Big Country Raw Dog Food Review: Is This Canadian Brand the Real Raw Deal?

In recent years, more pet owners are questioning the long-standing dominance of dry kibble and turning to more biologically appropriate diets. Raw feeding—a method that mimics a dog’s ancestral eating habits—has been gaining traction. Amid the expanding range of raw food providers, Big Country Raw has become a well-known name in Canada for its commitment to quality, transparency, and variety.

This review dives deep into Big Country Raw’s dog food line to help you decide if this brand deserves a place in your dog’s bowl. We’ll explore its ingredients, manufacturing practices, feeding options, pricing, and customer reviews to give you a comprehensive look at what makes—or breaks—this brand.

Brand Overview

Company Background

Founded in Ontario, Canada, Big Country Raw began as a small family-run business. With a clear vision for offering pets raw meals that are safe, nutritious, and affordable, the company has grown into a leading raw pet food manufacturer. Today, their facilities are HACCP-certified and federally inspected, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

Mission and Philosophy

Big Country Raw’s core mission is to provide biologically appropriate raw food (BARF)—a diet that mimics what dogs would eat in the wild. They focus on minimally processed, whole-food ingredients and support local Canadian farmers and producers whenever possible. Ethical sourcing and sustainability are part of their DNA, and they advocate for clean-label pet food with no hidden nasties.

Product Lineu

Big Country Raw has one of the most diverse raw dog food portfolios in the market. Here’s a breakdown of their main product categories:

A. Pure Formulas

These contain only a single animal protein source—meat, bone, and organ—making them ideal for elimination diets and dogs with food sensitivities. Examples include:

• Pure Beef
• Pure Turkey
• Pure Duck

B. Dinner Recipes

These balanced meals feature a blend of meat, bones, organs, and a small percentage of fruits and vegetables. Recipes include:

• Beef Dinner
• Chicken Dinner
• Lamb Dinner

C. Signature Blends

Formulated with multiple protein sources and a touch of veggies and supplements for balance. Examples:

• Blend Box
• Turkey & Beef Blend
• Lamb & Pork Blend

D. XL Blends

These large-format boxes are great for households with multiple dogs. They contain the same balanced blends as the dinner line but in larger sizes.

E. Grab N Go Variety Packs

Convenient 6- or 12-pack bundles with pre-portioned meals, ideal for those new to raw feeding or who want meal planning simplified.

F. Thrive Supplements

The Thrive line includes natural supplements to support joint health, digestion, skin, and coat:

• Thrive Herring Oil
• Thrive Fortify (vitamin mix)
• Thrive ProGut (probiotic blend)

Ingredient Quality and Nutrition

Big Country Raw stands out in terms of ingredient transparency and quality.

A. Protein Sources

They use human-grade muscle meat, organ meats (like liver, kidney, and spleen), and finely ground bone. These provide essential amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals in their most bioavailable forms.

B. Produce Inclusion

In the dinner and blend lines, you’ll find wholesome fruits and veggies like:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Blueberries
• Cranberries

These add antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.

C. Nutritional Analysis

While specific percentages vary by product, here’s a general profile:

• Crude Protein: 15–18%
• Crude Fat: 10–15%
• Fiber: <2%
• Moisture: 65–75%

These high-moisture, high-protein meals closely mimic a dog’s natural dietary needs.

D. Supplementation

Some formulas include natural supplementation with:

• Kelp – for thyroid support
• Herring oil – a source of omega-3 fatty acids
• Probiotics – to aid in digestion

Importantly, the brand avoids artificial additives, preservatives, and synthetic vitamin premixes.

Feeding Options and Preparation

Raw feeding does require a bit more effort than scooping kibble, but Big Country Raw makes it as convenient as possible.

A. Formats

The food is available in frozen blocks, patties, and cartons. You can buy individual containers or value boxes with pre-portioned meals.

B. Preparation Guidelines

• Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before feeding.
• Never microwave, as it can damage nutrients and bones.
• Use within 3 days of thawing.
• Always wash hands, surfaces, and utensils after handling.

C. Feeding Recommendations

Feeding amounts vary based on your dog’s:

• Weight
• Age
• Activity level
• Metabolic rate

General guideline:

• 2–3% of ideal adult body weight per day.

