128 Best Alternatives To Raw Dog Food In 2023

Has anyone told you that there are alternatives to raw dog food?

While there’s no doubt in my mind that raw dog food is the best food for dogs, it’s not always the most practical.

For example:

When you’re traveling with your pups as we recently did (see video below). We had enough room for 6 days worth of fresh raw dog food. That translated into 12 raw meals in our car fridge, that was it. Definitely not enough to cover our 14 days of overlanding!
Someone else is feeding them who’s not comfortable with raw meals. Especially if they include raw meaty bones.
When you forget to thaw your frozen raw dog food (yep, that still happens to me). On those days, you can either put up with sad puppy eyes or reach into your pantry for a quick solution that works for everyone.

Making sure Wally’s fed a nutritious meal on our overlanding trip to Southern France after we ran out of fresh raw meals.

Fortunately, there are quite a few nutritious alternatives that provide similar benefits without the complexities of raw feeding.

That said, I’m sharing a list of the 128(!) best alternatives to raw dog food in 2023, many of which I’ve been familiar with for years as I’ve fed them to my Boxer mixes Missy & Buzz.

But I’ve also recently learned about and fed some newer ones to my pup Wally.

Either way, all of them are complete meals meaning they’re balanced and don’t require any supplementation.

That makes them convenient and a solid, temporary alternative to raw dog food.

Let’s dive right in!

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

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Alternatives to Raw Dog Food: Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food In 2023

Let’s start with freeze-dried raw dog food!

All you have to do with this type of food is scoop some out and let it rehydrate with water.

This takes anywhere from 3-10 minutes, depending on how soaked you want the food to get.

Now, here’s a list of 91 popular freeze-dried dog foods, in no particular order:

Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Dog Food

1. Steve’s Real Food Beef (grain-free w/ coconut oil, kelp, New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels, and raw goat milk)
2. Steve’s Real Food Chicken (grain-free w/ coconut oil, kelp, New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels, and raw goat milk)
3. Steve’s Real Food Turkey (grain-free w/ coconut oil, kelp, New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels, and raw goat milk)
4. Steve’s Real Food Pork (grain-free w/ coconut oil, kelp, New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels, and raw goat milk)
5. Steve’s Real Food Turducken (turkey, duck & chicken)
6. Steve’s Real Food Lamu (lamb & emu)

Grandma Lucy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food

7. Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Chicken (grain-free w/ potatoes)
8. Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pork (grain-free w/ potatoes)
9. Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Lamb (grain-free w/ potatoes)
10. Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Venison (grain-free w/ potatoes)
11. Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Fish (grain-free w/ chickpeas)
12. Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Chicken (grain-free w/ chickpeas)
13. Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Lamb (grain-free w/ chickpeas)
14. Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Rabbit (grain-free w/ chickpeas)
15. Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Beef (grain-free w/ pinto beans)
16. Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Turkey (grain-free w/ pinto beans)
17. Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Salmon (grain-free w/ pinto beans)

Sojos Freeze-Dried Dog Food

18. Sojos Turkey (grain-free, made with freeze-dried meat and air-dried veggies, fruit & herbs)
19. Sojos Beef (grain-free, made with freeze-dried meat and air-dried veggies, fruit & herbs)
20. Sojos Lamb (made with freeze-dried meat and air-dried veggies, fruit & herbs)
21. Sojos Chicken (grain-free, made with freeze-dried meat and air-dried veggies, fruit & herbs)
22. Sojos Turkey & Salmon (grain-free, made with freeze-dried meat and air-dried veggies, fruit & herbs)

Boss Dog Freeze-Dried Dog Food

23. Boss Dog Beef (grain-free, w/ fish oil made from Alaska wild caught salmon, pollock & herring)
24. Boss Dog Chicken (grain-free, w/ fish oil made from Alaska wild caught salmon, pollock & herring)
25. Boss Dog Lamb (grain-free, w/ fish oil made from Alaska wild caught salmon, pollock & herring). This is the kind I fed Wally on our most recent overlanding trip from Germany to Southern France.
26. Boss Dog Fish (grain-free, w/ whitefish & salmon + fish oil made from Alaska wild caught salmon, pollock & herring)

Primal Pet Foods

43. Primal Beef (grain-free)
44. Primal Chicken (grain-free)
45. Primal Turkey & Sardine (grain-free)
46. Primal Pork (grain-free)
47. Primal Rabbit (grain-free)
48. Primal Duck (grain-free)
49. Primal Venison (grain-free)

