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Forbes
23-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Wet Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Healthy, Happy And Hydrated
If your pup turns up their nose at dry kibble or rarely visits their water bowl, wet dog food might be worth considering. Not only does this type of food appeal more to picky eaters, but it can be gentler on sensitive stomachs and provide extra moisture. After researching popular options, consulting veterinary experts and testing several brands ourselves, we confidently recommend Open Farm Surf & Turf Pâté as the best wet dog food overall. It's made with ethically sourced proteins and simple ingredients, and most importantly, dogs seem to love eating it. That said, the ideal choice depends heavily on your pup's lifestyle, health conditions and personal taste. The best wet dog foods are healthy and hydrating, from trusted brands like Open Farm, Weruva and ... More Caru. Knowing what to prioritize can make choosing the right food easier. To start, take a close look at each food's ingredient list. 'The best wet dog food includes clearly named protein sources, limited filler ingredients and whole-food elements like sweet potatoes or carrots,' says Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel. 'When checking food labels, look for real, recognizable ingredients.' For example, a fresh dog food option like The Farmer's Dog delivers customized, human-grade meals made with incredibly high-quality ingredients. Ahead, we've rounded up the best wet dog foods available, including picks tailored specifically for puppies, senior dogs, prescription diets and more. And to give you further peace of mind, all of our recommendations adhere to nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), so you can feel confident you're choosing a complete and balanced food. Open Farm Type: Pâté | Life stage: Adult | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you've ever read the label on a can of dog food and wondered where the ingredients actually came from, Open Farm makes it easy to find out. Its Surf & Turf Pâté is made with grass-fed beef, beef liver and sustainably caught whitefish—all ingredients you can trace online to see exactly how they were sourced. Every batch of the brand's canned food is tested for things like salmonella and heavy metals before it leaves the facility, and you can even review the lab results yourself. (To view sourcing and safety information about your specific batch, try the company's online transparency tool.) The smooth pâté texture is easy for most dogs to eat, even those who tend to be picky, and the recipe doesn't include common irritants like soy, legumes or carrageenan. We especially like the Surf & Turf recipe because it combines beef and whitefish, both excellent sources of protein and nutrients dogs need, along with beef liver for extra vitamins and minerals. It's also free of chicken, which many dogs are sensitive to (often without their owners even realizing it). If your dog prefers different proteins, Open Farm also has recipes with salmon, turkey and beef that are worth trying. I personally always keep a few cans in my pantry as backup in case my dog's usual food subscription gets delayed or we're going to be traveling. She loves the taste, and unlike dry kibble, it doesn't upset her digestion or cause changes to her stool. The Farmer's Dog Type: Fresh (frozen) | Life stage: All life stages | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Farmer's Dog is different from typical wet foods because it's fresh and arrives frozen, but it still has the softer texture and high moisture content that make wet food appealing to many pups. Forbes Vetted recently named it the best dog food delivery service in 2025, thanks largely to its personalized approach and high-quality ingredients. Recipes feature proteins like beef, chicken, turkey and pork, combined with vegetables and nutrient-rich ingredients such as chickpeas and salmon oil. The meals are cooked gently in a human-grade facility, then frozen and shipped directly to you. When you sign up, you first have to answer a quick survey about your dog's age, breed, weight and activity, so the meals arrive already portioned out for your pup's specific needs. The packaging conveniently includes your pet's name, which is helpful if you board your dog or use daycare regularly. Just remember you need a decent amount of freezer space, and the packages can't be resealed once opened. That said, I regularly feed The Farmer's Dog to my pup and have never had an issue with storage. The packs of food lay flat in the freezer and they're easy to stack, and the brand sends you a convenient storage container to keep partially used packages fresh in the fridge. Open Farm Type: Pâté | Life stage: Puppy | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: Open Farm's puppy pâté uses the same high-quality ingredients and transparent sourcing as its adult recipes, but it's formulated specifically to meet the needs of growing puppies. The veterinarians we spoke to emphasized that young dogs require specific amounts of vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth—particularly larger breeds, which can have more demanding nutritional requirements. Rather than settle for a general "all life stages" food, they recommend choosing a dedicated puppy formula like this to ensure your pup gets the nutrients they need. This recipe blends humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, chicken liver and veggies like sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. And while this is the brand's only puppy-specific flavor available right now, most reviewers say their pups happily clean their bowls. My own 8-month-old pup regularly eats this canned food, which we mix in with her fresh meals from The Farmer's Dog (now that she's getting older). She loves the taste and it hasn't caused any digestion issues, which I can't say about every food we've tried. Amazon Type: Canned | Life stage: Adult | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: Several veterinarians we spoke to recommended limited-ingredient diets for senior