There is no single best raw dog food brand. The right one depends on your dog, your budget and, most of all, the protein they do well on. We run a family-owned shop in West Bromwich stocking raw food from nine UK brands, so this is how we talk customers through the choice, one protein at a time.
Before you pick a brand
- Check complete or complementary. A complete food is a full meal on its own. A complementary food is meant to be mixed with other food. The label tells you which one you have.
- Switch gradually. Introduce a new food over a week or two, and bring in new proteins one at a time.
- Follow the pack and your dog. Feeding guides are a starting point. Adjust to body condition, age and activity, or use our feeding calculator.
Chicken and turkey: the everyday staples
Poultry is the most common starting point for raw feeders, and nearly every brand we stock does it well. For value, our own-label Economy Minces and 800g Economy Mince blocks are popular. For complete, balanced meals look at Natures Menu, Southcliffe Foods and Dougie's, which all offer chicken and turkey recipes, often with tripe or fish added for variety.
Beef: rich and widely available
Beef recipes are a staple across the range. Natures Menu has beef in freeflow, nuggets and puppy recipes, Dougie's does beef in its 80/10/10 range, and Prime Animal Feeds and Southcliffe both offer complete beef meals.
Lamb: a popular change of protein
Many owners rotate lamb in alongside chicken or beef. You will find lamb from Yorkshire Raw rolls, Durham Animal Feeds, Birmingham Raw Meats and Drool, plus lamb and tripe combinations for dogs that like a stronger smell.
Duck: for dogs that like something different
Duck is a good option for rotating proteins. Durham and Yorkshire Raw both offer duck and duck-and-tripe recipes, Natures Menu has it in its 80/20 nuggets, and Southcliffe has several duck combinations including duck and pork.
Fish and salmon
Oily fish is a common addition to a rotation. Southcliffe has oily fish complete meals and haddock mince, Dougie's offers turkey and oily fish, Drool has salmon and tripe, and Durham stocks mackerel. For fish-based frozen treats, see our frozen treats.
Tripe
Green tripe has a strong smell that many dogs love. Dougie's Pure Green Tripe and Prime's Just Tripe are popular, and most brands offer tripe blended with chicken, beef or lamb.
Rabbit, venison and game
Novel proteins are often chosen by owners who want to avoid the common meats. Yorkshire Raw does rabbit, Dougie's Luxury has venison and rabbit, and Durham's luxury range covers game. If your dog has a medical condition or suspected food sensitivity, speak to your vet before changing diet.
The brands at a glance
- Natures Menu: freeflow mince, 60/40 and 80/20 nuggets and puppy recipes. Easy to portion.
- Southcliffe Foods: a very wide range of mince and complete recipes.
- Dougie's: complete 80/10/10 meals plus tripe, offal and luxury game.
- Durham Animal Feeds: long list of single and combination proteins, plus Durham Dinners.
- Yorkshire Raw: rolls in a big choice of proteins, including rabbit and game.
- Prime Animal Feeds: complete meals, including fruit and veg recipes.
- Birmingham Raw Meats: a local favourite with a good range of poultry, red meat and game.
- Drool: freeflow raw in 1kg bags.
What about cats?
Cats have different needs to dogs, so always pick a food made for cats. Browse our raw cat food.
Still not sure?
Come and see us in West Bromwich and we will help you choose. Find the shop, or start with the full raw meats range.
Every dog is different. Check individual product instructions and speak with your vet where your dog has a medical condition or specific dietary requirement.
