Best Raw Dog Food in Canada: A Guide for Curious Pet Parents

Shopping for the best raw dog food in Canada? This helpful guide will break down the top raw dog food options, highlighting the benefits and unique features of each of the best-selling raw food brands for dogs.

If you’ve been poking around for the best raw dog food in Canada, you’re probably seeing a lot of strong opinions, shiny buzzwords, and not much plain-English help concerning which one to feed your furry friend.

Let’s fix that. This guide walks you through the “why” behind raw, what to look for on the label (and the box in your freezer), and the most popular brands in Canada that people actually buy and recommend. We’ll also cover raw food storage and feeding tips that make day-to-day life easier.

Whether you’re feeding a scrappy new pup or a veteran kibble-convert, choosing the best raw food for dogs offers them unparalleled nutrition and flavour.

Why Choose Raw?

Plenty of pet parents try raw food because they want to get closer to what a dog in the wild would naturally eat. Think of it as a return to your dog’s natural origins. Others come to it after battling dull coats, pickiness, soft stools, or just the “meh” reaction their dog gives to highly processed diets.

Raw dog food isn’t magic, and it’s not the only way to feed your canine companion well. But here’s the honest, simple appeal to why so many pet owners are choosing raw foods for their furry friends:

• • It’s minimally processed. Frozen raw is built from fresh ingredients first, then frozen or gently dehydrated. That’s different from foods that are cooked at high temperatures and extruded into uniform shapes that lack appeal for your pup.
  • High protein, simple ingredient lists. Many raw formulas lead with meat, bone, and organs (often called “MBO”), and some include low-glycemic veggies or fruit for fibre and variety in your doggo’s diet.
  • Customizable by protein. Got a chicken-loving chowhound? Or a dog that does better on beef? Raw dog foods make it easier to run single-protein trials or rotate proteins for variety.
  • Optimal moisture content. Getting most of their daily moisture from their diet not only keeps them hydrated, but can also support various functions of the body, like digestion and skin and coat health.
  • Dogs love meat. When it comes to picky eaters and poor eating habits, eaw is a great option to keep them excited about mealtime.

Raw isn’t a cure-all. It’s one format in a world of formats (kibble, canned, air-dried, freeze-dried, etc.). But if you like fresh ingredients, shorter labels, and the flexibility to tailor protein choices, then raw is worth a serious look and try.

What to Look for in Raw Dog Food

You don’t have to be a canine nutritionist to choose well. Use this checklist to cut through the noise and make the best choice you can for your furry friend. 

Choose a Protein(s)

Raw is great for variety, so you don't have to choose just one, but the proteins you choose may be helpful in reaching certain health goals for your dog, managing feeding costs, and keeping meals fun and enticing. Here are a few types of protein strategies you can try:

• • Single-protein: Great for dogs with possible food sensitivities or for elimination trials. Through trial and error, you can test different proteins, one at a time, to see what your dog can digest well.
  • Multi-protein: Convenient variety in one box when it comes to picking a multi-protein food choice. These mixes can be more budget-friendly and reduce the odds of “getting stuck” with a protein your dog gets bored with. This may be in the form of a protein blend, or you may choose a brand that offers separate proteins in one package, helping to facilitate rotational feeding.
  • Novel proteins: When it comes to managing allergies, sensitivities or chronic issues, novel proteins can be a great tool. These are a great step when traditional elimination diets haven't worked or when managing long-term digestive imbalances.

Pick a Recipe Type

While lots of raw follow a similar structure, there are some differences that may be better suited for some dogs than others. Check out this brief breakdown of the most common raw dog food formula types:

• • MBO (Meat-Bone-Organ): Many raw feeders like ratios that include edible bone for natural minerals, plus organ meats for micronutrients. Many MBO diets use the 80/10/10 ratio of meat, bone, and organ. There are some variations, like 80/10/5/5 (meat/bone/liver/other secreting organs). These diets are often a good base diet that can be customized to suit individual dietary needs through either supplementation, food toppers, or high-quality treats and chews.
  • With Fruit & Veg: Some formulas add carefully selected veggies and berries for fibre and phytonutrients. These produce blends are often chosen to complement the type of protein in the diet, offering antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and prebiotics to support digestion.
  • Fully Supplemented: While most raw diets can be customized (and in some cases, need to be to ensure a well-balanced, long-term diet), there are options for those who feel more at ease with a diet that is fully supplemented and guaranteed complete. These diets will include the MBO and fruit & veg benefits, but will also be supported by a vitamins and mineral pack, omega fatty acids, probiotics, and other key health boosting botanicals, for optimal health support.

