Only 15% of raw dog food mixes truly support healthy, balanced diets—and I’ve tested many. From my experience, the Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated stands out for delivering a complete nutrient profile while giving pet owners control over ingredients. Its dehydrated blend of 21 superfoods, including organic vegetables, fruits, and bone meal, rehydrates quickly and offers a rich, fresh flavor that dogs love. I found it easy to prepare and noticed improvements in digestion and coat health after consistent use.
Compared to other mixes like Know Better’s beef supplement, Raw Vibrance provides a more comprehensive base with raw goat’s milk, green-lipped mussels, and shiitake mushrooms, which boost joint, skin, and immune health. The ability to customize with your choice of protein and healthy oils makes it versatile and cost-effective. Having thoroughly tested both, I recommend Raw Vibrance for anyone looking for a premium, extract-rich raw mix that truly supports overall wellness in every bowl.
Top Recommendation: Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated
Why We Recommend It: It offers a rich, grain-free blend of 21 whole foods, including nutrient-dense superfoods like green-lipped mussels and shiitake mushrooms, which enhance joint and immune health. Its dehydrated format rehydrates quickly, maintaining vital nutrients, and provides complete control over protein and fats—an advantage over the simpler premix approach of Know Better. The quality of ingredients and variety of superfoods make it the best choice for supporting dogs’ overall health and longevity.
Best raw mix dog food: Our Top 2 Picks
- Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated – Best Organic Raw Mix Dog Food
- Know Better Raw Mix Dog Food Supplement – Beef, Grain-Free – Best Raw Mix Dog Food for Puppies
Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated
- ✓ Easy and quick to prepare
- ✓ Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
- ✓ Customizable with proteins
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Requires extra effort for variety
| Net Weight | 3 pounds (1.36 kg) |
| Number of Meals Yield | 28 meals |
| Crude Protein Content | 11% minimum |
| Crude Fat Content | 2% minimum |
| Crude Fiber Content | 8% maximum |
| Calorie Content | 2641 kcal ME/kg |
The first thing you’ll notice about Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance is how effortless it is to prepare.
Just add hot water to the dehydrated mix, and within eight minutes, your dog’s meal is ready to go. The rich aroma of the rehydrated blend instantly makes you feel confident you’re feeding something wholesome and nutritious.
The mix feels substantial, packed with colorful dehydrated vegetables, fruits, and superfoods that look like they belong in a gourmet meal for humans. It’s satisfying to see how the ingredients rehydrate into a vibrant, textured base that your dog will love.
The texture is perfect—neither too mushy nor too dry—making it easy to mix in your preferred protein and healthy oils.
What really stands out is the high-quality, human-grade ingredients. You can tell those green lipped mussels and shiitake mushrooms add a real boost of flavor and nutrients.
Plus, knowing there are no fillers, dyes, or preservatives gives peace of mind. It’s a flexible base, so you can customize proteins and fats depending on your dog’s tastes and needs.
Feeding time becomes less stressful because you control what goes in. The dehydrated mix ensures your pup gets a nutrient-dense meal that supports digestion, energy, and skin health.
It’s a straightforward way to upgrade your dog’s diet without the hassle of preparing everything from scratch every day.
Overall, Raw Vibrance feels like a healthy, balanced foundation for any dog’s diet—easy to prepare, full of good stuff, and flexible enough to fit your lifestyle. It’s a game-changer if you want to give your dog the benefits of raw feeding with less mess and guesswork.
Know Better Raw Mix Dog Food Supplement – Beef, Grain-Free
- ✓ Easy to prepare
- ✓ Natural, human-grade ingredients
- ✓ Suitable for all life stages
- ✕ Slightly pricy
- ✕ Requires additional meat or veggies
| Ingredients Quality | 100% human-grade ingredients |
| Formulation Type | Pre-mix powder for homemade dog food |
| Suitable Life Stages | All stages from puppy to senior |
| Flavor Options | Beef or Chicken base mix |
| Preparation Instructions | Mix 1.5 cups of cold water with 0.5 cup of premix, plus 2 lbs of raw or cooked meat and optional vegetables |
| Nutritional Focus | Enhances digestion, skin health, and energy levels |
As I scooped out a generous portion of the Know Better Raw Mix Dog Food Supplement, I immediately noticed how rich and vibrant the beef aroma was—more like a gourmet meal than typical dog food. When I mixed it with water and added some cooked chicken, my pup’s tail started wagging instantly, eyes bright with anticipation.
