The Best Commercial Raw Dog Brands in Canada

With so many raw dog food brands available, it’s essential to find the right fit based on your dog’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. However, there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to raw dog food. Based on your dog’s age, weight, health condition, lifestyle and your budget, we tend to recommend different raw dog food brands at our pet store in Vancouver, BC.

The study below reviews all the commercial raw dog food brands we carry and also ones we don’t carry but know of in Canada and a few from the USA.

We evaluated top Canadian and select U.S. raw pet food brands using these criteria::

1. Ingredient Sourcing & Transparency (pasture-raised, grass-fed, free-range, etc.)
2. Raw Feeder Level (beginner to experienced). Basically the feeder’s comfort level.
3. Complete and balanced standards [National Research Council (NRC) vs American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ]
4. Consistency & Quality (based on our experience and customer reviews)
5. Variety for Rotational Feeding (single-protein, novel proteins, and whole prey options)
6. Affordability of raw dog food

Key Insights from Our Comprehensive Review of Raw Pet Food

1. Biosecurity & Safety Standards Are Evolving: The raw pet food industry is shifting from its early roots—often small butcher-style operations focused on health-conscious feeding—to a more advanced, science-based model. Today, many top brands are developed with input from holistic veterinarians and pet nutritionists, and are produced in HACCP-certified facilities with strict biosecurity protocols. These companies prioritize minimizing pathogens through responsible ingredient sourcing, routine batch testing, and innovations like bacteriophage technology.
   • However, not all brands have reached this level of care. Those that lag behind in safety practices are more likely to be the ones featured in negative headlines, reinforcing outdated perceptions that raw pet food is inherently risky.
2. Convenience for Beginners: Some raw pet food brands now formulate their recipes to meet NRC (National Research Council) nutritional standards, catering to pet owners who are new to raw feeding. These complete and balanced formulas offer the convenience of kibble—just scoop and serve—without compromising the benefits of a raw diet. It’s a practical option for those who want peace of mind without the complexity of ingredient calculations.
   • We however worry that while these additives help meet regulatory standards, they can be less bioavailable than nutrients from whole food sources. In some cases, formulation errors or long-term exposure to synthetic compounds may contribute to toxicity —a risk that has been documented in the kibble industry.
3. Education Remains a Battleground: While raw feeding education is growing—thanks in part to holistic veterinarians like Dr. Karen Becker and proactive raw food manufacturers—the industry continues to face resistance from conventional veterinarians. Many traditional vets receive nutrition education primarily from large kibble manufacturers, and the limited volume of peer-reviewed research on raw diets contributes to skepticism. (This blog explores the latest scientific research on raw pet food.)
4. The Canadian Difference in Raw Pet Food: Canadian raw feeders tend to prefer a more natural, meat-like texture in their pet food. In contrast, many U.S. brands use High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) to reduce pathogens, a process that can alter the texture and appearance of raw meat. In response, Canadian raw food companies are innovating with alternative safety measures—such as bacteriophage applications, probiotic enhancements, and systematic batch testing—to maintain food safety without compromising the integrity of the product.

Best 5 Raw Pet Food by Quality (Moonlight Staff Picks)

The Top 5 Raw Pet Foods were ranked based on average scores from Moonlight staff and from customer feedback, who evaluated each brand according to two main criteria:

1. Ingredient Sourcing & Transparency – Preference was given to pasture-raised, grass-fed, free-range, and traceable ingredients.
2. Consistency & Quality – Based on our hands-on experience and customer feedback.

Feedback from customers is reflected in the results. All Moonlight staff involved in the ranking are intermediate to advanced raw feeders. Their feeding philosophy leaned toward rotational feeding using whole food ingredients over NRC-complete formulas that rely on synthetic vitamins and minerals. This preference is grounded in two main reasons:

1. Most people transition to raw pet food to get pet food as close to ‘nature intended’ emphasizing variety and nutrient balance over time, rather than strict daily formulation.
2. In addition, most people want to move away from kibble that tend to have fillers and synthetic vitamins and minerals, which may be less bioavailable or, in the case of formulation errors (which do happen), potentially harmful.

Some raw food manufacturers argue that synthetic supplementation is necessary to meet NRC standards for certain minerals like zinc and manganese. For example, NRC recommends 15 mg of zinc per 1000 kcal for adult dogs. While red meats generally meet zinc needs naturally, ingredients like pumpkin seeds can also contribute both zinc and manganese to white meat formulas. Manganese is more challenging to supply through whole foods alone but can be found in kelp, spirulina, green-lipped mussel, kale, spinach and green tripe. However, adding seafood-based sources can affect taste, which is why Big Country Raw’s NRC Complete line includes synthetic additives instead.

That said, most raw feeders agree that a diet should be balanced over time, not in every single meal, which is why NRC-style formulations scored lower in our internal rankings.

Lastly, all of the top picks ended up being Canadian brands, which generally prioritize meat-forward recipes and whole foods. In contrast, many American raw brands tend to include more squash, yams, and potatoes—ingredients that can aid digestion but should be considered fillers. Additionally, aside from a few exceptions like Primal and Small Batch, most U.S. brands reviewed used synthetic additives, which influenced their lower rankings.