dogs, because simpler recipes are often easier on aging digestive systems. Weruva's Paw Lickin' Chicken recipe is a great example. Its main ingredient is cage-free chicken breast, and you can actually see the recognizable chunks of real meat as soon as you open the can. Plus, it's soft enough for older dogs to chew comfortably without being overly mushy. Weruva also offers plenty of variety if your older pup is still excited about trying new flavors. There are over a dozen other recipes to choose from, including options featuring turkey, duck, tuna, pumpkin, carrots and more, all made to the same high-quality standards. So even if your senior dog's tastes change as they age—or they simply get picky—there are plenty of options to keep them interested in mealtime. Chewy Type: Stew | Life stage: All life stages | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you already know how tricky it can be to find food that keeps their digestive system happy. This Caru recipe features a simple ingredient list with human-grade turkey and salmon, two proteins generally gentle on sensitive stomachs, plus mild veggies like pumpkin, carrots and apples. The stew is slowly cooked in small batches, and it even looks (and smells) like something you might make yourself. Reviewers frequently note this recipe significantly improved their dogs' digestive issues after switching from other brands, especially those containing potatoes or grains. Plus, Caru packages its stew in a convenient, resealable pouch rather than a traditional can, so it's easy to portion out exactly what your dog needs. JustFoodForDogs Type: Fresh (frozen and pantry-stable options) | Life stage: Adult | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No (prescription required) What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your vet recommends a prescription diet to manage your dog's specific health issues, JustFoodForDogs has fresh recipes created by veterinarians and nutritionists. Unlike many prescription foods that use lower-quality ingredients, these recipes include recognizable, human-grade ingredients like wild-caught cod, lamb, turkey and fresh veggies. The brand offers four specialized formulas to support a variety of concerns, such as kidney health, liver function, metabolism and appetite stimulation during critical care. Each recipe carefully controls nutrient levels based on specific health conditions, so you know your dog is getting exactly what their body needs. All four varieties come in frozen fresh formats, and two of the formulas also come in convenient shelf-stable 'Pantry Fresh' versions. Just keep in mind that you' need a prescription from your veterinarian to order these diets, though you don't have to commit to a subscription unless you want to. The meals are available directly from the company online, at JustFoodForDogs stores nationwide and at select Petco locations. The Forbes Vetted home team regularly researches and writes about pet products, from the best cat food to the best dog beds. To find the best wet dog food, we combined personal testing, expert insights and thorough research, keeping our own dogs in mind every step of the way.
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 7 Best Cat Foods, Based On Advice From Trusted Vets
Investing in your cat's health and happiness starts with feeding them tasty, nutrient-rich food. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a meat-based diet with plenty of moisture—not plant-heavy formulas packed with fillers. Out of the very best cat foods, Smalls is our top pick overall, as it prioritizes high-quality animal proteins and avoids unnecessary carbohydrates that don't serve a cat's natural needs. The best cat food is the one your cat actually loves, while keeping them healthy and thriving. While many cat owners assume that kibble is the standard, every expert we spoke with recommended prioritizing wet or fresh foods. "Respect the cat's biology,' says Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM. 'They are designed to eat a meaty, moist food.' Since cats have a low thirst drive, they rely on their food for hydration; therefore, wet cat food can be an essential part of a balanced diet. But that doesn't mean dry food doesn't have a place at all—some high-protein kibble options, like Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon, offer species-appropriate nutrition while providing variety for cats that prefer crunchier textures. Beyond choosing between wet and dry food, it's important to consider your cat's age, health and individual needs. From protein-packed formulas to high-quality dry food, our top picks for the best cat food cover a range of options to help you find what's right for your feline. Smalls Type: Fresh | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 200 kcal/package | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Many commercial cat foods rely on fillers and preservatives, but Smalls takes a different approach—one that more closely mirrors what cats are meant to eat. The brand prioritizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, gently cooking its fresh recipes to preserve nutrients. The turkey formula, for example, is packed with over 80% animal protein, plus hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which may support digestion and urinary health. To get started, pet parents take a quick online quiz that asks for information about their cat's age, weight, activity level and dietary preferences. Smalls then ships a sampler box with ten packets of fresh food, so you can test different recipes before committing to a recurring delivery schedule. Since meals arrive frozen, they stay fresh in the freezer until you're ready to thaw them. Once thawed, they last about a week in the fridge, so meal prep is easy with minimal waste. Smalls also meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which a non-profit organization that regulates the nutritional requirements for pet food. In other words, this food meets all of a cat's dietary needs, making it a straightforward way to introduce fresh food into your cat's diet without worrying about dealing with complicated meal prep. Chewy Type: