🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Food

Raw Dog Food for Coat Health: 5 Best Brands Compared

Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources reduce inflammation and boost coat gloss, but the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio matters. Discover the top pick, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties.

PE
ProPawPicks Editorial Team
ProPawPicks Reviewer
Updated

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Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Salmon & Chicken Recipe ★ Top Pick: Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Sa… Check Price on Amazon →
15-25%
Ideal crude fat range for coat health (dry matter)
5:1 to 10:1
Recommended omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
30-40%
Typical protein content in raw dog foods (dry matter)
300-400 kcal/cup
Calorie density range for raw foods
⚡ Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Salmon & Chicken Recipe. This freeze-dried raw food features salmon as the first ingredient, providing high levels.
  • Best for Sensitive Stomach: Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Food Topper. These mixers can be added to kibble, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs th.
  • Best Budget: Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Beef & Salmon Recipe. Primal offers a high-quality raw food at a more affordable price point.
  • Best Grain-Inclusive: Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Grain-Inclusive Recipe. This grain-inclusive raw food includes oats and barley, providing fiber and avoiding the p.
  • Best for Puppies: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Minced Patties Duck Recipe. Vital Essentials offers a duck recipe that is rich in protein and fat, supporting growth a.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

ProductBest For
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patt… Best Overall Check price →
Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Fr… Best for Sensitive Stomach Check price →
Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Beef & Salmon… Best Budget Check price →
Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Grai… Best Grain-Inclusive Check price →
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Minced Patt… Best for Puppies Check price →

Quick answer

Our top pick for raw dog food to improve coat health is Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties. It’s packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon and flaxseed, which are essential for skin and coat. For a more budget-friendly option, consider Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers; they can be added to kibble for a nutritional boost without a full raw diet.

What to consider for Raw Dog Food For Coat Health

A healthy coat starts with proper nutrition. Raw dog foods often contain higher levels of natural fats and oils, which can support skin health and fur shine. Look for ingredients rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as salmon, herring, flaxseed, and chicken fat. Also consider the protein source: novel proteins like venison or duck may benefit dogs with food sensitivities that affect coat condition. Ensure the diet is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards for your dog’s life stage.

What to look for in a dog food

When choosing a raw dog food for coat health, prioritize a named meat as the first ingredient (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon). Look for a guaranteed analysis with crude fat around 15-25% on a dry matter basis to provide essential fatty acids. Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should ideally be between 5:1 and 10:1. Ensure the food is AAFCO complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. For large breed puppies, avoid all-life-stages formulas with high calcium. Consider added supplements like vitamin E and biotin for skin health.

How we chose these picks

  • Evaluated ingredient lists for named protein sources and omega fatty acid content.
  • Checked AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements for appropriate life stages.
  • Reviewed guaranteed analysis for fat and protein levels suitable for coat health.
  • Considered brand reputation and manufacturing quality control.
  • Selected products with real customer feedback on coat improvements.
  • Prioritized foods without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
  • Included a range of price points to suit different budgets.
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • Avoid foods with unnamed “meat meal” as the primary protein source; it can be low quality.
  • Be cautious with grain-free or legume-heavy recipes due to the FDA DCM investigation; grain-inclusive is safer unless your vet advises otherwise.
  • Do not feed all-life-stages food to large-breed puppies; it may cause developmental issues.
  • Avoid abrupt diet switches; transition over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.

For more guidance, visit our dog guides, dog food, and dog health categories.

Why this matters

Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources are particularly effective for reducing inflammation and promoting a glossy coat, but the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is equally important for optimal skin health.

The Options

Types Explained

Freeze-Dried Raw Patties

These are pre-formed patties of raw meat, organs, and bone that are freeze-dried for shelf stability. They are easy to portion and rehydrate quickly.

Best for: Dogs that prefer a meaty texture and owners who want a simple raw feeding option.

Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets

Small, bite-sized nuggets that can be fed as a complete meal or used as a topper. They are versatile and often more affordable than patties.

