Your dog’s dinner bowl is about to get a prehistoric makeover. The Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diet—sometimes called the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet—has moved from fringe to mainstream as owners look for ways to ditch ultra-processed kibble and feed the way nature intended. Yet swapping shelf-stable pellets for raw meaty bones, organs, and fresh produce can feel like culinary cliff-jumping if you’ve never filleted a chicken back or calculated a canine calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Done right, raw feeding can shine up a coat, shrink vet bills, and turn mealtime into a tail-wagging celebration. Done wrong, it can send you racing to the emergency clinic with a fractured tooth, bacterial storm, or a nutrient crash that stunts growth. The 10 beginner tips below walk you through the science, the safety nets, and the sourcing hacks so you can serve the benefits without the baggage—no marketing fluff, no brand worship, just evidence-led guidance updated for 2025 standards.
Top 10 Bones And Raw Food Diet For Dog
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Nature’s Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Whole Food Meal – Makes 18 Lbs Fresh Food with Muscle, Organ, Bone Broth, Whole Egg, Superfoods, Fish Oil Omega 3, 6, 9, Probiotics & Prebiotics (Beef)
Overview: Nature’s Diet Simply Raw turns 3 lbs of freeze-dried beef, organs, bone broth, egg, produce, seeds, and fish oil into 18 lbs of fresh raw meals in minutes—no freezer, no mess.
What Makes It Stand Out: One bag replaces 18 lbs of frozen raw; the ingredient list reads like a farmer’s market shopping list—every shred of beef, kale, blueberry, and pumpkin is visible, not powdered mystery meal.
Value for Money: At $0.73 per rehydrated ounce (roughly $2.90/lb of fresh food) you’re paying kibble prices for human-grade raw nutrition; a 50-lb dog eats for under $4/day.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: zero pathogens (freeze-dried), grain/GMO/soy free, USA-sourced, small-batch. Cons: rehydration wait time, strong broth smell, bag zip can fail, not suitable for pancreatitis-prone dogs due to fat.
Bottom Line: If you want raw benefits without freezer space or bacterial worry, this is the easiest, most economical switch you’ll make—just add water and watch your dog glow.
2. Four Leaf Rover Better Bones Bone Meal for Dogs – Dog Calcium Supplement for Healthy Joints, Teeth, & Bones – from 100% Grass-Fed New Zealand Beef Bone
Overview: Four Leaf Rover Better Bones is a finely milled, freeze-dried bone meal sourced from 100 % grass-fed New Zealand cattle, delivering naturally balanced calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, collagen, and growth factors in a 2.86 ¢/g scoop.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike synthetic calcium powders, this is real bone—ratios already perfected by nature—and the QR code spits out customized recipes so you balance any home-cooked or raw menu in seconds.
Value for Money: One 8-oz tin lasts a 50-lb dog 2–3 months; that’s <25 ¢/day to eliminate nutritional guesswork and pricey vet dental cleanings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: zero additives, GMP-certified Texas plant, NASC-approved, dissolves instantly. Cons: dusty texture can cloud water bowls, beef-allergic dogs need an alternative, tin denting in transit is common.
Bottom Line: If you DIY meals or raw-feed, this is your insurance policy against weak bones and sloppy Ca:P ratios—scoop, stir, relax.
3. Nature’s Diet Freeze-Dried Fresh Raw Coated Chicken, Bone Broth & Superfoods Kibble with Probiotics, Prebiotics & Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver
Overview: Nature’s Diet Raw-Coated kibble marries high-protein, grain-free chicken kibble with a glossy freeze-dried liver & bone-broth glaze, giving couch-potato convenience with raw-food pizzazz.
What Makes It Stand Out: Every piece is tumble-coated in actual chicken liver, not fake “flavor,” and the broth solids add 30 % more protein than leading liquid toppers—no extra cans to open.
Value for Money: 34 ¢/oz is only pennies above grocery kibble yet delivers raw coating, probiotics, and superfoods; a 50-lb dog feeds for ~$1.75/day.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: shelf-stable, USA-made, no grains/GMOs/dyes, gut-friendly pre/probiotics. Cons: coating crumbles to dust at bag bottom, strong liver smell offends some humans, kibble size large for toy breeds.
Bottom Line: The perfect “gateway” raw—kibble convenience with genuine raw nutrition on every piece; picky eaters usually lick the bowl clean.
