single box or save with multi-month delivery plans.

Frequency: Monthly

Shipping: Boxes ship within one business day of orders with free shipping to the US and $5 to Canada.

Special Offers: Join PupJoy Points to earn discounts or free gifts!

#4 – Pooch Perks – Best for Toys

What Comes with This Dog Subscription Box?

Pooch Perks Boxes arrive stuffed full of all-natural, USA-made treats and premium fun toys customized to your dog’s preferences, no matter their size. In addition to accommodating dogs with food sensitivities, Pooch Perks also allows you to choose from three box types:

• Popular Pooch with two toys, 2 USA-made treats, and one natural small treat or chew
• Pampered Pooch with 3 – 4 premium toys, 3 USA-made treat bags, two natural small treats or chews, one premium accessory, and one waste bag roll
• Toys Only with three plush toys

You can also choose whether your dog needs plush toys or toys for heavy chewers. And with options to pay monthly, every three months, six months, or annually, you can tailor the perfect price for your budget. They also offer Happy Birthday and Welcome Home Puppy one-time boxes for your furry one or to give as a gift.

What Dogs Will Love This Monthly Subscription Box?

Pooch Perks will be a hit with all dogs because their plan options let you choose whether you want a box with toys and treats or only toys. Need to buy boxes for more than one furry family member? You’ll find Pooch Perks is one of the best subscription boxes for multiple dogs because they offer a mixed box option for families with dogs of differing sizes.

Pros

• So many plan options for optimal customization
• Affordable for all budgets
• Great for dogs of all sizes
• Plush or durable toy options
• Wide array of super cute toys
• No hassle canceling

Cons

• Toys may not stand up to the most aggressive chewers

Price: Boxes range from $11.95 for a sampling of premium products to $35.95 for completely customizable premium treats and toy boxes.

Frequency: Monthly

Shipping: Most products and monthly dog box plans have a flat rate shipping charge of $2 anywhere in the USA.

Special Offers: Save 10% on a twelve-month dog box subscription. Shop now!

#5 – Bark Bright – Best for Dental Health

What Comes With This Dog Subscription Box?

Bark Bright is a dental chew and toothpaste duo that works together to fight plaque, tartar buildup, and doggy breath. And when you sign up for this dog dental box, you’ll receive a one-month supply of dog dental chews and triple-enzymatic dog toothpaste delivered right to your door and right on schedule. For a dollar a day, your dog will enjoy noticeably cleaner teeth and fresher breath in thirty days or your money back.

What Dogs Will Love This Monthly Subscription Box?

Every dog will benefit from Bark Bright because good dental health is a must for all pups. Available in three sizes with formulations for small, medium, and large dogs. Check with your vet before using it on puppies under six months.

Pros

• Easy to use; just add toothpaste to chew, and your pup does the rest
• Better breath and cleaner teeth
• Affordable dental support
• Made with real chicken

Cons

Price: $25 per box when you sign up for a 6-month subscription or $30 per box each month for a month-to-month subscription.

Frequency: Monthly; boxes are shipped within the first two weeks of each month

Shipping: $5 flat shipping rate

Special Offers: Free extra month when you sign up for a six-month plan.

Any of these subscription boxes for dogs will certainly make your best friend happy. But one among them will reign supreme for your pup. Which box will you choose from our list of the best?

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Questions? First, try our Help Library. Then, if you still need help, email helpdesk@adoptapet.com. We’ll reply within 1 business day. Thank you!

New Badge for 2023 and Beyond

Wait… is that a new logo? Yes! As an approved shelter or rescue account, you get to use the new stylish and sleek Adopt a Pet badge first! Show the world that your organization is part of Adopt-a-Pet by displaying this badge on your website and linking it to any of your adoptable pets pages.

Get your badge here
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$420,000 in Grants – Get Ready Now!

Get ready for this year’s Open Arms Challenge! Open to U.S.-based government agencies and 501c3 nonprofits that focus on dogs and/or cats, this year’s challenge grants are being funded by twenty-two organizations, including Adopt a Pet. Registration will be open January 23 to January 30, 2023 only so don’t wait: Now is the time to carefully review the requirements and get ready to register during those 7 days.

Learn about the Challenge
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A message from our friends at Nationwide

Keeping New Year’s resolutions fresh (with some pet help!)

This month is when many people decide to try something new—a new diet, hitting the gym or setting aside more time with family. Unfortunately, many people don’t stick with their new lifestyle for very long. How can we follow through on new goals? Well, with the help of a four-legged life coach, of course! Checkout all the ways pets can help adopters develop healthy new habits.

Read more
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A message from our friends at Zoetis

Out with the Old, in with the Chew

When that giant ball toy dropped on New Year’s Eve, most of us made a personal resolution for growth. This year, encourage adopters to include their pets in their plans for progress by setting new milestones for their mental and physical health. Check out these ways to get started.

Learn more
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A spotlight on our sister brand The Wildest

Time for a dog-friendly game night?

Karen B. London, Ph.D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer shares seven enrichment games dogs can learn from while having fun too. Keeping dogs’ brains and bodies engaged indoors during winter weather helps them stay happier and healthier too. Share this link with your fosters, adopters, volunteers and staff!

Learn more
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And, of course… We thank the wonderful, pet-loving people at The Wildest and Elanco Animal Health for supporting all of us in our mission and making Adopt a Pet a free service!
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Many Australian Cattle Dog parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Australian Cattle Dogs for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Australian Cattle Dog in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Australian Cattle Dog’s needs. Consider your Australian Cattle Dog’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Australian Cattle Dog’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Australian Cattle Dog’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Australian Cattle Dog parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Australian Cattle Dog parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Australian Cattle Dog fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Australian Cattle Dog parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Australian Cattle Dog gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Australian Cattle Dog’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Australian Cattle Dog’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Australian Cattle Dog parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dogs: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dogs

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dogs

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Australian Cattle Dogs

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for Australian Cattle Dogs on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Australian Cattle Dogs, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Australian Cattle Dog, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Australian Cattle Dog parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Australian Cattle Dog’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Australian Cattle Dog, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Australian Cattle Dog’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Australian Cattle Dog food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Australian Cattle Dog’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Australian Cattle Dog foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Australian Cattle Dog food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Australian Cattle Dog food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Australian Cattle Dog isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Australian Cattle Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Australian Cattle Dog. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw Australian Cattle Dog food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your Australian Cattle Dog’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your Australian Cattle Dog isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for Australian Cattle Dogs with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Australian Cattle Dog based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Australian Cattle Dog.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Australian Cattle Dog parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Australian Cattle Dog, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your Australian Cattle Dog extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for Australian Cattle Dogs.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some Australian Cattle Dog parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Australian Cattle Dog.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Australian Cattle Dog’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Australian Cattle Dog. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Australian Cattle Dog to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Australian Cattle Dog to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Australian Cattle Dog a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Australian Cattle Dog’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for Australian Cattle Dogs Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for Australian Cattle Dogs, as long as they provide a balanced diet. Australian Cattle Dogs have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your Australian Cattle Dog will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My Australian Cattle Dog’s Stool?

Once a Australian Cattle Dog gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can Australian Cattle Dogs Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for Australian Cattle Dogs. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your Australian Cattle Dog’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your Australian Cattle Dog is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your Australian Cattle Dog’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dogs More Popular?

