If you’ve spent any time scrolling canine-nutrition forums lately, you’ve probably seen the phrase “nature blend freeze-dried dog food” pop up more often than a squirrel in a city park. Pet parents are ditching kibble that looks like colored cereal and gravitating toward minimally processed, nutrient-dense diets that mirror what dogs evolved to eat. Among the buzz, Dr Marty’s Nature Blend has become shorthand for raw convenience without the freezer burn—yet the brand’s popularity has also sparked a flood of questions: Is freeze-dried raw safer than homemade? Will it break the monthly budget? How on earth do you compare one “premium” bag to another when every label shouts “all-natural”?
This deep-dive guide strips away marketing fluff and walks you through the science, sourcing, and real-world feeding tactics you need before you add any freeze-dried raw formula—Dr Marty’s or otherwise—to your pup’s bowl. Think of it as the conversation you’d have with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist if you both had two hours and really good coffee.
Top 10 Dr Marty’s Nature Blend Dog Food
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
Overview: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is a premium, grain-free recipe marketed as a return to canine ancestral eating. The one-pound bag contains 24 recognizable ingredients—turkey, beef, salmon, duck, spinach, blueberries, and other whole foods—freeze-dried into lightweight nuggets that rehydrate in minutes.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s veterinary founder, Dr. Marty Goldstein, leverages decades of integrative-medicine experience to formulate a food that’s 81 % meat, organs, and cartilage plus 19 % produce. Freeze-drying locks in micronutrients without chemical preservatives, while the single-protein nuggets suit rotation feeding.
Value for Money: At $41.95 per pound this is luxury pricing—roughly 6–8× the cost of premium kibble. Yet for owners battling allergies, picky eaters, or chronic GI issues, the ingredient transparency and palatability can lower vet bills and food waste, softening the sticker shock.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: zero synthetic vitamins, high palatability, small rehydrated portions yield caloric density, and stools shrink noticeably. Cons: price, requires prep time (add water and wait 3 min), strong aroma, and the 16 oz bag lasts a 30-lb dog only 4–5 days.
Bottom Line: If your budget allows, this is one of the cleanest commercial raw options available—ideal for elimination diets, topper use, or small dogs. Bulk bundles and subscription discounts help; otherwise, expect a recurring $170+ monthly commitment for a medium dog.
2. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 16 oz, 1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Tailored specifically for toy-to-small-breed adults, this 1-lb bag delivers the same whole-prey philosophy as the original Nature’s Blend but in pea-sized morsels that tiny jaws can crunch dry or rehydrated.
What Makes It Stand Out: The kibble-sized pieces eliminate the need to break up larger nuggets, reducing mess and prep time for owners who free-feed or use training treats. The macro profile stays identical—81 % meat, organs, and bone—while calorie density (≈ 470 kcal/cup) matches the higher metabolic needs of small dogs.
Value for Money: At $45.98 per pound it’s actually 10 % pricier than the standard formula, but the convenience factor for small-dog households is tangible; you’re paying for labor-saving shape engineering and a slightly higher meat-to-produce ratio.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: bite-size reduces choking risk, doubles as high-value treat, bag reseals tightly, and stools remain firm and low-odor. Cons: premium price per ounce, strong fish scent, and the 16 oz disappears fast when feeding ½ cup daily to a 10-lb dog (≈ 9-day supply).
Bottom Line: A smart splurge for small-breed parents who want raw nutrition without thawing or chopping. Use as a full meal for dogs under 15 lbs or as a nutrient-dense topper for larger companions to stretch the bag.
3. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 48 oz (3 Bags x 16 oz)
Overview: This bundle ships three 16-oz bags—48 oz total—of the original Nature’s Blend formula, offering a middle-ground between single-bag trials and the 72-oz auto-ship boxes sold on Dr. Marty’s site.
What Makes It Stand Out: Buying in bulk drops the effective price to ≈ $2.70 per ounce versus $2.62 for the 72-oz set, but without locking into subscriptions. The triple-pack also lets owners rotate proteins (turkey, beef, salmon, duck) across bags, reducing allergy risk.
Value for Money: At $129.99 you save roughly $6 compared to three individual purchases, translating to about one free day of food for a 40-lb dog—modest, but appreciated given the category’s sky-high margins.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: nitrogen-flushed bags stay fresh 6–8 weeks after opening, lightweight for shipping, and the carton fits standard pantry shelves. Cons: still $1,000+ annual cost for a 50-lb dog, no smaller-breed cut option, and freeze-dried crumb dust accumulates at the bottom of bag three.
