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As part of a larger initiative to educate dog owners on proper nutrition, effective training, and other ways to raise a happy and healthy dog, the Dogington Post is reviewing products, toys, foods, treats, and rescue organizations in our first annual Dogington Post Awards Program!
Each week, we’ll present the nominees in a particular category. And, YOU, our readers, will have an opportunity to weigh-in on your favorites, to help us choose a winner!
Nominees from each category for the Dogington Post Award have been selected based on strict criteria including dedication to animal health and welfare, providing the very best quality ingredients, and dedication to improving the lives of our dogs.
This week, we’re presenting the nominees for Best Raw Dog Food!
With a raw diet, as important as what’s IN the food is what’s left OUT of it. We only nominated brands that are free of preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, unhealthy grains and fillers, choosing only brands that provide wholesome, natural, whole raw foods for our pets.
Dogington Post’s Best Raw Dog Food nominees are:
On the advice of her veterinarian, Marie Moody, the founder and president of Stella & Chewy’s began feeding her ailing dog with a raw meat diet at home. After vast improvements in Chewy’s health and vitality, Marie sought to make a commercially available product as good as what she was making at home.
Stella & Chewy’s natural raw dinners are available in a variety of mouthwatering flavors like Stella’s Super Beef, Chewy’s Chicken, Duck Duck Goose, Dandy Lamb, Surf ‘N Turf, and more in both frozen and dehydrated versions. With an ingredient list that reads like your own healthy grocery list, Stella & Chewy’s uses only naturally-raised meats from USDA-inspected facilities, organic fruits and veggies, and healthful probiotics, essential vitamins, and minerals. They leave out all the stuff your dog doesn’t need, like grains, fillers, preservatives, and colorings.
What’s more, Stella & Chewy’s makes feeding raw more convenient than ever before with already-portioned disks – just thaw and feed! Or, if you’re feeding raw on-the-go, grab a pouch of their freeze-dried food and just add water. In addition to providing top-notch nutrition for our dogs, Stella & Chewy’s is dedicated to pet welfare and the humane treatment of animals through a myriad of charitable donations.
To learn more about Stella & Chewy’s or to learn where to buy, visit www.stellaandchewys.com.
2. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Veterinarian developed and lab-tested to meet and exceed AAFCO guidelines, Darwin’s Natural Pet Products’ mission is to help dog owners provide the best nutrition for healthier, longer lives for their pets. They achieve that mission by providing a convenient and affordable way to feed healthy, raw, grain-free meals. Only USDA-inspected human-grade meats and farm fresh vegetables go into their diets. No grains, no additives, and no unnecessary fillers. Darwin’s delivers all the benefits of a raw diet with the convenience that busy pet owners appreciate.
One of dog owners’ biggest obstacles when choosing to feed raw is the cost. Darwin’s sells their food direct-to-consumer, at wholesale prices, to enable more pet owners to afford a commercial raw food diet. Plus, selling direct to consumers allows for the shortest time between the farm and your dog’s bowl, while ingredients are at their freshest. They make it easy for you by delivering direct to your home, on your schedule, tailored to your dog’s individual needs. With meals like Chicken, Duck, Turkey, Beef and Bison, you’re sure to find a flavor your furkid will love!
To learn more about Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, visit www.DarwinsPet.com.
The team at ANSWERS Pet Food consists of members with a combined 50 plus years of experience in the raw pet food industry. Taking a scientific approach to pet nutrition, they developed one of the best raw food products on the market. ANSWERS’ mission is to be more than a pet food company, but rather, an ethical, social, and environmentally conscious movement in the raw pet food industry.
A leader in the raw pet food category, ANSWERS has created new forms of raw food as diverse and unique as our dogs, including nibble size to sausage links, patties, and pounders. They currently offer three raw formulas: Chicken, Beef and Pork in complete diets or limited ingredient diets for dogs with allergies. Choose from their Straight formulas containing only meat, organs, and bones; or their Detailed full ingredient recipes that also include eggs, veggies, fish oil, and other essential nutrients.
ANSWERS also offers cartons of frozen raw goat’s milk for dogs. Goat’s milk enhances your pet’s diet and is great for fussy eaters. We can vouch for this – our dogs LOVE their goat’s milk! And, because ANSWERS Pet Food is committed to protecting the environment, their foods are packaged in recyclable cartons.
For more information about ANSWERS Pet Foods or to find out where to buy it, visit www.answerspetfood.com.