The number of Australian Cattle Dog parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of Australian Cattle Dog parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

Australian Cattle Dog parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Australian Cattle Dog?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your Australian Cattle Dog, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Australian Cattle Dog have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The best dog beds for Goldendoodles provide a warm place so your Goldendoodle doesn’t have to sleep on the floor. By investing in the right bed, you are protecting your furry friend’s spine and joint health.

A bed is a place where dogs can feel secure and comfortable. Goldendoodles need beds just like we do, which are beneficial for various reasons. Yet, the number of beds on the market makes finding the best beds for Goldendoodles difficult.

We selected the top ten best dog beds for Goldendoodles while considering all the important factors. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to pick the perfect one for your Goldendoodle.

Top 10 Best Dog Beds for Goldendoodles

Quick Picks

1. Casper Dog Bed
2. Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Bed
3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
4. Tuft & Needle Dog Bed
5. MidWest Dog Bed
6. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
7. Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed
8. BedSure Orthopedic Dog Bed
9. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed
10. FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed

1. Casper Dog Bed: A Stylish And Modern Dog Bed

The Casper dog bed is the most widely-used option that looks sleeker than most other models. This bed fits in well with most decor, making it a stylish option for your pup. If your Goldendoodle needs firm support, this bed is a great choice. It comes in three clean and simple colors: blue, gray, and sand.

This bed’s cover has a canvas-style material around the outer edge and is suede-like on the top. The bed comes with thick foam which provides extreme comfort to your Goldendoodle.

It features an inner sleep area of 25 x 17 x 2 inches and has excess material on the top for Goldendoodles that like to dig and scratch to make the perfect sleeping spot. It’s made of a microfiber blended material with supportive foam bolsters, creating a safe space for Goldendoodles to lay their heads.

In A Nutshell

This bed is a great option because its cover is removable and machine-washable. Also, it is highly durable and comfortable for your Goldendoodle. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey.

Pros

• Pressure-relieving memory foam
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Stylish and attractive
• Removable and machine-washable cover
• Microfiber blended material

Cons

2.  Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Bed: Best Cuddly Bed

The majestic bagel bed is designed to be cuddly and looks like a fluffy and enveloping dumpling. With this bed, your Goldendoodle will likely be eager to hop in and do a happy dance before spending hours sleeping in it.

This bed is highly comfortable and easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. It’s stuffed with a Premium High Loft Polyester fill and is machine-washable in an oversized washer on gentle. Yet, it should be air-dried.

The Majestic bed features a lofty built-in pillow, providing great comfort. It’s beneficial for your dog’s spine support because it contains a bolster on the top, which allows your Goldendoodle to rest their head and straighten their spine.

It comes in various sizes that fit dogs up to 100 pounds. Its dimensions are 52″ L x 36″ W on the outside, 46″ L x 30″ W on the inside, 14″ H on the bolster, and 10″ H on the cushion.

In A Nutshell

Your Goldendoodle will probably love curling up in this cuddly bed because of its pillowy raised sides and soft microsuede material. This bed is great for most dogs except those prone to chewing.

Pros

• Cuddly and fluffy
• Contains raised outer ring
• Cushy inner circle
• Made of polyester microsuede
• Earth-tone color options
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not ideal for dogs prone to chewing

3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best For Large Dogs

The Big Barker bed is an ideal choice for dogs that weigh 50 to 250 pounds. It’s highly reliable because it is clinically proven to provide less pain and more mobility. Each bed has a machine-washable microsuede cover from the brand’s proprietary foam.

This bed supports Goldendoodles suffering from joint pain, recovering from surgery, or living with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint, bone, or muscle disorders. Big Barker beds are actively used inside Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.

The beds are made in the USA and feature a 7-inch thickness. Overall, this 3-layered foam mattress is durable, comfortable, and meets CertiPUR-US standards for content, emissions, and durability. The products have also been analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories.

In A Nutshell

Big Barker’s products are clinically proven to improve the quality of life for large dogs. According to most dog owners, this bed was beneficial in relieving their dog’s back pain. The only downside to this Big Barker product is that it is expensive and not comfortable for small dogs.

Pros

• Calibrated for big dogs
• Clinically proven
• Easy to clean
• 10-year warranty
• Comfortable for joints
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive
• Not comfortable for small dogs

4. Tuft & Needle Dog Bed: Best For Hard Floors

If your home has hard floors, your Goldendoodle needs a bed with extra cushioning. This product from Tuft & Needle is perfect for making floors comfortable. It comes with a molded polyurethane foam base that provides a supportive and sturdy sleeping surface and a polyester fiber-fill pillow for cushioning.

The amazing thing about this product is that you can bring it with you and your Goldendoodle on any adventure because the pad is detachable and rolls up. The toggles on the corners of the cushion connect to the base, which keeps everything in place as your Goldendoodle readjusts. Also, this bed is easy on the eyes because its clean design and neutral color options can blend nicely with the rest of your furniture.

In the care department, you must remember that the foam base and pillow of this bed are not washable. So, you need to remove the base cover and pillow cover before washing. Furthermore, don’t use bleach, harsh chemicals, or detergents. It shouldn’t be dry-cleaned either.

In A Nutshell

Most Goldendoodle owners found it comfortable for their dogs, even on hard floors. This is because of its extra cushions. The only thing that makes a few people hesitant is its price. So, if you have a tight budget, this might not be the best option for your pup.

Pros

• Stylish
• Durable
• Removable machine-washable covers
• Long-lasting
• Comfortable, even on hard floors

Cons

5. MidWest Dog Bed: Best Crate Bed

This tufted bed is a plush upgrade to the hard floor of your Goldendoodle‘s crate. It’s hefty, but it’s not leakproof. This bed is undoubtedly more comfortable than the flimsy pad that comes with dog crates. It’s so plush that your Goldendoodle may choose their crate with the MidWest mat over the couch.

The bed has ultra-soft synthetic fur and it’s overstuffed for maximum comfort. It has a skid-resistant bottom that keeps the bed from sliding. Its tufted design ensures it won’t become a lumpy mess out of the wash.

This bed fits crates that are 30 inches long, but other sizes are available. It also works great as a “stand-alone” bed, and it’s ideal for medium breed dogs between 26 to 40 pounds. It won’t slide on hardwood or tile floors.

Additionally, this bed looks great in the home because of its neutral colors, which complement most home decor. It is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.

In A Nutshell

Most Goldendoodle owners found this product useful and comfortable for their pups. The only drawback they mentioned is that it’s not leakproof. If that’s not a concern for you, then it’s a great bed to consider.

Pros

• Ultra-soft
• Synthetic fur
• Non-skid grip
• Comfortable
• Durable
• Machine-washable

Cons

6. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed: Best For Dogs With Limited Mobility

PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed is a premium option in all aspects, including design, price, quality, and accessibility. This bed has a lower opening than the rest of the bolster. As a result, mobility-challenged Goldendoodles and older dogs can easily climb into these beds.

It comes with a smart design that features a large base and bolsters. These provide optimal comfort, support, and security to your Goldendoodle. Also, it comes with a water- and tear-resistant cover that works simultaneously with the waterproof liner. It has a non-skid bottom that prevents it from slipping during dog movement.

Furthermore, its neutral color blends in well with home designs and is also proven to be a great orthopedic bed for medium and large dogs.

In A Nutshell

The bed has a lower entry point than most, so it is easier for seniors or dogs with mobility issues to climb into. However, a few people complained that the side bolsters didn’t retain their shape.