Bottom Line: Best for committed raw feeders who want flexibility and slight savings without subscription handcuffs. Store the unopened bags in a cool, dry spot and you’ll maintain peak nutrient potency for 12+ months.
4. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 6 oz, 6 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Overview: The 6-oz trial bag is Dr. Marty’s gateway SKU, targeting cautious owners who want to test palatability or tolerance before investing in larger packs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Its pouch size is perfect for a weekend taste test—roughly three meals for a 15-lb dog—and the morsels are the same small-breed cut found in the 1-lb small-breed bag, so little dogs can eat them dry straight from the package.
Value for Money: On a per-pound basis ($70.64) this is the most expensive way to buy Nature’s Blend; you’re essentially paying a 70 % premium for the convenience of sampling. Still, it’s cheaper than wasting $45 on a full pound if your dog turns up his nose.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: low financial risk, fits in a coat pocket for travel, excellent high-value training treat, and the resealable strip keeps contents fresh for weeks. Cons: sticker-shock unit price, only 3–4 servings for medium dogs, and minimal cost savings versus veterinary hypoallergenic cans.
Bottom Line: Treat this as a sampler, not a staple. Buy one, transition slowly over four days, and monitor stool quality. If your dog dives in, graduate immediately to the 48-oz bundle to cut your cost per meal in half.
5. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend For Active Vitality Seniors Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, 16 oz
Overview: Designed for dogs seven years and up, Active Vitality Seniors tweaks the classic recipe by elevating lean turkey and salmon for joint-supporting omega-3s, while adding antioxidant-rich spinach, cranberries, and sweet potato to combat cognitive decline.
What Makes It Stand Out: The first four ingredients are all premium proteins (turkey, beef, salmon, duck), delivering a 38 % crude protein level—unusually high for senior formulas that often slash protein on outdated kidney fears. Added L-carnitine and taurine support cardiac health, and the phosphorus ceiling stays under 1.2 % to protect aging kidneys.
Value for Money: At $41.97 per pound it mirrors the original blend’s price, making the senior-specific enhancements essentially free—a rare case where functional tailoring doesn’t incur a surcharge.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high palatability for dentition-compromised seniors when rehydrated, noticeable coat gloss within two weeks, and smaller, firmer stools. Cons: strong fish odor may deter finicky eaters, protein level may need vet clearance for late-stage kidney disease, and bag size still limits medium dogs to under a week of meals.
Bottom Line: A best-in-class geriatric option that respects ancestral nutrition while addressing age-related vulnerabilities. Pair with semi-annual bloodwork and you’ve got a powerful tool for extending quality of life without breaking the senior-dog budget.
6. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 48 oz (3 Bags x 16 oz)
Overview: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend 48 oz bulk bundle delivers freeze-dried raw nutrition in three resealable 16 oz bags, targeting owners who want a grain-free, additive-free diet without the mess of fresh raw feeding.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 3-bag format lets you open one pouch at a time, keeping the other two oxygen-sealed for maximum freshness; the ingredient panel reads like a farmers-market haul—turkey, salmon, carrot, apple, blueberry—freeze-dried within hours of harvest to lock in micronutrients.
Value for Money: At $2.24 per resealed pound (before water is added) this is premium-priced, but you’re paying for human-grade meats, no synthetic vitamin pack, and the convenience of shelf-stable raw; if you currently buy refrigerated raw or boutique kibble, cost per nutrient is competitive.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—zero fillers means smaller, firmer stools and often a glossier coat within weeks; lightweight bags travel well. Cons—re-hydration step adds 3 min to meal prep, sticker shock up front, and calorie density can be easy to over-feed if you skip the kitchen scale.
Bottom Line: If your budget tolerates top-shelf pricing and you want raw benefits without freezer space, this 48 oz bundle is the most economical entry point to Dr. Marty’s line; otherwise start with a smaller pouch to confirm your dog tolerates the rich protein load.
7. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, 6 oz
Overview: Dr. Marty’s 6 oz trial pouch condenses the full spectrum raw formula into a purse-sized bag—ideal for small dogs, weekend trips, or taste-testing before committing to larger, pricier cartons.
What Makes It Stand Out: The single pouch stays sealed until you’re ready, eliminating freezer burn or oxidation; crumble a handful over kibble as a high-value topper or rehydrate the whole bag for a complete meal—no chopping, no mess.
