Transitioning your dog to a raw food diet can be a significant decision, often driven by a desire for improved health and well-being for your canine companion. The UK offers a growing number of companies dedicated to providing complete and balanced raw food diets, simplifying the process for pet parents. However, with numerous brands available, selecting the right one can feel daunting. This guide aims to demystify the world of raw dog food in the UK, offering insights based on extensive testing and analysis. Since 2019, we’ve rigorously evaluated leading brands, considering their nutritional value, ingredient transparency, customer service, and overall value for money. Our top 5 selections represent the best in quality, safety, and convenience for your dog.
Our Top 5 Raw Dog Foods UK
Our Selection Process
Before delving into our top picks, it’s important to understand how we arrived at our recommendations. Each raw food brand featured in this guide has been tested in real home environments with actual dogs and their owners. Our final shortlist is a blend of industry reputation, trusted expert reviews, and our own hands-on experience with each brand. While most products are provided by the companies, we only review those we believe are genuinely worth considering. Crucially, all the brands we endorse are DEFRA-approved, signifying their commitment to quality and safety in raw pet food production. We regularly update this article to ensure the information remains current and to identify any new contenders that might challenge the established leaders.
1. Best Raw Dog Food Overall: Bella+Duke
Who are Bella+Duke?
Bella+Duke, a multi-award-winning British brand, secures the top spot in our review. Their success is attributed not only to the exceptional quality of their raw dog food but also to their holistic and customer-centric approach to raw feeding. They stand out for their transparent ingredient sourcing, personalized meal plans, extensive product range, robust customer support, and strong safety certifications, including RawSAFE and UK Pet Food accreditation. These credentials offer a high level of assurance regarding food safety and production quality.
Amazing Bella+Duke Raw Dog Food Offer!
Get your dog started with 50% off your first box, 30% off the second, and 20% off the third. View Bella+Duke Offer
What’s in their range?
Bella+Duke is unique in offering both raw dog and cat food, catering to multi-pet households. For dogs, they provide four distinct ranges:
- Premium Complete: Their most popular option, featuring over 80% meat, bone, offal, with added vegetables, berries, and healthy oils. It is grain- and gluten-free, suitable for sensitive dogs.
- Complete Superfood: Enhanced with superfoods like turmeric, ginger, and kelp, this range is ideal for dogs needing extra nutritional support due to illness, rapid growth, or senior years.
- Complete: Tailored for active working dogs and canine athletes, focusing on high-quality protein for sustained energy.
- Pure Meat & Bone: A simple blend of meat, bone, and offal, perfect for DIY meal preparation or for dogs with specific allergies or dietary needs.
Each range includes recipes formulated for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. We tested Bella+Duke’s Adult Dog + Premium Complete, and our canine taste-tester was thoroughly impressed.
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
Bella+Duke operates on a flexible subscription model, allowing you to skip, pause, or cancel easily. Ordering begins with an online quiz about your dog’s breed, age, activity level, and general characteristics. Based on this, Bella+Duke provides a feeding recommendation, which serves as a starting point. You can then personalize your dog’s menu from their diverse recipe lineup, which includes various proteins like chicken, lamb, fish, duck, salmon, beef tripe, turkey, and beef. Recipes are fully transparent with ingredient percentages.
Orders are delivered frozen in 500g trays. You can choose from a Taster Box (12 days of food), Most Popular (24 days), or Value Box (36 days), with larger boxes offering better value per meal. Free delivery is included.
Our tester, Freddie, a 12kg Cockapoo, was initially recommended 300g daily, but we started him on 250g. The 500g trays are convenient for portioning. While the paper packaging became slightly soggy, decanting the food resolved this minor issue. Freddie thoroughly enjoyed the food, with bowls licked clean after every meal.
How much does it cost?
Bella+Duke is reasonably priced, with the Adult + Premium Complete range costing approximately £1.07 per day for the larger Value Box. After the initial introductory offer for the first three boxes, the daily cost rises to around £1.78. Customers can also receive free treats with every order.
Our Verdict: Bella+Duke is highly recommended for dog parents seeking a hassle-free, high-quality raw nutrition solution. Their meals are nutritious, convenient, and offer excellent value, simplifying life for busy owners. The flexible subscription, tasty recipes, and generous introductory offer make it an ideal choice for those new to raw feeding.
| Reasons to Buy + Top-tier food safety and quality assurance + Wide range of protein options + Lifestage options for puppy, adult and seniors + Delivery size options + Full ingredient transparency + Free delivery + Money-saving introductory offer |
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| Reasons to Avoid – Not the best packaging we’ve seen |
Buying Options
Amazing Bella+Duke Raw Dog Food Offer!
Get your dog started with 50% off your first box, 30% off the second, and 20% off the third. View on Bella+Duke
2. Best Luxury Raw Dog Food: Naturaw
Who are Naturaw?