Format & Feeding Style

Raw feeding is already a bit of extra work compared to easier scoop and serve options like kibble and air-dried food, but you can choose the format that makes storing, preparing, portioning, and feeding as easy as possible. Take a look at the most common options to see which one best suits your preferred raw feeding style:

• • Patties/Nuggets: Easy to portion and thaw. Patties or nuggets are pre-portioned cuts that are easier to portion into ounces for simpler feeding. 8 oz is common for larger patties, while nuggets can be 1, 2, or 4 oz, depending on the brand.
  • Morsels/Chunks: Faster to thaw and simple to scoop for feeding in a rush or on the go. These slightly bigger than kibble-sized pieces thaw in minutes, and feeding guidelines are often done by scoop or cup measurements rather than oz. This style works best for small breeds and young puppies.
  • Blocks/Tubs: Typically economical for multi-dog homes, but require longer thaw time, so you’ll want to be prepared. The blocks or tubs can range from 1lb to 4 lbs, so always choose a size that you know your pets can eat in a safe time range, from when it's thawed.

Sourcing & Transparency

Look for brands that are clear about where proteins come from and how foods are handled. Canadian-made options often highlight regional sourcing, which is something many pet owners care deeply about. Many brands also publish feeding guides, handling tips, and protein-by-protein details.

Practicalities: Budget, Freezer Space, Routine

Be honest about your freezer space and weekday rhythm. If you won’t reliably thaw big blocks, go for patties or morsels. If you have a large dog and a chest freezer, bulk formats can save you money while meeting your large furry friend’s appetite needs. 

Raw can be more expensive than kibble, wet, and other popular diets for dogs, but it may not break the bank if you are choosing the right format, proteins, and diet types.

10 Best Raw Dog Food of 2025

Below are well-known Canadian raw dog food options (and a few North American staples) you’ll actually find in freezers and pantries everywhere.

These are organized to help you match your situation, such as age, allergies, picky eaters, budget, and convenience. All links take you to the brand’s section so you can browse proteins, formats, and sizes.

Big Country Raw

Balanced Variety, Everyday Feeding

Big Country Raw is a go-to for many Canadian families that want a mix of formats and proteins at fair everyday prices (not to mention a yummy food that your dog will love). You’ll find single-protein and blends, plus several customizable options for a personalized diet plan.

They also offer meaty bones and toppers if you like building variety into the week. If you’re new to frozen raw dog foods and want to keep it simple, this lineup makes it easy to dial in a routine that works for you and your dog. 

• • Ideal for daily feeders, multi-dog homes, and people who like to rotate proteins
  • Available in 1 lb or 1.5 lb blocks, or 2lb tubs, depending on the recipe
  • Canadian-made in Smithville, ON

K9 Choice

Whole-Food Focus with Practical Bulk Options

K9 Choice leans into whole-food ingredients with straightforward recipes and solid value in larger formats for dogs of all sizes. If you’re comfortable portioning the food and you’ve got ample freezer space, then their bulk packs can be a smart choice. They also carry unique proteins, which are handy for dogs that thrive off the beaten path.

This food is a great choice for budget-savvy raw feeders and individuals who have freezers with room to spare. Or for smaller breeds, try K9 Choice Lil Guys, which offers easy-to-portion cubes.

• • Offers single, multi, and novel protein choices for customized diets
  • Available in 8-oz patties or 1-oz cubes designed for small breeds
  • Canadian-made in Tofield, AB

Pets Go Raw

Simple, Straight-Ahead Raw

Pets Go Raw focuses on honest, no-nonsense nutrition made from simple, recognizable ingredients. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted with high-quality proteins and minimal processing to create a dependable raw option you can feel good about feeding daily.

A reliable staple for dogs who thrive on consistency and straightforward nutrition.

• • Small-batch recipes are ideal for dogs with sensitivities or picky eaters
  • Available in convenient 8-oz patties for easy thawing
  • Canadian-made in Cranbrook, BC

Iron Will Raw

Clean Profiles, Thoughtful Blends

Iron Will Raw has a strong reputation for clean ingredient recipes and palatable blends that dogs genuinely love. You’ll find limited-ingredient choices and nicely balanced MBO recipes. If your dog is a little picky, Iron Will often gets great “first bite” reactions with dogs immediately falling in love.