Pros

• Orthopedic memory foam
• Waterproof liner
• Breathable
• Cotton cover
• Smart design
• Tear-resistant

Cons

• The side bolsters don’t always retain their shape

7.  Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed: Best Calming Bed

This is a perfect choice if you want a calming, donut-shaped bed for smaller dogs that sleep curled up in a ball. The Sheri Dog Bed provides extra support and warmth to your Goldendoodle. Thus, it provides extra comfort for smaller dogs.

Its design features a raised rim that creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support. Then, the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief. This bed has deep crevices that allow your pet to burrow. Goldendoodles will have a full restful sleep in this bed, likely improving behavior and health.

Additionally, it is available in 15 different colors. So, the pet beds are a seamless addition to any room’s décor! Since the beds are made with water- and dirt-resistant bottoms, they prevent accidental messes from reaching your floors.

In A Nutshell

This is a great choice for those who want a donut-shaped bed that provides a warm place for your Goldendoodle. The only aspect customers complained about is that it fell apart in the wash.

Pros

• Shag and lux fur
• High bolster
• Multiple sizes and colors
• Machine-washable
• Comfortable
• Versatile design
• Pet-safe materials

Cons

• May fall apart in the wash

8.  BedSure Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best Orthopedic Bed

This sofa-style bed design has a 3-sided 3.5″ bolstered side pillow that adds extra support to your Goldendoodle‘s neck and head for a more restful sleep. The 3″ high-density egg-crate foam bed evenly distributes your pet’s weight, which provides maximum support and comfort for pets of all ages.

The surface (28″ x 23″) is made of a flannel cover that provides a soft and comfortable sleeping area for dogs or cats. The non-slip, studded plastic bottom can fix the position of the bed, giving the pup a sense of security.

It comes with a removable cover with a zip closure for easy cleaning. The inner foam has a TPU cover, which protects it from dog pee and excrement.

In A Nutshell

The thing that most Goldendoodle parents like is its egg crate foam and sofa-style design. Also, it is easy to remove the cover and wash it. The only thing customers disliked about this product is that its zipper is not high quality.

Pros

• Non-skid bottom
• Waterproof lining
• Removable, washable cover
• Orthopedic bed
• Easy to clean
• Cozy spot
• Sofa style

Cons

• The zipper is not high-quality

9. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed: Best For Outdoors

Kuranda’s elevated dog bed is a chew-proof bed with an elevated design. It was first created in Maryland in 1995. Its oversized rails (larger than all competitors) protect the fabric in the frame, and the orthopedic design provides long-lasting, even support to your dog’s joints.

This product is made from the best materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum and high-strength PVC that won’t rust. Also, its premium fabrics are abrasion-resistant, treated against UV, and easy to clean.

Air circulation beneath the bed keep Goldendoodles cool in summer and lifts them off cold floors in winter, according to the brand. There are six different sizes and eight colors to choose from. All are made with durable nylon fabric.

In A Nutshell

Most Goldendoodle parents found this elevated dog bed beneficial in the summer. This is because of the air circulation underneath the bed. Also, it is perfect for the outdoors. The only downside is that it requires some assembly while the other beds don’t.

Pros

• Chew-proof
• Orthopedic
• Durable nylon fabric
• Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Good for outdoors

Cons

10.  FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best For Senior Dogs

If your Goldendoodle prefers to stretch out rather than curl up during naps, Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Lounger is a great choice. It comes in several attractive colors and two plush textures. Its cover zips off easily and can be machine-washed.

This bed is also sold in six sizes, the largest of which is almost 5 feet long, for dogs up to 180 pounds. The main sleep surface of this bed is lined with thick, soft faux fur that is gentle on noses and paws for enhanced snuggling comfort.

The solid orthopedic foam is dense and thick for maximum comfort. Also, the contoured form provides enhanced orthopedic support for the neck, back, hips, and joints to help ease discomfort and encourage restful sleep.

In A Nutshell

Most Goldendoodle parents found this bed beneficial for back and joint pain, especially in senior dogs. However, others said their dog didn’t like to sit on it. Also, the zipper broke for some customers.

Pros

• Provides extreme comfort
• Open mattress design
• Thick sleep surface
• Cuddly and soft
• Easy on joints
• Durable

Cons

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Dog Beds for Your Goldendoodle

All the products we reviewed are great choices, but to find the perfect one, you’ll want to consider these things:

1. Size

The size often has the biggest impact on how comfortable your Goldendoodle is. Your pet should be able to lie down on the bed with its limbs fully extended.

For small dogs, it’s usually okay to use a larger breed bed as long as they can jump into it without any problem, but small beds aren’t suitable for large dogs.

2. Cushioning And Support

A Goldendoodle‘s comfort level is generally determined by its size, mobility, and overall health. Yet, the amount of cushioning in their bed also plays a role.

A small puppy won’t require as much cushion as a large, arthritic Goldendoodle. Typically, less mobile dogs need thicker, sturdier foam to support their bodies comfortably.

3. Insulation Level

Depending on your climate and your dog’s breed, the insulation level of your pet’s bed can be crucial. It shouldn’t make your Goldendoodle feel too hot or too cold.

It’s important to provide warmth to a thin and small breed with no undercoat in cold northern climates. However, in a tropical climate, it is crucial to provide a cooling bed to fluffy breeds.

4. Durability And Design

Various materials can be used to make dog beds, ranging from soft polyester to durable and hard-wearing fabrics. If your Goldendoodle likes to tear apart stuffed toys, a fluffy fleece bed won’t last very long, so you should spend your money on something sturdier.

FAQs

What Kind of Bed is Best for Goldendoodles?

A memory foam orthopedic bed is best for most Goldendoodles. It conforms to your dog’s shape while supporting their aching joints. You should look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or waterproof cover for your elderly dog if they are prone to bladder leakage due to aging.

Do Goldendoodles Prefer Bigger Beds?

The size of a dog’s bed is naturally dictated by their size. The space should allow your canine companion to stretch out and sleep comfortably. The bed can even be placed inside your dog’s crate if needed. Most dogs don’t need beds bigger than their size, but they may appreciate the extra resting space.

Do Goldendoodles Prefer Round Or Square Beds?

A longer, rectangular bed will be more comfortable for Goldendoodles that stretch out when they sleep, but a round, soft bed may be more comfortable for dogs that curl up when sleeping.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, the Casper Dog Bed and Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed are the best dog beds for Goldendoodles because they’re the most versatile. Yet, you should also consider the buying guide mentioned above to get the perfect product for your Goldendoodle.

Hopefully, you can now decide on a bed for your furry friend. This guide is based on deep research and experience, so hopefully, it will help you make a decision for your Goldendoodle. After all, your pup can never have too many cozy sleeping spaces.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The best dog beds for Golden Retrievers provide a warm place so your Golden Retriever doesn’t have to sleep on the floor. By investing in the right bed, you are protecting your furry friend’s spine and joint health.

A bed is a place where dogs can feel secure and comfortable. Golden Retrievers need beds just like we do, which are beneficial for various reasons. Yet, the number of beds on the market makes finding the best beds for Golden Retrievers difficult.

We selected the top ten best dog beds for Golden Retrievers while considering all the important factors. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to pick the perfect one for your Golden Retriever.