Note that as of June 2025, retailers in Western Canada are unable to obtain raw frozen Stella & Chewy’s.

Best 5 Raw Pet Food for New/Beginner Raw Feeders Convenience (Moonlight Staff Picks)

If our rankings were based solely on feedback from beginner raw feeders, the Top 5 list would have looked quite different. For customers who are just starting out with raw feeding—or who prefer a simpler, more convenient approach without needing to rotate proteins or add supplements. Here are the Top 5 raw pet foods arranged from balanced with No Synthetics to using synthetic vitamins and minerals.

1. Primal Pet Food
2. Small Batch Pet Food
3. Big Country Raw
4. Iron Will Raw Pet Food
5. Stella & Chewy’s

These brands offer complete and balanced meals with clear labeling, consistent quality, and straightforward feeding instructions, making them ideal for pet parents looking for an easy transition from kibble or canned food.

Best 5 Raw Dog Food by Protein Variety (Brands We Carry)

We put together a list of the top 5 raw pet food brands by Protein on the market. When it comes to feeding your dog a species-appropriate raw diet, variety is key — not just for preventing mealtime boredom, but for providing a broad spectrum of nutrients from different animal sources. We’ve evaluated Canada’s top raw pet food brands based on the range of proteins they offer, and compiled the top five that truly stand out.

Big Country Raw and Carnivora Raw Dog Food shared the top #1 spot for the best raw pet food by protein variety. Their raw food protein options ranged from common options like beef, chicken, and turkey to more novel proteins like rabbit, bison and kangaroo. Their broad assortment makes it easy for pet parents to rotate proteins, which provide options for dogs or cats with food sensitivities/ “allergies” and support balanced nutrition.

The green columns show the most common raw dog food proteins, the white columns are variety options while the pink columns represent the exotic or novelty proteins available.

They were followed closely by Healthy Paws Pet Food and Natural Instincts Pet Food which shared the #3 spot. Red Dog Blue Kat (RDBK) round out the group at the #5 spot.

Best 5 Raw Dog Food by Price – Regular Proteins (Brands We Carry)

To assess the affordability of raw dog food, we compiled a price comparison table using regular protein options such as chicken, turkey, and beef across the brands we carry. These proteins tend to be the most economical and are commonly chosen for daily feeding.

We used raw food formulations that mostly use a single protein not variety boxes that mix lamb, beef, salmon etc. Prices were evaluated per lbs using the largest size box/ bag that customers will eventually transition to if they like the brand. This ensured a fair comparison across different packaging formats. This list is especially helpful for multi-dog households or households looking for budget-friendly raw dog food options.

The yellow cells shows the ranked brands in each protein with the green column showing the most common raw dog food proteins. The gray cells are for where brands do not carry that protein. As we wanted to show only the top 5, we’ve hidden some brands that didn’t rank in the top 5.

Generally, we found that Carnivora was the most economical or ranked #1 across most of the regular proteins followed by Bold By Nature Dog Food ranked as #2 economical raw pet food. Healthy Paws, Big Country Raw, Back 2 Raw, K9 Choice and Red Dog Blue Kat also made it into the top 5 based on the protein.

At the other end of the range were predominantly American brands that tend to be pricier because of exchange rate, manufacturing cost to portion as small nuggets, export and transportation fees to name some key factors. As such, Primal, Small Batch are great foods for smaller dogs. For example, a 10 lb adult dog could go through a 3 lb raw dog food bag in 12 days making the price of raw food per day equivalent to about $2.50.

Best 5 Raw Dog Food by Price – Exotic Proteins (Brands We Carry)

We also created a price comparison list for exotic raw dog food proteins, focusing on the best cost per pound across the brands we carry. This list is especially useful for pet parents who need to transition their dog to a novel or limited-ingredient protein—often recommended for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues.

Exotic proteins for pet food like rabbit, venison, and kangaroo tend to come at a higher price point due to sourcing and availability. These options provide a more accessible way for pet owners to explore novelty or rotational protein strategies while staying mindful of budget.

The yellow cells shows the ranked brands in each protein with the pink column showing exotic raw dog food proteins. The gray cells are for where pet food brands do not carry that protein.

Generally, we found that K9 Choice Pet Food was the most economical or ranked #1 across most of the exotic proteins.

Although goat is not technically one that is included in most novelty protein lists, we add it here as it is a cheaper novelty protein that most pets have not tried. For the following exotic proteins, only 1 brand produced them so it was not a comparison that should be included in the table

• Goat- Carnivora Raw Pet Food
• Quail – Big Country Raw
• Wild Boar – K9 Choice.

What is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

Before diving into the review of the results, we’d like to talk about the basics of raw dog food.

The major premise behind feeding a raw diet to pets is the concept that even a little bit of fresh food helps the body thrive. This is similar to humans in that your doctor may recommend having more salads and fresh fruits as part of your diet. Therefore, raw pet food is meant to be biologically appropriate dog food or the natural dog diet. 

Unlike humans, who are omnivores, dogs are primarily carnivores, though they can adapt to digest some carbohydrates. Cats are obligate carnivores. 

For the purpose of this blog, we will call dogs “adaptive” carnivores because:

1. Physiologically, the teeth of dogs are meant for tearing meat and grinding bones. Unlike omnivores, they don’t have any flat teeth to chew. 
2. They have shorter digestive tracts for processing raw protein efficiently
3. The stomach pH of dogs and cats are more acidic to digest meat and bones better.