Value for Money: $3.83 per fluid ounce sounds steep, but one pouch stretches to 1.5 cups of food once water is added, translating to roughly $4 per full meal for a 10 lb dog—on par with a fancy coffee and far cheaper than a vet visit triggered by poor diet.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—perfect portion control for toy breeds, stellar palatability for picky seniors, and the ingredient list is short enough to tweet. Cons—shipping cost can equal product price if ordered alone, and aggressive rehydration is needed to prevent tummy upset in wolf-down eaters.
Bottom Line: Buy this 6 oz pouch first; if your dog licks the bowl clean and you notice smaller stools, graduate to the larger multi-bags—otherwise you’re only out twenty-three bucks and a handful of kibble.
8. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 18 oz, (3 bags x 6 oz)
Overview: Tailored for adult small breeds, this 18 oz set (3 × 6 oz) offers bite-size morsels that rehydrate faster than the standard cut, giving Yorkies, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas a texture they can actually chew without breaking into cereal-dust.
What Makes It Stand Out: The nugget size is calibrated for little jaws; each 6 oz pouch contains pre-measured servings printed on the side so you’re not juggling math for a 5 lb metabolism—simply tear, add warm water, serve.
Value for Money: $79.60 for 18 oz lands at roughly $4.42 per rehydrated cup—expensive versus grocery kibble but cheaper than boutique small-breed cans and you’re not paying for gravy water weight.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—no gulping hazard, stools stay compact, and the smaller bags stay fresh if you rotate monthly. Cons—price per pound is still luxury-tier, and the feeding chart can overestimate needs for less-active lap dogs, so watch waistlines.
Bottom Line: For devoted small-dog parents who already splurge on groomers and sweaters, this trio offers portion-perfect raw nutrition; if you own multiple medium dogs, buy the larger 16 oz bags instead for better economy.
9. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Sensitivity Select Freeze-Dried Raw Dry Dog Food 6 oz
Overview: Dr. Marty Sensitivity Select trims the ingredient list to a single animal protein (turkey) and gentle produce like pumpkin and parsley, aiming at dogs with chicken, beef, or grain intolerances that manifest as itchy skin or ear goo.
What Makes It Stand Out: Limited-ingredient doesn’t mean nutrient-poor—organ meats, flaxseed, and turkey bone still deliver calcium, taurine, and omega-3s without the usual poultry-by-product switch-hitters that sneak into “sensitive” kibbles.
Value for Money: At $372 per dry pound the sticker stings, but elimination-diet vet visits, medicated shampoos, and prescription kibble quickly eclipse that figure; think of this as edible diagnostics rather than everyday kibble.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—many owners report reduced scratching within ten days, and the 6 oz pouch is just enough for a two-week elimination trial. Cons—price prohibits long-term feeding for big dogs, and turkey-fat aroma may repulse finicky eaters used to salmon-sweet diets.
Bottom Line: Use this pouch as a diagnostic tool: if symptoms fade, rotate cheaper limited-ingredient foods with similar profiles; if they don’t, you’ve ruled out turkey and saved hundreds in hypoallergenic blood panels.
10. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 18 oz, (3 Bags x 6 oz)
Overview: This 18 oz triple-pack (3 × 6 oz) mirrors the standard Nature’s Blend recipe—turkey, beef, salmon, veggies—just portioned into smaller pouches for households that prefer opening fresh bags weekly rather than resealing a large sack.
What Makes It Stand Out: You get the identical nutrient matrix as the 16 oz bags but with a 6-week shelf-life buffer once the first pouch is breached; great for single-dog homes or for rotating proteins between Dr. Marty formulas without waste.
Value for Money: $71.40 nets out to $3.97 per oz before hydration—slightly better per-ounce pricing than buying three individual 6 oz pouches separately, yet still premium; factor in the lack of freezer electricity and the math improves.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—travel-friendly for RV or show weekends, smaller particles rehydrate in two minutes flat, and you can mix half a pouch with kibble to stretch budget. Cons—foil pouches aren’t recyclable everywhere, and over-eager dogs may inhale the moistened chunks without adequate crunch for dental health.
Bottom Line: A sensible middle ground between the tiny trial pouch and the big 48 oz vault; choose this trio if you value freshness over bulk savings and your dog weighs under 30 lb.