Best for: Dogs that like smaller pieces or owners who want to mix raw with kibble.

Freeze-Dried Raw Toppers/Mixers

These are not complete meals but are designed to be added to kibble or other base diets to boost nutrition. They are convenient for transitioning to raw.

Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or owners who want to supplement an existing diet without a full switch.

Frozen Raw Patties

These are raw patties that must be kept frozen until feeding. They are minimally processed and often contain whole prey ingredients. They require thawing.

Best for: Dogs that thrive on a raw diet and owners with freezer space and a commitment to raw feeding.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Salmon & Chicken Recipe
Best Overall

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Salmon & Chicken Recipe

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This freeze-dried raw food features salmon as the first ingredient, providing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. It's grain-free but includes organic fruits and vegetables. The patties are easy to rehydrate. However, it is relatively expensive and may not suit dogs with grain sensitivities that prefer grain-inclusive diets.

Check Price on Amazon →
#2
Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Food Topper
Best for Sensitive Stomach

Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Food Topper

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These mixers can be added to kibble, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs that cannot handle a full raw diet. They contain freeze-dried raw chicken and salmon, rich in omega fatty acids. The limited ingredient list reduces allergy risks. A downside is that they are not a complete meal on their own; you need to pair with a balanced base diet.

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#3
Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Beef & Salmon Recipe
Best Budget

Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Beef & Salmon Recipe

View on Amazon

Primal offers a high-quality raw food at a more affordable price point. The beef and salmon blend provides good protein and omega-3s. It includes organic produce and supplements like vitamin E. However, some dogs may find the nuggets too hard, requiring thorough rehydration. Also, it's grain-free, which may not be ideal for all dogs.

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#4
Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Grain-Inclusive Recipe
Best Grain-Inclusive

Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Grain-Inclusive Recipe

View on Amazon

This grain-inclusive raw food includes oats and barley, providing fiber and avoiding the potential risks of grain-free diets. It contains salmon and chicken for omega fatty acids. The food is complete and balanced. One limitation is that it has a lower protein content compared to some other raw foods, which may not suit highly active dogs.

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#5
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Minced Patties Duck Recipe
Best for Puppies

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Minced Patties Duck Recipe

View on Amazon

Vital Essentials offers a duck recipe that is rich in protein and fat, supporting growth and coat development in puppies. Duck is a novel protein, good for food sensitivities. The patties are easy to portion for growing dogs. However, it is not specifically formulated for large-breed puppies, so calcium levels should be monitored. Also, it is pricey.

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Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Omega Fatty Acid Content

Look for foods with named sources of omega-3s like salmon, herring, or flaxseed. Omega-6s from chicken fat or poultry are also beneficial. The balance between these fats is crucial for reducing inflammation and promoting a glossy coat.

02

Protein Source Quality

A named meat or fish as the first ingredient ensures high-quality protein. Novel proteins (duck, venison) can help dogs with allergies that affect coat condition. Avoid generic meat meals.

03

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy

Ensure the food is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. For puppies, choose a product formulated for growth. All-life-stages foods may not be appropriate for large-breed puppies due to calcium levels.

04

Processing Method

Freeze-dried raw foods retain more nutrients than cooked options. However, they require proper rehydration. Some dogs may prefer freeze-dried nuggets or patties over minced forms.

05

Additives and Supplements

Look for added vitamin E, biotin, and zinc, which support skin and coat health. Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols are preferable.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Handling and Storage

Freeze-dried raw food should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once rehydrated, any uneaten portion should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Frozen raw patties must be kept frozen until thawing. Always wash hands and surfaces after handling raw food to prevent bacterial contamination.

Transitioning to Raw

Gradually introduce raw food over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts with your dog's current diet. Start with 25% raw and 75% old food, then adjust every few days. Monitor for digestive upset. Some dogs may need a slower transition.

Monitoring Coat Health

After switching to a raw diet, observe your dog's coat for improvements in shine, softness, and reduced shedding. It may take 4-6 weeks to see noticeable changes. If coat issues persist, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems.