Top 10 Best Dog Beds for Golden Retrievers

Quick Picks

1. Casper Dog Bed
2. Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Bed
3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
4. Tuft & Needle Dog Bed
5. MidWest Dog Bed
6. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
7. Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed
8. BedSure Orthopedic Dog Bed
9. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed
10. FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed

1. Casper Dog Bed: A Stylish And Modern Dog Bed

The Casper dog bed is the most widely-used option that looks sleeker than most other models. This bed fits in well with most decor, making it a stylish option for your pup. If your Golden Retriever needs firm support, this bed is a great choice. It comes in three clean and simple colors: blue, gray, and sand.

This bed’s cover has a canvas-style material around the outer edge and is suede-like on the top. The bed comes with thick foam which provides extreme comfort to your Golden Retriever.

It features an inner sleep area of 25 x 17 x 2 inches and has excess material on the top for Golden Retrievers that like to dig and scratch to make the perfect sleeping spot. It’s made of a microfiber blended material with supportive foam bolsters, creating a safe space for Golden Retrievers to lay their heads.

In A Nutshell

This bed is a great option because its cover is removable and machine-washable. Also, it is highly durable and comfortable for your Golden Retriever. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey.

Pros

• Pressure-relieving memory foam
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Stylish and attractive
• Removable and machine-washable cover
• Microfiber blended material

Cons

2.  Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Bed: Best Cuddly Bed

The majestic bagel bed is designed to be cuddly and looks like a fluffy and enveloping dumpling. With this bed, your Golden Retriever will likely be eager to hop in and do a happy dance before spending hours sleeping in it.

This bed is highly comfortable and easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. It’s stuffed with a Premium High Loft Polyester fill and is machine-washable in an oversized washer on gentle. Yet, it should be air-dried.

The Majestic bed features a lofty built-in pillow, providing great comfort. It’s beneficial for your dog’s spine support because it contains a bolster on the top, which allows your Golden Retriever to rest their head and straighten their spine.

It comes in various sizes that fit dogs up to 100 pounds. Its dimensions are 52″ L x 36″ W on the outside, 46″ L x 30″ W on the inside, 14″ H on the bolster, and 10″ H on the cushion.

In A Nutshell

Your Golden Retriever will probably love curling up in this cuddly bed because of its pillowy raised sides and soft microsuede material. This bed is great for most dogs except those prone to chewing.

Pros

• Cuddly and fluffy
• Contains raised outer ring
• Cushy inner circle
• Made of polyester microsuede
• Earth-tone color options
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not ideal for dogs prone to chewing

3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best For Large Dogs

The Big Barker bed is an ideal choice for dogs that weigh 50 to 250 pounds. It’s highly reliable because it is clinically proven to provide less pain and more mobility. Each bed has a machine-washable microsuede cover from the brand’s proprietary foam.

This bed supports Golden Retrievers suffering from joint pain, recovering from surgery, or living with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint, bone, or muscle disorders. Big Barker beds are actively used inside Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.

The beds are made in the USA and feature a 7-inch thickness. Overall, this 3-layered foam mattress is durable, comfortable, and meets CertiPUR-US standards for content, emissions, and durability. The products have also been analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories.

In A Nutshell

Big Barker’s products are clinically proven to improve the quality of life for large dogs. According to most dog owners, this bed was beneficial in relieving their dog’s back pain. The only downside to this Big Barker product is that it is expensive and not comfortable for small dogs.

Pros

• Calibrated for big dogs
• Clinically proven
• Easy to clean
• 10-year warranty
• Comfortable for joints
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive
• Not comfortable for small dogs

4. Tuft & Needle Dog Bed: Best For Hard Floors

If your home has hard floors, your Golden Retriever needs a bed with extra cushioning. This product from Tuft & Needle is perfect for making floors comfortable. It comes with a molded polyurethane foam base that provides a supportive and sturdy sleeping surface and a polyester fiber-fill pillow for cushioning.

The amazing thing about this product is that you can bring it with you and your Golden Retriever on any adventure because the pad is detachable and rolls up. The toggles on the corners of the cushion connect to the base, which keeps everything in place as your Golden Retriever readjusts. Also, this bed is easy on the eyes because its clean design and neutral color options can blend nicely with the rest of your furniture.

In the care department, you must remember that the foam base and pillow of this bed are not washable. So, you need to remove the base cover and pillow cover before washing. Furthermore, don’t use bleach, harsh chemicals, or detergents. It shouldn’t be dry-cleaned either.

In A Nutshell

Most Golden Retriever owners found it comfortable for their dogs, even on hard floors. This is because of its extra cushions. The only thing that makes a few people hesitant is its price. So, if you have a tight budget, this might not be the best option for your pup.

Pros

• Stylish
• Durable
• Removable machine-washable covers
• Long-lasting
• Comfortable, even on hard floors

Cons

5. MidWest Dog Bed: Best Crate Bed

This tufted bed is a plush upgrade to the hard floor of your Golden Retriever‘s crate. It’s hefty, but it’s not leakproof. This bed is undoubtedly more comfortable than the flimsy pad that comes with dog crates. It’s so plush that your Golden Retriever may choose their crate with the MidWest mat over the couch.

The bed has ultra-soft synthetic fur and it’s overstuffed for maximum comfort. It has a skid-resistant bottom that keeps the bed from sliding. Its tufted design ensures it won’t become a lumpy mess out of the wash.

This bed fits crates that are 30 inches long, but other sizes are available. It also works great as a “stand-alone” bed, and it’s ideal for medium breed dogs between 26 to 40 pounds. It won’t slide on hardwood or tile floors.

Additionally, this bed looks great in the home because of its neutral colors, which complement most home decor. It is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.

In A Nutshell

Most Golden Retriever owners found this product useful and comfortable for their pups. The only drawback they mentioned is that it’s not leakproof. If that’s not a concern for you, then it’s a great bed to consider.

Pros

• Ultra-soft
• Synthetic fur
• Non-skid grip
• Comfortable
• Durable
• Machine-washable

Cons

6. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed: Best For Dogs With Limited Mobility

PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed is a premium option in all aspects, including design, price, quality, and accessibility. This bed has a lower opening than the rest of the bolster. As a result, mobility-challenged Golden Retrievers and older dogs can easily climb into these beds.

It comes with a smart design that features a large base and bolsters. These provide optimal comfort, support, and security to your Golden Retriever. Also, it comes with a water- and tear-resistant cover that works simultaneously with the waterproof liner. It has a non-skid bottom that prevents it from slipping during dog movement.

Furthermore, its neutral color blends in well with home designs and is also proven to be a great orthopedic bed for medium and large dogs.

In A Nutshell

The bed has a lower entry point than most, so it is easier for seniors or dogs with mobility issues to climb into. However, a few people complained that the side bolsters didn’t retain their shape.

Pros

• Orthopedic memory foam
• Waterproof liner
• Breathable
• Cotton cover
• Smart design
• Tear-resistant

Cons

• The side bolsters don’t always retain their shape

7.  Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed: Best Calming Bed

This is a perfect choice if you want a calming, donut-shaped bed for smaller dogs that sleep curled up in a ball. The Sheri Dog Bed provides extra support and warmth to your Golden Retriever. Thus, it provides extra comfort for smaller dogs.

Its design features a raised rim that creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support. Then, the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief. This bed has deep crevices that allow your pet to burrow. Golden Retrievers will have a full restful sleep in this bed, likely improving behavior and health.

Additionally, it is available in 15 different colors. So, the pet beds are a seamless addition to any room’s décor! Since the beds are made with water- and dirt-resistant bottoms, they prevent accidental messes from reaching your floors.