4. Nature’s Diet® Ready Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food, Beef, Human Grade, High Pressure Pasteurized (HPP), 96% Meat, Organ, Bone, Safe & Natural, Dry or Wet Feeding
Overview: Ready Raw is 96 % beef, organ, and bone that’s freeze-dried then high-pressure pasteurized (HPP) to nuke pathogens while keeping amino acids intact—serve dry as treats or rehydrate as a full meal.
What Makes It Stand Out: HPP safety step exceeds AAFCO standards; you get sterile raw without cooking, plus the flexibility to travel with a lightweight, non-crumbly cube that needs no ice.
Value for Money: $1.87/oz is mid-range for premium freeze-dried; a 30-lb dog costs ~$3.80/day—cheaper than most commercial frozen raw.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: single-protein, human-grade, small-batch USA, zero fillers, all life stages approved. Cons: cubes must soak 5 min for full hydration, bag only 1 lb (gone fast for big dogs), fat specks can melt in hot storage.
Bottom Line: If food-safety headlines scare you but you still want prey-model ratios, Ready Raw is the bulletproof vest of raw diets—nutrient-dense and worry-free.
5. Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Grain Free Dehydrated Foundation for Raw Diet Dog Food (6 Pounds)
Overview: Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance is a dehydrated rainbow of 21 whole foods—veggies, fruits, goat’s milk, green-lipped mussel, eggshell membrane, mushroom, and seeds—waiting for you to add fresh meat and oil for a bespoke raw bowl.
What Makes It Stand Out: It’s the only base mix with raw goat’s milk and joint-supporting green-lipped mussel built in; you control protein rotation for allergy management.
Value for Money: $1.02/oz dry converts to 56 one-lb meals after hydration—about $1.75 per finished pound; quality rivals boutique pre-mixes costing 30 % more.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: grain-free, human-grade, no synthetics, stellar for elimination diets. Cons: prep time (8-min soak + cook/cool meat), sticker shock up front, goat milk can trigger sensitive tummies, bulky 6-lb bag needs pantry space.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy crafting meals and want total ingredient sovereignty, Raw Vibrance is your culinary canvas—add meat, add love, watch your dog thrive.
6. Raw Paws Beef Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats, 6-oz – Made in USA – Food Topper – Bone Broth Protein Powder for Dogs – Gravy Topper for Dry Food – Supports Joint Health
Raw Paws Beef Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats, 6-oz – Made in USA
Overview: Raw Paws turns grandma’s kitchen staple into a shelf-stable powder that rehydrates into a collagen-rich gravy. One 6-oz pouch makes 60 oz of broth, giving picky eaters a beefy reason to finish dinner while sneaking glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid into the bowl.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 48-hour slow-simmer of grass-fed U.S. bones concentrates gelatin and glycine without salt, onion, or filler—rare in pet broths. The powder format weighs 90% less than cartons, ships green, and lets you dust it dry as a topper or whisk it into warm water for instant stock.
Value for Money: At $3.33 per ounce of powder (≈ $0.33 per rehydrated ounce) it’s cheaper than boutique liquid broths and competitive with homemade when you factor in grocery beef bones, 2 days of gas, and your own time.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Single-ingredient, U.S.-raised, no hormones; visibly improves coat sheen within two weeks; dissolves clump-free in 30 seconds.
Cons: Strong barn-yard aroma that some humans hate; pouch is only 6 oz—large dogs will burn through it in two weeks; no measuring scoop inside.
Bottom Line: A convenient, ethically sourced joint and gut helper that turns kibble into a steakhouse entrée; stock up if you have big breeds or buy the multi-pack to blunt the cost.
7. Raw Paws Chicken Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats, 6-oz – Made in USA – Dog Food Topper – Bone Broth Protein Powder for Dogs and Cats – Supports Joint Health – All Ages, Sizes & Breeds
Raw Paws Chicken Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats, 6-oz – Made in USA
Overview: Same concept as Product 6, but slow-cooked from U.S. chicken carcasses for a lighter, poultry-forward flavor that ferrets, cats, and fussy small dogs often prefer. Delivers identical gelatin, glycine, and joint actives in a 60-ounce yield pouch.
What Makes It Stand Out: Chicken version is naturally lower in fat, making it ideal for seniors or pancreatitis-prone pets; the milder scent doesn’t linger in the kitchen. Labeled for ferrets—an underserved market—yet equally safe for multi-pet households.
