The quest for the optimal diet for our canine companions often leads us to explore various innovative feeding approaches. Among these, freeze-dried raw dog food has gained significant traction, promising the benefits of raw feeding with enhanced convenience and safety. Dr. Marty’s freeze-dried raw product line, specifically Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness, stands out in this category, consistently earning a five-star rating for its carefully crafted recipes. This review delves into the ingredients, nutritional profile, and overall quality of Dr. Marty dog food, providing a comprehensive guide for pet owners seeking to understand its place in canine nutrition.
Dr. Marty Dog Food Product Line Overview
Dr. Marty’s freeze-dried raw dog food range is extensive, featuring seven distinct recipes, each designed to cater to different canine needs, including essential wellness, sensitivity, active vitality, healthy growth, small breeds, premium origin, and radiant select. All these recipes have been awarded the highest rating of five stars by Dog Food Advisor, signifying exceptional quality and adherence to rigorous nutritional standards. This consistent high rating across the product line suggests a strong commitment to providing superior nutrition for dogs at various life stages and with diverse needs.
The following table outlines the Dr. Marty dog food recipes and their corresponding AAFCO nutrient profiles:
| Product Line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness | 5 | Maintenance (Adult) |
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Sensitivity Select | 5 | Maintenance (Adult) |
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Active Vitality | 5 | Maintenance (Adult) |
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Healthy Growth | 5 | Growth (Puppy) |
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Small Breed | 5 | Maintenance (Adult) |
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Premium Origin | 5 | Maintenance (Adult) |
| Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Radiant Select | 5 | Maintenance (Adult) |
Recipe and Label Analysis: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness
To provide a detailed examination, we will focus on the Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness recipe. This formula boasts an estimated dry matter nutrient content of 39.4% protein, 28.7% fat, and 23.9% carbohydrates. The primary ingredients are turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver, turkey liver, and turkey heart, all of which are high-quality animal-based protein sources. This is followed by flaxseed, sweet potato, egg, pea flour, apple, blueberry, carrot, cranberry, pumpkin seed, spinach, dried kelp, ginger, salt, sunflower seed, broccoli, and kale.
The ingredient list is notable for its inclusion of whole meats and organ meats, which are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Flaxseed and sweet potato contribute beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. While pea flour is present, its protein content is considered when assessing the overall meat content. The absence of a specifically listed vitamin and mineral premix on the ingredients list is noted; however, the product’s “complete and balanced” nutritional adequacy statement implies that these essential nutrients are adequately supplied by the whole food ingredients.
Ingredient Analysis in Detail
The foundation of Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness is built upon high-quality animal proteins. Turkey and beef are listed first, providing a robust source of essential amino acids vital for muscle development and maintenance. The inclusion of salmon is particularly beneficial, offering a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for skin, coat, and overall health. Duck further enhances the protein profile, ensuring a varied and complete amino acid spectrum.
Organ meats like beef liver, turkey liver, and turkey heart are powerhouse ingredients, supplying a concentrated dose of vitamins (such as A, D, E, K, and B vitamins) and minerals (including iron, zinc, and copper). These nutrients play critical roles in numerous bodily functions, from immune support to energy metabolism.
Plant-based ingredients like flaxseed offer valuable omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber, promoting digestive health. Sweet potato provides a digestible source of complex carbohydrates for energy, along with beta-carotene. Other fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, spinach, broccoli, and kale contribute antioxidants and phytonutrients.
It’s important to consider ingredients like pea flour, which contributes protein, in the overall nutritional calculation. While the primary protein sources are meats, supplemental plant proteins are common in many commercial dog foods. The brand’s commitment to using named meat sources as the primary animal protein is a significant advantage, offering transparency and higher quality.
Nutrient Analysis: A Closer Look
When analyzed on a dry matter basis, Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness presents a compelling nutritional profile. The estimated protein content of 39% and fat content of 29% align well with the average for raw or freeze-dried raw dog foods. The carbohydrate content is estimated at 24%, which is also comparable to other products in this category. The fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 72% is considered healthy for canine diets.
Compared to the typical raw dog food, this recipe demonstrates a balanced distribution of macronutrients. Even accounting for the protein contribution from flaxseed and pea flour, the substantial inclusion of named meats ensures that this is a meat-rich formula. This balanced macronutrient profile supports sustained energy levels, muscle health, and overall vitality for dogs.
Dr. Marty Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, Dr. Marty dog food has no recalls noted. This indicates a strong track record of safety and quality control in their manufacturing processes. Maintaining a recall-free history is a significant indicator of a brand’s commitment to producing safe and reliable pet food. For a comprehensive overview of pet food recalls, Dog Food Advisor provides an extensive database dating back to 2009.
Our Rating of Dr. Marty Dog Food
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend receives an outstanding 5-star rating. This high commendation is a testament to its grain-free formulation, significant inclusion of named meats as the primary protein source, and the overall quality of its freeze-dried raw approach. The brand excels in providing a nutrient-dense, highly digestible food that supports optimal canine health.
This freeze-dried raw food is highly recommended for pet owners looking for a premium diet that mimics the natural feeding patterns of canines while offering the convenience and safety of a processed product. The carefully selected ingredients and balanced nutritional profile contribute to a food that is not only palatable but also profoundly beneficial for a dog’s well-being.
Comparing Dr. Marty Dog Food
To further assess the value of Dr. Marty dog food, it’s beneficial to compare it against other highly recommended brands available in the market. While specific comparisons are beyond the scope of this review, pet owners are encouraged to consult resources like Dog Food Advisor to see how Dr. Marty stacks up against other top-tier brands in terms of ingredients, nutritional value, and safety. This comparative analysis can empower owners to make the most informed decision for their dog’s specific dietary needs.
Sources
- Adapted by the Dog Food Advisor and based upon the official definition for chicken published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, Official Publication, 2008 Edition
- Association of American Feed Control Officials
- Adapted by the Dog Food Advisor from the official definition for chicken published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, 2008 Edition
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor operates independently, not accepting gifts or samples in exchange for special consideration in its reviews. Revenue is generated through referral fees from online retailers when readers click through to their sites. This allows Dog Food Advisor to maintain its free service to the pet-owning community. For more details, please refer to their Disclaimer and Disclosure page. Dr. Marty’s commitment to high-quality, freeze-dried raw nutrition, as evidenced by its consistent five-star ratings, makes it a strong contender for pet owners prioritizing a natural and beneficial diet for their dogs.