In A Nutshell

This is a great choice for those who want a donut-shaped bed that provides a warm place for your Golden Retriever. The only aspect customers complained about is that it fell apart in the wash.

Pros

• Shag and lux fur
• High bolster
• Multiple sizes and colors
• Machine-washable
• Comfortable
• Versatile design
• Pet-safe materials

Cons

• May fall apart in the wash

8.  BedSure Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best Orthopedic Bed

This sofa-style bed design has a 3-sided 3.5″ bolstered side pillow that adds extra support to your Golden Retriever‘s neck and head for a more restful sleep. The 3″ high-density egg-crate foam bed evenly distributes your pet’s weight, which provides maximum support and comfort for pets of all ages.

The surface (28″ x 23″) is made of a flannel cover that provides a soft and comfortable sleeping area for dogs or cats. The non-slip, studded plastic bottom can fix the position of the bed, giving the pup a sense of security.

It comes with a removable cover with a zip closure for easy cleaning. The inner foam has a TPU cover, which protects it from dog pee and excrement.

In A Nutshell

The thing that most Golden Retriever parents like is its egg crate foam and sofa-style design. Also, it is easy to remove the cover and wash it. The only thing customers disliked about this product is that its zipper is not high quality.

Pros

• Non-skid bottom
• Waterproof lining
• Removable, washable cover
• Orthopedic bed
• Easy to clean
• Cozy spot
• Sofa style

Cons

• The zipper is not high-quality

9. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed: Best For Outdoors

Kuranda’s elevated dog bed is a chew-proof bed with an elevated design. It was first created in Maryland in 1995. Its oversized rails (larger than all competitors) protect the fabric in the frame, and the orthopedic design provides long-lasting, even support to your dog’s joints.

This product is made from the best materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum and high-strength PVC that won’t rust. Also, its premium fabrics are abrasion-resistant, treated against UV, and easy to clean.

Air circulation beneath the bed keep Golden Retrievers cool in summer and lifts them off cold floors in winter, according to the brand. There are six different sizes and eight colors to choose from. All are made with durable nylon fabric.

In A Nutshell

Most Golden Retriever parents found this elevated dog bed beneficial in the summer. This is because of the air circulation underneath the bed. Also, it is perfect for the outdoors. The only downside is that it requires some assembly while the other beds don’t.

Pros

• Chew-proof
• Orthopedic
• Durable nylon fabric
• Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Good for outdoors

Cons

10.  FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best For Senior Dogs

If your Golden Retriever prefers to stretch out rather than curl up during naps, Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Lounger is a great choice. It comes in several attractive colors and two plush textures. Its cover zips off easily and can be machine-washed.

This bed is also sold in six sizes, the largest of which is almost 5 feet long, for dogs up to 180 pounds. The main sleep surface of this bed is lined with thick, soft faux fur that is gentle on noses and paws for enhanced snuggling comfort.

The solid orthopedic foam is dense and thick for maximum comfort. Also, the contoured form provides enhanced orthopedic support for the neck, back, hips, and joints to help ease discomfort and encourage restful sleep.

In A Nutshell

Most Golden Retriever parents found this bed beneficial for back and joint pain, especially in senior dogs. However, others said their dog didn’t like to sit on it. Also, the zipper broke for some customers.

Pros

• Provides extreme comfort
• Open mattress design
• Thick sleep surface
• Cuddly and soft
• Easy on joints
• Durable

Cons

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Dog Beds for Your Golden Retriever

All the products we reviewed are great choices, but to find the perfect one, you’ll want to consider these things:

1. Size

The size often has the biggest impact on how comfortable your Golden Retriever is. Your pet should be able to lie down on the bed with its limbs fully extended.

For small dogs, it’s usually okay to use a larger breed bed as long as they can jump into it without any problem, but small beds aren’t suitable for large dogs.

2. Cushioning And Support

A Golden Retriever‘s comfort level is generally determined by its size, mobility, and overall health. Yet, the amount of cushioning in their bed also plays a role.

A small puppy won’t require as much cushion as a large, arthritic Golden Retriever. Typically, less mobile dogs need thicker, sturdier foam to support their bodies comfortably.

3. Insulation Level

Depending on your climate and your dog’s breed, the insulation level of your pet’s bed can be crucial. It shouldn’t make your Golden Retriever feel too hot or too cold.

It’s important to provide warmth to a thin and small breed with no undercoat in cold northern climates. However, in a tropical climate, it is crucial to provide a cooling bed to fluffy breeds.

4. Durability And Design

Various materials can be used to make dog beds, ranging from soft polyester to durable and hard-wearing fabrics. If your Golden Retriever likes to tear apart stuffed toys, a fluffy fleece bed won’t last very long, so you should spend your money on something sturdier.

FAQs

What Kind of Bed is Best for Golden Retrievers?

A memory foam orthopedic bed is best for most Golden Retrievers. It conforms to your dog’s shape while supporting their aching joints. You should look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or waterproof cover for your elderly dog if they are prone to bladder leakage due to aging.

Do Golden Retrievers Prefer Bigger Beds?

The size of a dog’s bed is naturally dictated by their size. The space should allow your canine companion to stretch out and sleep comfortably. The bed can even be placed inside your dog’s crate if needed. Most dogs don’t need beds bigger than their size, but they may appreciate the extra resting space.

Do Golden Retrievers Prefer Round Or Square Beds?

A longer, rectangular bed will be more comfortable for Golden Retrievers that stretch out when they sleep, but a round, soft bed may be more comfortable for dogs that curl up when sleeping.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, the Casper Dog Bed and Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed are the best dog beds for Golden Retrievers because they’re the most versatile. Yet, you should also consider the buying guide mentioned above to get the perfect product for your Golden Retriever.

Hopefully, you can now decide on a bed for your furry friend. This guide is based on deep research and experience, so hopefully, it will help you make a decision for your Golden Retriever. After all, your pup can never have too many cozy sleeping spaces.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The best dog beds for German Shepherds provide a warm place so your German Shepherd doesn’t have to sleep on the floor. By investing in the right bed, you are protecting your furry friend’s spine and joint health.

A bed is a place where dogs can feel secure and comfortable. German Shepherds need beds just like we do, which are beneficial for various reasons. Yet, the number of beds on the market makes finding the best beds for German Shepherds difficult.

We selected the top ten best dog beds for German Shepherds while considering all the important factors. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to pick the perfect one for your German Shepherd.

Top 10 Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds

Quick Picks

1. Casper Dog Bed
2. Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Bed
3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
4. Tuft & Needle Dog Bed
5. MidWest Dog Bed
6. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
7. Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed
8. BedSure Orthopedic Dog Bed
9. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed
10. FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed

1. Casper Dog Bed: A Stylish And Modern Dog Bed

The Casper dog bed is the most widely-used option that looks sleeker than most other models. This bed fits in well with most decor, making it a stylish option for your pup. If your German Shepherd needs firm support, this bed is a great choice. It comes in three clean and simple colors: blue, gray, and sand.

This bed’s cover has a canvas-style material around the outer edge and is suede-like on the top. The bed comes with thick foam which provides extreme comfort to your German Shepherd.

It features an inner sleep area of 25 x 17 x 2 inches and has excess material on the top for German Shepherds that like to dig and scratch to make the perfect sleeping spot. It’s made of a microfiber blended material with supportive foam bolsters, creating a safe space for German Shepherds to lay their heads.

In A Nutshell

This bed is a great option because its cover is removable and machine-washable. Also, it is highly durable and comfortable for your German Shepherd. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey.