ORIJEN Freeze-Dried Dog Food

50. Orijen Original Poultry Formula (grain-free, w/ chicken, turkey & herring)
51. Orijen Regional Red Formula (grain-free, w/ beef, lamb, wild boar, pork, bison, flounder & herring)
52. Orijen Tundra Formula (grain-free, w/ duck, venison, lamb, wild boar, goat, flounder & herring)

Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Dog Food

53. Northwest Naturals Beef (grain-free)
54. Northwest Naturals Beef & Trout (grain-free)
55. Northwest Naturals Turkey (grain-free)
56. Northwest Naturals Lamb (grain-free)
57. Northwest Naturals Chicken (grain-free)
58. Northwest Naturals Chicken & Salmon (grain-free)
59. Northwest Naturals Whitefish & Salmon (grain-free)

K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food

60. K9 Natural Beef (grain-free)
61. K9 Natural Lamb (grain-free)
62. K9 Natural Chicken (grain-free)
63. K9 Natural Hoki & Beef (grain-free, w/ Hoki – that’s whitefish from New Zealand)
64. K9 Natural Lamb & Salmon (grain-free)

SmallBatch Freeze-Dried Dog Food

65. Smallbatch Beef (grain-free, w/ organic produce)
66. Smallbatch Chicken (grain-free, w/ organic produce)
67. Smallbatch Lamb (grain-free, w/ organic produce)
68. Smallbatch Duck (grain-free, w/ organic produce)
69. Smallbatch Pork (grain-free, w/ organic produce)
70. Smallbatch Turkey (grain-free, w/ organic produce)

Open Farm Freeze-Dried Dog Food

71. Open Farm Grass Fed Beef (grain-free)
72. Open Farm Harvest Chicken (grain-free)
73. Open Farm Homestead Turkey (grain-free)
74. Open Farm Surf & Turf (grain-free, w/ beef & salmon)

Halo Freeze-Dried Dog Food (formerly TruDog)

75. Halo Beef (grain-free, w/ beef green tripe)
76. Halo Turducken (grain-free, w/ turkey, chicken & duck)
77. Halo Turkey (grain-free)
78. Halo Whitefish

Bravo! Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Dog Food

79. Bravo! Beef (grain-free, w/ sweet potatoes & chickpeas)
80. Bravo! Pork (grain-free, w/ sweet potatoes & chickpeas)
81. Bravo! Turkey (grain-free, w/ sweet potatoes & chickpeas)

Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Dog Food

82. Bixbi Rawbble Chicken & Salmon (grain-free, w/ salmon & whitefish)
83. Bixbi Rawbble Chicken (grain-free)
84. Bixbi Rawbble Turkey (grain-free)
85. Bixbi Rawbble Beef (grain-free)
86. Bixbi Rawbble Pork (grain-free)
87. Bixbi Rawbble Lamb (grain-free)
88. Bixbi Rawbble Duck (grain-free)

Montana Dog Food Freeze-Dried Dog Food

89. Montana Dog Food Beef (grain-free)
90. Montana Dog Food Chicken (grain-free)
91. Montana Dog Food Surf & Turf (grain-free, w/ trout & beef)

How Does Freeze-Drying Work?

Here’s how manufacturers make freeze-dried raw dog food:

They quickly freeze the ingredients at extremely low temperatures, typically below -40°F (-40°C). This freezing step helps preserve the food’s nutritional content and maintain its structure.
After that, they place the frozen ingredients in a vacuum chamber, which creates a low-pressure environment by removing air. This reduced pressure lowers the boiling point of water.
The vacuum chamber’s reduced pressure causes the frozen water within the ingredients to undergo sublimation. Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. In this case, the ice crystals in the frozen food turn into vapor without melting into liquid water.
As the sublimation process occurs, the vaporized ice crystals are removed from the vacuum chamber, effectively dehydrating the ingredients. This helps remove the majority of the moisture while preserving the nutritional integrity of the raw food.
Once the freeze-drying process is complete, the dehydrated raw dog food is packaged in airtight containers or bags. This packaging helps maintain the food’s freshness, protects it from moisture and external contaminants, and extends its shelf life.

Alternatives to Raw Dog Food: Best Dehydrated Raw Dog Food In 2023

Next up, let’s look at dehydrated raw dog food.

It’s similar to the freeze-dried options we just looked at since you have to add water to rehydrate it.