Value for Money: Mirrors the beef SKU at $3.33/oz powder; because chicken bones are cheaper than beef, you could argue the margin is fatter, but the convenience premium still beats DIY.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Palatability score near 100% with cats; lighter smell; same USA, pasture-raised sourcing; resealable pouch keeps 12 months.
Cons: Chicken-allergic pets need the beef version; powder can settle into brick if stored in humidity; feeding guidelines printed in 6-point font.
Bottom Line: If your menagerie includes finicky felines or ferrets, this is the flavor to start with; rotate with the beef SKU to minimize allergy risk and keep mealtime exciting.
8. Open Farm, Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Morsels with 95% Meat, Organs & Bone, Organic Produce & Superfoods, Complete Meal or Freeze Dried Dog Food Topper, Grass-Fed Beef Recipe, 13.5oz Bag
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food, Grass-Fed Beef Recipe, 13.5-oz Bag
Overview: Open Farm crams 95% grass-fed beef, organs, and bone into cereal-sized morsels, then freeze-dries them raw to lock in micronutrients without refrigeration. Serve as a stand-alone diet or sprinkle a few chunks over existing kibble for a protein punch.
What Makes It Stand Out: 13.5 oz bag equals 3 lb of fresh food—great for camping or boarding; organic superfoods (coconut, kale, blueberry) replace synthetic vitamin premixes; third-party humane certification printed right on the bag.
Value for Money: $45 per lb freeze-dried puts it mid-pack among premium raw brands; used only as a topper, one bag stretches 6–8 weeks for a 50-lb dog.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: High protein (42%) with low carbs; rehydrates in 3 min; stool volume shrinks noticeably; transparent sourcing via lot tracer.
Cons: Price skyrockets if fed exclusive; crumbs at bottom turn into expensive beef dust; bag seal can fail after repeated openings.
Bottom Line: A flexible, ethically sourced raw booster; budget for hybrid feeding unless you own a toy breed, then go full raw with confidence.
9. Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Beef Pork & Lamb, Front Range Recipe, 20lb Bag
Open Farm RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Front Range Recipe, 20-lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm blends high-protein kibble coated in beef bone broth with freeze-dried raw chunks of beef, pork, and lamb for a “best of both worlds” diet. Ancient grains (oats, millet, quinoa) supply low-GI energy while keeping the formula free of peas and potatoes.
What Makes It Stand Out: Whole-prey ratios (meat, organ, bone) meet AAFCO adult standards; every farm partner is certified humane; raw pieces remain separate so you can adjust their ratio day-to-day.
Value for Money: $5.15/lb lands between boutique grain-free and grocery premium; given the inclusion of raw medallions, it undercuts buying kibble + freeze-dried separately.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: 30% protein with grains for heart-safe energy; noticeable coat gloss within 10 days; traceable ingredient map online; resealable Velcro strip actually works.
Cons: 20-lb bag is bulky for apartment dwellers; raw chunks sink to bottom—shake before scooping; not suitable for gluten-sensitive dogs.
Bottom Line: A sensible step toward raw feeding without abandoning the convenience of kibble; ideal for active dogs that tolerate grains.
10. Open Farm, RawMix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Beef Pork & Lamb, Front Range Recipe, 20lb Bag
Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Front Range Recipe, 20-lb Bag
Overview: Identical protein mix to Product 9 but swaps ancient grains for chickpea-free, legume-free binder to satisfy boutique grain-free demand while still coating kibble in bone broth and tossing in freeze-dried raw chunks.
What Makes It Stand Out: One of the few grain-free formulas that avoids peas/lentils entirely—important for owners watching FDA DCM alerts; maintains ethical meat sourcing and same whole-prey ratios.
Value for Money: $5.65/lb is 50¢ more than the grains version; premium justified by higher meat inclusion but still cheaper than 100% freeze-dried raw.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: 32% protein, 16% fat fuels performance dogs; stool odor cut in half versus grocery grain-free; raw chunks stay tender to the bottom of the bag.
Cons: Higher price and calorie density—easy to overfeed; grain-free debate lingers; bag weighs 20 lb—consider splitting with a friend.
Bottom Line: If your vet supports grain-free or your dog has pea sensitivities, this is the safer, transparently sourced option; otherwise, save 50¢/lb and choose the ancient-grain sibling.