Pros

• Pressure-relieving memory foam
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Stylish and attractive
• Removable and machine-washable cover
• Microfiber blended material

Cons

2.  Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Bed: Best Cuddly Bed

The majestic bagel bed is designed to be cuddly and looks like a fluffy and enveloping dumpling. With this bed, your German Shepherd will likely be eager to hop in and do a happy dance before spending hours sleeping in it.

This bed is highly comfortable and easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. It’s stuffed with a Premium High Loft Polyester fill and is machine-washable in an oversized washer on gentle. Yet, it should be air-dried.

The Majestic bed features a lofty built-in pillow, providing great comfort. It’s beneficial for your dog’s spine support because it contains a bolster on the top, which allows your German Shepherd to rest their head and straighten their spine.

It comes in various sizes that fit dogs up to 100 pounds. Its dimensions are 52″ L x 36″ W on the outside, 46″ L x 30″ W on the inside, 14″ H on the bolster, and 10″ H on the cushion.

In A Nutshell

Your German Shepherd will probably love curling up in this cuddly bed because of its pillowy raised sides and soft microsuede material. This bed is great for most dogs except those prone to chewing.

Pros

• Cuddly and fluffy
• Contains raised outer ring
• Cushy inner circle
• Made of polyester microsuede
• Earth-tone color options
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not ideal for dogs prone to chewing

3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best For Large Dogs

The Big Barker bed is an ideal choice for dogs that weigh 50 to 250 pounds. It’s highly reliable because it is clinically proven to provide less pain and more mobility. Each bed has a machine-washable microsuede cover from the brand’s proprietary foam.

This bed supports German Shepherds suffering from joint pain, recovering from surgery, or living with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint, bone, or muscle disorders. Big Barker beds are actively used inside Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.

The beds are made in the USA and feature a 7-inch thickness. Overall, this 3-layered foam mattress is durable, comfortable, and meets CertiPUR-US standards for content, emissions, and durability. The products have also been analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories.

In A Nutshell

Big Barker’s products are clinically proven to improve the quality of life for large dogs. According to most dog owners, this bed was beneficial in relieving their dog’s back pain. The only downside to this Big Barker product is that it is expensive and not comfortable for small dogs.

Pros

• Calibrated for big dogs
• Clinically proven
• Easy to clean
• 10-year warranty
• Comfortable for joints
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive
• Not comfortable for small dogs

4. Tuft & Needle Dog Bed: Best For Hard Floors

If your home has hard floors, your German Shepherd needs a bed with extra cushioning. This product from Tuft & Needle is perfect for making floors comfortable. It comes with a molded polyurethane foam base that provides a supportive and sturdy sleeping surface and a polyester fiber-fill pillow for cushioning.

The amazing thing about this product is that you can bring it with you and your German Shepherd on any adventure because the pad is detachable and rolls up. The toggles on the corners of the cushion connect to the base, which keeps everything in place as your German Shepherd readjusts. Also, this bed is easy on the eyes because its clean design and neutral color options can blend nicely with the rest of your furniture.

In the care department, you must remember that the foam base and pillow of this bed are not washable. So, you need to remove the base cover and pillow cover before washing. Furthermore, don’t use bleach, harsh chemicals, or detergents. It shouldn’t be dry-cleaned either.

In A Nutshell

Most German Shepherd owners found it comfortable for their dogs, even on hard floors. This is because of its extra cushions. The only thing that makes a few people hesitant is its price. So, if you have a tight budget, this might not be the best option for your pup.

Pros

• Stylish
• Durable
• Removable machine-washable covers
• Long-lasting
• Comfortable, even on hard floors

Cons

5. MidWest Dog Bed: Best Crate Bed

This tufted bed is a plush upgrade to the hard floor of your German Shepherd‘s crate. It’s hefty, but it’s not leakproof. This bed is undoubtedly more comfortable than the flimsy pad that comes with dog crates. It’s so plush that your German Shepherd may choose their crate with the MidWest mat over the couch.

The bed has ultra-soft synthetic fur and it’s overstuffed for maximum comfort. It has a skid-resistant bottom that keeps the bed from sliding. Its tufted design ensures it won’t become a lumpy mess out of the wash.

This bed fits crates that are 30 inches long, but other sizes are available. It also works great as a “stand-alone” bed, and it’s ideal for medium breed dogs between 26 to 40 pounds. It won’t slide on hardwood or tile floors.

Additionally, this bed looks great in the home because of its neutral colors, which complement most home decor. It is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.

In A Nutshell

Most German Shepherd owners found this product useful and comfortable for their pups. The only drawback they mentioned is that it’s not leakproof. If that’s not a concern for you, then it’s a great bed to consider.

Pros

• Ultra-soft
• Synthetic fur
• Non-skid grip
• Comfortable
• Durable
• Machine-washable

Cons

6. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed: Best For Dogs With Limited Mobility

PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed is a premium option in all aspects, including design, price, quality, and accessibility. This bed has a lower opening than the rest of the bolster. As a result, mobility-challenged German Shepherds and older dogs can easily climb into these beds.

It comes with a smart design that features a large base and bolsters. These provide optimal comfort, support, and security to your German Shepherd. Also, it comes with a water- and tear-resistant cover that works simultaneously with the waterproof liner. It has a non-skid bottom that prevents it from slipping during dog movement.

Furthermore, its neutral color blends in well with home designs and is also proven to be a great orthopedic bed for medium and large dogs.

In A Nutshell

The bed has a lower entry point than most, so it is easier for seniors or dogs with mobility issues to climb into. However, a few people complained that the side bolsters didn’t retain their shape.

Pros

• Orthopedic memory foam
• Waterproof liner
• Breathable
• Cotton cover
• Smart design
• Tear-resistant

Cons

• The side bolsters don’t always retain their shape

7.  Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed: Best Calming Bed

This is a perfect choice if you want a calming, donut-shaped bed for smaller dogs that sleep curled up in a ball. The Sheri Dog Bed provides extra support and warmth to your German Shepherd. Thus, it provides extra comfort for smaller dogs.

Its design features a raised rim that creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support. Then, the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief. This bed has deep crevices that allow your pet to burrow. German Shepherds will have a full restful sleep in this bed, likely improving behavior and health.

Additionally, it is available in 15 different colors. So, the pet beds are a seamless addition to any room’s décor! Since the beds are made with water- and dirt-resistant bottoms, they prevent accidental messes from reaching your floors.

In A Nutshell

This is a great choice for those who want a donut-shaped bed that provides a warm place for your German Shepherd. The only aspect customers complained about is that it fell apart in the wash.

Pros

• Shag and lux fur
• High bolster
• Multiple sizes and colors
• Machine-washable
• Comfortable
• Versatile design
• Pet-safe materials

Cons

• May fall apart in the wash

8.  BedSure Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best Orthopedic Bed

This sofa-style bed design has a 3-sided 3.5″ bolstered side pillow that adds extra support to your German Shepherd‘s neck and head for a more restful sleep. The 3″ high-density egg-crate foam bed evenly distributes your pet’s weight, which provides maximum support and comfort for pets of all ages.

The surface (28″ x 23″) is made of a flannel cover that provides a soft and comfortable sleeping area for dogs or cats. The non-slip, studded plastic bottom can fix the position of the bed, giving the pup a sense of security.

It comes with a removable cover with a zip closure for easy cleaning. The inner foam has a TPU cover, which protects it from dog pee and excrement.