To vote for YOUR favorite raw dog food, leave a comment with your choice below!
peter dykstra
May 7, 2016 at 4:28 pm
There is no way one knows the analysis of what the raw food is unless you test every ingredients-CONTINUALLY.Plus raw food is wet and causes plaque and resulting dental issues.Then there is the cost ($$). Why make a rod for your own back?
AJ Schott
Jul 2, 2015 at 11:13 am
I feed K-9 Kraving raw dog food. I live near the manufacturer and even toured the facility to watch it being made. Nothing would ever convince me that any other brand is better than this one. They use an animal nutritionist to help formulate the correct balance and they are USDA inspected. The raw food comes frozen and i just thaw/serve.
Jon Yuhasz
Jun 25, 2015 at 8:44 pm
I feed my severely vaccine injured cairn terrier Answers raw food. The reason I chose Answers is because it is the only commercially prepared raw food that does not use synthetic vitamins which has a negative effect on the body. Answers uses fermentation to increase the availability and digestibility of its product. It is very convenient to feed from the 4 lb. box that contains eight 8oz. patties that come in a recyclable box. Another plus to help with limiting the carbon footprint.
Brandy Arnold
Jun 26, 2015 at 10:04 am
Answers is a great choice! Nature’s Logic is another commercially packaged raw food that uses absolutely no synthetic vitamins!
LD
Mar 9, 2015 at 10:27 am
I absolutely love this food. My dog goes nuts at meal time. The ingredients are all stuff that I know and eat myself, I can actually pronounce all the names! I get really nervous about all these additives that people put in their food. Even if it’s raw doesn’t mean it’s healthy. I love when you open the package you can see and smell the freshness of the product! Definitely spend the $22 for the 10lb starter box. It will not disappoint.
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Diana Larson
May 12, 2014 at 2:52 pm
NONE of them. Be careful with raw. My dog died of complications from e-coli from feeding her raw. If you don’t know that your dog has a compromised immune system and you feed raw, your dog CAN die! Of course I also had a vet that sucked as well, which didn’t help.
I don’t recommend raw at all. Dehydrated or slightly cooked, yes.
Stella
Nov 13, 2014 at 8:59 am
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. Had nothing to do with feeding raw though. Dog’s eat far worse off the ground in the park and their immune systems are primed for eating this food.
Raymond
Mar 20, 2014 at 9:39 pm
I was feeding Bravo and I tried Darwins ,if I were to eat one or the other DARWINS WIN hands down . People don’t hate DARWINS they hate the price. If u can afford it your animal thanks you. DARWINS MY VOTE
Lilly Radu
Mar 3, 2014 at 10:28 am
It’s been a year – who won?
Morgan
Jan 24, 2014 at 2:21 pm
ANSWERS all the way – We have three dogs (Pitbull, Rat Terrier and Chihuahua) all on ANSWERS Raw Beef and Raw goat milk. All of them have leaned out to where they should be since switching. The Chihuahua and Rat Terrier both had tearing eyes, which after a few weeks on ANSWERS, has cleared up. All of their coats feel very smooth and shiny. The dogs absolutely love the food and anxiously await their next serving. Also, if you have any questions or concerns you can call the company and talk directly with the owner who is incredibly helpful. ANSWERS is certainly not a cheap option, but its the best one in my opinion.
Susie
Nov 1, 2013 at 2:50 am
Sojo’s….or something I mix myself. No kibble ever again at this house.
martin
Sep 27, 2013 at 10:06 pm
ANSWERS! Best thing I ever did for my dogs! They love it and have lived longer healthier lives because of it!
kay
Sep 27, 2013 at 10:05 pm
ANSWERS Pet Food, with out question. ANSWERS offers unique top of the line sourced ingredients in every product they sell. My dog was overweight and lost 10 lbs when she switched over to the ANSWERS line and has kept the weight off. She has stopped shedding, stopped itching, has more energy than she ever has and is not breathing as heavy! I recommend ANSWERS Pet Food to everyone!!!
Dirk Williamson
Sep 4, 2013 at 11:14 am
Considering that Stella and Chewy’s uses HPP they aren’t really a raw dog food.
Judy laprade
Aug 11, 2013 at 6:46 pm
I alternate Primal Raw Frozen Turkey and Sardine Formula with Stella and Chewy’s Venison. My five pound Yorkie, Bess, thrives on this combination. Actually, I like the rectangular short stick design of the Primal better than Stella and Chewy’s patties. The patties often arrive broken; the sticks never.
right now
Jul 29, 2013 at 4:30 am
The blog was very informative and the raw dog food was informative to read on, keep it up.
asphalt sealer
Jul 29, 2013 at 2:32 am
The blog is good enough I again n again read this.
