Selecting a raw food diet for your dog or cat can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, formats, and protein options, it’s natural to wonder which choice is best for your pet. Understanding the factors that make a raw diet successful — for both dogs and cats — can help you make a confident decision. 

At Sam’s Cats and Dogs in Redmond, Monroe, and Everett WA, we guide families through this process every week. Here’s a practical, non-biased approach to finding the best raw pet food brand for your companion. 

Key Factors to Consider

1. Pet Preferences and Palatability

Some dogs and cats are picky eaters. Choosing a brand that offers multiple protein sources or formats (frozen, freeze-dried, toppers) can make it easier to find one your pet enjoys. Brands like Tucker’s and Primal are known for flavors that appeal even to selective pets. 

2. Nutritional Balance

Ensure the diet is complete and balanced. Look for brands that follow AAFCO guidelines for dogs and cats. Most reputable brands we carry, including Northwest Naturals and Primal, formulate their products with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support overall health. 

3. Format and Storage

Consider your lifestyle: 

  • Frozen raw patties & nuggets → need freezer space, easy to  portion.
  • Freeze-dried raw → shelf-stable, convenient for travel.
  • Raw toppers → easy to mix with kibble for a gradual transition.

Matching the format to your daily routine will help maintain consistency and reduce waste. 

4. Ingredients and Sourcing

Some pet parents prioritize local or responsibly sourced ingredients, which can influence freshness and transparency. Northwest Naturals and Tucker’s are great examples of PNW-based brands with a regional sourcing focus, while national brands like Primal and Stella & Chewy’s offer widely available, high-quality options. 

5. Transitioning and Support

Switching to raw food should be gradual. Monitor your pet’s digestion, energy, and overall response. Our team at Sam’s can help you create a step-by-step transition plan tailored to your dog or cat. 

Raw Food for Cats vs. Dogs

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diets should be high in protein and moisture-rich. Dogs can tolerate more variety, but still benefit from a raw diet that emphasizes animal proteins over fillers. Brands that provide species-specific formulas will make it easier to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. 

Compare Featured Brands

Over the past week, we’ve highlighted several raw food brands: 

While these brands were highlighted in our blog, Sam’s offers many other raw food options you can explore, including:

  • Steve’s – versatile formulas that can be fed to both cats and dogs, so one package works for multiple pets
  • Smallbatch
  • OC Raw
  • Instinct
  • Boss Dog/Cat
  • Stella & Chewy’s
  • Bold by Nature

Each brand has unique strengths, so the best raw pet food brand will depend on your pet’s preferences, lifestyle, and dietary needs.

Local Availability in Redmond, Monroe, and Everett WA

Looking for how to choose raw dog food or the best raw food for cats? At Sam’s Cats and Dogs, we carry all the brands featured in this series and much more. Our staff can help you compare ingredients, formats, and protein options to find the right fit for your pet. Tried a food your pet didn’t love? With our 90-day unconditional food guarantee, you can easily exchange it until you find the brand that works best for your pet.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a raw diet doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering your pet’s preferences, nutritional needs, and your lifestyle, you can find a raw food brand that supports health, energy, and overall well-being. 

👉 Stop by Sam’s Cats and Dogs for expert advice and a closer look at all our raw food brands. Ask our team for tips on transitioning your pet to raw.