The term ‘adaptive’ is because although they are carnivores, they have adapted to be able to utilize carbohydrates unlike cats who are ‘obligate’ carnivores.

The concept of raw dog food started with the Dr. Ian Billinghurst, an agricultural scientist and later a vet in Australia who believed bones and raw food were the key to healthy canines. His approach has been called the BARF diet. Since then, there has also been another approach called the Whole Prey Diet.

What is a BARF Diet?

In the 1990s, Dr Ian Billinghurst released a book about “Give your dog a bone” and later about BARF diets which reintroduced the fresh food movement for pets. The term BARF has evolved to stand for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods.

Dr Billinghurst created a company called BARF World in 2000 to bring commercial raw pet food to market. The co-owners of BARF world, spun off in 2003 to create Carnivora, which still supplies raw pet food in Canada. 

The concept is to feed the ancestral diet for dogs so that it is species-appropriate nutrition. For example, in wild dog populations all over the world, dogs hunt in packs and would catch smaller animals like chickens and rabbits, which they would devour.

A typical BARF diet would have:

• 70% muscle meat
• 10% bone
• 10% organs (liver + other organs)
• 7% vegetables + 1%  fruits
• 2% seeds

The idea of as nature intended means not necessarily eating the same protein daily. You eat what you catch and on some days, these dogs might catch a chicken, or on another a rabbit and on another day, nothing. 

Rotational feeding is therefore important as each animal food source provides different levels of amino acids, fats, minerals and vitamins.

What is a Whole Prey Diet?

Raw dog food that follows a whole prey model mimics a dog’s natural diet in the wild by including fur, feathers, and bones while excluding vegetables and fruit. This approach is based on the belief that dogs, as carnivores, derive their essential nutrients from animal-based sources rather than plant matter. The diet looks like:

• 80% muscle meat
• 10% bone
• 10% organs (liver + other organs)

The premise here is that the rotation of meats accounts for any nutrients you need and therefore you do not need any veggies or fruits. 

Instead, raw feeders might add green tripe, whole fish, eggs to supplement the feeding. 

Whole Prey vs. BARF Diets for Dogs: What’s the Difference?

Whole prey diets gained popularity after the introduction of BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets. Advocates of the whole prey model aim to mimic what carnivores would eat in the wild—primarily muscle meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fur or feathers. Supporters argue that since dogs produce little salivary amylase, they struggle to digest vegetables efficiently, making plant matter an unnecessary and potentially taxing addition to the diet.

In contrast, BARF diet proponents acknowledge the limited amylase production but maintain that raw, pureed fruits and vegetables—along with targeted supplements—can support digestive health and provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in a strict whole prey approach for domesticated dogs.

Age, Weight & Health Condition Affect How & What Raw Dog Food to Feed

Dog Age & Weight as a Factor of Feeding Raw Dog Food

In countries where dogs mostly roam free and are not confined to apartments, Puppies eat what their parents catch or scavenge. Puppies generally have slightly different nutritional needs as they are growing. As such, they need more calories, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth and fats. 

Typical raw feeding guidelines advocate puppies be fed about 4 to 8% of their body weight depending on who is giving advice on transitioning to raw dog food. 

At Moonlight, we typically recommend for puppies to be fed about 4 to 6% of weight with the higher end for weight gain. 

Large breeds puppies which are at risk of developing hip or elbow dysplasia are recommended to be kept at a good weight (not fat) in order to minimize the risk. Typically that means adjusting feeding amounts by feel. Vitamin C is also recommended by some holistic vets to prevent hip/ elbow dysplasia in large breeds. 

For adult dogs, we typically recommend: 

1. 2%-2.5% of ideal weight for regular, minimal activity dogs. Less active dogs or cats should be at 2% and fed less fatty proteins. 
2. 2.5%-3.5% for active dogs and dogs needing weight gain. 

You can use our raw food calculator to find how much to feed your cat or dog. 

For senior dogs, we should acknowledge that with any typical reduction in activity level, dogs should be fed quality food to maintain their muscle. If 2.5% works and is not being wasted then go for that. 

If raw is too rich now for a senior dog, switch to gently cooked or something that works for your particular needs. 

Health Condition of Dog as a Raw Dog Feeding Factor

To get the best health for your dog or cat, we believe in raw. The rationale is simple that nature gets it right when feeding any particular animal. However, there are certain health issues that might benefit from raw.

Food Sensitivities/ Allergies – Normally, kibble has too many proteins from both animal-based sources (e.g. fish, chicken, beef) and plant-based sources (peas, wheat, corn, lentils, soy), which might be causing your animal to get itchy. To eliminate the food sensitivity or allergy, it is important to figure out what your pet is reacting to. With a raw diet, it is easy to choose a single-ingredient protein diet to reduce the itchiness. In addition, with raw food diets, novel proteins (like venison or rabbit) are easily sourced and used as they are not proteins that your pet might normally eat.

Kidney Disease – Moisture in raw food helps both dogs and cats with kidney disease. Dogs with kidney disease need a diet that’s lower in phosphorus. For cats, we have a page with suggestions for lower phosphorus cat foods and supplements that will help.