Naturaw earns our second spot for its exceptionally high-quality raw dog food and strong commitment to sustainability. Highly rated on “All About Dog Food,” Naturaw distinguishes itself through its eco-friendly practices, including 100% compostable packaging and solar-powered operations. They also plant trees with every subscription and are the first B-Corporation accredited company in the raw dog food industry.
Naturaw has kindly offered Smart Bark readers £5 OFF their first order. Simply use the Voucher Code FREDDIESENTME. View Naturaw
What’s in their range?
Naturaw sources its 100% human-grade meat exclusively from local UK farmers, gamekeepers, and butchers. Their vet-approved, nutritionally balanced complete raw food ensures dogs receive essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. All ranges are free from fillers and grains, with free-range poultry.
They offer two main collections:
- Original (80/10/10): Vegetable-free recipes ideal for dogs with allergies or those following a traditional BARF diet. Proteins include chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, venison, beef, fish, and pork.
- Forage: This award-winning range complements high-welfare meat with 10% superfood ingredients like Atlantic mackerel, fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. Proteins include grass-fed beef, lamb, free-range chicken, turkey, pork, and venison.
We tested a selection from both the Original and Forage ranges.
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
Naturaw provides a handy online raw dog food calculator to help determine portion sizes. Food is delivered frozen in convenient 500g (home compostable) trays. There is a minimum order of £30. A unique feature is their returns scheme for wool liners, offering money off your next purchase.
They offer an 8 x 500g tray Trial Box of their Forage range, which is a great way to test the food. Taster Boxes of their Original range also come with free delivery. Subscribing offers free treats, and Naturaw is one of the few companies providing next-day delivery.
How much does it cost?
For a 12kg Cockapoo like Freddie, Naturaw estimated a daily intake of 240g-360g. While not the cheapest option, the price reflects the premium quality and sustainability commitment. Subscribing offers 5% off all raw food and free treats with Taster boxes.
Our Verdict: Naturaw is highly recommended for dog owners prioritizing sustainable and ethically sourced raw dog food. Their commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and excellent product range makes them a standout choice.
| Reasons to Buy + 100% human-grade UK sourced meat + Commitment to sustainability + Original & Forage range + Free delivery on Taster Boxes + Forage award winning range + Next day delivery |
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| Reasons to Avoid– Not the cheapest |
Buying Options
For £5 OFF your first order, simply use the discount code FREDDIESENTME. View Naturaw
If you’d like to know more, read our in-depth review ofNaturaw
3. Best Raw Beginners Pack: ProDog Raw
Who are ProDog Raw?
ProDog Raw excels in combining high quality with excellent value, using human-grade meat from DEFRA-approved, British Farm Assured sources. They offer impressive customer care, including free personalized nutritional and behavioral advice. Their 5kg Sample Pack is an excellent, budget-friendly option for dogs new to raw feeding. They also offer a Sample Pack specifically for dogs with sensitivities, featuring novel proteins.
Buying Options
Ready to try ProDog Raw? Enjoy £10 OFF your first order. Click for £10 OFF ProDog Raw
What’s in their range?
ProDog Raw offers five distinct raw food collections:
- Adult Complete: A balanced range with a wide variety of recipes, scoring 92% on AADF.
- Pure Recipes (80:10:10): A traditional blend of meat, bone, and organs, rated 95% on AADF, ideal for DIY feeding.
- Puppy Range: Finely minced for easy digestion by young pups.
- Exotic Range: Features novel single proteins and green vegetables for dogs with intolerances.
- Smart Chubs with Boost: Their economy range, still achieving a 95% AADF nutritional rating, perfect for budget-conscious owners.
They offer a diverse selection of proteins, including less common options like goose and wild boar, making them ideal for dogs with allergies. Their Complete recipes also include fruits, vegetables, sea kelp, salmon oil, and nutrient boosters.
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
The food arrives frozen and typically lasts 4 days in the fridge once defrosted. For a 12kg adult dog, their calculator suggested 260g daily. We found the 500g tubs easier to portion than the 1kg ones. While the packaging is plastic and recyclable, it’s less environmentally friendly than some other brands.
How much does it cost?
ProDog Raw offers excellent value through its selection of 16 different bundles, which provide discounts compared to buying individual trays, along with free delivery. The ‘Mixed Bundle’ for a 12kg dog costs approximately £1.32 per day. Non-bundle orders incur a delivery charge. They also have a reRAWds loyalty scheme for points on purchases.
Freddie thoroughly enjoyed ProDog Raw, eagerly devouring his meals.