Understand What BARF Really Means in 2025
BARF is no longer a one-size-fits-all acronym. The modern consensus splits it into two camps: the classic “Bones and Raw Food” model (70 % animal tissue, 10 % bone, 10 % organ, 10 % plant matter) and the broader “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” template that allows for minor cooked components such as steamed greens or gently poached fish for immunocompromised dogs. Both aim to mimic ancestral diets, but the 2025 raw community stresses formulation over fanaticism—balance matters more than raw purity.
Vet the Research: Myth vs. Evidence
Headlines scream “raw cures cancer” on one side and “raw equals salmonella” on the other. Peer-reviewed data sits somewhere in the middle. A 2024 systematic review in Veterinary Record found that well-formulated raw diets improved digestibility and reduced inflammatory markers, yet also confirmed a higher risk of pathogen shedding. Translation: raw can be awesome if you manage microbial load and nutritional adequacy. Ignore either half of that sentence and you roll the dice with your dog’s health—and your own.
Start With an 80/10/10 Foundation
Think of 80 % muscle meat, 10 % secreting organ, and 10 % edible bone as the training wheels of raw feeding. This ratio delivers the minimum amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus for adult maintenance. Puppies, pregnant females, sport dogs, and seniors need tweaks, but mastering the baseline first prevents the “analysis paralysis” that keeps beginners frozen in the supermarket meat aisle.
Calculate Calories, Not Just Ratios
A common rookie error is feeding 2 % of body weight and calling it balanced. A 30 kg couch-potato Beagle and a 30 kg agility Border Collie share a weight, not a metabolism. Use your dog’s target body-condition score (4-5 on a 9-point scale) and calculate daily kilocalories via the standard formula: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, then adjust for life stage multiplier. Build the recipe around that calorie ceiling to avoid hidden hunger or stealth obesity.
Source Human-Grade Proteins First
If the butcher won’t touch it, neither should your dog. Ask for “pet mince” made from trimmings that didn’t make the human counter—same inspection stamps, lower price. Farmers-market turkey necks, supermarket pork ribs, and fish-market sardines all qualify. Avoid denatured or “4-D” meats (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) that may contain elevated drug residues or euthanasia solution.
Master Safe Bone Selection
Weight-bearing bones from large ungulates (cow femurs, bison cannon) are dental chisels waiting to crack carnassials. Stick to non-weight-bearing bones that are softer than your dog’s enamel: chicken wings, turkey necks, lamb ribs, or pork tails. Always feed bones raw—cooked bones lose moisture and splinter—and supervise the session until you know your dog’s chewing style.
Balance Calcium and Phosphorus Precisely
The optimal Ca:P range for canines is 1.2–1.4:1. Muscle meat is phosphorus-heavy; bone is calcium-heavy. Miss the sweet spot and you risk skeletal deformities in pups or kidney strain in seniors. Use an online nutrition calculator or a spreadsheet that lists mg of Ca and P per 100 g of ingredient. If you add boneless red meat boosts, counterbalance with finely ground eggshell (1 tsp ≈ 2,000 mg calcium) to plug the gap.
Rotate Proteins to Cover Micronutrient Gaps
Chicken alone won’t cut it. Each protein carries a unique micronutrient signature: pork is manganese-rich, beef delivers zinc, fish offers vitamin D and omega-3s, while rabbit is naturally low in fat for weight control. Rotate through at least four proteins monthly, aiming for a rainbow of meats just like you would with plant foods on your own plate.
Introduce Organ Meats Gradually
Liver is nature’s multivitamin—so potent that overshooting the 5 % mark can tip your dog into vitamin A hypervitaminosis. Start with pea-sized amounts every other day, working up to 5 % liver and 5 % other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, brain) over two weeks. Freeze organs for a minimum of three weeks to inactivate tissue-borne parasites such as Neospora.
Include a Plant Matter Strategy
Wolves don’t bake kale casseroles, but they do consume fermented stomach contents of herbivore prey. Mimic this by puréeing low-glycemic veggies (zucchini, spinach, dandelion greens) and a hint of antioxidant fruit (blueberries, cranberries). The cell walls must be broken for dogs to access polyphenols; otherwise the mix exits looking the same way it entered. Target 5–7 % of total calories, never more than 10 %, to avoid diluting protein.