So here’s a list of 19 popular dehydrated dog foods, in no particular order:

Dr. Harvey’s

92. Dr. Harvey’s Beef & Garden Veggies (grain-free, w/ pumpkin)
93. Dr. Harvey’s Chicken & Garden Veggies (grain-free, w/ pumpkin)
94. Dr. Harvey’s Healthy Weight Beef (with grains = oats, sweet potato & oyster)
95. Dr. Harvey’s Healthy Weight Chicken (with grains = oats, sweet potato & oyster)
96. Dr. Harvey’s Allergy Fish Recipe (grain-free, w/ salmon & sweet potato)
97. Dr. Harvey’s Allergy Turkey Recipe (grain-free, w/ sweet potato)

The Honest Kitchen (THK)

Dehydrated dog food from THK with whole grains:

98. THK Gourmet Grains Beef & Salmon (with grains = barley & oats, and pumpkin)
99. THK Gourmet Grains Chicken & Duck (with grains = barley & oats, and pumpkin)
100. THK Gourmet Grains Turkey & Fish (with grains = barley & oats, whitefish and pumpkin)
101. THK Whole Grain Chicken (with grains = barley & oats, and potatoes)
102. THK Whole Grain Turkey (with grains = oats, and potatoes)
103. THK Whole Grain Beef (with grains = barley & oats, and potatoes)
104. THK Whole Grain Fish & Oat (with grains = barley & oats, whitefish and potatoes)

Grain-free dehydrated dog food from THK:

105. THK Grain-Free Chicken (with potatoes & sweet potatoes)
106. THK Grain-Free Beef (with potatoes & sweet potatoes)
107. THK Grain-Free Turkey (with sweet potatoes)
108. THK Grain-Free Fish (with whitefish & sweet potatoes)
109. THK Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Fish (with whitefish, chickpeas & pumpkin)

Spot Farms

110. Spot Farms Grain-Free Chicken

How Does Dehydrating Work?

To make dehydrated raw dog food, manufacturers follow these steps:

The raw ingredients are prepared by chopping, grinding, or pureeing them into smaller pieces. This aids in the drying process and ensures consistent texture and flavor throughout the food.
The selected ingredients are mixed together in precise ratios, creating a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients for dogs.
The mixed ingredients undergo a gentle heating process at low temperatures. This heat removes moisture from the food without extensively cooking the ingredients, helping to retain their nutritional value.
The partially dehydrated food is then spread out in a thin layer on trays or racks, allowing air to circulate around it.
The trays or racks with the food are placed in dehydrators or drying chambers. Controlled airflow and temperature are maintained to gradually remove the remaining moisture from the food over a period of time.
Throughout the drying process, manufacturers closely monitor the temperature and moisture levels to ensure optimal drying without compromising the quality or nutritional integrity of the food.
Once the food is fully dehydrated, it is cooled down and checked for proper moisture content.
The dehydrated raw dog food is then packaged in airtight containers or bags to maintain its freshness and protect it from moisture and external contaminants.

By following these steps, manufacturers create dehydrated raw dog food that offers a lightweight, convenient, and shelf-stable option while preserving the nutritional benefits of raw ingredients.

Alternatives to Raw Dog Food: Best Air-Dried Raw Dog Food in 2023

Last but certainly not least, here’s a list of 18 popular air-dried dog foods, in no particular order:

Grandma Mae’s

111. Grandma Mae’s RawTernative Chicken & Liver (grain-free, w/ New Zealand Green Mussel)
112. Grandma Mae’s RawTernative Beef & Beef Organs (grain-free, w/ beef lung & beef liver, and New Zealand Green Mussel)
113. Grandma Mae’s Lamb & Lamb Organs (grain-free, w/ lamb lung & lamb kidney, and New Zealand Green Mussel)

Ziwipeak

114. Ziwipeak Beef (grain-free, w/ New Zealand Green Mussel and Beef Green Tripe)
115. Ziwipeak Chicken (grain-free, w/ New Zealand Green Mussel)
116. Ziwipeak Lamb (grain-free, w/ New Zealand Green Mussel and Lamb Green Tripe)
117. Ziwipeak Mackerel & Lamb (grain-free, w/ Mackerel, New Zealand Green Mussel and Lamb Green Tripe)
118. Ziwipeak Tripe & Lamb (grain-free, w/ New Zealand Green Mussel and Lamb Green Tripe)
119. Ziwipeak Venison (grain-free, w/ New Zealand Green Mussel and Venison Green Tripe)

Only Natural Pet

120. Only Natural Pet Chicken with Pumpkin (grain-free)
121. Only Natural Pet Beef with Pumpkin (grain-free)
122. Only Natural Pet Lamb & Whitefish with Pumpkin (grain-free)

Addiction

123. Addiction Venison & Cranberry Dinner (with grains = oats, and potatoes)
124. Addiction Country Chicken & Apricot Dinner (with grains = oats, and potatoes)
125. Addiction Herbed Lamb & Potatoes Entree (grain-free, with potatoes)
126. Addiction Outback Kangaroo Feast (grain-free, with potatoes)
127. Addiction Perfect Summer Brushtail (grain-free, with potatoes)
128. Addiction Steakhouse Beef & Zucchini Entree (grain-free, with potatoes)

How Does Air Drying Work?