Our Verdict: ProDog Raw offers a comprehensive and great-value range suitable for various needs and preferences. Their money-saving bundles, diverse protein options, and loyalty scheme make them a strong contender. The budget-friendly Smart Chubs also enhance accessibility to raw feeding.
| Reasons to Buy + Great value sample packs + Money-saving bundles + Wide range of proteins including exotics + Loyalty scheme + Free tailored nutritional & behaviour consults |
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| Reasons to Avoid – Expensive delivery charge (non-bundles) – Lots of plastic packaging |
Buying Options
Ready to try ProDog Raw? Enjoy £10 OFF your very first purchase. No code required. View ProDog Raw
Are You Accidentally Feeding Your Dog These Top 10 Toxic Foods?
4. Best Value Raw Food: Wilsons
Who are Wilsons?
Wilsons, a Scottish company with over 160 years of history, offers a unique combination of raw and cold-pressed dry dog food designed to be fed together. This dual approach provides great value and convenience, especially for travel when freezer space might be limited.
What’s in their range?
Wilsons offers two complete raw dog food ranges in 500g trays:
- 80/10/10: A traditional blend of meat, bone, and offal, rated 82% on AADF.
- Premium Complete (70/10/10/10): Includes meat, bone, offal, plus vegetables (carrot, spinach, apple, broccoli, kale), herbs, and minerals. This range achieved an 89% AADF rating.
They offer six Premium recipes, including Salmon Medley, Beef Hotpot, and Chicken Casserole, plus a new grain-free Puppy recipe.
Their popular cold-pressed range uses a gentle process to preserve nutrients. Sample boxes are available for both raw and cold-pressed foods, allowing you to test various recipes.
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
Raw food is delivered frozen in 500g trays. You can choose variety packs or individual recipes. Delivery sizes range from 6kg to 24kg. Trial Boxes containing 6 x 500g trays are a great way to sample the food. A “Subscribe and Save” option offers a 10% discount on regular orders.
How much does it cost?
Wilsons recommends feeding 2% to 3% of your dog’s body weight daily. The 24kg Variety Premium Box works out to approximately £1.67 per day for a 12kg dog, dropping to £1.50 with the “Subscribe and Save” discount. Delivery is free for orders over £30 or for a maximum of two trial boxes. Trial Sample Boxes are under £20. Combining raw and cold-pressed food can further reduce daily costs.
Our Verdict: Wilsons stands out for its affordable trial boxes, variety packs, and the unique, cost-saving flexibility of combining raw and cold-pressed diets. While the recipe selection is smaller than some competitors, these benefits make them a compelling choice.
| Reasons to Buy + Hassle-free variety packs + Great value trial packs + Cost-effective mix of raw & cold pressed + Convenient for travel + Additional range of treats and supplements |
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| Reasons to Avoid – Smaller recipe selection – Lower AADF nutritional rating than others |
Buying Options
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Wilsons range – take a look at our in-depth review – Wilsons Dog Food Review: Raw, Fresh, Cold Pressed, and More
5. Best Raw Dog Food Selection: Paleo Ridge
Who are Paleo Ridge?
Paleo Ridge offers both complete and complementary raw dog foods suitable for both experienced raw feeders and newcomers. Their ‘Switch to Raw Hamper’ is designed to simplify the transition to raw feeding. The Essentials range provides an entry-level, budget-friendly option.
Get 20% OFF your first 2 orders with discount code NEWCUSTOMER OR Existing customers can enjoy 10% OFF using code 10DISCOUNT. View Paleo Ridge
What’s in their Range?
Paleo Ridge’s complete raw dog food comes in three ranges:
- Classic (80/10/10): Made with 80% human-grade meat, 10% offal, and 10% bone. Rated 85% on AADF. Ideal for dogs with allergies due to its simple composition.
- Paleo Plus: Combines 95% meat, offal, and bone with 5% natural superfoods, achieving a 91% AADF rating.
- Essentials: Their budget-friendly range, scoring 81% on AADF, still offering excellent nutritional value.
They offer specialized recipes for dogs with kidney issues (low fat, purine, phosphorus) and senior dogs (less bone, immune-boosting superfoods). The Paleo Puppy collection includes various recipes for growing pups.
You can order variety bundles or select individual recipes. The Essentials range packaging is recyclable and biodegradable.
We tested the Switch to Raw Hamper, an 8kg box containing both Paleo Plus and Classic recipes, which proved an excellent starting point. Our taste-tester, Henry, a four-year-old cockapoo, transitioned smoothly without digestive upset.
How do I order and how does the food arrive?
Paleo Ridge’s website experienced some stock availability issues during our testing. Their raw feeding calculator is basic, requiring only weight input. The Switch to Raw Bundle did not qualify for free delivery, which was a drawback compared to competitors. However, portion sizes range from 250g to 1kg, next-day delivery is available, and all packaging is eco-friendly.
How much does it cost?
