10 Fresh Dog Foods Evaluated & Compared

Raised Right Dog Food Review

By Carl Uy Reviewed by Petful Veterinary Team Published Jun 18, 2025 Updated Nov 17, 2025
Raised Right dog food review Credit: https://www.raisedrightpets.com/
8.4 Overall Score
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced89.3
Macronutrient distribution87.8
Nutrient density49.0
Digestibility & bioavailability58.0
 8.6
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats/organs89.8
Meals & legumes410.0
Artificial additives & preservatives49.5
Processing retention48.8
 9.6
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing89.5
Traceability oversight49.3
Certifications & testing49.5
Transparency gaps48.8
 9.0
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control510.0
Safety handling59.5
Scientific oversight59.0
 9.5
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO feeding trials52.9
Peer-reviewed studies40.0
 1.6
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.59.0
User feedback2.58.8
 8.9
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.59.0
Claim accuracy2.59.2
 9.1
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing19.0
 9.0
Buy on Raised Right
Petful may earn a commission if you click on our links and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps us continue providing trusted pet product reviews.
Made In:United States (USDA-inspected human-grade facility in Pennsylvania)
Sourced From:United States; ingredient origins traceable via the online supplier map (farms vary by batch)
Breed Size:All Breeds
Price Range:$$$ (Premium; varies by recipe, portion size, and subscription plan)
Food Form:Fresh-Cooked, Frozen (Original); Fresh-Frozen Pâté line
Special Diet:Human-Grade, Limited-Ingredient, Single-Protein, No Synthetic Vitamins or Minerals, Grain-Free, Legume-Free, Vet-Formulated
Raised Right Dog Food offers high-protein, low-carb recipes formulated in collaboration with holistic veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and pet nutritionist Steve Brown. Each limited-ingredient recipe features a single animal protein and avoids high-carb fillers like potatoes, rice, or pasta. Raised Right stands out for formulating complete and balanced meals for adult dogs using only whole foods—no synthetic vitamins or minerals—while meeting AAFCO standards.Made in human-grade facilities with gently cooked, lab-tested ingredients, Raised Right ensures every batch is pathogen-tested before shipping. The brand also emphasizes sustainability, offering Carbonfree® shipping and Plastic Neutral certification. Rooted in a family legacy of ranching and farming, Raised Right brings farm-to-bowl nutrition with transparency and traceability at its core.

Our Verdict

Raised Right Dog Food Review

8.4Overall Score
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced89.3
Macronutrient distribution87.8
Nutrient density49.0
Digestibility & bioavailability58.0
 8.6
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats/organs89.8
Meals & legumes410.0
Artificial additives & preservatives49.5
Processing retention48.8
 9.6
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing89.5
Traceability oversight49.3
Certifications & testing49.5
Transparency gaps48.8
 9.0
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control510.0
Safety handling59.5
Scientific oversight59.0
 9.5
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO feeding trials52.9
Peer-reviewed studies40.0
 1.6
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.59.0
User feedback2.58.8
 8.9
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.59.0
Claim accuracy2.59.2
 9.1
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing19.0
 9.0

Raised Right delivers a clean, minimally processed fresh food experience built on human-grade ingredients, single-protein recipes, and whole-food formulation with no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Meals are gently cooked in USDA-inspected kitchens, batch-tested for pathogens, and shipped frozen to protect quality and safety.What sets the brand apart is ingredient integrity, transparency, and rigorous safety controls. While premium pricing and freezer storage may not suit every household, the meat-forward, low-carb formulas and hold-and-release testing make Raised Right an excellent choice for pet parents seeking whole-food nutrition with high digestibility and strong safety practices.

Pros
  • Fresh, USDA-inspected, human-grade meats and organs as primary ingredients
  • Single-protein, limited-ingredient recipes for easier rotation and allergy management
  • No synthetic vitamins/minerals, legumes, high-starch fillers, or meat meals
  • Batch pathogen testing with hold-and-release safety program
  • Transparent sourcing with batch-specific ingredient mapping
  • Gently cooked to preserve nutrients and digestibility
Cons
  • Premium pricing may be high for multi-dog or large-breed households
  • Requires freezer space for storage
  • No published feeding trials or peer-reviewed research
  • Whole-food-only nutrient approach depends on consistent formulation accuracy
Buy on Raised Right

Change Log

Updated Aug 12, 2025: Initial Raised Right Dog Food product review published on Petful by Carl Uy.
Updated Aug 20, 2025: Raised Right Dog Food product review updated with performance insights, and competitive context. Research and editorial coordination by Carl Uy, in consultation with Carol Bryant.