Audree Berg
Jun 18, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Hi. I own a pet supply store and focus only on healthy pet products. I agree that Stella & Chewys is a good food, but I would encourage your readers to take a look at OC Raw Dog. Manufactured in OC Cal, they provide a variety of single source proteins, sourced for traceable suppliers, and – in my case – delivered by a small distributor that uses a freezer truck. No dry ice! Great quality, wonderful owners. Please take a look at them (an NO – I’m not a paid spokesperson!).
Happy feeding!
Stewart
May 28, 2013 at 10:01 am
If you are looking for the best then look no further than WolfTucker – simply fantastic dog food made with human-grade ingredients.
Cindy
Nov 13, 2014 at 9:03 am
I took the plunge and moved my beloved staffy to WolfTucker and it’s completely changed her (and my) life. It’s just a fantastic food that has completely cleared up her allergies. My only regret is that I didn’t switch to feeding raw years ago. They really know how to make great dog food and they really know their stuff too!
Eileen Riley
Feb 8, 2013 at 9:13 pm
STELLA & CHEWY’S is by far the very best. My dog and cats all love it…their coats shine, their teeth are white, their stools are very small as all the nutrition is aborbed IN the body….and most of all they are HEALTHY.
Michael Gifford
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:37 am
Answers pet food is the best
Kim Tulin
Jan 28, 2013 at 12:07 am
ANSWERS!
Kim Tulin
Jan 28, 2013 at 12:02 am
ANSWERS!!!!!
Robin
Jan 27, 2013 at 11:20 pm
ANSWERS Pet Food is the BEST!
Amanda
Jan 24, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Stella and Chewy’s!
Kimberlee
Jan 24, 2013 at 11:26 am
Stella & Chewy!
Sharon Ferraiuolo
Jan 23, 2013 at 10:12 pm
Stella and Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose!!
Karen
Jan 23, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Barf World for sure!
Diane
Jan 23, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Stella and Chewy’s ,hands down, is the best dog and cat food on the planet!!
Laurie Kreis
Jan 23, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Stella & Chewy’s ONLY!
marija budimir
Jan 23, 2013 at 9:27 am
I had three of my dogs on both diet Stella and Chewy’s and BARF and they were thriving on both diets.But I will vote for BARF because it arrives on my home address always fresh and frozen ( on dry ice ). Buying Stella and Chewy’s at the pet store I had numerous time problem with their food and my dogs would end with upset stomack and dieria :-(( Abviously food wasn’t always frozen and it went bad. But it was frozen later and got sold. Also they don’t have option of home delivery, which I would recomend for them!!! So my VOTE goes to BARF!!!! they thought of every little detail and they are great with check ups and customer service!!!
Carmen BROUSSARD
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:50 pm
STELLA’S AND CHEWY’S!!!!!!!!!!! IS THE BEST YEAH!!!!!
Liza
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Stella and Chewys
helps my crazy cat!!
Sharla
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Stella and Chewys 🙂
Anthony
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:19 pm
STELLA AND CHEWYS!!
Kathy
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Stella and Chewys!!!
Samara
Jan 22, 2013 at 11:58 am
Starley and Luna have paws up for the best food in the world – thanks Barf for keeping them healthy.
Chris
Jan 22, 2013 at 11:57 am
Stella & Chewy’s all the way!
Alan
Jan 22, 2013 at 11:27 am
Stella and Chewy’s #1
Madeline Seymour
Jan 22, 2013 at 11:20 am
Stella & Chewy’s. The best!!!! Thank you Marie Moody.
Rae Michele
Jan 22, 2013 at 10:04 am
Stella & Chewy’s!
Saul Schulman
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:44 am
And the survey says…..BARF World! Bar none the best raw food out there. My Dalmatian had every ailment under the sun (abnormal weight gain, skin allergies, urate crystals, bad breath, etc) and the BARF diet has solved all of these issues. He just turned 8, and with his beautiful coat and vibrant energy people mistake him for a puppy!
Amanda Bea
Jan 6, 2015 at 12:39 am
Hi There,
I am just curious What brand of raw dog food do you feed your Dal?
Thanks a bunch <3
Amanda
robert a
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:34 am
Barfworld……..
Michael Viola
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:23 am
Barfworld is the best !
Janine Acceturo
Jan 22, 2013 at 9:06 am
BARFWORLD — Hands Down!
Dawn R
Jan 22, 2013 at 12:29 am
There is nothing out there better than Stella and Chewy’s for our dog and cat!