Liver Disease – Generally, raw diets tend to reduce inflammation markers but may not prevent liver disease. Dogs with liver disease may need a diet low in copper and high in easily digestible proteins. A raw diet can be adjusted to reduce copper content by choosing specific meats and organs, and is easily digestible.

Diabetes – A raw meat diet may help you avoid diabetes in general. However, if your pet has diabetes, a raw food diet helps regulate blood sugar and maintain a consistent level throughout the day, which makes managing this tricky disease. Dogs with diabetes require a controlled carbohydrate intake. Usually, these are triggered by being on a processed diet like kibble and being overweight. With a raw diet, feeders can calibrate it so that there are no excessive blood sugar spikes.

Dental Health – Raw feeding, especially with bones, can help improve dental health by scraping plaque off the teeth. However, it’s crucial to monitor the dog’s ability to chew bones and ensure they don’t break teeth or swallow large bone fragments that could cause internal issues.

Benefits of Raw Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

Research supports the growing interest in raw feeding. A 2018 study by Algya et al. showed that feeding a dog raw food compared to kibble resulted in less degenerative diseases and integumentary health. (Algya et al., 2018; Frisk, 2018; Anturaniemi et al., 2020). This means your pet is less likely to develop inflammation-related health issues and more likely to have a stronger defense against bacteria, chemicals, temperature changes, and other external stressors.

We have an itemized list of benefits in our blog “11 reasons why you should feed raw dog food” if you’d like to read more.

We’ll summarize some of the top reasons:

1. Raw feeding was the way our furry pets (dogs and cats) have eaten for generations with table scraps thrown in. It is the ancestral diet for dogs and therefore species-appropriate nutrition.
   1. Kibble is relatively new in terms of feeding pets. James Spratt launched the first commercial dog biscuit around 1860. It was a convenient option for wealthier pet owners — at the expense of biologically appropriate food.  
2. Biologically appropriate raw food for carnivores consists of muscle meat, organ meat, raw meaty bones and sometimes fresh raw fruits and vegetables.
   1. Another study showed that eating green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables reduced the risk of developing Transitional cell carcinoma.  (Raghavan et al.)
   2. Once cooked, some of these vital nutrients die (See Dr Pottenger Cat Study). That’s why high-quality raw foods, which follow the balance of mimicking what wild cats and dogs would eat, are balanced diets without having any/much synthetic supplements added to it!
   3. “Fecal weight and VFA levels were lower and the apparent digestibility of protein and energy were higher in dogs on the meat diet.”
3. Better dental health due to raw pet food… MUCH BETTER dental health!
   1. “Kibble is no better for your pet’s teeth than crunchy human food is for our teeth. It would never occur to you to eat a handful of peanut brittle to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The idea that dry food keeps your pet’s teeth clean is just as silly!” Dr Karen Becker. 
4. Moisture in raw pet food could prevent bladder stones and kidney disease
5. Shinier and softer coat; healthier skin on a raw pet food diet.

Risks to Feeding Raw Dog Food: Debunking Myths & Misconceptions

The 2 main arguments we hear about not feeding raw dog food are:

1. Raw pet food is not scientifically and nutritionally balanced. This position now includes new concerns about food related Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)- see our fact check on these DCM concerns.
2. Raw pet food contains Salmonella, Ecoli & Listeria. The argument is that these affect the pets as well as there is a high risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.

Myth 1: Raw Pet Food Should be Scientifically Balanced like Kibble?

The argument that kibble is complete and balanced is an erroneous starting point for making a comparison for what pets should eat. 

At any point, kibble is not actually complete and balanced because it is engineered to meet the minimum requirements of AAFCO. Although this is a good starting point, AAFCO is a starting point. It does not mean that your pet will thrive on food formulated to meet the minimum requirements. In fact, a lot of cats died as taurine was initially not known as an essential amino acid for cats. 

It is the same fallacy which was and still is to this day used to promote baby formula over breastfeeding. Nestle for example called baby formula “A perfect food for infants.”

According to the UN, “False and misleading messages about formula feeding are a substantial barrier to breastfeeding, which we know is best for babies and mothers.” “And alarmingly, the report notes that the baby feeding industry has approached health workers across all countries with promotional gifts, research funding and even sales commissions to influence new mothers on their feeding choices.”

The same relationship between pet food manufacturers, vet associations, FDA, NRC and AAFCO exists. In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) questioned the AAFCO ingredient approval process by saying “the AAFCO process ultimately falls short.” Fast forward to today and the new Health Secretary in the USA, Robert Kennedy is aiming at getting rid of the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) system. There are examples of ingredients that have been known to cause Cancer being declared as GRAS.

Basically, at this point in time, Science does not fully understand what is necessary for a dog or cat to thrive. We are learning as we go.  Another good example of what science does not know is that they are unsure about the cause of food-related dilated cardiomyopathy. 

Raw Feeding for Pets: Why Dogs and Cats Thrive on Nature’s Diet

However Nature knows what dogs and cats need to eat! If you flip the argument on its head, you should first ask what would a dog naturally eat if left to roam free? That line of thinking leads to hunting, scavenging (ancestral diet for dogs) and rotational protein feeding. 