Score Components

Nutrition

8.6
Macronutrient Distribution
60%
Protein
23%
Fat
5%
Carbohydrates
Raised Right's recipes score highly for nutritional integrity, meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance through formulation and third-party lab validation.
  • AAFCO complete & balanced: Recipes meet adult maintenance standards and are verified via nutrient analysis.
  • Macronutrient distribution: On a dry matter basis, recipes average ~60% protein, ~23% fat, and ~5% carbohydrates. Best suited for active or working dogs; careful portioning is advised for sedentary pets.
  • Nutrient density: Meat-forward, whole-food formulations provide concentrated amino acids and essential fatty acids, allowing smaller portions to meet daily needs.
  • Digestibility & bioavailability: Gently cooked preparation and minimal fillers support strong digestibility and nutrient uptake.
High in nutrient density and bioavailability, but calorie control is advised for dogs with lower energy needs. Yellow chart zones show values outside Dr. Sarah Wooten's adult targets (Protein 20-30%, Fat 10-20%, Carbs 30-50%), which are benchmarks, not safety warnings. Macronutrient needs vary by life stage, so consult your veterinarian to ensure the diet suits your dog.

Ingredients

9.6
Raised Right's recipes score highly for nutritional integrity, meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance through formulation and third-party lab validation.
  • AAFCO complete & balanced: Recipes meet adult maintenance standards and are verified via nutrient analysis.
  • Macronutrient distribution: On a dry matter basis, recipes average ~60% protein, ~23% fat, and ~5% carbohydrates. Best suited for active or working dogs; careful portioning is advised for sedentary pets.
  • Nutrient density: Meat-forward, whole-food formulations provide concentrated amino acids and essential fatty acids, allowing smaller portions to meet daily needs.
  • Digestibility & bioavailability: Gently cooked preparation and minimal fillers support strong digestibility and nutrient uptake.
High in nutrient density and bioavailability, but calorie control is advised for dogs with lower energy needs. Yellow chart zones show values outside Dr. Sarah Wooten's adult targets (Protein 20-30%, Fat 10-20%, Carbs 30-50%), which are benchmarks, not safety warnings. Macronutrient needs vary by life stage, so consult your veterinarian to ensure the diet suits your dog.Raised Right focuses on whole-food formulation with fresh, named meats and organs, no rendered meals or legumes, and gentle cooking instead of extrusion.
  • Whole meats/organs: Fresh, named muscle meats and organs lead each recipe.
  • Meals & legumes: No rendered meat meals; legume-free and avoids high-starch fillers like potatoes, rice, corn, and wheat.
  • Artificial additives & preservatives: No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or synthetic vitamin/mineral premixes.
  • Processing retention: Gently cooked to the USDA pathogen-kill step to support nutrient retention versus extrusion.
Excellent ingredient quality with a clean label; whole-food-only formulation requires disciplined batch validation to maintain micronutrient adequacy.

Sourcing

9.0
Single-protein recipes use clearly identified animal proteins and whole-food ingredients, supported by batch-level traceability and third-party testing.
  • Named sourcing: Primary proteins are specified by species and cut from USDA-inspected suppliers.
  • Traceability oversight: Batch lookup shows ingredient origins through the online map tool.
  • Certifications & testing: Human-grade kitchens; every batch is lab-tested for pathogens prior to release; Plastic Neutral and Carbonfree programs.
  • Transparency gaps: Limited public detail on specific farm partners and third-party audit summaries.
Strong traceability and testing; publishing deeper farm-level disclosures would further strengthen transparency.

Safety

9.5
Safety controls are a core strength, combining human-grade production, batch pathogen testing, and a hold-and-release protocol.
  • Recall/control: No recorded recalls; batches are tested for E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria before shipping. Check the full Raised Right Dog Food recall history here.
  • Safety handling: USDA-inspected kitchens with documented sanitation and cold-chain safeguards.
  • Scientific oversight: Formulated with veterinary and formulation experts; limited publication of long-term clinical data.
Rigorous process controls and testing support product safety from kitchen to doorstep.

Feeding Trials

1.6
Formulas meet AAFCO nutrient profiles via formulation and lab analysis, but the brand has not published formal feeding trials or peer-reviewed studies.
  • AAFCO feeding trials: Compliance achieved by formulation; no disclosed 6-month feeding or digestibility trials.
  • Peer-reviewed studies: No published clinical studies specific to these recipes.
This reflects a gap in formal evidence, not a safety concern, given the strong process controls and batch testing elsewhere.

Taste

8.9
Meat-forward, gently cooked recipes with single-source proteins tend to be highly palatable for most dogs.
  • Flavor formulation: Moist texture and protein-centric profiles enhance aroma and acceptance.
  • User feedback: Frequent reports of eager eating, including among picky dogs; portion control recommended due to richness.
Overall acceptance is strong across proteins; monitor serving sizes to avoid overfeeding.

