Raw food vs. dry food: What no one tells you (and you should know)

The BARF diet and natural raw dog food are more popular than ever. Social media, advertisements, and even some veterinarians promote it as the best option: "it's what they would eat in nature," "more digestible," "healthier."

But to what extent is this true?
Is raw food really better than good dry food?
Or are we confusing format with quality?

In this article, we want to help you see beyond marketing, without dogmas or labels, so you can make informed decisions. Because Eating well is not about following trends: it is about understanding what is behind each ingredient and each process .

❄️ What is raw food or BARF diet?

The BARF diet (acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BIF ) is based on feeding dogs raw ingredients: meat, meaty bones, offal, vegetables, and fruits, all uncooked. It is presented as a way to return to the "ancestral" (ancient) diet, imitating the diet of a wolf or wild dog.

Currently, this food is marketed in two main ways:

Homemade: The tutors prepare the diet at home following (or not) a specific recipe.

Commercial/frozen or cooked: Brands that offer raw or low-temperature cooked menus, in trays or frozen portions, ready to serve.

✅ Pros of raw (and cooked) food

When properly formulated and properly stored, this type of diet can provide real benefits:

High palatability: Many dogs devour this type of food with enthusiasm.

Without thermal processing (in the raw case): preserves heat-sensitive enzymes and nutrients.

Personalization: can adapt to the physiological state of the dog.

Improves hair and skin in some cases, thanks to a natural fat profile.

Greater control of ingredients , especially in the homemade version.

⚠️ Cons and risks of raw food

Although the natural approach sounds ideal, it also has significant drawbacks that are worth considering:

🦠 Microbiological risk

Raw meat may contain Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli … although dogs tolerate them better than humans, The risk exists , especially in homes with children or vulnerable people.

🧪 Nutritional imbalance

Designing a complete natural diet isn't easy. Without professional guidance, it's easy to fall into imbalances: excess phosphorus, lack of calcium, deficiencies of vitamins or essential amino acids...

🧊 Demanding logistics

Freezing, defrosting properly, planning portions… It's not always compatible with the daily routine of many families.

🚫 Not suitable for all dogs

Some dogs with digestive, liver or immune problems may worsen with raw diets. Even in healthy dogs, it can cause vomiting or diarrhea if not well tolerated.

💸 Cost and availability

Natural diets tend to be expensive per kilo and require refrigerated storage space. They also rely on cold-chain shipping, which adds complexity.

🥣 What about dry food? Is it all bad?

Here we break an important myth: The problem is not the dry format, but the low quality of many feeds on the market.

The most economical feeds usually include:

Low-quality meat flours

Animal by-products unfit for human consumption

Artificial preservatives, colors or flavors

Excess filler cereals (corn, wheat, soy)

But that has nothing to do with what high-end, carefully formulated feeds offer. Although it's often assumed that a high-end brand always offers good feed, Being a premium brand doesn't guarantee the quality of the food . There are high-end brands whose feed doesn't meet nutritional expectations, and what they primarily sell is their brand, not the actual quality of the product. Therefore, it's essential to always look at the composition of the food and not be swayed solely by the name or prestige of the brand.

🌿 Well-made dry food: an equally valid alternative

Good feed is not a second-rate product. It's a complete, balanced, and safe food, when properly formulated. What characteristics do we look for in quality feed?

✅ Fresh meat or fish as the first ingredient
✅ Brown rice, fruits, vegetables, and functional supplements
✅ No by-products or artificial additives
✅ Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
✅ With guaranteed analysis and proven digestibility
✅ Easy to store, serve, and adapt to each stage of life

🧪 What about those commercially prepared diets that seem perfect?

Many cooked food brands are promoted with messages such as:

“100% natural”

“Formulated by veterinarians”

“Cooked at low temperature”

“Personalized plan for your dog”

It sounds ideal. And in many cases, it is. But there are important aspects that should be contextualized , so as not to fall into a polarized vision where natural is always better and dry is always worse.

🔍 Things you should know

“Natural” does not automatically mean “better”
This term is not regulated and can even be used for products with a low nutritional profile. Quality dry food can also be natural, even if it's kibble-shaped.

Percentages may sound good, but they are not always understood.
Saying "65% meat" doesn't clarify whether it's lean meat, organ meats, or skin. Nor is it clear how much remains after cooking. The real transparency lies in the ingredient list and nutritional analysis.

Cooked at low temperature ≠ raw or fresh
Many natural diets are steamed. This improves safety, but breaks with the idea of ​​unprocessed food. Even so, this nuance is rarely clarified.

Formulated by veterinarians... just like a good dry food
This isn't exclusive. Quality feeds are also designed by veterinarians specializing in nutrition and comply with strict European regulations.

The personalized plan is useful, but not always so personalized.
It is often based on simple automation based on weight and age. It is practical, but does not replace professional nutritional judgment for dogs with special needs .

Cold chain and conservation
Cooked or raw foods should be kept refrigerated. If the chain is broken, it can pose health risks. Dry food maintains its properties for weeks without refrigeration.

Price vs. Nutrition
These diets tend to have higher prices per kilo. Even if their quality is good, a well-formulated dry food can offer the same nutritional value at a more affordable cost and with greater analytical stability .

❓So… which one is better?

There is no single answer.
Each tutor must choose what best suits their partner, their values, and their lifestyle. But we can state this emphatically:

A poorly formulated or poorly preserved natural diet can be dangerous .

A cheap feed with by-products too.

But a I think well done, honest and demanding , it is just as healthy than a quality natural diet. And often more stable and practical.

🧠 What if I combine both?

Perfectly possible. Many pet owners choose a good feed as a base, and supplement it with:

Cooked meat toppers

Quality wet cans

Natural or functional snacks

This combination can be balanced if the proper proportion is maintained and the nutritional balance is respected.

💬 Conclusion

At Malamute Pet Care we don't believe in trends.
We believe in clear information, evidence-based nutrition, and carefully selected products.

Because feeding well is offering food with real ingredients, formulated with knowledge and sold with honesty .

There's no single right path. But there are responsible ways to choose.
And that's where we want to be: by your side, with transparency, demand and coherence .

🐾 Do you have questions about what type of diet is best for your dog or cat?

Write to us. We'll provide you with personalized, no-obligation advice.
Because your peace of mind is also part of your partner's well-being.