The Rise of Freeze-Dried Raw Canine Diets
Freeze-drying isn’t new—NASA perfected it to lighten astronaut meals in the 1960s—but its leap into the pet aisle is arguably the biggest dog-food disruption since extruded kibble hit post-war America. By removing moisture at sub-zero temperatures, manufacturers stabilize raw meat without high-heat damage to amino acids, enzymes, or delicate omega-3s. The result is a shelf-stable product that weighs 70–80 % less than frozen raw, ships without dry ice, and rehydrates in minutes. Sales data from 2023–2024 show freeze-dried SKUs outpacing refrigerated raw by nearly 3:1, fueled by apartment-dwelling owners who want raw nutrition minus the freezer logistics.
Why “Nature Blend” Is More Than a Buzzword
“Nature blend” implies a mosaic of muscle meat, organs, bone, and small amounts of vegetation—basically the edible contents of prey. Unlike single-protein kibble, these blends aim to replicate whole-animal ratios, delivering a broader amino-acid spectrum, natural calcium/phosphorus balance, and trace nutrients such as manganese-rich cartilage. The concept mirrors the 80/10/10 feeding template used by zoos for wild canids, but modern formulations fine-tune the ratios to meet AAFCO dog profiles for all life stages.
Deconstructing Freeze-Dried Raw Nutrition
Removing water concentrates nutrients by roughly 4:1, so a 12-oz bag equals three pounds of fresh food. Protein often exceeds 45 % on a dry-matter basis, while fat hovers between 25–35 %. The key is bioavailability: gentle drying keeps proteins largely undenatured, meaning your dog can absorb more lysine, methionine, and taurine per gram than in extruded diets where Maillard reactions bind amino acids to sugars.
Ingredient Quality: What to Scrutinize on the Label
- Provenance first—look for named species (“turkey, turkey heart, turkey liver”) rather than “poultry meal.”
- Organic certification reduces pesticide load, especially important in organ meats that concentrate toxins.
- Bone particle size should be microscopic; visible bone shards signal inadequate milling and a potential obstruction risk.
- Filler camouflage—watch for split ingredient listings like “peas, pea fiber, pea protein” that shove carbohydrates up the label hierarchy.
Protein Sources: Single vs. Multi-Protein Formulas
Single-protein diets simplify elimination trials for itchy dogs, but rotational feeding builds microbiome resilience. Multi-protein blends hedge against regional shortages (think 2022 turkey supply crunch) and dilute heavy-metal exposure that can accumulate in a single species’ organs. If your dog has no adverse reactions, rotate quarterly; the gut thrives on amino-acid variety the same way your salad benefits from mixed greens.
The Role of Organ Meats in Canine Vitality
Liver is nature’s multivitamin—packed with retinol, B12, and copper—yet over-feeding it can push vitamin A toxicity. Kidney adds selenium and riboflavin, while heart delivers CoQ10 for cardiac contractility. A well-calibrated nature blend keeps liver below 5 % of total diet to avoid hypervitaminosis while still supplying micronutrients kibble must add synthetically.
Superfood Additions: Fruits, Veggies, and phytonutrients
Wild canids ingest partially digested plant matter from prey stomachs. Mimicking this, quality blends incorporate low-glycemic berries (antioxidants), leafy greens (lutein), and prebiotic fibers such as dandelion root. The trick is dosage—plants should top out around 5–7 % so starch doesn’t exceed 15 % on a dry-matter basis, keeping insulin spikes in check.
Probiotics & Enzymes: Do They Survive Freeze-Drying?
Spore-forming strains like Bacillus coagulans can survive desiccation and rehydration, but lactobacilli often die. Look for guaranteed CFU counts after rehydration, not at time of manufacture. Digestive enzymes (bromelain, papain) are even more fragile; unless micro-encapsulated, they’re largely inert—proof that fresh digestive supplements may still be necessary for sensitive pups.
Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratios and Bone Content
AAFCO targets 1.2:1–1.4:1 Ca:P for adult maintenance. Too much bone raises the ratio, risking constipation and zinc bind-up; too little invites orthopedic disasters in large-breed puppies. Reputable brands publish exact analytical values—if you only see “minimums,” email customer service. Transparency is non-negotiable when bone is involved.
Transitioning Your Dog Without Gastro Chaos
Sudden raw swaps can trigger “rocket-butt.” Use a 10-day staircase: 25 % new on days 1–3, 50 % days 4–6, 75 % days 7–9, 100 % day 10. Add a Bacillus-based probiotic 30 minutes before breakfast to crowd out pathogenic clostridia. If stools remain loose beyond day 7, bump bone content down 2 % by mixing in a bone-free topper until firm.