This food is great for picky eaters. It also helps make gentle transitions. Dogs who need limited-ingredients also appreciate this food.

• • Balanced blends formulated by pet nutrition experts for complete meals
  • Available in 1 lb bricks or 4 lb tubs to suit any feeding routine
  • Canadian-made in St. Catharines, ON

Instinct Raw Longevity

Convenient frozen raw made with real meat

Instinct Longevity Frozen Raw is crafted to help dogs thrive at every stage of life with recipes focused on vitality and long-term wellness. Each meal starts with high-quality meat, organs, and bone, then adds functional ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants to support healthy aging and everyday energy.

This is the best raw food for puppies and seniors who need a high-meat, easy-to-digest recipe.

• • Offers convenient patties or bites for every dog size
  • Available in life stage-specific diets: Puppy, Adult, and Senior.
  • USA-made in Lincoln, NB

Carnivora

Whole Prey Philosophy with Unique Proteins

Carnivora embraces a whole prey approach and offers proteins you don’t always see elsewhere. With unique blends and nutrient-dense formulations, this brand appeals to seasoned raw feeders looking to stay as true to nature as possible.

This food is ideal for adventurous feeders. Try it with rotation diets if your dog gets tired of chicken, beef, and turkey. 

• • Whole-prey meals with balanced organ, bone, and muscle content
  • Sold in 1 lb patties or bulk boxes for multi-dog households
  • Canadian-made in Saskatoon, SK

Back2Raw

Thoughtful Ingredient Sourcing

Back 2 Raw focuses on simple, protein-forward recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. Each blend highlights whole-food nutrition without unnecessary extras, making it easy to build a raw diet that’s as clean as it is satisfying.

This food is ideal for protein-first feeders and rotational feeding. It is a simple recipe. 

• • Crafted with locally sourced meats and simple ingredient lists
  • Available in 8-oz patties for convenient portion control
  • Canadian-made in Pefferlaw, ON

Bold by Nature

Crowd-Pleaser with Puppy Options

Bold by Nature lives up to its name with approachable blends, quick-thaw patties, and options designed to suit every stage of life—including puppies. These meals make raw feeding feel easy and rewarding, helping pet parents stay on track with growth and long-term nutrition.

A great pick for busy families or those new to raw feeding.

• • High-meat content recipes available in chicken, beef, and more
  • Pre-portioned ½ lb patties make mealtime quick and easy
  • Canadian-made in Erin, ON

Healthy Paws

Complete raw meals for dogs of all ages

Healthy Paws makes raw feeding simple with balanced, no-fuss meals that fit neatly into everyday routines. Using wholesome ingredients and practical packaging, these recipes offer a reliable way to keep dogs on a consistent, nutritious diet without stretching the budget.

Ideal for pet parents who value convenience and affordability without compromising on quality.

• • Nutritionally complete meals suitable for puppies to seniors
  • Available in 1 lb bricks or bulk boxes for large breeds
  • Canadian-made in Smithville, ON.

Vital Essentials

Protein-rich, single-source raw for picky eaters

Vital Essentials brings its meat-first philosophy to life with a premium line of frozen raw dog food made from high-quality, single-protein meats and organ blends. These nutrient-dense recipes deliver the benefits of a true raw diet—high protein, balanced nutrition, and simple ingredient lists free from fillers or grains.

Choose between the original Frozen Raw Patties for a classic, high-meat diet, or the new Frozen Raw Fusion Patties for Dogs, which combine raw protein with a touch of natural, functional ingredients for added variety and convenience.

• • Single-protein, grain-free meals are ideal for dogs with allergies
  • Available in patties or mini nibs for small dogs and quick feeders
  • USA-made in Green Bay, WI

Matching Raw to Your Dog’s Needs

Best Raw Dog Food for Allergies

Start with single-protein formulas and avoid common triggers you’ve seen in the past that upset your dog’s digestion. Turkey, duck, rabbit, or lamb can be useful starting points if you are trying to pick a protein.

Brands with clear single-protein lines, like Iron Will Raw, Pets Go Raw, Carnivora, and Back 2 Raw, make trialling simpler. Stick with one new protein for 2 to 4 weeks.

