The best raw dog food in the UK is a big bone to chew over. Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding (BARF) is a diet based on what dogs would naturally eat. Like the Paleo diet for humans, it's a lot more expensive and high maintenance than commercial dog food. While there are no scientific studies that give conclusive evidence on raw diets, some advocates, such as the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS), argue that a 100 per cent uncooked and natural diet has long-term health and wellbeing benefits that offset potential vet bills later in life. However, some vets and other dog healthcare professionals have their concerns. That’s why we’re here to help you weigh up the pros and cons for yourself so you can decide whether a raw diet is the best type of food for your pooch.
Not sure what a raw diet consists of? You'll find more information in our FAQs section, along with more benefits and concerns of this type of diet, but let us briefly explain here. Raw or BARF is a natural diet - eating uncooked foods - as dogs would in the wild. This consists of raw meaty bones, offal, crushed vegetables, and supplementary small amounts of fruit, herbs, yoghurt, cheese and cottage cheese. It's not to be confused with a homemade diet, where ingredients can be cooked.
Best raw dog food in the UK at a glance:
The main concern with raw feeding is the risk of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, which can be extremely dangerous to our dogs and ourselves. Dr Micheal Lazaris, small animal vet and co-director of practice Vets on the Common, says, “If you decide to feed your pet a raw diet, you need to be extremely strict with hygiene, using separate bowls, washing your hands frequently, keep the raw food away from human food in the fridge etc. Also, don't let your dog kiss you, especially straight after they've eaten!” It is also extremely difficult to get the nutrient ratios correct for your dog with a raw diet, which can lead to life-threatening nutritional deficiencies over time, so you should always consult with your vet before switching your hound to this type of diet.
However, Dr Michael also says that commercial raw dog food is often safer than what you’d whip up in the kitchen to create raw food yourself, as companies that produce food to cater for a raw diet will have strict hygiene in place for when they’re making the food, including measures to reduce how much bacteria is in the meat. As the food from these dog food subscription services is, more often than not, delivered to you frozen, it will ward off bacterial growth and kill off any parasites in the meat. As long as you’ve got plenty of freezer space, you may want to consider some of the best raw dog food options we’ve listed below.
Best raw dog food in the UK
Best raw dog food overall
Bella and Dukewww.bellaandduke.com
Engineered to provide your beloved canine with a comprehensive blend of essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, the Bella & Duke raw dog food subscription service ensures your furry friend remains healthy and content.
Each meal contains a minimum of 80 per cent meat, bone, and offal, which encourages strong muscles, resilient tendons, and robust ligaments. Infused with superfoods like black pepper, ginger, and turmeric, these raw meals deliver crucial nutrients, complemented by seasonal vegetables and berries for added nourishment. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are included also to maintain your pup's coat's luxurious softness and shine.
To ensure your pooch is getting the right blend of ingredients and the correct amount of food each mealtime, you will need to provide details to Bella & Duke such as the age and breed of your dog in order for the meal plan to be tailored to their needs. For this reason, it means the prices of this food can vary from dog to go based on their individual requirements. Meals are delivered frozen and straight to your door, which customers rave about in reviews on Trustpilot, ensuring freshness, but this also means you’ll need adequate freezer space to store them all.
Pros
- Food tailored to the exact needs of your pooch based on their age, breed and more
- High percentage of meat per recipe which is great for muscle strength
- Delivered straight to your door for your convenience
Cons
- As the food is tailored to the size/age/needs of your pooch, the price can vary from dog to dog
| Quantity: | 500g tubs in 4kg, 8kg, 12kg, 16kg and 20kg boxes |
| Food format: | Frozen tubs |
| Ingredients: | Option specific |
- 99 per cent of their customers said their dog's stool quality improved
- BRC accredited human-grade meat factories
- Locally sourced fruit and veg
- RawSAFE accredited
Best complete raw dog food
Natures Menuwww.viovet.co.uk
Looking for a convenient raw food option for your furry companion? Look no further than Natures Menu Complete & Balanced Frozen Adult Dog Food. This hassle-free choice is as easy to pick up as toys and walking essentials for your pooch.