They LOVE it!! There are so many benefits. To name a few, coats are shiny, they have great muscle, their eyes are clear and healthy teeth and gums. Worth every penny for happy healthy pets!!
Jared Stevenson
Jan 21, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Stella & Chewy’s is hands down the best! My cat Midge thrives on the cat food and her coat is beautiful!
Austin Smith
Jan 21, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Stella & Chewy’s!
David S
Jan 21, 2013 at 10:25 pm
stella and chewys!
FRANK R.
Jan 21, 2013 at 9:04 pm
STELLA AND CHEWY’S — AMERICAN MADE AND FAMILY OWNED
Annette H
Jan 21, 2013 at 8:40 pm
I vote for Stella and Chewy’s
Julie K.
Jan 21, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Stella & Chewy’s is the BEST!
Kim Islas
Jan 21, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Stella and Chewy’s
Ann
Jan 21, 2013 at 7:44 pm
Stella and Chewy’s of course!!!
meri allen
Jan 21, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Stella & Chewys ALL THE WAY!!
Sarah
Jan 21, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Stella and chewys!
Robert Patin
Jan 21, 2013 at 5:56 pm
My cat loves Stella & Chewy’s
Robert Patin
Jan 21, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Stella & Chewy’s
Carmen Viig
Jan 21, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Stella Chewys, Absolutely Tops!!!! Our pets LOVE it!!!!!
Alison Strieker
Jan 21, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Stella and Chewys, by far!!! No hidden meats, not from China, organic fruits and veggies AND my dog is IN LOVE with every single flavor. I feel SO good feeding this to her! Finally something that nature intended her to have.
Virginia
Jan 21, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Stella & Chewys !!
Nancy Matro
Jan 21, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Stella & Chewys!!! Both of my rescued dogs love it! Our Shih Tzu didn’t like any kibble and now he devours his food and definitely enjoys eating it. We’re vegetarian so this is the best way for us to feed them raw food.
Randi Tieken
Jan 21, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Stella and Chewys all the way!!! I do dog rescue, and take in many very sick dogs. I have brought many dogs back to life literally with Stella and Chewys. Raw is always the way to go, but Stella and Chewys I have found, is the best!
Jennifer Stevenson
Jan 21, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Stella & Chewy’s!
JENNIFER
Jan 21, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Stella and Chewys for my babies!
Catherine
Jan 21, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Stella and Chewy’s is the only RAW food my pups will eat. My cats are enjoying the freeze dried dinners as well . You have my Vote Stella!
MAGGIE
Jan 21, 2013 at 2:15 pm
The Freeze dried is perfect for camping and hiking. Stella and Chewy’s Pleeease.
Sang
Jan 21, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Stella and Chewys Freeze dried and Frozen. Duck duck goose is our fav
Emily C
Jan 21, 2013 at 2:05 pm
My Shiba Inu Freddie and kitty are all for Stella and Chewys! keep up the good work
hally
Jan 21, 2013 at 1:39 pm
My riley loves his stella & chewy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hoseung
Jan 21, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Stella and Chewys (!)
Brie
Jan 21, 2013 at 12:59 pm
My dog’s favorite is Stella & Chewy’s hands down.
nikki
Jan 21, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Stella and chewys stole our hearts and our vote!
Suellen
Jan 21, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Stella & Chewy’s!
Patrick
Jan 21, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Stella and Chewys- tried em’ all, but keep coming back to this one. Great company and standards. Probiotics added, no fillers? Awesome
Bonnie Drozdiak
Jan 21, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Stella and Chewy’s……hands down!!!! Only “the BEST” will do for my fur kids! Strict food safety procedures in place makes it worry-free!!! I must lock it up tight or there will be some serious snacking going on!
Alana Rosenberg
Jan 21, 2013 at 11:44 am
Stella and chewys!!!!!
TJ
Jan 21, 2013 at 11:41 am
Stella and Chewy’s hands down
Keith Lezatte
Jan 21, 2013 at 11:22 am
Stella and Chewys
Jennifer Stevenson
Jan 21, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Stella & Chewy’s for sure!
Lea
Jan 21, 2013 at 11:21 am
We love Stella & Chewy’s at our place. We go through them all for our Bernese mountain dog. we like that they add probiotics, and use 100% organic produce.
Michelle
Jan 19, 2013 at 11:31 am
ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not even a contest.
Eric Fumbly
Jan 19, 2013 at 11:09 am
Stella & Chewy’s !
Laura
Jan 19, 2013 at 10:49 am
Stella & Chewy’s!!!!!