Wet (stew) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 152 kcal/carton | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you want high-quality wet food but aren't looking for a fresh option like Smalls, Caru Classic Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew is a great choice. Unlike many canned foods that contain meat by-products, artificial preservatives or gums, Caru uses limited, human-grade ingredients and slow-cooks its recipes to retain nutrients. The result is a stew-like texture that's closer to homemade food than typical processed cat food. Wild salmon is the first ingredient, which provides lean protein and omega-3s that support skin, coat and brain health. The formula also includes turkey for extra protein, plus dandelion greens and marine microalgae oil, which give your cat antioxidants and fatty acids that may support immune function, kidney health and joint mobility. Since many cats don't drink enough water, the moisture-rich formula helps keep them hydrated and supports urinary health. Caru makes its food in a USDA-licensed human food facility in Wisconsin, using USDA-inspected meats and sourcing all other ingredients from human-edible sources. It costs more than standard wet food, but the simple ingredient list, high-quality sourcing and gentle cooking process can support long-term health and may help prevent issues like dehydration and inflammation. Amazon Type: Dry | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 470 kcal/cup | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Every vet we spoke with stressed how important moisture is for cats, since they don't naturally drink much water and get hydration from their food. But cats can be extremely picky, and some simply prefer dry food. If kibble is part of your cat's diet, choosing a high-quality, limited-ingredient option matters—and we think Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is one of the best. Open Farm starts with wild-caught Pacific salmon, packed with omega-3s and DHA to support a healthy coat, skin and brain function. The formula also includes ocean whitefish and herring meal for additional protein, plus pumpkin, cranberries and dandelion greens, which are ingredients that may aid digestion and immune health. While kibble is more processed than fresh or wet food, Open Farm keeps its ingredients recognizable compared to many traditional brands. The veterinarians we consulted had differing opinions on dry food—one holistic vet told us it's 'a myth' that kibble cleans teeth, while others say dry food still has a place in a balanced diet. What they all agreed on, however, is that hydration is key. Many recommend rehydrating kibble with water or broth to improve moisture intake. (Also, if you're worried about your cat's water intake, you can always invest in a cat water fountain.) Ultimately, the best diet is whatever works for your cat. If that includes kibble, this is a trustworthy option with responsibly caught fish and fully traceable ingredients. Amazon Type: Wet | Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 100 kcal/3 oz can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: A kitten's early diet lays the foundation for lifelong health, and Weruva's Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus provides the nutrition they need to grow strong. This protein-rich recipe is designed to deliver essential amino acids that help kittens build muscle and maintain their energy levels. Because kittens require higher amounts of protein, fat and key nutrients than adult cats, a well-balanced formula is critical during this stage. Beyond protein and hydration, this Weruva recipe includes taurine, fish oil and vitamin D3 to support your kitten's brain development, vision and immune function. The high moisture content may also help with digestion and kidney health, which is especially important for young kittens as they transition to solid food. The soft, shredded texture of the food is meant to be easy for tiny teeth to manage, so they can get the nutrients they need without struggling to eat. And the recipe skips grains, artificial additives and carrageenan, which is helpful if your kitten has a sensitive stomach. Weruva prepares its food in human-grade facilities, following strict global safety standards to ensure high-quality ingredients and processing. Since kittens burn through calories quickly, the brand recommends feeding one to two cans per 1.5 to 2 pounds of body weight daily, split into three or more meals. Chewy Type: Wet (mousse and shreds) | Life stage: Senior | Calories: 80 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: As cats age, their nutritional needs shift, but one macronutrient remains essential: protein. "The amount of calories they need may lessen, but protein needs can actually increase," says Coger. "It's vital that older cats get enough protein and the key amino acids for heart health, taurine and carnitine." Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds is designed specifically for seniors, with a high-protein formula to help maintain muscle mass and a soft texture that's easy to eat. Since kidney issues are common in older cats, this low-phosphorus formula is designed to be easier on their system. With salmon oil, coconut oil, turmeric and green tea extract, this food includes ingredients that may ease inflammation and support joint health as cats get older. It's also highly palatable, with chicken liver to entice cats that may have reduced appetites. Tiki Cat's Silver line offers a variety of textures beyond mousse and shreds, including all-mousse, shredded-only and options with broth, so you can choose what best suits your cat's preferences. Smalls is another great option for senior cats, especially if hydration is a concern or they need an even softer texture. But if your cat prefers a specific texture or you want a more budget-friendly option, Tiki Cat Silver is a great pick. Amazon Type: Wet (flaked in consommé) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 71 kcal/2.8-ounce can, 151 kcal/6-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you know how frustrating it can be to find a food that doesn't upset their digestion. Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe keeps things simple with just one protein source—wild-caught Alaskan salmon—plus a short list of recognizable ingredients. There are no grains, no potatoes and no gums—just flaked fish in a light consommé that's meant to be easy to eat and even easier to digest. Some cats struggle with rich or highly processed foods, which is why a single-protein and low-fat formula like this one can be a good fit. Salmon is naturally high in omega-3s, which may help with inflammation and gut health, and the extra moisture supports digestion and hydration. "A low-carb, moisture-rich diet with real protein is much easier on digestion than one packed with unnecessary fillers," says feline nutrition experts Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre. If you're switching foods, take it slow—especially with a cat who already has stomach issues. Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, recommends mixing in small amounts of the new food with their old diet and increasing the portion gradually over the course of a week. That way, their system has time to adjust, making the transition smoother and less stressful for both of you. What the editors say: 'My cat has always had a sensitive tum, and there's nothing more frustrating than watching him throw up an entire can of nice wet food,' says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold. 'With this Tiki Cat formula, he gets sick much less often and seems to be more energetic, which I could not appreciate more—I spend much less time cleaning my floors and worrying about his diet.' Chewy Type: Wet (minced in broth) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 56 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your cat needs to lose a little weight, switching to a high-protein and moisture-rich diet can make a big difference. Veterinarians often see kibble contributing to weight gain because it's higher in carbs than cats actually need. "Dry kibble almost always leads to gradual weight gain in cats," says Coger, who notes that many dry foods rely on starches that don't fit a cat's natural diet. Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe is a great option for cats who need to slim down without feeling deprived. It's made with wild-caught tuna as the first ingredient, giving cats the high-quality protein they need to maintain muscle while losing excess fat. The addition of pumpkin provides fiber, which can help with digestion and keep cats feeling full longer. (Read: No more begging between meals.) Because this recipe is wet food with plenty of moisture, it also supports hydration and overall health, so it's a better choice than dry food for weight management. While every cat's metabolism is different, feeding a high-protein and low-carb diet like this one makes it easier to manage your cat's weight without leaving them hungry. At Forbes Vetted, we're committed to helping pet parents make informed choices about how they care for their animals. From covering the best raw dog food to automatic litter boxes, we've spent years researching and testing products to bring you the best recommendations. We know how important it is to find the right food for your cat. You want one that supports their health, fits their dietary needs and, most importantly, is something they'll actually eat. To make sure we're recommending only the best options, we took the following steps: If you're thinking of changing up your cat's food, here's what to consider before making the switch. The easiest way to ensure a cat food meets basic nutritional standards is to check for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label. This confirms that the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage—kitten, adult or senior. While AAFCO compliance is a good starting point, the experts we spoke with emphasize that it doesn't tell you everything about ingredient quality. That's why it's important to look beyond the label and consider what's actually in the food. Many veterinarians agree that moisture-rich diets are best for cats, since they naturally get most of their hydration from food rather than a water bowl. Wet and fresh foods, such as Smalls and Caru, provide the moisture cats need to support kidney and urinary health. Dry kibble tends to be lower in moisture and higher in carbohydrates; that doesn't mean kibble has no place in a cat's diet, but it should be chosen carefully. Dr. Coger warns that many dry foods rely on starches that can contribute to weight gain, so if you do feed kibble, it's best to choose one with high-quality animal protein and consider rehydrating it with water or broth. Since cats are obligate carnivores, protein and fat should make up the bulk of their diet. According to feline nutrition experts Kennedy and Lefebvre, the best cat foods start with named animal proteins like chicken, turkey or salmon as the first few ingredients. They also recommend avoiding grains, potatoes and legumes, since these don't provide the nutrients cats need and may lead to digestive issues. While 'grain-free' has become a popular marketing term, it's more important to choose food with real, high-quality meat rather than unnecessary fillers. Many indoor cats gain weight easily, especially if they eat dry food that's high in carbohydrates. Portion control matters, and Dr. Cahn and Dr. Coger both stress that leaving kibble out all day often leads to weight gain. A cat's calorie needs depend on age, activity level, and metabolism, but in general, seniors need less food than younger, more active cats. If weight gain is a concern, switching to a high-protein, low-carb wet food, like Bixbi Tuna And Pumpkin, and feeding measured meals instead of free-feeding can help maintain a healthy weight. A healthy cat should have a shiny coat, steady weight, plenty of energy and normal digestion. If your cat always seems hungry, gains weight easily, sheds more than usual or has digestive issues, it might be time to rethink their food. The experts we spoke with suggest watching for changes in their coat, litter box habits and energy levels to see if their diet is really working for them.