With a focus on quality ingredients, this food contains 60 per cent meat and offal, including chicken and salmon, to support muscle strength and development. The remaining 40 per cent consists of flavourful vegetables, brown rice, vitamins, and minerals, creating delicious nuggets your dog will love. Just remember to thaw them before serving, as they're stored in the freezer.
Natures Diet claims that these nuggets promote digestive health and contribute to a shiny coat, a claim supported by positive customer reviews. Many pet owners report improvements in their dog's coat condition and fewer digestive issues since switching to this food, but if your pup has allergies or sensitivities to grains, be cautious, as this food contains rice.
Pros
- Convenient to pick up along with other pet essentials
- Customers have reported their dog's tummy issues have stopped since switching to this food
- Easy to serve as you simply pour out the required amount of nuggets, leave to thaw and serve when ready
Cons
- As it contains brown rice, this food may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies, sensitivities or intolerances
| Quantity: | 1kg approx 58 pellets |
| Food format: | Meat nuggets in a bag to be frozen |
| Ingredients: | Chicken, Brown Rice, Peas, Salmon, Carrots, Swede, Pea Fibre, Minerals, Yucca, Green Tea |
- Natures Menu have been crafting nutritious raw food for over 40 years
Best raw food for working dogs
Nutriment Enhanced/AmazonNutriment Enhanced Adult Dog Food trays are a game-changer for pet owners seeking variety and quality nutrition for their furry companions.
With four delicious flavours – chicken, turkey, salmon, and beef – your dog won't have a chance to get bored of their meals. Each tray is carefully formulated with top-notch ingredients, including quality protein for muscle strength, essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, and a blend of vitamins and minerals to boost energy levels and support the immune system.
What sets this food apart is its suitability for working dogs, thanks to its higher calorie content compared to other raw foods. These extra calories provide the necessary fuel for active working dogs. However, for dogs with a more sedentary lifestyle, monitoring their weight is essential to ensure they maintain a healthy balance.
Pros
- Your pup shouldn't get bored quickly as there's a mix of flavours included in each one
- A good option for working dogs that burn off lots of calories as the food has a higher amount of calories compared to other raw foods
- Plenty of protein included in each recipe for muscle strength
Cons
- Dogs that aren't so active may find they gain weight more quickly if they're fed this food due to its higher calorie content
| Quantity: | 500 g trays in a 10 tray pack |
| Ingredients: | British Chicken with Bone, British Beef Green Tripe, British Beef Kidney, British Beef Liver, Fresh Carrots, Fresh Butternut Squash, Fresh Broccoli, Fresh Green Curly Kale, Scottish Cold Water Salmon Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Raw Sea Kelp Powder (Laminaria japonica), Bilberry Powder (Vaccinium Mytilus), Spirulina Powder (Spirulina platensis), Whole Milled Sesame Seeds, Wheat Germ Oil (natural vitamin E) |
| Food format: | Chopped, blended and frozen ingredients in trays |
- Ethically-sourced British meat
- Made in the UK
Best raw dog food for value
4PAWSRAW/AmazonSupport a small business and save on your dog's nutrition with 4PAWSRAW Raw Dog Food. Priced at under £50 for 20 bars of 560g each, buying in bulk is a cost-effective way to feed your pooch. The bar format is freezer-friendly, requiring less space than trays or bags, making storage hassle-free.
Not just convenient for storage, the bar shape aids in portioning out your dog's meals. Each bar is divided into four cubes, allowing for easy customization based on your dog's size, breed, and dietary needs. With a variety of flavours including beef, oily fish, chicken, salmon, beef mince, and chicken liver, mealtime excitement is guaranteed.
Reviews on Amazon highlight the appeal of 4PAWSRAW Raw Dog Food, particularly for picky eaters. While most dogs eagerly devour all flavours, some may have preferences. Nonetheless, for dogs who enjoy their meals, this raw food is irresistible.
