Raw Dog Food Review
Raw Wild Raw Dog Food Review
- Author: Samuel James
- Published: August 8, 2026
- Updated: August 8, 2026
No. of Recipes
1
Recipe Reviewed
1
Line Rating
5 / 5
Rating Range
5 to 5
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Ingredient Analysis
Nutrient Analysis
Cost Analysis
Recall Check
On This Page
Products List
Ingredients
Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight before processing, which can affect how ingredients appear near the top of the list.
Check the current Raw Wild trial offer.
First-time customers may qualify for 25% off the 12-lb trial order and free shipping.
Ingredient Analysis
In this Raw Wild Raw Dog Food Review, we examine the first three ingredients as the formula’s primary ingredients.
Primary Ingredients
Elk
Elk is a named raw meat ingredient. It can provide animal protein that helps build and renew body tissues, along with fat that helps supply energy. Because raw elk naturally contains substantial moisture, its position on the ingredient list reflects both its meat and water content. For some dogs, elk may be a less common protein, depending on prior diet history.
Why It Matters
A high position suggests elk is a meaningful part of the raw formula.
Deer
Deer is a named raw meat ingredient that may also be described as venison. It can provide animal protein that helps build and renew body tissues, along with fat that helps supply energy. Raw deer naturally contains substantial moisture, so its ingredient-list position reflects both meat and water. It may be a less common protein for some dogs, depending on prior diet history.
Why It Matters
A high position suggests deer is a meaningful source of raw animal protein in the formula.
Wild Caught Alaskan Pollock Fish Oil
Wild caught Alaskan pollock fish oil is a named marine oil derived from Alaskan pollock. It can provide fat that helps supply energy and may contribute omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. These fatty acids may support normal skin and coat health. The oil contributes fat and fatty acids rather than fish-based protein.
Why It Matters
It may support the raw formula’s marine omega-3 content, although the label does not show the exact amount used.
Secondary Ingredients
In this recipe, elk, deer, and wild-caught Alaskan pollock fish oil are treated as the primary ingredients because they form the main meat and fat foundation of the formula. The vitamin-and-mineral premix, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other added nutrient compounds are treated as secondary ingredients because they are included in smaller amounts to supply micronutrients and functional support.
Ingredients Takeaway
From an ingredient perspective, this recipe is centered on named elk and deer, with wild-caught Alaskan pollock fish oil providing a clearly identified marine fat source. Raw Wild also states that ground bone forms part of the meat-and-bone mixture. There are no obvious grain, legume, potato, fruit, vegetable, or whole-food fiber ingredients. The formula also relies on an added vitamin-and-mineral premix to provide many of its micronutrients.
Sourcing & Manufacturing
Raw Wild states that its elk and deer are sourced from the Rocky Mountain region of the western United States and that the food is processed and packaged in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company reports that 99.987% of its ingredients are U.S.-sourced, with the remaining 0.013% consisting of vitamins A, D, and E sourced from Switzerland. Raw Wild also states that the product does not undergo high-pressure processing (HPP).
Nutrient Sources
We analyzed this Raw Wild Elk & Deer Raw Dog Food to identify the likely ingredient sources of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber, along with its likely vitamin and mineral contributors.
Protein Sources
Protein appears to come mainly from elk and deer, the first two listed ingredients and the clearest named animal contributors.
Elk
Deer
Fat Sources
Fat likely comes from the natural fat present in elk and deer along with the added wild-caught Alaskan pollock fish oil. The fish oil provides a clearly identified marine fat source and may contribute EPA and DHA.
Elk
Deer
Pollock Fish Oil
Carbohydrate Sources
No clear grain, legume, potato, fruit, vegetable, or other identifiable starch-containing ingredients appear in the published ingredient list. The recipe therefore has no obvious whole-food carbohydrate source.
None Identified
Fiber Sources
No identifiable whole-food fiber sources appear in the ingredient list. The recipe contains no obvious fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, legumes, or other fiber-focused ingredients.
None Identified
Vitamins: Likely Food-Based Sources
Elk and deer may naturally contribute some vitamins as named animal ingredients, although the list does not specify organs or other vitamin-rich whole-food components. The formula does not appear to rely on food ingredients alone for its vitamin content, since vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12, D3, and E are added directly.
