Raw vs. Fresh Dog Food: What’s the Difference?

Recommendations to reduce the amount of processed food in our diets are seemingly everywhere lately. So much so, pet parents are wondering whether their dogs should also switch their dog's food. Two dog food options immediately spring to mind: raw dog food and fresh dog food. And while they sound similar, they’re actually quite different.  

Let’s do a deep dive into raw vs. fresh dog food so you can help make the best dietary choices for your dog. 

Speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. 

What Should a Dog’s Diet Consist Of?

First, the amount of processing that a food undergoes shouldn’t be the only—or even the most important—consideration for pet parents. A dog’s diet needs to provide complete and balanced nutrition.  

When purchasing any type of dog food, look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the label saying that the food:  

• Has adhered to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines  

• Is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as growth and reproduction, adult maintenance, or for all life stages  

These diets will provide all the nutrients a dog needs to thrive, including: 

• Protein and specific amino acids (the building blocks of protein) 

• Fats, including essential fatty acids 

• Carbohydrates for energy 

• All necessary vitamins and minerals 

Raw and fresh dog foods are both available commercially, and some pet parents even prepare them at home. However, if you’re considering preparing homemade dog food, keep in mind that studies routinely show these diets rarely provide complete and balanced nutrition.  

What Is Raw Dog Food?

With that taken care of, let’s tackle the raw vs. fresh dog food debate.  

Some people call raw dog foods “BARF,” which stands for “biologically appropriate raw foods” or “bones and raw food.” 

Technically, a raw food diet for dogs is a type of fresh dog food, but raw foods have a few unique characteristics, including the following: 

• The primary ingredient in most raw food diets is raw meat.  

• They also usually include bones, organs, grains or other carbohydrate sources, fruits, and vegetables.  

• To provide complete and balanced nutrition, vitamins and minerals must be added as supplements. Homemade diets should be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure they’re complete and balanced.  

The biggest downside to a raw food diet for dogs is that it increases the risk of foodborne illness. Raw dog foods frequently contain potentially dangerous microorganisms, including salmonella, E. coli, listeria, campylobacter, and Sarcocystis. Pathogens like these can cause sickness not only in the dogs who eat them but also in the people who prepare the foods or come in contact with contaminated surfaces or dog poop. 

Advocates who promote feeding a raw food diet for dogs often cite potential advantages such as improved digestibility, great taste, and absence of preservatives, but fresh dog food provides the same benefits with fewer risks. 

What Is Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food doesn’t have a strict definition, but foods that most people consider fresh share a few key qualities: 

• Fresh dog food doesn’t contain preservatives. 

• Fresh dog food is made mostly from ingredients you’d recognize from your local grocery store, such as chicken or carrots. 

• It undergoes gentle cooking or minimal processing. 

• Some ingredients remain visible and recognizable. 

• To ensure a complete and balanced diet, fresh dog food includes essential vitamins and minerals as supplements.  

Fresh dog foods that undergo the least amount of processing generally need to be refrigerated or frozen, but other options are also available, including:  

• Shelf-stable varieties that are cooked under high pressure 

• Dehydrated dog foods 

• Diets that are air-dried or freeze-dried 

What Are the Differences Between Raw and Fresh?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of raw vs. fresh dog food:

Is Raw or Fresh Dog Food Better for Dogs?

While no single type of dog food is best for all dogs, veterinarians typically prefer fresh dog food over raw. The reason is simple: By gently cooking a dog’s food, the risk of foodborne illness is dramatically reduced, while many of the traits of raw food are retained. Fresh dog foods are free of preservatives, highly digestible, and delicious. 

Good candidates for a diet change include dogs who:  

• Shed a lot 

• Have a dull coat 

• Suffer from dry or irritated skin 

• Don’t enjoy eating their current food 

• Frequently have an upset stomach  

Ask your veterinarian whether fresh food could be a good option for your dog.