Pros
- Cost-effective way of feeding your pooch because it's a bulk buy option
- Take up less freeze space than tubs and trays as they come in bar form
- Range of meaty flavours to keep pooches interested in what's in their bowl
Cons
- Some dogs may not like all the flavours, so if your pup doesn't like them it's a bit of a waste
| Quantity: | 560g pack of 20 |
| Food format: | Blended meat |
| Flavours: | Chicken with Beef, Chicken with Tripe, Beef with Tripe, Chicken with Liver, Premium Chicken Mince, Beef mince, Turkey mince, Lamb mince, Duck and Red Currant, Duck, Duck, Lamb and Veg, Lamb and Veg, Chicken and Veg, Beef and Oily Fish, Chicken and Salmon |
- Made with human-grade meats that are purchased fresh
- Certified by the Pet Industry Federation
Best superfood raw dog food
Billy + Margotbillyandmargot.co.uk
Billy + Margot Raw Tasting Bundle is among the esteemed list of certified raw pet food manufacturers by the UK Pet Food Association. Crafted with meticulous care and stringent hygiene standards, this bundle guarantees quality ingredients and production.
Loaded with superfoods, this bundle is a powerhouse of nutrients essential for your pooch's vitality. Ingredients like alfalfa, yam, turmeric, coconut, nettles, and kelp provide a much-needed boost to the immune system and fuel for playful antics. With a composition of 80 per cent meat, bone, and offal, along with 20 per cent seasonal vegetables, each mouthful ensures premium quality ingredients.
Customer reviews rave about the value, quality, and texture of this raw food. While the odd customer mentions delayed dispatch times, the general consensus is that the wait is well worth it for the superior quality and taste.
Pros
- Packed full of superfoods that benefit a dog's overall wellbeing and health
- Prepared to a high standard with strict hygiene procedures
- Great value and tasty too
Cons
- The odd customer complained about dispatch times but generally, reviewers thought it was worth the wait
| Quantity: | 5 x 2kg |
| Food format: | Minced and blended with superfoods |
| Ingredients: | Meat, vegetables, superfoods |
- Made using human-grade premium cuts of meat
- DEFRA Approved
- Pet Food UK Certified
Best raw dog food treats
Natures Varietywww.petsathome.com
If you're hesitant about transitioning your pup to a full raw food diet, Nature's Variety Freeze Dried Meat Bites Toppers offer a great compromise.
These toppers are a simple yet effective way to enhance your dog's meals, providing both a boost in taste and nutritional value. Particularly useful for picky eaters, adding a topper can entice your dog to their bowl and stimulate their appetite.
Crafted with 100 per cent high-quality deboned lamb, these toppers are packed with protein that will build up cells and maintain your pup’s body condition and they’re complimented with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals for balanced nutrition. While some reviewers find them a bit pricey for everyday use as the packet is on the small side, many opt to treat their dog occasionally or use them for training due to their high meat content, making them a valuable reward, or should we say raw-ard?
Pros
- Great for transitioning/introducing your hound to a raw food diet as it can be fed alongside their regular food
- Uses quality lamb in the recipe that is packed with protein
- Can also be used as a high value reward during dog training
Cons
- Small packet so you will need to be buying these pretty regularly if you want to feed your pooch them every day
| Quantity: | 20g |
| Ingredients: | 100 per cent lamb |
| Food format: | Freeze-dried meat |
- Deboned meat
- Single-source protein
Best raw dog food for senstive stomachs
Benyfit Naturalbenyfitnatural.co.uk
For pet owners with dogs suffering from sensitive stomachs, transitioning to a raw diet might seem daunting. However, Benyfit Natural offers a solution with their Sensitive Complete Adult Raw Dog Food.
Unlike many other raw dog foods, this recipe excludes offal and is low in purine, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis, or those susceptible to bladder stones. Additionally, the low-fat content eases any concerns some dog owners may have about weight gain when switching to raw food.
While some reviews mention packaging issues, the overwhelming majority of customers – 98 per cent to be exact - highly recommend this food. Pet owners praise its effectiveness in sorting out their dog's tummy troubles, with many reporting a stop to their hound’s stomach issues since switching to Benyfit Natural.
Pros
- Made without offal, which can sometimes be the cause of a dog's stomach issues
- Low fat content so your dog shouldn't gain too much weight while eating this food
- Customers are generally happy that this food has put a stop to their hound's stomach problems
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with the packaging and thought the food could be packaged better
| Quantity: | 1 x 500g |
| Food format: | Blended and frozen in trays |
| Ingredients: | Meat, vegetables and botanicals |
- Grain-free
- Made in the UK
- Offal-free
- Low in fat
Best raw dog food for variety
ProDog/AmazonProDog Raw Dog Food is a range of minced meats and other natural ingredients, frozen in 500g trays. You just get them out to defrost and serve in your dog's bowl - it really is as simple as that!