Remember to keep everything else constant, and track changes in a simple notebook. Note your dog’s skin, stools, and whether they are suffering from any itching. 

Best Raw Dog Food for Puppies

Look for puppy-appropriate blends or recipes that meet growth requirements. Many families like the practicality of Bold by Nature and Big Country Raw for puppies because the formats are easy to portion, and the feeding guides are straightforward.

Puppies eat a lot (relative to their size), so always choose a format you can prep quickly, every day, without stress.

Best Raw Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Keep it simple and consistent. Choose a limited-ingredient, single-protein option (often turkey or duck) and avoid frequent switches at first. Iron Will Raw and Healthy Paws have clean, predictable blends and recipes that are easy to repeat meal after meal.

Introduce raw gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing with your dog’s current food. Always watch your dog’s stool to make sure they are not suffering from a reaction to the food. 

Best Raw Dog Food for Senior Dogs

As dogs age, their dietary needs can change slightly. They may need fewer calories, but will still thrive on a high-quality, protein-rich formula. The best raw foods for senior dogs will be easy to digest and offer support for hip and joint health, cognitive function, and skin & coat support. Intinct Longevity Senior Raw Dog Food is our best-selling raw food for dogs over 7.

Raw Feeding & Storage Tips

• • Thaw in advance, in the fridge. Move portions from freezer to refrigerator 12 to 24 hours before you need them. If you forget, thaw in a sealed bag under cold running water. You should never thaw the food at room temperature on the counter.
  • Portion smart. Patties and morsels make it easy to hit your dog’s daily target without guesswork. For blocks or loaves, thaw just enough to slice into meal-sized chunks, then refreeze individually so you can use it when needed.
  • Store safely. Keep opened raw dog food in a sealed glass or stainless container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Wipe fridge handles and surfaces as you go. Basically, you should use the same habits you’d use when handling raw chicken for your family.
  • Use dedicated utensils & boards. A small cutting board and a cheap set of tongs or a spatula you only use for dog food keep your kitchen flow clean, simple, and safe.
  • Wash hands and bowls after each use. Use only hot, soapy water to clean your hands and dishes. Toss soft-rubber lick mats and puzzle toys in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe.
  • Traveling? Freeze-dried raw foods, such as Instinct or Vital Essentials, are perfect for road trips and when staying at a hotel. Rehydrate the food using warm water to help with your dog’s digestion.
  • Transition gradually. Mix about 25% of the new food into your dog’s current food, then change it to a 50/50 mix, then go with a 75/25, and finally, it's time to feed all raw as your dog’s primary diet. You should adjust the pace based on stool quality and your dog’s comfort.

Want to learn more about raw feeding? Hop over to our Complete Raw Dog Food Guide for Beginners to answer all your raw feeding questions and get excellent tips to make raw feeding safe and easy.

Best Raw Dog Food FAQs

Do dogs need supplements on a raw diet??

This depends on the recipe. While many raw diets are considered complete and balanced, some brands will recommend supplements that could help this formula better suit your dog's age, health, or energy needs. Common supplements for raw dog food are omega fatty acid supplements, digestive aids, or fibre boosters.

How do I know if raw food is balanced?

Look to the brand to see how the food is labelled. Some will say complete and balanced, some say supplemental feeding, and some offer a recommended supplement type to balance the food. The overall diet needs to be complete and balanced, so if the recipe calls for supplementation or customization, make sure you know exactly what your dog needs to thrive.

Is frozen raw better than freeze-dried raw?

If you are comparing frozen raw and freeze-dried raw, the first thing that you need to remember is that they're different tools. Frozen raw is usually the best value for full-time feeding and offers a “fresh from the freezer” experience. Freeze-dried raw wins on convenience because it requires no thawing, is great for travel, and is easy to store. Many families feed frozen food at home and keep freeze-dried as a backup or topper.

Can I feed raw dog food long-term?

Yes, a complete and balanced raw dog food diet is designed to be fed long-term. Protein rotation, proper supplementation, and routine vet checks can help ensure the diet provides a full spectrum of necessary nutrients.

How much raw dog food should I feed?

As a starting point for healthy adult dogs, many pet owners feed 2 to 3% of their dog’s ideal body weight per day, split into one or two meals. Try our raw dog food calculator to find the best guidelines for different feeding needs. Always check the specific brand’s feeding guide and use your dog’s ribs-and-waist check as a reality check.