Minerals: Likely Food-Based Sources
Elk and deer naturally contribute minerals, while Raw Wild also states that ground bone is included in the meat-and-bone mixture and can contribute minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. The published formulation additionally contains dicalcium phosphate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, and added forms of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and other minerals. These added mineral ingredients further contribute to the formula’s mineral content rather than relying on food ingredients alone.
Ingredient Concerns
Things to consider
What Stands Out Positively
What May Concern Some Owners
Buyers who prefer recipes with broader whole-food diversity may view the absence of identifiable fruits, vegetables, or whole-food fiber sources as a limitation.
Overall Concern Level: Raw Wild Raw Dog Food Review
The ingredient-list concern level appears to be Minor. The recipe uses clearly named animal ingredients and a named fish-oil source, while the main considerations are the absence of an identifiable whole-food fiber source and the formula’s reliance on an added vitamin-and-mineral premix for many micronutrients. These are primarily formulation choices and do not by themselves indicate that the food is nutritionally incomplete.
Nutrient Analysis
We analyzed this recipe using guaranteed analysis, dry matter basis, and calorie basis to better understand its macronutrient profile.
Protein (Dry Matter Basis)
60%
Fat (Dry Matter Basis)
33.3%
Carbohydrates (Dry Matter Basis)
0.2%
Fiber (Dry Matter Basis)
1.5%
Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
Guaranteed Analysis | 18% | 10% | 0.05% |
Dry Matter Basis | 60% | 33.3% | 0.2% |
Calorie Basis | 42.5% | 57.4% | 0.1% |
Interpretation: This recipe is high in protein, high in fat, and low in carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.
This interpretation is based on our editorial comparison tool and is intended for general review purposes only. It is not an official product claim or a statement from the manufacturer.
AAFCO and FEDIAF Comparison
This section compares the recipe’s estimated dry matter protein and fat levels with AAFCO and FEDIAF minimums.
Adult Maintenance
Standard | Protein (min.) | Fat (min.) |
|---|---|---|
AAFCO | 18.0% | 5.5% |
FEDIAF (110 kcal ME/kg BW^0.75) | 18.0% | 5.5% |
FEDIAF (95 kcal ME/kg BW^0.75) | 21.0% | 5.5% |
Recipe Estimate | 60.0% | 33.3% |
Based on the estimated dry matter values, this recipe appears to exceed both the AAFCO and FEDIAF adult maintenance minimums for protein and fat.
Growth & Reproduction
Standard | Protein (min.) | Fat (min.) |
|---|---|---|
AAFCO | 22.5% | 8.5% |
FEDIAF — Early Growth & Reproduction | 25.0% | 8.5% |
Recipe Estimate | 60.0% | 33.3% |
Based on the estimated dry matter values, this recipe appears to exceed both the AAFCO and FEDIAF growth and reproduction minimums for protein and fat.
"Raw Wild Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, for dogs in all life stages, including the growth stage of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult)."
What that statement means
This statement indicates that the food is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for dogs in all life stages.
The listed coverage includes growth and adult maintenance, including the growth of large-size dogs expected to weigh 70 pounds or more as adults.
The statement identifies formulation, rather than an AAFCO feeding trial, as the basis for nutritional adequacy.
Cost Analysis
We compared Raw Wild pricing across the available buying options to understand upfront cost, cost per ounce, and overall value.
• Cost per 1-lb Package: $15.03
• Cost per Oz: $0.94
• Cost per Case: $180.36
• Cost per 1-lb Package: $13.82
• Cost per Oz: $0.86
• Cost per Case: $331.68
• Cost per 1-lb Package: $12.62
• Cost per Oz: $0.79
• Cost per Case: $605.76
Best Value Highlight
Among Raw Wild’s regular-price options, the 48-lb case provides the lowest ongoing unit cost at $12.62 per pound, or approximately $0.79 per ounce. This is about 16% less per pound than the standard 12-lb case and about 9% less than the 24-lb case. However, its $605.76 upfront price and substantial freezer-space requirement make it most practical for larger dogs, multi-dog households, or customers able to use the food consistently.
Price Interpretation
Raw Wild uses a volume-based pricing structure: the cost per pound decreases as the case size increases. The 12-lb case has the lowest regular upfront cost, the 24-lb case offers a middle ground between price and storage needs, and the 48-lb case provides the strongest ongoing value. Because every case contains the same Elk & Deer recipe in individual one-pound packages, the decision mainly depends on feeding needs, available freezer space, and upfront budget. Shipping charges may increase the delivered cost for certain eastern states.