The recipes contain 65 per cent chopped and minced quality muscle meat that's human-grade and ethically sourced in the UK. The 10 per cent ground bone content is a source of calcium and phosphorus - and helps to create firm stools. Fresh seasonal vegetables, offal, kelp and salmon oil enhance the palatability and support your dog's immune system. Prodog claims the typical daily cost of feeding a dog on their raw food products starts at 41p for a Toy (5kg) and up to £4.92 for a Giant (60kg).
Like many raw foods, this food may not be to every dog's taste and you may need to introduce it gradually to get your dog used to it and to stop any tummy troubles that could occur when switching foods. For the customers with dogs that liked this food (of which there are many), they've rated it highly for its quality ingredients and found that their dogs couldn't get enough
Pros
- Simple to serve - you've just got to remember to take it out of the freezer to defrost
- Quality and ethically sourced ingredients
- Cost-effective way to feed your pooch
Cons
- Not to every dog's taste, with some reviewers reporting their dogs turned their nose up at this food
| Quantity: | 500g trays pack of 10 |
| Food format: | Chopped and minced ingredients frozen in trays |
| Ingredients: | (typically) Meat, ground bone, seasonal vegetables, superfoods, salmon oil |
- Ethically farmed meat
- Certified and regulated
- Made in the UK
How we chose the best raw dog food
All of these raw dog foods have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered flavour, nutrition and hygiene in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching raw dog food to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a raw food diet?
Owners noticed an improvement in their dog's energy levels and the condition of their coats. Advocates of a biologically appropriate diet say that it can alleviate allergies such as itchy skin. It's also an option for feeding dogs with sensitive stomachs, as it's grain-free. Owners who are feeding their dogs on a BARF diet report that their pets appear to enjoy their food more. The ingredients are appealing and offer a great variety of flavours, textures and aromas. These meats and vegetables are unprocessed, so they retain all of the nutritional value. Joints and bones benefit from essential fatty acids that decrease joint inflammation. Offal contains essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B (2, 6, 12) and C, riboflavin, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, folate, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and enzymes. Omega 3 and 6 found naturally in oily fish such as salmon - support coat, gut, skin and joint health.
Raw meaty bones provide exercise for your dog's jaw, neck, arms and shoulders. Eating raw meaty bones also provides a flossing action that scraps the plaque off their teeth and gives a gum massage. Chewing on a bone is a pleasure for a dog and a great stress reliever. Chewing releases endorphins and is a coping mechanism when dogs feel lonely, anxious, bored or frustrated. Additionally, it also means better-smelling breath. Out of a dog's 42 teeth, their 10 molars are dedicated to crushing and chewing and are an evolutionary legacy from their scavenger ancestors.
Your dog will have fewer and firmer stools and less wind. It'll be purer poop that's smaller, harder and chalkier in texture. And less smelly.
Also, you'll be doing your bit to support sustainable and ethical farming. The vast majority of raw dog food brands also have a vested interest in providing 100 per cent human-grade quality from British farms. Additionally, they source seasonal fruit and vegetables locally.
What are the cons of a raw food diet?
Firstly, there's a lot of conflicting advice about the raw dog food diet. Only get advice from your vet and consultants with accreditations. The PDSA states no studies support that raw feeding has any benefit over conventional dog food. The raw food or homemade diet needs research to ensure your dog is getting the right nutrients.
It's difficult to provide a balanced diet, for example, on a raw food diet, your dog can miss out on dietary fibre and the probiotics that are added to commercial wet dog food and dry dog food. Prebiotics and probiotics rebalance your dog's microflora and strengthen the immune system. And dietary fibre in the right balance and type to avoid putting unnecessary strain on a dog's gut.