To make air dried raw dog food, manufacturers follow these steps:

They mix the ingredients together in precise ratios, creating a balanced diet with the necessary nutrients for dogs.
Spread the mixed ingredients in a thin layer on trays or racks and place them in a controlled environment with low humidity and good airflow.
Dry the ingredients at low temperatures, typically between 104°F to 158°F (40°C to 70°C), allowing moisture to naturally evaporate from the food without cooking the ingredients or compromising their nutritional value.
Monitor the drying process closely, maintaining proper temperature and moisture control to achieve optimal drying without excessive nutrient loss or compromising food safety.
Package the air dried raw dog food in airtight containers or bags to preserve freshness and protect it from moisture and external contaminants. Some manufacturers may also incorporate oxygen absorbers or other preservation techniques to extend shelf life.

Just like freeze-dried and dehydrated raw dog food, air dried raw dog food aims to retain the nutritional benefits of raw ingredients while providing a longer shelf life and convenience compared to fresh or frozen raw food.

However and UNLIKE freeze-dried and dehydrated raw dog food, most air dried raw dog food doesn’t need to be rehydrated! Instead, it can be served as is.

Are Freeze-Dried, Dehydrated & Air Dried Alternatives to Raw Dog Food Safe?

Freeze-dried, dehydrated and air dried raw dog food is safe when it’s handled and prepared properly.

For freeze-dried dog food, the freeze-drying process involves quickly freezing the raw food at very low temperatures and then removing moisture through sublimation. This process helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, reducing the risk of contamination.

For dehydrated dog food, the gentle heating process helps remove moisture from the food while preserving its nutritional value. The low temperatures used are generally safe and minimize the risk of harmful bacteria or microorganisms surviving in the food.

For air dried dog food, the dog food is gently dehydrated at a low temperature. This method helps preserve the nutritional integrity of the ingredients while effectively removing moisture from the food.

Freeze-dried, dehydrated and air dried raw dog food is typically packaged in airtight containers or bags, protecting it from moisture and external contaminants that could compromise its safety.

They also undergo rigorous quality control and testing. Reputable manufacturers ensure that their products meet strict safety standards and regulatory guidelines. They conduct regular testing to verify the absence of harmful substances, such as contaminants, toxins, or heavy metals, that could pose a risk to your dogs’ health.

Here’s what you have to do to ensure that these raw dog food alternatives are safe for your dog

Proper handling and storage of freeze-dried raw dog food are essential!

Following the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, rehydration, and feeding guidelines is crucial to maintain its safety.

128 Best Alternatives To Raw Dog Food In 2023: Bottom Line

The freeze-dried, dehydrated and air-dried dog foods I mentioned are all great alternatives to raw dog food thanks to their convenience, long shelf life, and the preservation of nutrients while minimizing the need for artificial preservatives.

As you could tell, there are tons of different protein options, so even if your pup is very picky or has food sensitivities, you should find an option that works for them.

Several brands also offer their foods in trial sizes, so that’s less of a commitment and helps prevent wasting money should your pup not like the food.

Either way, I recommend you pick up a bag or two and keep them in your pantry for those times you forget to thaw your pup’s raw meals and when you’re traveling.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, you’ll want to slowly introduce these types of dog foods to avoid any digestive upset.

Raw Dog Food Game Changers

BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK RAW DOG FOOD

Save 15% on anything at Raw Paws Pet Food with code K9Savings. They’re located in Indiana and ship nationwide within the US.

BEST VARIETY FOR INDIVIDUAL CUTS OF RAW MEAT

Save 10% on your first order of anything at Raw Feeding Miami with this referral link.

BEST SLOW FEEDER FOR RAW FED DOGS

Mighty Paw’s Slow Feed Insert combined with Yeti’s Boomer 4 Dog Bowl. Both are top rack dishwasher safe.

BEST FOUNDATION FOR BALANCED DIY RAW MEALS

Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Base Mix. It’s low-carb which is particularly great for dogs on a keto diet and those with health issues like diabetes and cancer.

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128 Best Alternatives To Raw Dog Food In 2023