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Start looking up raw dog food, and you’ll probably hit a wall pretty fast: it’s just endless options for chicken, beef, and turkey. But what if your pup has bad allergies? Or what if you just want to feed them the way their ancestors actually ate – you know, wild stuff, not farm stuff?
That’s where Raw Wild comes in. They’re a premium brand claiming to offer the purest “ancestral diet” out there by using nothing but wild-harvested Rocky Mountain elk and deer.
But let’s be real – the price tag is up there. So the big question is: Is Raw Wild actually worth the splurge?
In this Raw Wild dog food review, we’re breaking down the ingredients, where the meat comes from, the cost, and the real benefits to help you figure out if this fancy feast is right for your furry friend.
Key Takeaways: The 30-Second Verdict
- The Meat: 100% wild-harvested Elk and Deer. No farms, no weird hormones, no antibiotics.
- Perfect For: Dogs who can’t handle chicken or beef, picky eaters, and owners who want the cleanest label possible.
- The Price: It’s one of the priciest raw foods out there (think $10+ a pound). Great for spoiling small dogs, maybe a splurge for the big ones.
- Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for quality, ⭐⭐⭐ for the wallet.
So, What is Raw Wild?
Raw Wild is a raw dog food service straight out of Utah that ships right to your door. While other brands get their meat from farms (even the nice ones), these guys differentiate themselves by going wild.
They started with a simple idea: wolves and wild dogs didn’t evolve eating cows or chickens raised on corn. They ate wild prey. Raw Wild tries to match that natural diet perfectly. They use wild elk and deer harvested right from the Rocky Mountains.
Since these animals live in nature eating wild grasses and plants, the meat is naturally lean, organic, and totally free from the stress hormones and antibiotics you often find in livestock.
Checking the Ingredients: Why Elk and Deer?
Flip over a bag of regular kibble, and you might see a laundry list of 50+ ingredients. Look at Raw Wild, and it’s refreshing how simple it is.
The recipe is dead simple:
- 99.4% Wild Elk and Deer Meat & Bone
- 0.6% Vitamins and Minerals (Just the essentials)
Why Go Wild?
The main selling point here is “Wild game vs farmed raw meat.”
- Good for Allergies: Elk and deer are “novel proteins.” If your dog can’t stop scratching on chicken or beef, switching to something new like this is often just what the vet ordered.
- Leaner: Wild game has less fat and more of the good stuff (Omega-3s) than grain-fed beef.
- No Junk: No fillers, grains, corn, soy, or preservatives. Just a strictly grain-free wild game meal.
The Money Talk: Is Raw Wild Expensive?
Okay, let’s talk cash. Raw Wild isn’t cheap.
There’s no getting around it – this is a luxury product. Since they have to hunt and process wild animals instead of just raising them on a farm, it costs way more than brands like We Feed Raw or The Farmer’s Dog.
- Average Cost: Depending on the package size you grab (12 lbs, 24 lbs, or 48 lbs), you’re looking at between $10.00 and $12.00 per pound.
- Shipping: It’s included for most spots, but you’ll want the subscription to get the best deal.
Is it worth it?
- For a 10lb Poodle: You might spend ~$50-60 a month. Totally doable for the quality.
- For a 70lb Golden Retriever: You could be looking at $400+ a month. Ouch.
For big dog owners, a lot of people use Raw Wild as a “topper” to make their standard diet healthier without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Here is the honest truth on the good and the bad based on our research and what customers are saying.
The Good Stuff
- Unmatched Purity: You really can’t get cleaner meat than wild-harvested game.
- Dogs Love It: Even super picky dogs usually go nuts for the strong, natural scent of venison and elk.
- Health Boosts: Owners report shinier coats, smaller stools (better digestion!), and higher energy levels within weeks.
- Easy: It comes frozen in 1-lb vacuum-sealed packages, so portioning is a breeze.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- The Price Tag: It’s tough on the wallet if you have a big household.
- One Flavor: They only have the Elk/Deer blend. If you want to rotate proteins (like feeding duck one week, lamb the next), you can’t do that here.
- Freezer Space: You need to buy in bulk (at least 12 lbs) to make the shipping worth it, so clear some room in the freezer.
Comparison: Raw Wild vs. The Rest
How does it stack up against the competition?
| Feature | Raw Wild | We Feed Raw | Maev |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Wild Elk & Deer | Farmed Beef, Chicken, etc. | Farmed Beef & Chicken |
| Price per lb | $$$$(Highest) | $$(Moderate) | $$$ (High) |
| Variety | Single Recipe | High Variety (6+ proteins) | Limited |
| Fillers | None | None | None |
| Best For | Allergies & Purity | Variety & Budget | Convenience (Cubed) |
Raw Wild vs. We Feed Raw: If you want variety and a lower bill, We Feed Raw is the better pick. If you need a unique protein for bad allergies or want wild-sourced meat, Raw Wild wins.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy It?
After this Raw Wild review, we think this food is basically the “Holy Grail” for a specific type of dog owner.
You should go for Raw Wild if:
- Your dog has chronic allergies and needs a new protein source.
- You have a smaller dog, so the monthly cost isn’t crazy.
- You’re a raw-feeding fan who wants 99% wild elk and deer meat with total transparency.
- You want a fancy topper to get your picky eater to eat.
If you’re on a budget or have a Great Dane, it might work better as a supplement rather than a full diet. But if you can swing it, the quality is undeniably top-tier.
Ready to feed your dog like a wolf? Check out Raw Wild’s Website to see what it’ll cost you.
Technically, AAFCO doesn’t “approve” dog foods, but Raw Wild is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages (including large breed puppies). This means it’s a complete and balanced meal, not just meat in a bag.
It’s all sourced from the Rocky Mountain wilderness. We’re talking 100% wild elk and deer that lived free-range lives. No factory farms here.
Go slow! Start by mixing a little Raw Wild (about 25%) with their current food. Over 7-10 days, gradually increase the raw portion and decrease the old food. This prevents tummy upsets.
Yes! Because it meets AAFCO standards for “All Life Stages,” it’s safe for growing puppies. Just make sure you are feeding them enough calories, as puppies need way more fuel than adults.
Shipping is generally free if you are in the main US zones. However, if you live in a really remote area (Zone 8), there might be a surcharge because they have to air-ship it to keep it frozen.