Dogs are high-maintenance pets, even owning a small dog can cost £1,000 a year on standard dog food. You get what you pay for - all that high-quality human-grade meat is super expensive. With a raw dog food subscription, you can be paying a minimum of £50 a month. Plus, you need a lot of space in your freezer and fridge. Home-prepared meals require a lot of preparation and research to ensure your dog is getting the right range and balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy and provide them with energy.
Finally, there's the risk of food poisoning that's associated with handling and eating uncooked meat and bones. Raw meat carries pathogens that can be harmful.
Do vets recommend raw dog food?
Most vets do not recommend a raw diet for dogs as it comes with a risk of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, which can be extremely dangerous to our dogs and ourselves. Dr Michael Lazaris says, “Bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and Listeria are often found on raw meat, which normally would be killed during the cooking process, but with raw feeding, these bacteria aren’t killed and can be found in our pet’s saliva, faeces, food bowls and more.”
What does a raw dog food diet look like?
Perhaps it's not the best option if you feel squeamish about handling raw flesh, offal and uncooked bones. The raw dog food or BARF diet is 80 per cent raw meat and bones, supplemented with ground vegetables and fruit, eggs, fish and some yoghurt. Followers of this diet believe it gives their dogs the very best in nutrition and health.
A raw food diet contains high-quality organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, fish, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy products such as yoghurt. Many dog owners prefer a raw diet as it is closer to what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild.
It's a diverse diet and can take the form of chopped or blended ingredients, served raw in a bowl, or freeze-dried meaty treats. Chicken, salmon, lamb, beef, rabbit, turkey, tripe and venison provide nutritious sources of protein. Vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals, such as pumpkin, broccoli and kale, provide fibre. And superfoods containing antioxidants, such as spirulina, bilberry powder, sea kelp and salmon oil, add extra goodness to raw dog food.
Can all dogs eat raw food, or are there specific breeds or health conditions to consider?
We asked Dr. Michael Lazaris for his advice on this question, and he said: "If your dog has any health issues, I would advise speaking to your vet before switching to a raw diet.
"Dogs with kidney disease, for example, should have restricted levels of protein and phosphorus in their diet, which may be hard to achieve with a raw diet. Also, dogs with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible to the bacteria found in raw food, which could make them very sick.
"I would also advise puppies to be fed a commercial diet until they are adults before considering the switch to raw food. This is because growing dogs need a very different nutrient composition in their diet compared to adults, and getting this wrong can have devastating effects on your growing pooch."
Can raw meaty bones be given to dogs?
Yes, this is a key part of the raw dog food diet. Raw bones should be given in moderation (10 per cent of the daily diet). They provide mental stimulation and improve dental hygiene. Take care with fresh bones; if you have more than one dog or cat in the house, it can cause fights to break out.
Only buy raw bones from stores and brands that have passed all the required hygiene checks and have sourced the bones from ethical farms.
Never give a dog cooked bones because a cooked bone is brittle and can splinter. This could cut the mouth, throat or a dog's gut and be lethal.
How do I handle and serve raw dog food?
Follow the same hygiene routine as you would if you were preparing roast chicken or a steak supper for your family.
Keep raw food separate from cooked meat to prevent contamination. The food has to be thoroughly defrosted.
Keep storage containers and utensils that handle raw food separate. Use stainless steel, metal or glass bowls as they won't harbour bacteria like plastic can.
Defrosted portions of raw food keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure you wash and disinfect surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw pet food. Also, wash your hands with warm soapy water.
What is the best dish for raw dog food?
The best dog bowls to use when feeding your pooch on a raw diet are stainless steel ones. They’re the easiest type of bowl to clean and keep sanitary, which is something you’ve really got to be on top of when feeding your pooch raw dog food. Stainless steel dog bowls are also less prone to bacteria buildup, and they’re durable and long-lasting.
You do need to keep an eye out for any scratches in stainless steel bowls and if the bowl is showing any signs of wear and tear, it’s best to replace them. Bacteria is harder to get out of scratches, which could end up making your pup poorly. You also need to make sure you’re washing and drying them properly, as they end up rusting if they’re not looked after.
This article contains expert advice from Dr Michael Lazaris. Dr Michael is a small animal vet and co-director of his practice, Vets on the Common, in London. You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok, where he shares all the latest pet advice and adorable patients he treats.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.