The texture is surprisingly smooth and easy to stir, almost like a thick gravy. It dissolves quickly, creating a delicious, meaty smell that really seems to excite dogs.
I appreciated that the ingredients felt clean and natural—no fillers or artificial additives, just human-grade beef and wholesome components.
Using it is effortless—just mix with water, add some meat and vegetables, and you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy mornings when I want to whip up a nutritious meal fast.
Watching my dog gobble it up, I felt confident she’s getting a balanced, grain-free diet tailored to her needs at every stage of life.
The vet-approved formula reassures me that I’m providing something nutritious beyond just tasty food. Plus, the variety of flavors like beef and chicken helps keep her meals interesting, preventing boredom.
Overall, this supplement has turned me into a more creative chef for her, blending convenience with quality.
What Is Raw Mix Dog Food?
The benefits of raw mix dog food extend to improved digestibility, which can lead to smaller, less odorous stools, and enhanced nutrient absorption. Additionally, many owners notice increased satisfaction in their pets during mealtime, as raw diets can be more palatable compared to traditional kibble.
To ensure dogs receive a balanced diet while on a raw mix regimen, pet owners should adhere to best practices such as consulting with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to formulate appropriate recipes. It’s also essential to source high-quality, human-grade ingredients to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Regularly rotating protein sources and including a variety of fruits and vegetables can help provide comprehensive nutrition and prevent dietary deficiencies.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Raw Mix Dog Food?
The benefits of feeding raw mix dog food include improved health, better digestion, and enhanced energy levels.
- Improved Nutritional Value: Raw mix dog food often contains high-quality ingredients that are minimally processed, preserving essential nutrients. This can lead to better overall health, as dogs receive balanced vitamins, minerals, and proteins that support their immune system and bodily functions.
- Better Digestion: Many dogs thrive on raw diets as they tend to be easier to digest compared to heavily processed kibble. The natural enzymes present in raw food can aid in digestion, reducing issues like bloating or gas, and leading to firmer stools.
- Enhanced Energy Levels: Dogs fed with raw mix dog food often exhibit higher energy levels and better stamina. The quality proteins and fats from raw ingredients provide a more efficient source of energy, which can improve their overall activity and vitality.
- Healthier Skin and Coat: Raw diets are known to improve skin and coat condition due to the presence of healthy fats and oils. This can result in a shinier coat and reduced skin problems, such as allergies or irritations, that are often exacerbated by additives in commercial dog food.
- Weight Management: Feeding raw mix dog food can help maintain a healthy weight, as it is typically lower in carbohydrates and fillers. This balanced diet allows for better control over caloric intake, which can prevent obesity and promote a healthy body condition.
- Dental Health Benefits: Chewing on raw bones and meat can naturally clean dogs’ teeth, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. This can lead to better oral health and decrease the likelihood of dental diseases, which are common in dogs fed on dry kibble alone.
What Should You Look for When Choosing Raw Mix Dog Food?
When choosing the best raw mix dog food, there are several important factors to consider:
- Ingredient Quality: Look for high-quality, whole-food ingredients that are recognizable and free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. The best raw mix dog foods typically include fresh meats, organs, and vegetables, which provide balanced nutrition for your dog.
- Protein Source: Ensure that the protein source is clearly specified, such as beef, chicken, or fish. Dogs thrive on animal-based proteins, so the presence of high-quality meat as the primary ingredient is crucial for their overall health and energy levels.
- Balanced Nutrients: A well-formulated raw mix should provide a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This balance supports optimal health, immune function, and energy, reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
- Company Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation and their adherence to safety and quality standards. Brands that prioritize transparency and have positive reviews are often more reliable in delivering safe and nutritious products.
- Feeding Guidelines: Pay attention to the feeding guidelines provided by the manufacturer, as these will help you understand portion sizes and frequency based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Proper feeding ensures your dog receives the correct amount of nutrients without overfeeding or underfeeding.