Pro tip

To enhance coat health, consider rotating between different protein sources (e.g., salmon, duck, beef) to provide a variety of fatty acids and prevent food sensitivities.

Frequently asked questions

How much raw dog food should I feed my dog for coat health?
Feeding amounts vary based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. As a general guideline, adult dogs typically need about 2-3% of their ideal body weight in raw food per day. For example, a 50-pound dog might eat 1 to 1.5 pounds of food daily. Always follow the feeding guide on the product label. Adjust portions to maintain a healthy body condition. For coat health, ensure the food provides adequate fat and omega fatty acids. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
How many calories are in raw dog food?
Calorie content varies by brand and recipe. Freeze-dried raw foods typically range from 300 to 400 kcal per cup (rehydrated). Frozen raw patties may have similar calorie density. Check the product's guaranteed analysis for specific calorie information. To support coat health, you want a food with moderate to high fat content, which increases calorie density. Be mindful of your dog's energy needs to avoid weight gain. A 50-pound dog on a raw diet may need around 1000-1200 kcal per day, but this is a rough estimate.
Is grain-free raw dog food safe for my dog?
The FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free diets (especially those high in legumes) and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While raw foods are often grain-free, many contain no legumes. If your dog has no history of heart issues, grain-free raw may be fine, but we recommend choosing a grain-inclusive raw option unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Always consult your vet before making dietary changes, especially for breeds predisposed to DCM.
Can I feed raw dog food to my puppy?
Yes, but you must choose a product formulated for growth and all life stages. Puppies have higher protein and fat needs for development. However, large-breed puppies require careful calcium and phosphorus balance to prevent skeletal issues. Some raw foods may not be appropriate for large-breed puppies. Always check the AAFCO statement and consult your veterinarian. Our pick for puppies, Vital Essentials Duck, is suitable for small to medium breeds but may need supplementation for large breeds.
Is raw dog food suitable for overweight dogs?
Raw dog food can be suitable for weight management if you control portions. Many raw foods are high in protein and fat, which can be calorie-dense. Look for raw formulas with lower fat content (around 10-15% on a dry matter basis) and higher fiber. You can also use raw toppers to add nutrients without excess calories. Always measure portions and adjust based on weight loss goals. Consult your veterinarian for a weight management plan.
What raw dog food is best for senior dogs?
Senior dogs benefit from raw foods with moderate protein and fat, plus added joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Look for formulas with omega-3s to support joint and coat health. Avoid excessively high protein levels if your senior dog has kidney issues. Brands like Primal offer senior-friendly recipes. Always consult your vet to address age-related health concerns. Our top pick, Stella & Chewy's, can be suitable for seniors if portioned correctly.
Are there raw dog foods formulated for specific breeds or sizes?
Most raw dog foods are not breed-specific but are formulated for all life stages or specific sizes. For small breeds, choose foods with smaller kibble or patty sizes for easier chewing. Large breeds may need foods with controlled calcium levels. Some brands offer size-specific formulas, such as Nature's Variety Instinct for small breeds. Always check the feeding guide for your dog's weight. Our picks are suitable for most breeds when fed according to weight.
Should I choose dry raw or wet raw dog food?
Freeze-dried raw is shelf-stable and convenient, while frozen raw requires freezer storage but is less processed. Both can support coat health. Freeze-dried is easier to portion and travel with. Frozen raw may have a higher moisture content, which can benefit dogs prone to dehydration. The choice depends on your lifestyle and your dog's preference. Our guide includes freeze-dried options, which are popular for their convenience.
How long does it take to see coat improvements after switching to raw?
Coat improvements can be noticeable within 4-6 weeks of feeding a balanced raw diet rich in omega fatty acids. Factors include the dog's previous diet, overall health, and the specific food. Some dogs may show changes sooner. Be patient and consistent. If no improvement is seen after 8 weeks, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying issues like allergies or thyroid problems.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your pet's diet or care routine, especially if your pet has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Food, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Sources and further reading

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.