Here’s a quote from Dr. Sean Delaney, a Board certified veterinary nutritionist courtesy of Dr. Sophie Yin’s website. “Wild cats and dogs eat their whole prey including the liver, intestines, skin and fur so they get all the nutrients they need.” 

To give you comfort that raw pet food is the best starting point, let’s see what dogs and cats need as carnivores. 

• Dogs and Cats need good biologically-available protein or species-appropriate proteins. Proteins are important because of the 22 amino acids that both dogs and cats need to be healthy.
  • Dogs can produce 12 of these amino acids on their own while cats can only make 11 amino acids. The remaining amino acids that pets need from pet food are arginine, histidine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, trytophan, valine and taurine for most dogs and all cats. 
  • We also emphasize species-appropriate proteins because the digestibility of proteins is important for our pets. 
• In addition, dogs and cats need Fats, which is rich in energy and provides the essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6s).
• What about vitamins? It is important to note that vitamins are sensitive to light, heat and oxidation so raw pet food has vitamins in their original form. Good sources of Vitamin A, D, E, K and B are liver and organ meats which are in raw pet food. In addition, fish, eggs are great for Vitamin A, D, K. Tripe is a good source of Vitamin B. 
• For minerals like calcium, phosphorus etc, common sources include animal bone, meat, fish, eggs and green leafy vegetables. 
• Another important element that dogs and cats need is water/moisture. Dogs drink enough but cats tend to get their moisture from the food they eat.
  • Kibble tends to have moisture at around 10% while raw pet food is around 50% to 80%. 
• Although dogs and cats can produce enzymes for digestion through their pancreas, raw pet food can naturally have enzymes. These enzymes for breaking down proteins (protease), carbs (amylase) and fats (lipase) can be found in sources such as pancreas of other animals, guts and papaya. 

All of these reasons make raw pet food the most biologically appropriate for dogs and cats. 

Should we rely on marketing that claims that pet food should be always scientifically balanced then? 

The answer is No. 

Raw Feeding Mistakes: How to Do Raw Dog Food the Right Way

I agree that raw dog food can be done wrong like anything else. If you feed your pet the same protein over and over again without rotating proteins or brands, there is bound to be nutritional issues over time. 

However, in that case the minimum adequacy standard of an AAFCO kibble may be preferable to buying and feeding your dog, raw chicken repetitively without organ meat for example. 

Basically, keep in mind that NOT all raw pet food brands are created equally e.g. not enough calcium, phosphorus can lead to Osteomalacia as Dr Rehanni talks about in her article “A Vet’s Perspective on Feeding Raw Pet Food Diets for Dogs & Cats.”

This is why the BARF framework on raw dog food is a good starting point for pet owners. 

Food-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: The Raw Diet Connection

We’ll summarize the research we’ve done on it here.

According to the FDA, Both “grain-free” and grain-containing formulations of pet food CAN cause DCM. The FDA does not know what the cause of non-hereditary DCM is at the moment. For an in depth look at what is DCM and common sense tips, read on Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. 

Pets on raw food that rotate fish and omega 3 sources into the food should not run the risk of DCM from food-related sources. 

Myth 2: Raw Pet Food is Riddled with Salmonella, E. Coli & Listeria

Yes, there are risks to feeding your dog or cat a raw pet food diet just like there is a risk when feeding kibble.  I’ll document 5 Truths.

TRUTHS

1. Raw pet food can contain salmonella, E.Coli & listeria.
   • Sourcing, handling and freezing raw dog food minimize the growth of salmonella and e.coli. They may remain viable after thawing.
   • Raw feeders are smart enough to wash their hands and pet’s bowls after feeding so this is not worth discussing.
2. Other than puppies and senior dogs, most dogs and cats are built to handle bacterial loads from food that would cause significant illness in you or me. The highly acidic nature of your dog’s or cat’s stomach (pH ranging from 1-2.5) and the amount of bile (anti-parasitic and anti-pathogenic) produced by dogs and cats can help neutralize something potentially harmful.
3. The University of Wisconsin School Of Veterinary Medicine in a study found that:
   • “Salmonella spp. can be isolated from healthy dogs and cats at rates of up to 36% and 18%, respectively;”
   • and “Dogs and cats may suffer salmonellosis as a “reverse zoonosis,” with infection transmitted from human-to-dog and subsequently back to other humans.”
4. The Zoonotic transmission to humans especially children, seniors or immunocompromised is the major reason why raw pet food is dissuaded by vets. 
5. Feeding kibble does not eliminate all health risks including salmonella and e-coli. There have been recalls in a variety of kibble and pet treat brands due to salmonella and in other cases, toxins in the food.  (please link)

What about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Raw Pet Food?

Recently, there has also been an increase in cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza such as (H5N1). H5N1 is transmitted from wild bird droppings/ saliva to farm-raised birds. Human transmission though rare is possible. All the pet food manufacturers we reached stated they source from human grade meat, and USDA or Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspected facilities. This means the meat processing facilities test samples of birds for H5N1, H5 & H7 before and after butchering. We’ve been monitoring CFIA’s updates on Canadian affected/ quarantined farms and so far,

• New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia currently don’t have issues.
• Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan are currently under control and less than 5 premises each. i.e. raw food from Big Country Raw, Healthy Paws, K9 Choice, Carnivora, Bold By Nature, Iron Will and Back2Raw aren’t affected so far.
• BC’s affected premises on the other hand is coming down but seems to be the predominant location for H5N1 in Canada. i.e. RDBK, BC’s Best, irRawsistible, Natural Instincts along with the CFIA are monitoring their farms and meat processors so far no issues.