Supplement Wisely: Omega-3s, Vitamin E, and Iodine
Even pasture-raised meats are skewed toward pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats thanks to modern soil and feed. Add 1,000 mg combined EPA/DHA per 10 kg body weight through small, whole fish or molecularly distilled oil. Balance every gram of fish oil with 1 IU natural vitamin E to prevent lipid peroxidation. If you exclude iodized salt or seaweed, drop in 0.5 mg kelp per 10 kg to keep the thyroid humming.
Handle and Store Raw Like a Food-Safety Pro
Your kitchen is now a mini meat-processing plant. Freeze purchases at –18 °C for at least three days to knock down surface bacteria. Thaw in the fridge, never on the counter, and feed within 48 hours. Use stainless steel or glass bowls; plastic micro-scratches harbor biofilms. Disinfect surfaces with a 1:32 bleach solution, and run cutting boards through the dishwasher on sanitize mode.
Transition Slowly to Protect the Gut
A canine stomach accustomed to extruded starch needs time to re-acidify. Start with a single novel protein (e.g., turkey) mixed into the old diet at 25 % raw for three days, then 50/50 for three days, and so on. Add a species-specific probiotic during the switch to crowd out potential pathogens and reduce loose stools. If diarrhea persists beyond a week, step back a phase and consult a nutrition-savvy vet.
Monitor Body Condition, Bloodwork, and Behavior
The mirror and the scale tell only half the story. Schedule a baseline CBC and serum chemistry panel before transition, then recheck at six months. Track coat sheen, stool quality, energy level, and water intake in a simple spreadsheet. Sudden polydipsia or flaky skin can hint at micronutrient drift long before full-blown deficiency manifests.
Build a Vet Team That Understands Raw
Not every white coat applauds raw feeding, but the 2025 veterinary landscape includes tele-nutrition services and raw-friendly diplomates certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Cultivate that alliance early. Bring your recipe diary, ingredient weights, and supplement labels to appointments so the vet can run numbers instead of preaching ideology.
Budgeting for BARF Without Breaking the Bank
Buy freezers the way investors buy real estate—more square footage equals lower cost per pound. Join community-supported agriculture (CSA) meat shares, split whole animals with other raw feeders, and ask processors for “off” cuts like hearts, lungs, and trim that sell for pennies. Monthly batch-prepping 60 kg for two large dogs can drop the per-kilogram price below premium kibble once you remove marketing margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the BARF diet safe for puppies?
Yes, but calcium must stay between 1.2–1.4:1 and total calories must support growth without encouraging rapid weight gain. Work with a vet nutritionist to scale ratios weekly.
2. Can I feed my dog only chicken and call it BARF?
Chicken alone creates micronutrient gaps—most notably zinc, omega-3s, and vitamin D. Rotate at least four proteins and add small amounts of fish or fish oil.
3. How do I know if my dog’s bone is too hard?
If you can’t indent it with your thumbnail or it comes from a weight-bearing limb of a large herbivore, it’s too hard. Stick to poultry bones or similar non-load-bearing options.
4. Do I need to grind bones for small dogs?
Not usually. Healthy small breeds can crunch poultry wing tips and necks, which clean teeth naturally. Grind only if your dog has severe dental disease or is a gulper.
5. What’s the biggest mistake first-time raw feeders make?
Feeding 100 % muscle meat and skipping edible bone or calcium replacement—this rockets phosphorus upward and triggers skeletal issues within weeks.
6. How soon will I see changes in my dog?
Expect smaller, firmer stools within days; coat improvements in 3–4 weeks; allergy flare reductions in 6–8 weeks if food sensitivities were kibble-related.
7. Is salmonella a deal-breaker?
Dogs handle bacterial load better than humans, but immunocompromised households should freeze meats for three weeks, practice strict hygiene, and consider high-pressure pasteurized products.
8. Can BARF dogs eat kibble occasionally?
Mixing in the same meal slows gastric emptying and can spike pH, inviting bacteria. If you must feed kibble, separate meals by at least 8 hours.
9. How do I travel with raw food?
Pre-portion vacuum-sealed packs, freeze solid, and transport in a high-end cooler with block ice. Most airlines allow 5 kg of frozen pet food in checked luggage if declared.
10. When should I reconsider raw feeding?
Dogs with late-stage kidney disease, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, or severe pancreatitis may need cooked, low-fat, prescription diets—always defer to your oncologist or internist.