First-Order Offer
At the time of review, first-time customers could receive 25% off the 12-lb trial case with code DOGTRIAL25-2, reducing the price from $180.36 to $135.27. That equals approximately $11.27 per one-pound package or $0.70 per ounce. The offer also included free shipping, but it should not be treated as the product’s normal ongoing price.
Autoship Note
Raw Wild currently offers both one-time purchases and recurring Autoship orders. Autoship is available in 12-, 24-, and 48-pound shipment sizes, with delivery intervals listed as every two, four, or eight weeks. Customers receive an email reminder three days before an upcoming charge and shipment. Scheduled orders can be skipped or adjusted through the customer account, while Raw Wild’s terms state that cancellations must be made by phone at least three days before the next Autoship.
Pros and Considerations
Pros
• Named elk and deer appear as the formula’s primary animal ingredients.
• Wild-caught Alaskan pollock fish oil provides a clearly identified marine fat source.
• The product is presented as a minimally processed raw food.
• The formula avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
• AAFCO suitability covers all life stages, including large-size growth.
Considerations
• Premium regular pricing ranges from approximately $12.62 to $15.03 per pound.
• No identifiable whole-food fiber source appears in the published ingredient list.
• Exact calcium, phosphorus, omega-3/omega-6, and glucosamine/chondroitin levels are not publicly disclosed.
Recall and Safety
Recall History
We found no FDA recall notices for Raw Wild in FDA Recalls & Withdrawals records reviewed from 2019 to present.
Last Checked
August 8, 2026
Recall Monitoring Note
Recall status may change over time as new FDA notices are announced.
Raw Food Handling & Safety Note
Because this is an uncooked raw meat product, careful handling and storage are important. Raw pet foods can carry harmful bacteria, so hands, utensils, and preparation surfaces should be cleaned after handling. This is a general consideration for raw feeding and does not indicate contamination of this specific product.
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Our Rating
Reviewed Recipe Rating
5/5
Editorial score for the specific recipe reviewed on this page.
Editorial Verdict: Excellent
97.6 / 100
Ingredient Quality
5/5
Ingredient Safety
5/5
Processing
5/5
Ingredient Safety Note: This score reflects ingredient-based safety criteria and does not assess microbiological risks associated with handling raw meat.
What influenced this recipe score
• Named elk and deer provide clearly identified animal-protein sources near the top of the ingredient list.
• The recipe avoids vague meat ingredients and uses a specifically named marine oil.
• Raw frozen processing contributed positively to the processing component of our editorial assessment.
• The all-life-stages AAFCO formulation statement contributed positively to the recipe’s nutritional-adequacy assessment.
This rating reflects our independent editorial opinion of the specific recipe reviewed, based on the information available at the time of publication. It is not intended to disparage the brand or company, and other reviewers may reasonably reach different conclusions.
Final Verdict
Who This Food May Suit
Raw Wild Elk & Deer Raw Dog Food may suit owners seeking a raw recipe centered on named elk and deer, with a clearly identified fish-oil source. It may also appeal to buyers who value a high-protein profile, minimal processing, all-life-stage AAFCO suitability, and a strong editorial assessment.
Who May Want an Alternative
Owners who prefer cooked food, a lower-fat nutrient profile, broader whole-food variety, organ-based formulations, or less reliance on an added vitamin-and-mineral premix may want to compare alternatives. Buyers who do not want the storage and handling requirements associated with frozen raw food may also prefer another format.
Overall Editorial Verdict
Overall, this recipe receives an Excellent 5/5 editorial assessment for its named animal proteins, high-protein and very low-carbohydrate profile, minimal raw processing, and all-life-stage AAFCO suitability. The lack of identifiable whole-food fiber or carbohydrate sources and reliance on added vitamins and minerals remain mild considerations. Based on the available information, it appears to be a strong option for buyers comfortable with its focused raw formulation.
This review is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice.
More Formulas to Consider
Same flavor alternative
Raw Beef • Grain Free • 300 kcal/patty
Different Flavor Option
Human Grade • Skin Support • 130 kcal/cup
More Reviews
Editorial Note
Samuel James
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DogFoodNet provides clear, editorial dog food reviews that look beyond marketing claims. Each review evaluates ingredient quality, nutrition data, and pricing to help you understand what a recipe may offer, where it may fall short, and whether it appears to fit your dog’s needs and budget.
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