As pet parents ourselves, here are our recommendations to customers until this stabilizes:

1. Consider moving to non-poultry raw pet food if concerned.
2. You can gently cook raw pet food to 74 C to invalidate the virus.
3. Cans, pouches and dry food are safer as the virus is killed by cooking.
4. Freeze dried and frozen poultry pet food from New Zealand have no cases of H5N1 e.g. K9 Natural or Ziwi Peak (dehydrated as well).
5. Please keep practicing safe hygiene
6. Have your vet test for H5N1 if your pet is lethargic, has fever, tremors or nasal discharge. They should then report this to CFIA. If you suspect raw pet food is implicated, keep the food frozen so that it can be tested.

What About Dietary Hyperthyroidism in Dogs?

Hyperthyroidism in dogs is quite rare. Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to a sped-up metabolism and various health issues such as weight loss despite increased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia and increased heart rate.

Hypothyroidism (the opposite) where there is an under-active thyroid gland is more likely in dogs. Aside from the normal triggers like cancer, atrophy etc, Dr Dobias has written a bit on the another unusual trigger for that in dogs. See here.

Some dog breeds are also pre-disposed to hypothyroidism.

Dietary hyperthyroidism is even more rare. A few studies indicated that raw fed dogs had exogenous thyrotoxicosis and one paper was able to confirm that the slaughter facility included head meat. However, the other paper, which we couldn’t fully access didn’t explain whether head meat was fed or whether the dogs ate a commercially prepared raw dog food.

• The paper that was able to confirm exogenous thyrotoxicosis from head meat was from Vienna, Austria. We don’t know the standards of raw pet food in Austria but it seems to allow head meat. The other paper was from Britain. Again not a Canadian or North American source, which could help indicate standards e.g. human grade.

We are unaware of any commercial large raw food manufacturers in Canada using head meat for their food although we’ve seen some Instagram posts from raw feeders when they go to the butcher. There is an important distinction between head meat and the neck below the thyroid.

• Normally, butchering which happens with CFIA inspection should not have any thyroid as part of the meat. This is because most commercial large raw food manufacturers in Canada purchase human grade meat meaning they don’t want this to affect humans. However, the neck below the thyroid may be included.
• The studies on exogenous thyrotoxicosis, focus on only beef and bison being the culprits. Nothing on kangaroo. The potential reason for beef and bison being culprits is probably due to the size of their thyroid glands.
• Kangaroo head meat will likely not be allowed to be shipped from Australia.

Generally, we would recommend avoiding raw pet food that includes head meat or just feeding head meat contaminated with thyroid glands.

In terms of testing, we are not aware of any pet food manufacturer (kibble, can, raw or gently cooked) testing for thyroid hormones by batch. It will likely be super cost prohibitive and as such, as far as we know they just avoid head meat.

• We’ve also worked with a holistic vet who fed his dogs, lamb necks every few days and none of his animals developed dietary hyperthyroidism with his oldest dog being 15 years for a Golden Retriever.
• From the papers on exogenous thyrotoxicosis, the animals that were affected were due to eating constantly contaminated products from beef. An occasional contamination did not seem to trigger this.

For seafood vs land animals, generally kelp, seaweed and some fish will have high iodine levels and that is not what you want in cases of hyperthyroidism.

If you suspect your animal is not ok, the first step for both hyper and hypothyroidism is a T4 panel with bloodwork.

You will also need an X-ray scan. Once hyperthyroidism is confirmed, if you suspect this is not breed related but rather dietary, then the food will need to be tested to confirm exogenous thyrotoxicosis.

What is NRC Standards for Raw Pet Food 

The National Research Council (NRC) provides nutrient requirements for dogs and cats, but it does not set specific standards for raw pet food. Instead, the NRC publishes guidelines on essential nutrients, which are used by pet food formulators, including those in the raw pet food industry, to ensure diets meet the nutritional needs of pets.

Key Points About NRC and Raw Pet Food

NRC Guidelines for Nutrients

The NRC publishes nutrient profiles for dogs and cats based on scientific research. These include:

1. Minimum requirements (MR) – The lowest amount required to prevent deficiency.
2. Adequate intake (AI) – Used when MR is unknown, based on estimated needs.
3. Safe upper limits (SUL) – The highest amount that is safe to feed.

Comparison of NRC Nutrient Guidelines to AAFCO & FEDIAF

Unlike AAFCO or FEDIAF, NRC does not create legal pet food regulations—it’s simply a scientific reference for nutrient requirements. The most recent NRC guideline being in 2006. AAFCO (North America) and FEDIAF (Europe) base many of their nutrient recommendations on NRC data but adapt them into pet food standards that include feeding trials and some times regulatory requirements. Note that these standards can be influenced by pet food manufacturers and not all for the benefit of your dog or cat.

NRC is often considered more precise for raw feeding because it provides values on an energy basis (per kcal) rather than a dry matter percentage like AAFCO/FEDIAF.

