If you’re exploring premium raw dog food options, smallbatch raw frozen dog food review reveals a standout choice for pet owners seeking high-quality, minimally processed nutrition. This family-owned brand delivers single-protein recipes frozen straight from raw, ensuring freshness and nutrient retention. With an average rating of 5 stars across its lineup, smallbatch emphasizes traceability, non-GMO ingredients, and pesticide-free sourcing—ideal for dogs with sensitivities or those thriving on ancestral diets.
Highly recommended by experts like pet nutritionist Laura Ward, this raw frozen line supports everything from puppies to seniors. For comparison, check out other top formulas like Purina Pro Plan salmon and rice reviews, which offer cooked alternatives for varied needs.
Smallbatch raw frozen dog food patties
Our Verdict on Smallbatch Raw Frozen
Smallbatch Raw Frozen earns a stellar 5-star average from Dog Food Advisor, with individual recipes scoring between 3.5 and 5 stars. Formulated for all life stages (AAFCO-compliant), these patties feature quality muscle meat and organs from a single animal source, making them perfect for dogs prone to allergies.
Key pros include:
- Single-protein focus for easy digestion
- Full ingredient traceability from trusted U.S. farms
- Organic veggies and no synthetic additives
The main con? It requires freezer storage, unlike shelf-stable kibble. Still, the nutrient-dense profile—high protein, moderate fat, low carbs—mirrors a dog’s natural prey diet.
| Recipe | Rating | AAFCO Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Beef | 3.5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Turkey | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Duck | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Lamb | 3.5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Rabbit | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
| Pork | 5 stars | All Life Stages |
Beef and lamb score slightly lower due to higher fat-to-protein ratios, which may not suit every dog—consult your vet for breed-specific advice.
Detailed Recipe and Label Analysis: Chicken Formula
We analyzed the Chicken recipe as a representative sample. On a dry matter basis, it boasts:
- 55.8% protein
- 27.9% fat
- 11.9% carbohydrates
Calorie-weighted: 44% protein, 52% fat, 4% carbs. This meat-heavy formula avoids plant protein boosters, prioritizing real animal ingredients.
Ingredients: Chicken (with ground bone), chicken, chicken gizzards, chicken hearts, chicken livers, organic carrots, organic sweet potatoes, organic broccoli, organic zucchini, pollock oil, organic apple cider vinegar, organic kale, organic collards, organic blueberry, organic parsley, organic kelp, organic chia seed, organic wheatgrass, organic basil, vitamin E.
Fiber is low at 1%, supporting firm stools without excess bulk.
Smallbatch Chicken raw frozen patties close-up
In-Depth Ingredients Breakdown
Leading with chicken and ground chicken bone, this recipe delivers complete amino acids and natural calcium—essential for bone health, as noted by the AAFCO. Chicken gizzards and hearts provide lean muscle meat rich in taurine and B vitamins, while livers add bioavailable iron and vitamin A.
Organic produce like carrots (beta-carotene source), sweet potatoes (gluten-free carbs and fiber), and broccoli (vitamin C and antioxidants) enhance palatability and gut health. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli may offer anti-cancer benefits, per veterinary nutrition research.
Zucchini adds hydration and potassium. Pollock oil supplies omega-3s for skin and coat, crucial for dogs with sensitivities—similar to benefits in Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach reviews.
Lower-listed items like wheatgrass (gluten-free nutrient boost) and chia seeds contribute minerals without dominating. No synthetic vitamins beyond E supplement, relying on whole foods for balance. Organic certification ensures no pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics, boosting E-E-A-T trust.
Nutrient Profile and Comparison
Across the line, averages are 50.6% protein, 31.7% fat, and 11.6% carbs—a fat-to-protein ratio of 65%. This outperforms typical raw foods in protein while keeping carbs minimal, ideal for active dogs or weight management.
Compared to kibble like Purina Pro Plan large breed reviews, smallbatch offers superior moisture (78%+) for hydration, reducing urinary risks. However, thaw safely to avoid bacterial growth—always portion and refrigerate leftovers.
Laura Ward, BSc Animal Science graduate with pet nutrition expertise, verifies these profiles meet growth and maintenance needs.
Recall History and Safety
No recalls for smallbatch through November 2025, per FDA and AVMA records. Their small-batch production and U.S. sourcing minimize risks common in mass-manufactured foods.
Brand Background
Founded in 2005 in San Francisco, smallbatch draws from local sustainable farms. Family-operated, they prioritize raw integrity without grains or fillers—grain-free excellence for modern pet parents.
Explore Purina Pro Plan Focus reviews for specialized formulas complementing raw transitions.
Final Rating: Highly Recommended
Smallbatch Raw Frozen Dog Food secures 5 stars for its meat-centric, traceable recipes. Perfect for raw-feeding enthusiasts, it promotes vitality with real nutrition.
In summary, choose smallbatch for premium raw quality, but monitor your dog’s response—especially fattier options. Consult a vet for personalized plans, and pair with balanced play for optimal health.
References:
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Nutrient Profiles.
- Dog Food Advisor analysis, verified June 2025.
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