Puppies and active dogs may need 4–6%.

D. Transitioning Tips

Transitioning to raw should be gradual:

1. Start by replacing 25% of your dog’s food with raw for 3 days.
2. Increase to 50% for the next 3 days.
3. Continue until 100% raw is achieved over 7–10 days.

Use probiotic supplements during the transition to ease digestion.

Pros of Big Country Raw Dog Food

• ✅ Exceptional Ingredient Quality: Human-grade meats and local produce.
• ✅ Wide Variety: Multiple proteins, blends, and feeding formats.
• ✅ Transparency: Clear labeling and sourcing information.
• ✅ Veterinarian Support: Some recipes developed with holistic vets.
• ✅ Minimal Processing: Preserves nutrients and natural enzymes.
• ✅ Dog-Approved Taste: High palatability, even for picky eaters.

Cons of Big Country Raw Dog Food

• ❌ Requires Freezer Space: Not ideal for small kitchens.
• ❌ Short Shelf Life After Thawing: Must be consumed within days.
• ❌ Higher Cost: More expensive than kibble; may not suit all budgets.
• ❌ Availability: Only available in Canada (with limited exceptions).
• ❌ Adjustment Period: Some dogs experience digestive changes initially.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Positive Experiences

Many pet parents rave about Big Country Raw. Common praise includes:

• Improved digestion
• Shinier coats
• Better energy and mood
• No more allergies or itchy skin

Dog owners often say their pets get excited at mealtime and finally maintain a healthy weight.

Negative Feedback

On the flip side:

• Some users feel the cost is prohibitive.
• A few report issues with inconsistent product availability.
• Others mention the prep and cleanup are more time-consuming than kibble.

Yet overall, reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many customers making the switch permanently.

Recall History and Safety Standards

As of this writing, Big Country Raw has no history of product recalls, which is rare and reassuring in the raw food industry.

Safety Standards:

• HACCP Certified Facility
• Routine Pathogen Testing (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Federally Inspected in Canada
• Batch Code Transparency: All packages are labeled with a batch number and expiry date.

This rigorous quality control helps ensure each meal is safe and nutritious.

Purchasing Options

Where to Buy

• Official Website – bigcountryraw.ca
• Local Retailers – PetValu, Global Pet Foods, and independent stores in Canada.
• Delivery Services – Available in major cities (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, etc.).

Subscription Services

Big Country Raw offers flexible auto-ship and subscription models with discounts for recurring customers. It also runs a Loyalty Program to reward frequent buyers.

Pricing Overview

Pricing varies by product, but here’s a general idea:

• Dinner Formulas: ~$3–$4 per pound
• Pure Protein: ~$2.50–$3.50 per pound
• Variety Packs: ~$60–$85 for 18–24 lb boxes

While the price may seem steep, many users say the health benefits outweigh the cost.

Final Verdict

Big Country Raw delivers on its promise of safe, high-quality raw meals for dogs. With a commitment to local sourcing, minimal processing, and transparency, the brand has carved a solid reputation in the raw feeding space.

While not as convenient or cheap as kibble, the benefits—glossy coats, lean muscles, healthy digestion, and cleaner teeth—often speak for themselves. If you live in Canada and are looking to upgrade your dog’s diet with real, whole ingredients, Big Country Raw is a top-tier option worth considering.

Recommended For:

• Pet parents interested in raw feeding.
• Dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
• Households seeking diverse protein options.
• Those with freezer space and time for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs

Q1. Is Big Country Raw suitable for puppies and seniors?
Yes, their meals are designed for all life stages. Just adjust the portion sizes according to weight and age.

Q2. Can I mix Big Country Raw with dry kibble?
It’s best to feed raw and kibble in separate meals due to different digestion rates.

Q3. How do I store the food?
Keep it frozen until 24 hours before use. Thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature.

Q4. Are there formulas for dogs with food sensitivities?
Yes. The Pure line offers single-protein recipes ideal for dogs with allergies or on elimination diets.

Q5. Is it safe to feed raw meat to dogs?
When handled properly and sourced from a brand like Big Country Raw, raw food is safe and healthy for most dogs.