Shirlene
Jan 19, 2013 at 10:47 am
Stella & Chewy’s is the absolute best! Both the raw frozen & freeze dried are wonderful. The freeze dried prompted my very fussy Tibetan Terrier to actually eat at each feeding… None of the others worked.
Sunny Braley
Jan 19, 2013 at 10:01 am
I love Answers. My 4 dogs do awesome on their products. The food and goat’s milk are a favorite in my dogs and cats diet. The pork is my dog’s favorite.
Kavyn
Jan 19, 2013 at 9:45 am
MMMMM…Stella & CHewy’s!
Kim
Jan 19, 2013 at 8:49 am
Answers. Goats milk was the only thing that my old pup could handle in his final days.
Wendy Groomes
Jan 19, 2013 at 6:27 am
My vote goes with Answers pet food all the way! I have been privy to presentations about the food and feed it regularly to my animals. They love it and the company standards are top notch!
Kris Pierce
Jan 18, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Answers!
Steve
Jan 18, 2013 at 10:00 pm
Answers!!
Cesira Omissi
Jan 18, 2013 at 9:53 pm
Answer’s! No question!
Julie
Jan 18, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Answers is the best. No pasteurization. My five dogs are thriving since switching to Answers
Dr Amy
Jan 18, 2013 at 7:06 pm
I vote for Answers–never has a raw food been so thoroughly researched and so completely thought through–everything from the source farms from which they obtain their meat from through packaging is the result of wonderful ethical people who feel providing healthy pet food as God intended animals to eat is their mission in life. Their goal is to improve the lives and health of your pets. I have been so impressed with this company!!! Also– my dogs (five–from puppy through senior) are doing fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathy Jacobs
Jan 18, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Stella & Chewy’s saved a finicky eater!
Cathy Rounds
Jan 18, 2013 at 5:47 pm
My five pointers love Answers and the goat milk!
Judy Dethloff
Jan 18, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Answers Pet Food is the best commercial raw meat nutrition available for your loving canines. Science, knowledge and commitment goes into all Answers products. Living with Mr. Allergies has allowed me the opportunity to contact Answers for many a question. Each time I have spoken with an extremely friendly and knowledgeable person, happy and excited to assist me. Many times the question is not “food” related and I still receive the same time, effort and quality of assistance.
The best value for your dollar is also Answers. Their products allow you to reduce or discontinue supplements due to the scientific balance of ingredients used in the food. Also, Answers is not advertised as much as some of the competitors keeping pricing down. Answers all the way!
Patti Sutkowski
Jan 18, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Answers is by far the best!! Clancy loves it, especially the raw goats milk! He is thriving on Answers.
Linda Parks
Jan 18, 2013 at 5:01 pm
Answers is the very best!
JS
Jan 18, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Answers Pet Food, without a doubt!
lisa park
Jan 18, 2013 at 4:36 pm
the best!
Sir Issac Ohm
Jan 18, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Stella & Chewy’s is my favorite. Its the best. I love it
Emily Thompson
Jan 18, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Stella & Chewy’s, of course! Best food out there! 🙂
Debbie Bond
Jan 18, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Stella & Chewys…the best!
Lori Carr
Jan 18, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Stella & Chewy’s is the BEST raw dog food! My dog, Lola love, love, loves it!
Lindsey
Jan 18, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Stella & Chewy’s!
alycia
Jan 18, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Stella and Chewy’s!
Joyce
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:51 pm
Stella and chewys without a doubt. Best thing to have happened to me and my pooch. No more guilt , everyday is a gourmet meal. I keep atleast 3 flavors stocked to rotate . We are very pleased with the products.
Anita leipper
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:47 pm
Stella & chewy
Darrin Wasniewski
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Stella & Chewy’s!
Emily
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Stella and chewy’s of course. Boom! 😉
Angie Bray
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Stella & chewys! Voted top by my 3 pups and 3 kitties! Duck duck goose!
Christina
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Stella & Chewy’s!
Wendy Petkus
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Stella and Chewy’s!
Robin Budin
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:24 pm
I love Stella and Chewy’s everything. I feed it to my finicky dogs as a topping on their kibble or a few patties if they totally wont eat their kibble on a particular day. I always mix it in the second meal of the day and use the treats always.
Christina Eckhart
Jan 18, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Stella & Chewy’s is all I’ll feed my pets besides what I make myself.
suzie bourdeau
Jan 18, 2013 at 12:48 pm
GO Peoplefud
suzie bourdeau
Jan 18, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Peoplefud