Best raw dog food in the UK

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:

• Best raw dog food overall: Bella and Duke - View on Bella and Duke
• Best raw dog food for variety: ProDog Raw Dog Food - View on Amazon UK
• Best complete raw dog food: Natures Menu Complete and Balanced Frozen Adult Dog Food - View on Pets at Home

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

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.