Why NRC Matters for Raw Pet Food Brands

NRC guidelines are often used by raw feeders, pet food manufacturers, and veterinary nutritionists to formulate balanced raw diets. NRC matters as a benchmark or reference point for ensuring that you are not feeding just muscle meat.

Many homemade raw diet formulations follow NRC guidelines to ensure pets receive the right balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

NRC guidelines rather than AAFCO are more appropriate for raw food, as NRC allows a whole-foods-based approach without relying heavily on synthetic fortification.

Popular Ways to Feed Raw Dog Food: From DIY to Pre-Made Raw Meals

Raw pet food is fed in 3 different formats nowadays:

1. Homemade DIY Raw Pet Food – where people can make their own meals by combining ratios of meat, organ and other ingredients. Customers who feed Homemade diets need to understand the BARF Diet or Whole Prey Diet so that they do not make costly errors in their pet’s health. They tend to be Intermediate to Advanced Level Raw Feeders.
2. Commercial Rotational Raw Pet Food – we are calling these commercial foods rotational as these customers tend to be focused on balancing the nutrition of the pet through the course of the week and not in every meal. They tend to be customers who either use the BARF Diet or the Whole Prey Diet. They can be Beginner to Advanced Level Raw Feeders.
3. Commercial NRC Complete & Balanced Raw Pet Food – these tend to be raw food that are balanced in every meal. The manufacturers tend to add either synthetic ingredients or natural supplements to meet the National Research Council (NRC) standards for pet food. They are predominantly for Beginner Level Raw Feeders or Raw Feeders who don’t have the time to keep track of the rotation. 

Best Raw Pet Food Brands Compared: Canada & USA Options

To provide a well-rounded evaluation, we selected these raw pet food brands based on their reputation in Canada, ingredient quality and sourcing transparency, if any. We did not include many options from the USA. Our goal is to help pet owners make informed choices by comparing brands that align with different feeding philosophies and dietary needs.

The Raw dog diets were evaluated on the following basis:

1. Ingredient Sourcing & Transparency (pasture-raised, grass-fed, free-range, etc.)
2. Raw Feeder Level (beginner to advanced)
3. Complete and balanced standards [NRC vs AAFCO]
4. Consistency & Quality (based on our experience and customer reviews)
5. Variety for Rotational Feeding (single-protein, novel proteins, and whole prey options)
6. Affordability of raw dog food
7. Our comments including consistency in raw pet food quality (based on our experience and customer reviews)

Below is the full list of Raw Pet Foods we evaluated (alphabetically and not by rating) and our comments.

Raw Pet Food in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Can You Mix Raw Dog Food with Kibble?

Yes, you can mix raw pet food and kibble, but there are a few considerations. 

• Digestion Rate of Pet Food: Raw pet food digests at a different rate from carbohydrates. A study by Algya et al. (2018) found that dogs fed raw diets had higher apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein and fat compared to those fed extruded kibble diets . Additionally, Bermingham et al. (2017) reported that dogs consuming raw meat diets exhibited higher digestibility of dry matter and energy than those on extruded diets.​ These findings suggest that raw pet food, being rich in animal proteins and fats, is more efficiently processed by the canine digestive system, potentially leading to faster digestion rates compared to carbohydrate-heavy kibble.
• Transitioning Pet Food: Some dogs tolerate mixed feeding well, while others may experience digestive upset. A gradual transition can help.
• Feeding Strategy: If mixing, opt for high-quality, low-carb kibble, or feed raw and kibble in separate meals to avoid digestive issues.

Can You Microwave Raw Pet Food?

Yes. Although vitamins and enzymes are normally destroyed by heat, research out of Harvard is showing that microwaving might not be long enough to break down food nutrients e.g. Vitamin C which is the easiest example.

What is the Worst Raw Dog Food Brands in Canada?

At a certain point, most raw pet food specialty stores in Vancouver avoided Mountain Dog Food because although the price was great, the quality was not. Since then, at Moonlight Natural Pet Store, we’d say the worst raw dog food brand would be one that does more than one of the following in formulation:

• Use grains and fillers. These are not biologically appropriate dog or cat food. No, let’s not make the argument of fiber as you can get that through leafy greens and fruits. Also, grains do not help with heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy as we’ve shown in the section above.
• Use lots of carbohydrates in the form of potatoes, sweet potatoes to cover that they are using less meat. Raw pet food is not kibble and does not have a requirement for a binder in the form of carbohydrates.
• Use molasses. Although it may contain certain nutrients, at the end of the day it is a sugar and potential palatant that should not be in dog or cat food. See our section on diabetes above.
• Formulate with synthetic ingredients and vitamins like a kibble just to hide the inadequacy of good quality protein. When mistakes are made, it can lead to Vitamin A and Vitamin D toxicity.
• Focuses too much on using liver as the only organ meat as these can lead to Vitamin A buildup as well.
• Use head meat as this can lead to hyperthyroidism as discussed above.
• Do not use CFIA or USDA inspected meat. This is just rolling the dice on pathogens H5N1 avian influenza or prions e.g. Mad Cow Disease which affects cats not dogs.

Hope this list gives you a way to review your raw pet food purchases.