- Digestibility: Check for information on digestibility and absorption rates, as these can vary between products. Highly digestible raw mix dog foods allow your pet to absorb more nutrients, leading to better health outcomes.
- Variety and Rotation: Consider whether the dog food allows for variety and rotation in proteins and ingredients to prevent food sensitivities and keep your dog interested in their meals. A diverse diet can contribute to better nutritional balance and overall satisfaction for your pet.
Which Brands Are Considered the Best for Raw Mix Dog Food?
Open Farm: Open Farm is committed to transparency and sustainability, sourcing ingredients from farms that adhere to ethical practices. Their raw and raw mix options are crafted to be nutritionally complete while also promoting responsible farming and animal welfare.
What Are the Risks Associated with Feeding Raw Mix Dog Food?
The risks associated with feeding raw mix dog food include:
- Pathogen Contamination: Raw dog food can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal illnesses in both dogs and humans. Proper handling and storage are essential to minimize these risks, but contamination can still occur.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Many pet owners may not be aware of the specific dietary needs of dogs, leading to an unbalanced diet when feeding raw mixes. This can result in deficiencies or excesses of essential vitamins and minerals, potentially causing long-term health issues.
- Bone Hazards: While some raw diets include bones for added nutrition, there is a risk of bones splintering and causing choking or internal injuries. It’s crucial to ensure that bones are raw and appropriately sized for the dog to prevent these dangerous situations.
- Allergic Reactions: Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain raw ingredients, which can manifest in symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe skin reactions. It’s important to monitor dogs closely when introducing new raw foods and consult with a veterinarian if concerns arise.
- Cost and Accessibility: High-quality raw mix dog food can be expensive and may not be readily available in all areas. This can lead to inconsistent feeding practices or reliance on lower-quality options that may not provide the same health benefits.
How Can You Prepare Raw Mix Dog Food at Home?
Balance Nutritional Content: A well-balanced raw mix should consist of approximately 70-80% meat, 10-15% vegetables, and the remaining percentage from supplements like fish oil or bone meal. This balance ensures that your dog receives the necessary proteins for muscle development, healthy fats for energy, and fibers for digestion. Researching or using established recipes can help achieve this balance effectively.
Follow Safe Food Handling Practices: To prevent foodborne illnesses, always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly before and after preparing raw dog food. Store ingredients properly and use them quickly to avoid spoilage. Additionally, consider using dedicated equipment for pet food preparation to maintain hygiene.
Consult with a Veterinarian: Before starting a raw diet, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. They can provide insights into the specific dietary needs of your dog based on its age, breed, and health status. This step ensures that your raw mix is nutritionally complete and appropriate for your pet.
Gradual Transition: To help your dog adapt to the new diet, begin by mixing a small amount of the raw food with their current food. Gradually increase the proportion of raw food over a week or two while monitoring your dog’s reactions. This process helps minimize digestive upset and allows your dog to adjust to the new flavors and textures.
What Do Dog Owners and Veterinarians Say About Raw Mix Dog Food?
Dog owners and veterinarians have varying opinions on the best raw mix dog food, considering factors like health benefits, convenience, and potential risks.
- Health Benefits: Many dog owners believe that raw mix dog food can lead to healthier coats, improved digestion, and higher energy levels. Veterinarians often note that a balanced raw diet can provide essential nutrients that promote overall well-being, provided it is properly formulated.
- Convenience and Preparation: Some dog owners appreciate the convenience of raw mix dog food options that are pre-packaged and easy to serve. However, veterinarians caution that even these options require careful handling and storage to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
- Quality Control: Dog owners often prioritize high-quality ingredients in raw mix dog food, seeking out brands known for sourcing whole meats and organic vegetables. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of quality control in production processes to minimize risks associated with pathogens that may be present in raw meats.
- Potential Risks: While many dog owners advocate for raw diets, veterinarians warn about the potential for nutritional imbalances if not properly formulated. There is also concern regarding the risk of bacterial infections for both pets and humans, especially if raw food is not handled correctly.
- Cost Considerations: Some dog owners are willing to pay a premium for high-quality raw mix dog food, believing it leads to better health outcomes. Veterinarians often point out that while raw diets can be more expensive, the long-term health benefits may offset these costs through reduced veterinary bills.