Paleo Ridge suggested Henry consume 240g–300g daily. The Switch to Raw Hamper cost approximately £1.72 per day. Feeding solely from the Classic range reduces this to around £1.26 daily, while the Essentials range costs approximately £1.14 per day. Our reviewer noted improved stool quality and a shinier coat in Henry.
Our Verdict: Paleo Ridge offers three excellent ranges – Paleo Plus, Classic, and Essential – catering to different budgets and preferences. Their wallet-friendly Essentials range and convenient variety bundles are particularly noteworthy.
| Reasons to Buy + Award-winning food + Switch to Raw Bundle + 8kg money-saving bundles + Cheapest Essentials range + Small 4kg minimum orders |
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| Reasons to Avoid – Additional delivery costs – Basic raw food calculator – Lots of out of stock products (in testing) |
Buying Option
Get 20% OFF your first 2 orders with discount code NEWCUSTOMER at checkout OR Existing customers can enjoy 10% OFF using code 10DISCOUNT. View Paleo Ridge
OUR VERDICT
All the companies featured – Bella+Duke, Naturaw, Wilsons, Paleo Ridge, and ProDog Raw – provide well-balanced, nutritionist-approved complete raw dog food.
For newcomers to raw feeding, Bella+Duke is an excellent starting point, offering a great combination of quality, price, and range, backed by extensive educational resources and strong customer support.
Naturaw is the ideal choice for those prioritizing ethically sourced, high-quality raw food with a strong commitment to sustainability and 100% compostable packaging.
ProDog Raw’s value sample packs, Paleo Ridge’s Essential Range, and Wilsons’ variety packs are fantastic options for those wanting to try raw feeding without a significant initial financial outlay.
RAW DOG FOOD BUYING GUIDE
Before committing to a raw food diet, consider these tips:
Minimum Order and Tub Size
Raw dog food is delivered frozen and requires freezer storage. Check delivery intervals, minimum order sizes, and ensure you have adequate freezer space.
Sample & Trial Packs
These are ideal for testing if your dog enjoys the food before making a larger commitment. Transition bundles can also ease the switch to raw.
Ranges
Consider your dog’s specific needs, such as allergies, age, or nutritional requirements for puppies. Many brands offer specialized ranges.
Variety
Aim to feed at least 5-6 different protein types over a two-month period for a balanced diet. Mixed bundles often offer great value and variety.
Loyalty Scheme & Introductory Offers
Some brands offer loyalty schemes for long-term savings, while others provide attractive introductory offers or “Subscribe & Save” discounts for regular deliveries.
RAW FEEDING FAQ’S
Can I make my own raw dog food?
While possible, DIY raw food requires a deep understanding of canine nutrition, ratios, and safe handling to avoid deficiencies or imbalances. Consider adding a supplement like GWF Nutrition’s Raw Aid for dogs, which contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals, to help fill any nutritional gaps.
Get 10% OFF with discount code SMARTBARK. View on GWF Nutrition View on Amazon
Do I need a lot of freezer storage?
Investing in a small, dedicated freezer for raw dog food is recommended. This allows you to take advantage of larger, more cost-effective order volumes and ensures safe storage separate from human food.
Do raw-fed dogs poop less?
Yes. Dogs absorb more nutrients from raw food, resulting in less waste and smaller, firmer stools, which are easier to manage.
Can puppies eat raw dog food?
Yes, puppies can thrive on raw food. Most brands offer specific ‘Puppy’ ranges designed to support their growth and development during their crucial first year.
Do raw-fed dogs drink less water?
Raw dog food has a higher moisture content than dry kibble, leading to better hydration and reduced need for additional water.
Why shouldn’t you feed raw dog food?
The primary concern is maintaining high hygiene standards to minimize the risk of illness to humans. As you are simply serving pre-prepared complete diets, maintaining hygiene is similar to handling raw chicken. Bowls and utensils should be washed immediately after use.
Can I mix raw and dry dog foods?
Generally, mixing raw and dry foods is not recommended as they digest at different rates, potentially causing stomach upset. However, Wilsons offers a combination of their raw and cold-pressed food, as these are designed to break down at similar rates.
Will my dog lose weight on raw?
Raw food typically has fewer carbohydrates and bulking ingredients than kibble, which can lead to gradual weight loss. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portion sizes as needed.
My dog inhales the raw food. How can I slow them down?
Consider using a slow feeder dog bowl. These bowls have compartments that encourage dogs to forage for their food, slowing down their eating pace, reducing the risk of bloating, and improving gut health. We explore a range of the best slow feeder bowls in our article 10 Best Slow Feeder Bowls.
| You might be interested …. |
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| Swapping dog foods is relatively straightforward if you follow the guidelines. Whilst all the companies in our article offer information on transition, we explore your options in-depth – How to Switch to Raw Dog Food |
Thank you for reading our in-depth review of the best raw dog food in the UK. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect food for your dog.