In A Nutshell

The thing that most German Shepherd parents like is its egg crate foam and sofa-style design. Also, it is easy to remove the cover and wash it. The only thing customers disliked about this product is that its zipper is not high quality.

Pros

• Non-skid bottom
• Waterproof lining
• Removable, washable cover
• Orthopedic bed
• Easy to clean
• Cozy spot
• Sofa style

Cons

• The zipper is not high-quality

9. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed: Best For Outdoors

Kuranda’s elevated dog bed is a chew-proof bed with an elevated design. It was first created in Maryland in 1995. Its oversized rails (larger than all competitors) protect the fabric in the frame, and the orthopedic design provides long-lasting, even support to your dog’s joints.

This product is made from the best materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum and high-strength PVC that won’t rust. Also, its premium fabrics are abrasion-resistant, treated against UV, and easy to clean.

Air circulation beneath the bed keep German Shepherds cool in summer and lifts them off cold floors in winter, according to the brand. There are six different sizes and eight colors to choose from. All are made with durable nylon fabric.

In A Nutshell

Most German Shepherd parents found this elevated dog bed beneficial in the summer. This is because of the air circulation underneath the bed. Also, it is perfect for the outdoors. The only downside is that it requires some assembly while the other beds don’t.

Pros

• Chew-proof
• Orthopedic
• Durable nylon fabric
• Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Good for outdoors

Cons

10.  FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed: Best For Senior Dogs

If your German Shepherd prefers to stretch out rather than curl up during naps, Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Lounger is a great choice. It comes in several attractive colors and two plush textures. Its cover zips off easily and can be machine-washed.

This bed is also sold in six sizes, the largest of which is almost 5 feet long, for dogs up to 180 pounds. The main sleep surface of this bed is lined with thick, soft faux fur that is gentle on noses and paws for enhanced snuggling comfort.

The solid orthopedic foam is dense and thick for maximum comfort. Also, the contoured form provides enhanced orthopedic support for the neck, back, hips, and joints to help ease discomfort and encourage restful sleep.

In A Nutshell

Most German Shepherd parents found this bed beneficial for back and joint pain, especially in senior dogs. However, others said their dog didn’t like to sit on it. Also, the zipper broke for some customers.

Pros

• Provides extreme comfort
• Open mattress design
• Thick sleep surface
• Cuddly and soft
• Easy on joints
• Durable

Cons

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Dog Beds for Your German Shepherd

All the products we reviewed are great choices, but to find the perfect one, you’ll want to consider these things:

1. Size

The size often has the biggest impact on how comfortable your German Shepherd is. Your pet should be able to lie down on the bed with its limbs fully extended.

For small dogs, it’s usually okay to use a larger breed bed as long as they can jump into it without any problem, but small beds aren’t suitable for large dogs.

2. Cushioning And Support

A German Shepherd‘s comfort level is generally determined by its size, mobility, and overall health. Yet, the amount of cushioning in their bed also plays a role.

A small puppy won’t require as much cushion as a large, arthritic German Shepherd. Typically, less mobile dogs need thicker, sturdier foam to support their bodies comfortably.

3. Insulation Level

Depending on your climate and your dog’s breed, the insulation level of your pet’s bed can be crucial. It shouldn’t make your German Shepherd feel too hot or too cold.

It’s important to provide warmth to a thin and small breed with no undercoat in cold northern climates. However, in a tropical climate, it is crucial to provide a cooling bed to fluffy breeds.

4. Durability And Design

Various materials can be used to make dog beds, ranging from soft polyester to durable and hard-wearing fabrics. If your German Shepherd likes to tear apart stuffed toys, a fluffy fleece bed won’t last very long, so you should spend your money on something sturdier.

FAQs

What Kind of Bed is Best for German Shepherds?

A memory foam orthopedic bed is best for most German Shepherds. It conforms to your dog’s shape while supporting their aching joints. You should look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or waterproof cover for your elderly dog if they are prone to bladder leakage due to aging.

Do German Shepherds Prefer Bigger Beds?

The size of a dog’s bed is naturally dictated by their size. The space should allow your canine companion to stretch out and sleep comfortably. The bed can even be placed inside your dog’s crate if needed. Most dogs don’t need beds bigger than their size, but they may appreciate the extra resting space.

Do German Shepherds Prefer Round Or Square Beds?

A longer, rectangular bed will be more comfortable for German Shepherds that stretch out when they sleep, but a round, soft bed may be more comfortable for dogs that curl up when sleeping.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, the Casper Dog Bed and Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed are the best dog beds for German Shepherds because they’re the most versatile. Yet, you should also consider the buying guide mentioned above to get the perfect product for your German Shepherd.

Hopefully, you can now decide on a bed for your furry friend. This guide is based on deep research and experience, so hopefully, it will help you make a decision for your German Shepherd. After all, your pup can never have too many cozy sleeping spaces.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Many Mastiff parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Mastiffs for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Mastiff in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Mastiff’s needs. Consider your Mastiff’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Mastiff’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Mastiff’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Mastiff parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Mastiff parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Mastiff fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Mastiff parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Mastiff gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Mastiff’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Mastiff’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Mastiff parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for Mastiffs: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Mastiffs

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Mastiffs

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Mastiffs

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for Mastiffs on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Mastiffs, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Mastiff, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Mastiff parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Mastiff’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Mastiff, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Mastiff’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Mastiff food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Mastiff’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Mastiffs with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Mastiff foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Mastiff food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Mastiff food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Mastiff isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Mastiffs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Mastiff. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw Mastiff food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your Mastiff’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your Mastiff isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for Mastiffs with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Mastiff based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Mastiff.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Mastiff parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Mastiff, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your Mastiff extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for Mastiffs.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some Mastiff parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Mastiff.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Mastiff’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Mastiff. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Mastiff to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Mastiff to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Mastiff a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Mastiff’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for Mastiffs Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for Mastiffs, as long as they provide a balanced diet. Mastiffs have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your Mastiff will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My Mastiff’s Stool?

Once a Mastiff gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can Mastiffs Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for Mastiffs. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your Mastiff’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your Mastiff is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your Mastiff’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for Mastiffs More Popular?

The number of Mastiff parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of Mastiff parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

Mastiff parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Mastiff?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your Mastiff, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Mastiff have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Many Rhodesian Ridgeback parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Rhodesian Ridgebacks for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s needs. Consider your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Rhodesian Ridgeback parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Rhodesian Ridgeback parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Rhodesian Ridgeback fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Rhodesian Ridgeback parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Rhodesian Ridgeback gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Rhodesian Ridgeback parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for Rhodesian Ridgebacks on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Rhodesian Ridgeback, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Rhodesian Ridgeback parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Rhodesian Ridgeback, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Rhodesian Ridgeback food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Rhodesian Ridgeback foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Rhodesian Ridgeback food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Rhodesian Ridgeback food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Rhodesian Ridgeback isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Rhodesian Ridgebacks of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Rhodesian Ridgeback. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw Rhodesian Ridgeback food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your Rhodesian Ridgeback isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Rhodesian Ridgeback based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Rhodesian Ridgeback parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Rhodesian Ridgeback, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your Rhodesian Ridgeback extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some Rhodesian Ridgeback parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Rhodesian Ridgeback. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Rhodesian Ridgeback to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Rhodesian Ridgeback to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for Rhodesian Ridgebacks Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, as long as they provide a balanced diet. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your Rhodesian Ridgeback will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My Rhodesian Ridgeback’s Stool?