Labeling

9.1
Labeling is clear and practical, with GA, kcal/ME, feeding guidance, storage/handling, and batch-testing information available.
  • Nutritional info: GA and calorie info are easy to find; room to expand typical nutrient profiles (amino and fatty acid tables).
  • Claim accuracy: Human-grade kitchens, single-protein recipes, no synthetic vitamins/minerals, and batch testing are specific and supportable; make life-stage scope more prominent.
Transparent and accurate overall; deeper typical nutrient data would further aid comparison.

Sustainability

9.0
Sustainability initiatives focus on packaging and logistics offsets alongside ingredient transparency.
  • Sustainable sourcing: Carbonfree shipping offsets and Plastic Neutral certification; cold-chain packaging limits curbside recyclability but safety requires it.
Offsets and transparency help mitigate footprint; exploring recyclable or returnable packaging options would be a next step.

Ingredients Composition

Component Approx. Percentage Role in Formula
Fresh meats and organs ~90 - 95% Primary source of complete animal protein and essential amino acids
Whole-food produce and additions ~5 - 10% Natural fiber, micronutrients, and functional ingredients (e.g., carrots, pumpkin, cranberries)
Oils and whole-food micronutrient sources Included as needed Supports essential fatty acids and nutrient completeness without synthetic premixes

Differences

As covered in our Raised Right Dog Food Review, the brand offers a range of gently cooked, human-grade recipes across three main product lines: Original Recipes, Paté Recipes, and Veterinary Support Recipes. Each variant features a single animal protein and a short list of whole food ingredients. The adult dog formulas are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for maintenance using only whole foods, while the Puppy and Veterinary Support lines include added nutrients for specific needs.

Available recipes include:

  • Original Recipes: Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Pork
  • Paté Recipes: Turkey & Pumpkin, Beef & Pumpkin, Pork & Pumpkin, Chicken & Pumpkin
  • Veterinary Support: Kidney and Pancreatic support (Beef and Turkey)
  • Puppy Recipes: Beef, Chicken, and Turkey

Customers can choose between:

  • 4-Bag Box – $12.99 shipping
  • 8-Bag Box – $9.99 shipping
  • 16-Bag Box – Free shipping

Meal plans are available as one-time orders or recurring subscriptions, with subscribers able to customize their recipe selection and box size. While the brand does not offer portion customization based on dog size or caloric needs, it provides flexible box-based ordering and the option to skip or pause deliveries.

Competitors

We Feed Raw: Balanced raw meals made with whole meat, organ, and bone — ideal for pet parents seeking a biologically appropriate, minimally processed diet with added safety via HPP. The Farmer’s Dog: Delivers human‑grade, gently cooked fresh meals in pre‑portioned packs, vet‑formulated and balanced for all life stages Freshpet: Refrigerated, steam-cooked fresh food made in the USA with visible high‑quality proteins and vegetables, available in stores for convenient non-subscription feeding

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Raised Right Dog Food made?

Raised Right dog food is made in a USDA-inspected, human-grade facility in the United States.

Where to buy Raised Right Dog Food?

You can buy Raised Right directly from their official website or through select independent pet stores.

Feeding Instructions

These general feeding tables are for reference only. Raised Right uses a personalized calculator to determine exact portions based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. For precise amounts, use the Custom Meal Plan.
Weight (lbs) Less Active (cups/day)* Active (cups/day)*
5 - 100.25 - 0.500.50 - 0.75
11 - 200.50 - 0.900.75 - 1.25
21 - 400.90 - 1.501.25 - 2.25
41 - 601.50 - 2.002.25 - 3.00
61 - 802.00 - 2.503.00 - 3.75
81 - 1002.50 - 3.003.75 - 4.50
101 - 1203.00 - 3.504.50 - 5.25
*Based on typical fresh-cooked calorie density (~1200 - 1400 kcal per lb). Always defer to Raised Right's personalized plan for your dog.

Feeding Guidelines

Official Feeding Guidelines from Raised Right
  • Keep meals frozen until use. Thaw in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.
  • After thawing, scoop your dog's portion and reseal. Use thawed food within 6 days.
  • Do not microwave. To loosen sealed packs, place in cool-to-warm water for a few minutes.
  • Transition plan: Days 1-3: 25% Raised Right, 75% previous food; Days 4-6: 50/50; Days 7-9: 75/25; Day 10: 100% Raised Right.
  • For exact serving amounts, use the Custom Meal Plan.
Disclaimer: Follow the personalized feeding guide provided in your Raised Right account or shipment. Storage and handling directions may vary by recipe and package size.
Table of Contents