Portion Control: Calorie Density vs. Kibble
Freeze-dried raw averages 4.5–5 kcal per gram (kibble is 3.6 kcal/g). A 40-lb couch-potato Lab might need only 80 g rehydrated food versus 110 g kibble. Ignore cup markings; weigh with a gram scale and recalculate every four weeks—body-condition score trumps label charts.
Cost Analysis: Budgeting for Premium Freeze-Dried
Sticker shock is real. At $1.80–$2.20 per oz, a 50-lb dog runs $10–$12 daily. Offset by:
– Using as a high-value topper (25 % of calories) instead of 100 % diet.
– Buying 48-oz bundles that shave 15 % per ounce.
– Subscribing to auto-ship with price-lock clauses—some brands honor 12-month rates even if inflation spikes.
Storing Freeze-Dried Raw to Preserve Nutrients
Oxygen, light, and heat oxidize fragile fats. After opening, squeeze out air, insert an oxygen absorber, and reseal. Store below 70 °F; for humid climates, portion into weekly vacuum bags and freeze. Nutrient loss is <3 % over six months under these conditions versus 20 % when left in the original velcro-strip bag on a sunny counter.
Safety Protocols: Pathogen Control in Your Kitchen
Freeze-drying reduces water activity below bacterial replication thresholds but doesn’t sterilize. Rehydrate with 155 °F water—hot enough to pasteurize the outer surface yet cool enough to preserve enzymes once it drops to serving temp (≈100 °F). Disinfect bowls with 1:50 bleach solution weekly; salmonella can linger in biofilm.
Traveling & Hiking: Lightweight Nutrition on the Go
One week of food for a 30-lb dog fits into a sandwich bag. Pack a collapsible silicone bowl and filter bottle; stream water warms in a black silicone pouch under sunlight to 140 °F within 30 minutes—perfect for rehydration at basecamp. Vacuum-sealed single-serve bricks eliminate measuring and keep raccoons from rifling your pack.
Common Myths About Raw and Freeze-Dried Diets
Myth 1: “Raw diets cause aggression.” No peer-reviewed study links fresh food to behavioral change—if anything, removal of colorants and excess sugar stabilizes energy.
Myth 2: “Dogs can’t digest vegetables.” Steady-state transit time studies show 90 % cellulose digestion when plant matter is blanched and ground.
Myth 3: “Freeze-dried equals sterile.” See safety protocols above; handling rules still apply.
Veterinarian Insights: Professional Views in 2025
The 2025 AAHA Nutritional Guidelines finally recognize freeze-dried raw as a distinct category, urging clinics to log batch numbers for traceability. Diplomate nutritionists now recommend “3-point verification”: (1) AAFCO adequacy statement, (2) digestibility trial data, (3) supplier-audit transparency. Clinics that once stocked only therapeutic kibble are dedicating shelf space to verified freeze-dried brands, signaling mainstream legitimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is freeze-dried raw safe for puppies under six months?
Yes, provided the formula states “All Life Stages” and the Ca:P ratio is verified at 1.2–1.4:1 for large breeds. -
Can I mix freeze-dried raw with kibble in the same meal?
Absolutely—just adjust total calories and monitor stool quality; the combo won’t “confuse” the gut as old myths claimed. -
How long can rehydrated food sit out before it spoils?
Discard after two hours at room temp or four hours if kept below 65 °F; bacteria rebound once moisture returns. -
Do I need to add fish oil for omega-3s?
Check the label’s combined EPA/DHA; if under 0.5 g/1,000 kcal, add a molecularly distilled fish oil at 1 mg per lb body weight. -
Will freeze-dried raw help my dog’s itchy skin?
Many owners see improvement when potential kibble allergens are removed, but true food allergies require an 8-week novel-protein elimination trial. -
Is the high fat content safe for pancreatitis-prone breeds?
Opt for formulations under 20 % fat on a dry-matter basis, split daily intake into three meals, and consult your vet for lipase monitoring. -
Can cats eat dog nature blend in a pinch?
Cats require 2–3× more taurine; a single meal won’t harm, but long-term feeding risks dilated cardiomyopathy. -
How do I compare price per calorie, not price per ounce?
Divide package cost by total metabolizable energy (kcal) listed—usually in the “Calorie Content” statement—to get true cost per 1,000 kcal. -
Are there eco-friendly packaging options?
Some brands now use mono-layer polyethylene bags that melt into recyclable pellets; look for How2Store #4 labels. -
Do I still need annual dental cleanings if my dog eats raw?
Raw feeding reduces calculus, but rear molar tartar and gingivitis still develop; schedule oral exams yearly and brush weekly.