Once a Rhodesian Ridgeback gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your Rhodesian Ridgeback is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks More Popular?

The number of Rhodesian Ridgeback parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of Rhodesian Ridgeback parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

Rhodesian Ridgeback parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Rhodesian Ridgeback?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Rhodesian Ridgeback have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Many Bloodhound parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Bloodhounds for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Bloodhound in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Bloodhound’s needs. Consider your Bloodhound’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Bloodhound’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Bloodhound’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Bloodhound parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Bloodhound parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Bloodhound fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Bloodhound parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Bloodhound gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Bloodhound’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Bloodhound’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Bloodhound parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for Bloodhounds: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Bloodhounds

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Bloodhounds

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Bloodhounds

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for Bloodhounds on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Bloodhounds, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Bloodhound, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Bloodhound parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Bloodhound’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Bloodhound, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Bloodhound’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Bloodhound food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Bloodhound’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Bloodhounds with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Bloodhound foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Bloodhound food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Bloodhound food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Bloodhound isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Bloodhounds of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Bloodhound. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw Bloodhound food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your Bloodhound’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your Bloodhound isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for Bloodhounds with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Bloodhound based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Bloodhound.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Bloodhound parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Bloodhound, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your Bloodhound extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for Bloodhounds.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some Bloodhound parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Bloodhound.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Bloodhound’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Bloodhound. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Bloodhound to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Bloodhound to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Bloodhound a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Bloodhound’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for Bloodhounds Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for Bloodhounds, as long as they provide a balanced diet. Bloodhounds have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your Bloodhound will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My Bloodhound’s Stool?

Once a Bloodhound gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can Bloodhounds Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for Bloodhounds. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your Bloodhound’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your Bloodhound is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your Bloodhound’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for Bloodhounds More Popular?

The number of Bloodhound parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of Bloodhound parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

Bloodhound parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Bloodhound?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your Bloodhound, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Bloodhound have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

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iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Many Great Pyrenees parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Great Pyrenees for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Great Pyrenees in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Great Pyrenees’s needs. Consider your Great Pyrenees’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Great Pyrenees’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Great Pyrenees’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Great Pyrenees parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Great Pyrenees parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Great Pyrenees fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Great Pyrenees parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Great Pyrenees gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Great Pyrenees’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Great Pyrenees’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Great Pyrenees parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for Great Pyrenees: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Great Pyrenees

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Great Pyrenees

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Great Pyrenees

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for Great Pyrenees on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Great Pyrenees, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Great Pyrenees, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Great Pyrenees parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Great Pyrenees’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Great Pyrenees, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Great Pyrenees’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Great Pyrenees food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Great Pyrenees’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Great Pyrenees with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Great Pyrenees foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Great Pyrenees food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Great Pyrenees food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Great Pyrenees isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Great Pyrenees of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Great Pyrenees. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw Great Pyrenees food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your Great Pyrenees’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your Great Pyrenees isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for Great Pyrenees with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Great Pyrenees based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Great Pyrenees.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Great Pyrenees parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Great Pyrenees, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your Great Pyrenees extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for Great Pyrenees.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some Great Pyrenees parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Great Pyrenees.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Great Pyrenees’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Great Pyrenees. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Great Pyrenees to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Great Pyrenees to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Great Pyrenees a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Great Pyrenees’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for Great Pyrenees Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for Great Pyrenees, as long as they provide a balanced diet. Great Pyrenees have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your Great Pyrenees will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My Great Pyrenees’s Stool?

Once a Great Pyrenees gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can Great Pyrenees Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for Great Pyrenees. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your Great Pyrenees’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your Great Pyrenees is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your Great Pyrenees’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for Great Pyrenees More Popular?

The number of Great Pyrenees parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of Great Pyrenees parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

Great Pyrenees parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Great Pyrenees?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your Great Pyrenees, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Great Pyrenees have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Many Collie parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Collies for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Collie in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Collie’s needs. Consider your Collie’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Collie’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Collie’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Collie parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Collie parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Collie fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Collie parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Collie gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Collie’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Collie’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Collie parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Raw Dog Food for Collies: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Collies

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Collies

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Collies

Below are some of the best raw dog food brands for Collies on the market to help you decide which one is the best choice for your furry friend.

1. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Collies, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Collie, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Collie parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

2. We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Collie’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Collie, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Collie’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

3. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Collie food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Collie’s meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Collies with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Variety of options

4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Collie foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Collie food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

5. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Collie food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Collie isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

6. Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Collies of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Collie. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Easy to store

7. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers a few different types of raw Collie food diets. Their original raw diet is called Archetype, which is a bag of freeze dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some recipes of the Archetype food also come in the form of burgers for customers that want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your Collie’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand, but your Collie isn’t a fan of their raw food, they also have dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for Collies with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

8. Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Collie based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Collie.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Collie parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

9. Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Collie, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

10. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

Halo Freeze Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2022. Even though the name and packaging are different, the food still has the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your Collie extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for Collies.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some Collie parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

11. Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Collie.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Collie’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Collie. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Collie to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Collie to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Collie a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Collie’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions dog parents switching to raw food ask.

Are Raw Dog Food Diets for Collies Safe?

Yes, raw diets are safe for Collies, as long as they provide a balanced diet. Collies have shorter digestive tracts and higher acidity in their digestive systems, allowing them to tolerate bacteria better than humans. So, as long as you choose a brand with an ideal balance of ingredients and follow through with a gradual transition, your Collie will be unlikely to face issues.

How Will Raw Food Change My Collie’s Stool?

Once a Collie gets used to a raw diet, their stool will likely be smaller and firmer. However, during the transition period, you may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Can Collies Get Salmonella From Raw Chicken?

Yes, dogs can get Salmonella from raw food, but dogs can handle a higher level of bacteria than humans can. So, raw dog food poses a bigger risk for humans than it does for Collies. To prevent the spread of bacteria, always wash your hands and anything else the raw food touched after preparing your dog’s meals.

Are Bones in Raw Dog Food Dangerous?

No, raw bones are beneficial for your Collie’s health. They don’t splinter the way cooked bones do, so they’re safer to eat. However, raw bones aren’t recommended for puppies under six months because their teeth aren’t strong enough to chew them.

Can Dogs With Allergies Eat Raw Food?

Yes, raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients. So, it’s easier to keep track of what ingredients your Collie is eating so you can avoid potential allergens.

Can You Switch Between Meat Sources When Serving Raw Dog Food?

Yes, once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you can switch between meat sources regularly. Using a variety of meat sources is great for your Collie’s health and keeps them interested in the food, as long as you don’t use meat they’re allergic to.

Why Isn’t Raw Dog Food for Collies More Popular?

The number of Collie parents using raw diets is increasing, but it’s not very popular for a few reasons. The biggest reason is cost. A lot of Collie parents aren’t able to commit extra money and time to preparing dog food, so sticking to kibble is the easier choice. Also, many pet parents are unaware of the benefits and the variety of options when it comes to raw dog food.

Collie parents looking to try raw food without wanting to switch the meal entirely can try raw food toppers.

Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Collie?

If you’re looking for a healthier diet for your Collie, the best raw dog food brands should be considered. Raw dog food can be great for picky eaters or dogs who aren’t getting enough nutrients in their current diets. However, raw food can be pricy and may take more time to prepare for your dog, so it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have to keep your dog’s food cold, you can opt for some of the best dehydrated raw dog food for easier storage.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Collie have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

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