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
5 Best Raw Dog Foods, Tested By Pups And Reviewed By Pet Parents
If you're invested in your dog's health, raw feeding might already be on your radar. While traditional kibble is convenient, more pet owners are turning to raw dog food for its high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers. But with so many raw food brands out there—and plenty of debate around raw feeding itself—it can be hard to know which options you can trust. After testing some of the best raw dog food on the market, we confidently recommend Viva Raw as a solid choice for most dogs. The company is transparent about its sourcing and safety practices, offers a variety of proteins (plus a puppy-specific formula) and has some of the best customer service we've encountered. But there are other great options available too. The best raw dog food options, based on real-world testing by our pups, includes Viva Raw. Raw feeding has come a long way in recent years, with today's most popular raw dog food delivery services making it easier than ever to make the switch. And, according to the experts we spoke with, it's worth it. 'Many commercial raw food options are made from human-quality ingredients [and] supplements and in plants that are under USDA inspection,' says Laurie S. Coger, DVM, and owner of Healthy Dog Workshop. 'Dogs eating that quality of food, rather than ultra-processed kibble from lesser-quality ingredients, are far more likely to be healthier.' Whether you're looking for a freeze-dried raw food like Open Farm Raw Morsels or a prescription raw diet like Darwin's Intelligent Design, there's a high-quality raw food option for just about every dog. After months (and in some cases, years) of feeding our own dogs raw, we've found that ingredient quality, convenience and overall value can vary widely among brands. The best raw dog foods on this list are the ones that truly deliver, both in terms of nutrition and how easy they are to feed. Viva Raw Proteins: Chicken, turkey, beef, duck, rabbit, beef and turkey (puppy formula) | Personalized plans: Yes | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $250; flat $15 to $20 for smaller orders What we love: Keep in mind: Viva offers five main proteins for dogs—chicken, turkey, beef, duck and rabbit—along with a beef-and-turkey puppy formula. It also occasionally releases limited-edition and seasonal proteins; in the past, options have included bison, lamb and venison. (This is great if you like to rotate proteins or just want to let your dog try something new.) All recipes are made with USDA-inspected meats, organic produce and whole food supplements, without fillers, grains or unnecessary additives. Many raw brands rely on "all life stages" formulas, meaning their adult food has to accommodate puppy nutrition as well. But according to pet food formulator James Pendergast, puppies need higher levels of EPA and DHA for brain development, so these one-size-fits-all formulas often aren't as precisely balanced for adult dogs. Viva takes a different approach: It created separate recipes for puppies and adults to ensure dogs get the right nutrients for their stage of life. The brand's online feeding calculator also makes it easy to determine how much your dog needs based on their weight, activity level and whether you're feeding raw full-time or using it as a topper. The food arrives fully frozen in well-insulated, recyclable packaging, and I've never had an issue with them thawing in transit, even in the summer. The 16-ounce patties are easy to store, portion and defrost. If you plan ahead, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight, but if you forget, placing a patty in a large bowl of cool water usually defrosts it in about 30 minutes. (I've done both plenty of times, and either way, it's simple.) A convenient "paw here" symbol shows which corner of the package to peel back and open. The food itself is visibly fresh: It includes high-quality meat with little to no smell and bright bits of vegetables. Unlike some raw brands that appear overly processed or gray, this looks like real food. Once defrosted, the meat is soft and easy to mix into a bowl or spread in a slow feeder. If your dog prefers texture variety, Viva offers both chunked and ground options, so you can choose what works best for your pup. It's hard to tell which my dog prefers, but I like the chunked option because it's nice to see exactly what's in her food and it gives her a little more to chew. Sunny starts drooling the moment I take her Viva Raw out of the fridge. Viva also has some of the best customer service I've dealt with. Managing your subscription is easy online, and you'll get reminders before your order ships, so you're never caught off guard. Deliveries are flexible, with options every two, four, six or eight weeks, and you can pause or change your order anytime just by logging into your account. This could be a coincidence, but since switching to Viva, my dog hasn't needed a vet visit for over a year (aside from regular checkups). Her stool is very small, firm and practically odorless, which is a huge change from her kibble days. Most importantly, she