Some of the Top Raw Dog Food Brands in Canada (2025)

3P Naturals Raw Pet Food

With the guidance of a clinical pet nutritionist, 3P Raw Pet Foods Naturals formulates a wide variety of balanced frozen raw food diets for dogs and cats. Their meats are from federally inspected human-grade, antibiotic-free, and raised in free-run or free-range conditions.  They offer a variety of single-protein and balanced meal options to support rotational feeding and food sensitivities. Manufactured in the same facility as Red Dog Blue Kat. This is a raw dog food in Vancouver. w

Back2Raw Pet Food 

Back2Raw Pet Food is a Canadian brand offering high-quality, biologically appropriate raw diets. They use human-grade, ethically sourced meats, including pasture-raised and free-range options. Their BARF-based formulas include muscle meat, organs, bone, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables, meeting NRC and AAFCO standards. Free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives, Back 2 Raw provides nutritionally balanced, pre-portioned meals for convenient feeding.

BC’s Best Pet Food

BC’s Best is a premium raw pet food that is built on the core values of pet health, local ingredients, sustainable agriculture and humane animal production standards. With this in mind, their fall/winter and spring/summer frozen raw dog food product lines evolve around the fruits, vegetables and herbs that are seasonally available within B.C. Sizing of food boxes is only in 12 lb boxes for dogs. BC’s Best raw dog food diet recipes were formulated by a holistic vet and have the best organic dog food (chicken formula) in BC.

Big Country Raw Pet Food

Big Country Raw is a leading Canadian raw pet food brand offering nutritionally balanced, biologically appropriate diets for dogs and cats. They use human-grade, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, sourced from Canadian farms. Their extensive product line includes BARF-based complete meals, single-protein options, and DIY raw feeding ingredients.

Bold By Nature Raw Pet Food

Known for its tripe-based blends, Bold By Nature sources antibiotic- and hormone-free meats from pasture-raised Canadian livestock. The original Bold Canine Raw blend was created for their own Shiloh Shepherds and has been refined over the years. Made from triple-ground, antibiotic and hormone-free meaty bones with beef tripe sourced from Canadian, pasture-raised cows, organ and kelp (from Atlantic Canada) this blend worked well for their dogs suffering from the effects of kibble.

Carnivora Raw Pet Food

A pioneer in raw feeding since 1998, Carnivora sources grass-fed, and naturally raised meats. After working with Dr. Billinghurst, they branched out to create Carnivora Raw in 2003.

Their whole-prey approach ensures complete nutrition, with single-protein options ideal for allergy management. Their red meat for the raw pet food are grass fed and poultry is naturally raised. Bulk options available in 25 lb

Healthy Paws Pet Food

Healthy Paw Pet Food is a Canadian raw pet food brand known for its premium, biologically appropriate diets. They use human-grade, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, combined with fresh vegetables, fruits, and natural supplements to ensure balanced nutrition. Their formulas follow a BARF-based approach, including essential organ meats and ground bone for optimal health. Free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives, Healthy Paw offers nutrient-dense, easy-to-feed raw meals designed for pet wellness and longevity.

Iron Will Raw Pet Food

Iron Will Raw is a Canadian raw pet food brand committed to high-quality, biologically appropriate nutrition. They use human-grade, federally inspected meats, sourced from ethically raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free animals. Their complete and balanced formulas follow NRC and AAFCO guidelines.

K9 Choice Raw Dog Food

Family-owned K9 Choice raises its own livestock for premium raw diets. Their free-range, hormone-free meats are government-inspected, and their formulas are developed with a holistic vet. They also have single ingredient proteins, which are useful for raw dog food recipes for allergies.

Natural Instincts Raw Pet Food

A family-run business using 100% raw, human-grade meats, including free-range and organic options. Organ meat (heart & liver) is included in all varieties except Wild Salmon. Their cat food includes bioavailable calcium from Dr. Dobias GreenMin for optimal nutrition.

Red Dog Blue Kat Raw Pet Food

Founded in 2004, Red Dog Deli is a leading raw pet food manufacturer in BC, known for its federally inspected human-grade, non-medicated meats, wild fish, and organic veggies. They use ethically sourced, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, along with fresh, organic vegetables to create nutritionally balanced meals. Their formulas cater to both BARF and whole prey feeding models, ensuring variety and optimal health benefits. Free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives, it’s considered one of the best raw dog food brands in Vancouver.

Top Raw Pet Food Suppliers From the USA 

Primal Pet Food

Founded in 2001, the company is a manufacturer of fully prepared, human-grade raw food diet and treats for dogs and cats.

Manufactured in a USDA facility, Primal offers high-quality raw diets using antibiotic-free, steroid-free meats, organic produce, and unrefined vitamins. All frozen products undergo High Pressure Processing (HPP) for added safety.

Small Batch Pet Food

Small Batch is a family-owned pet food company founded in 2005 in San Francisco, California, known for its commitment to high-quality raw and lightly cooked meals for dogs and cats. The company prioritizes small production batches to ensure freshness and maintains a strict focus on using ethically sourced ingredients. Their meats are humanely raised without antibiotics or hormones, and they incorporate organic herbs and vegetables, along with natural supplements like kelp and apple cider vinegar.