Choosing the right food for your canine companion is a crucial decision, impacting their overall health and well-being. This review delves into Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Raw dog food, a product line that has garnered attention for its raw, grain-free approach. While appealing to many pet parents seeking natural feeding options, it’s essential to examine the product’s nutritional profile, ingredient quality, and adherence to established dietary guidelines.
Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Raw product range comprises seven distinct recipes. However, these products are unrated by Dog Food Advisor due to their classification as specialist BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets. Notably, some of these recipes do not meet the “complete and balanced” criteria set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding calcium levels exceeding AAFCO’s recommended maximum and zinc levels falling below the minimum. While some recipes might be AAFCO-compliant, the entire range is treated as specialist, thus remaining unrated. The packaging also presents a discrepancy, stating suitability for both cats and dogs on the front, while the back specifies formulation for dogs only. This inconsistency warrants caution, particularly if considering it for feline consumption.
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The table below outlines each recipe within the Steve’s Real Food line, along with its rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile it aligns with: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Steve’s Real Food Whitefish Diet | Unrated | U |
| Steve’s Real Food Beef Diet | Unrated | U |
| Steve’s Real Food Pork Diet | Unrated | U |
| Steve’s Real Food Turducken Diet | Unrated | U |
| Steve’s Real Food Turkey Diet | Unrated | U |
| Steve’s Real Food Chicken Diet | Unrated | U |
| Steve’s Real Food Lamu Diet | Unrated | U |
Recipe and Label Analysis: Steve’s Real Food Chicken Diet
To provide a detailed analysis, the “Steve’s Real Food Chicken Diet” was selected as representative of the product line.
Steve’s Real Food Chicken Diet – Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
The estimated dry matter nutrient content reveals a protein level of 52%, fat at 34.8%, and carbohydrates at approximately 5.2%.
Ingredients: Ground chicken, chicken bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, broccoli, carrots, romaine lettuce, cantaloupe, goat’s milk, flaxseed, kelp, salmon oil, coconut oil, inulin, taurine, green mussel, ground eggshell.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2.4%
Ingredients Deep Dive
The primary ingredients, ground chicken and chicken bone, are significant components. Ground chicken is considered a high-quality protein source, providing essential amino acids. The inclusion of chicken bone offers a natural source of calcium, vital for bone health.
Chicken liver, a nutrient-dense organ meat, is the third ingredient, contributing essential vitamins and minerals. Chicken gizzard, a lean muscle, is also present, offering a good source of protein and being a canine delicacy.
Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and romaine lettuce are incorporated. Broccoli is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, potentially offering anti-cancer benefits. Carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber, while lettuce adds vitamins and minerals.
Further down the ingredient list, we find beneficial additions such as flaxseed, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber when ground. Coconut oil contributes medium-chain fatty acids, which may support cognitive function and skin health in dogs.
The presence of taurine, an amino acid crucial for heart health, is a positive inclusion, especially for dogs on grain-free diets where deficiencies can be more common. Inulin, a prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root, supports healthy gut bacteria.
It’s important to note that the ingredients list does not explicitly mention added vitamins or minerals. However, the company states that naturally occurring nutrients are present, and a detailed list is available on their website.
Nutrient Analysis Summary
When evaluated as a specialist BARF recipe, Steve’s Real Food Chicken Diet appears to be an above-average raw product based on its ingredients. The dry matter protein content of 52% is high, with fat at 34.8% and carbohydrates at a low 5.2%. Compared to the average for the brand’s raw offerings (51.1% protein, 29.6% fat, and 11.3% carbs), this recipe is protein-rich with near-average fat and significantly lower carbohydrates. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 58%.
Steve’s Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no recalls listed for Steve’s Real Food products. A comprehensive history of dog food recalls since 2009 can be found elsewhere.
Final Verdict on Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Raw offers grain-free, freeze-dried raw dog food recipes primarily featuring named meats and organs. While the raw feeding approach appeals to many owners, the lack of complete and balanced AAFCO compliance in some recipes, particularly regarding calcium and zinc levels, warrants careful consideration. It is strongly recommended to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before incorporating this or any specialist diet into your dog’s feeding regimen to ensure it meets their specific nutritional needs.
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