loves it: She starts drooling the second I grab a package from the fridge. If you want high-quality raw dog food that's easy to order, store and serve, Viva is the one I recommend most. Open Farm Proteins: Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, surf and turf, puppy | Personalized plans: No | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $50 What we love: Keep in mind: If you're new to raw feeding or just want to add extra nutrients to your dog's current diet, freeze-dried raw food is an easy way to start. Open Farm's freeze-dried morsels offer the benefits of raw food in a shelf-stable formula, made with humanely raised meats that meet strict animal welfare standards, plus no fillers, grains or artificial additives. The popular beef recipe contains 95% pasture-raised beef, organs and bone, along with organic produce, superfoods and vitamins to make it a nutritionally complete meal. Other options include chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, surf and turf and a puppy formula designed for growing dogs. Unlike frozen raw food, this one doesn't need refrigeration, so it's convenient for travel or just keeping mealtime simple. You can serve it as is, but adding water makes it easier to digest and keeps your dog hydrated. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, and you can trace each one back to its source using the lot code on the bag. Open Farm also shares lab results for each batch, so you can see that it's been tested for things like salmonella and heavy metals before it even leaves the facility. (To view sourcing and safety information about your specific bag, try the company's online transparency tool.) I typically use Open Farm's freeze-dried morsels when I won't have freezer access to store Viva Raw, like when I'm traveling or camping with my dog. It's also a good way to introduce raw feeding gradually, whether as a topper for kibble or part of a slow transition. No raw dog food is cheap, but freeze-dried options like this tend to cost more than frozen raw. The trade-off is, of course, convenience. You don't need freezer space, and it's one of the easiest ways to feed raw at home or on the go. We Feed Raw Proteins: Chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, beef, venison | Personalized plans: Yes | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $50 What we love: Keep in mind: We Feed Raw offers an assortment of proteins, including chicken, turkey, venison, lamb, beef and duck. This makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or pups who may just benefit from a bit more variety, to make mealtime exciting. The brand also sells freeze-dried options, which are convenient for travel or quick feeding without having to compromise the nutritional value of your dog's diet. You can mix and match the formula in your We Feed Raw subscription, giving your dog a new flavor or protein to try with every meal. Whether you want to sample a box with a few of its bestsellers or create a custom meal plan based on your dog's health needs, there's plenty of flexibility. The meals come in easy-to-store 16-ounce patties, which last up to six months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and they're ready to serve the next day. Like Viva, We Feed Raw keeps the ordering process simple and convenient: Meals are delivered directly to your door with free shipping on orders over $50, and you can adjust your delivery schedule or pause the subscription at any time. If you're not ready to commit, it also offers a one-time box with its best-selling recipes (turkey, beef and lamb) so you can see how your dog likes it first. Maev Proteins: Beef, chicken, puppy formula | Personalized plans: Yes | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Shipping: Free over $249 What we love: Keep in mind: Feeding raw usually takes some planning, but Maev makes it as simple as scooping kibble. The food stays frozen in bite-sized pieces that go straight from the freezer to the bowl (which keeps a crunchy texture that most dogs seem to love). According to Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla, 'the formulas couldn't be easier to serve.' Since there's no need to defrost or portion anything out in advance, it's one of the most convenient ways to feed frozen raw dog food. Maev's raw food comes in three formulas: beef, chicken and a puppy-specific recipe. Each blend is made with USDA-certified meats and fruits and vegetables like green beans, zucchini and blueberries, plus functional supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple. There are no fillers, synthetics or unnecessary additives—just real food that's designed to support the overall health of your dog. Maev lets you customize meal plans based on four focus areas: weight and digestion, skin and coat, anxiety and calming, or hip and joint support. A feeding guide on its site helps determine portions based on your dog's age, weight and activity level, and there's also a transition plan to help pet owners switch from kibble without causing digestive problems. Deliveries can be scheduled anywhere from one to ten weeks apart, and you can adjust, pause or cancel orders at any time. If you prefer ordering in bulk (and saving on larger orders), you can purchase up to 16 bags at once. One thing to keep in mind is freezer space: This food scoops out of a bag like kibble, but it's still stored frozen, so you'll need room to stock up, especially if you have a large dog. Maev also offers freeze-dried treats, beef bone broth and supplement bars to round out your dog's diet. Darwin's Natural Pet Products What we love: Keep in mind: When your dog has health issues that require a special diet, it's tough to know where to start. Darwin's Natural Pet Products is a great option because the brand's Intelligent Design line is formulated by vets to provide nutritionally balanced meals for dogs with conditions like kidney disease, liver issues or cancer. These meals are made with high-quality, hormone-free meats and organic veggies, and they remove ingredients that could potentially make certain conditions worse. For example, the Kidney Support Formula has lower protein levels to reduce strain on the kidneys while still maintaining muscle mass. It also includes ingredients that promote healthy kidney function, like added B vitamins to replace those lost through frequent urination. Other formulas focus on liver health, joint support or cancer care, each with carefully chosen nutrients to target specific concerns. Most prescription diets are available as kibble or canned food, so it's rare to find a raw option tailored to medical needs. This lets dogs stay on a fresh and biologically appropriate diet, even if they need extra dietary support. To get started, you'll need a prescription from your vet, after which you can set up a subscription for regular deliveries. Like Viva and We Feed Raw, Darwin's meals come in frozen patties, so you'll need freezer space to store them. Each 36-ounce pack is pre-portioned into four 8-ounce patties, which I've found is actually more convenient than larger patties when it comes to portioning. Like the other frozen options, you just thaw what you need in the fridge overnight. The Forbes Vetted home team has tested and researched its way through dozens of pet-related stories over the years, from the best automatic litter boxes to the best wireless dog fences. To find the best raw dog food, we combined firsthand testing, expert advice and thorough research to make sure each pick is truly worth feeding your dog. Raw feeding is a debated topic, and not all veterinarians agree on whether it's the best choice. Some dogs thrive on it, while others may not tolerate it as well. But one undeniable difference between raw and kibble is how the food is made. 'The most significant benefit of a raw diet is the availability of human-quality ingredients,' says Laurie Coger, DVM. 'Kibble or dry food is typically based on a meat meal, which is a rendered product. This means it can be made of non-edible parts of animals, and can include parts of animals that have died other than by slaughter. It can also include animals that did not pass USDA inspection for human consumption.' If you're interested in feeding your dog food made from human-quality ingredients that isn't a raw diet, there are also plenty of fresh dog food delivery services to look into. Because raw food is made from whole, minimally processed ingredients, it can have a big impact on a dog's health—just like it does for humans. 'As much as we can influence the gene expressions of our dogs through nutrition, the better off they'll be,' says pet food formulator James Pendergast. Many pet owners notice shinier coats, fresher breath, better digestion and more energy within weeks of switching to a raw diet. However, raw feeding isn't ideal for every dog. If your pup has a weakened immune system, is undergoing chemotherapy or struggles with bacterial infections, it might be safer to gently cook their raw food or choose a reputable fresh diet instead. If you're considering raw feeding, talk to your veterinarian to see if it's the right fit for your dog. A big concern people have with raw feeding is food safety—both for their dog and for themselves. When it comes to handling raw meat, the same basic rules apply as they do for your own food: Wash your hands, clean your dog's bowl after every meal, store food properly and don't leave it sitting out. 'The FDA's concern is for the human, not the animal,' says Pendergast, which is why raw pet food often gets scrutinized more than kibble. But as Dr. Coger points out, kibble recalls for salmonella, E. coli and listeria actually happen far more often than raw food recalls. As for the dogs themselves? They're biologically built to process raw meat, with a stomach that's highly acidic and a short digestive tract that processes food quickly. 'A dog's digestive system can handle loads of bacteria that would send you and me to the hospital,' Pendergast says. He also points out that there's risk with any type of food—whether it's raw, cooked or kibble. 'It all depends on the manufacturer, the quality of sourcing and the handling process before it ends up in your dog's bowl," he says. That's why it's important to choose a raw food brand with strict safety standards, high-quality sourcing and transparent practices.
