Big Dog Raw Food Comparison (2025): Which Formula Is Best for Your Dog?
Once you’ve decided to feed Big Dog raw dog food, the next big question is: “Which formula should I choose for my dog?” Big Dog doesn’t just offer one generic BARF recipe. Their range includes multi-protein blends, single-protein recipes, low-allergen options and a dedicated raw cat range, many of which are formulated for all life stages – from healthy puppies through to adult dogs.
At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, we work with Big Dog every day – from storing frozen stock in our freezers to helping Melbourne pet owners choose a suitable formula based on skin issues, digestive history and food preferences. This guide is different from a general “Is Big Dog good?” review or a feeding-amount calculator. Instead, it’s a practical Big Dog raw food comparison guide to help you confidently match the right formula to your dog’s age, sensitivities, lifestyle and preferences.
We’ll also spotlight Big Dog Single Protein Goat as a gentle, low-allergen, all-life-stages diet that suits many dogs with food sensitivities.
You can explore the full range of Big Dog products here: Shop Big Dog Raw Pet Food at ADS Pet Store .
1. How Big Dog Raw Food Is Structured
Big Dog follows a BARF-style (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) approach, using a mix of raw meat(80%), crushed bone(10%), organs(10%), fruits, vegetables and “superfood” ingredients to create convenient frozen patties. Many of their dog formulas, including Single Protein Goat, are formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages according to AAFCO standards – supporting both healthy growth in puppies and maintenance in adult dogs when fed as directed.
The range can be grouped into a few main categories:
- Core multi-protein recipes – everyday options with a mix of animal proteins.
- Single Protein Range – including Goat, Turkey and Kangaroo designed for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
- Scientific Range mix-protein – such as Sensitive Skin–style options focusing on coat and skin health.
- Big Dog Cat Range – raw diets tailored to feline nutritional needs, including taurine and higher meat ratios.
Understanding the role of each category makes it easier to decide which Big Dog recipe best matches your dog’s health, history and lifestyle.
2. Overview of the Big Dog Dog & Cat Ranges
2.1 Core Multi-Protein Dog Recipes
The core Big Dog recipes – typically beef, chicken, lamb, combo-style blends and similar – are designed for healthy dogs without complex allergies. They combine several animal proteins with vegetables, fruits, raw bone and beneficial extras such as herbs and natural fibres.
These formulas work well for:
- Dogs with no known food allergies or intolerances.
- Pet parents wanting a convenient, ready-to-serve natural raw dog food.
- Households looking for good day-to-day value from a high meat content raw diet.
2.2 Single Protein Range (Goat, Turkey or Kangaroo)
Big Dog’s Single Protein Range focuses on one primary animal source per recipe. This is especially useful for dogs with suspected protein allergies or those undergoing a food elimination plan with their vet.
Examples include novel or less commonly fed meats such as goat. By limiting the recipe to one animal protein and carefully selected fruits, vegetables and functional ingredients, these formulas are ideal for dogs that react to common meats like chicken or beef.
2.3 Scientific Range: Functional & Low-Allergen Dog Recipes
Some Big Dog formulas – for example, Sensitive Skin–style recipes – are built with specific health focuses in mind, such as skin and coat support or low-allergen profiles. They often use carefully chosen protein sources, omega-rich oils and targeted extras to support dogs with:
- Recurring itchy skin or hot spots.
- Coat dullness, shedding or dryness.
- History of dietary allergies or intolerances.
These recipes can fit well when you’re working with your vet to improve skin health from the inside out and want a raw option that still supports complete nutrition.
From our experience at ADS Pet Store, two formulas consistently stand out as customer favourites: Big Dog Sensitive Skin and Big Dog Single Protein Turkey. These options are often chosen by pet parents looking for gentle, reliable recipes for dogs with itchiness, mild digestive issues or suspected food sensitivities. They also tend to be the first formulas recommended when customers are unsure where to start with Big Dog.
2.4 Big Dog Raw Cat Food Range
Cats are strict carnivores with a higher demand for certain nutrients like taurine. Big Dog’s cat range is formulated with a very high meat content, appropriate bone and organ content, and taurine-rich ingredients to support feline health.
While some raw feeders prepare DIY cat food, Big Dog offers a ready-made raw cat diet that removes a lot of the guesswork. These recipes are intended for cats and should not be interchanged with dog-only formulas.
To explore the full dog and cat range, visit the Big Dog Raw Pet Food Collection.
3. Spotlight: Big Dog Single Protein Goat (All Life Stages)
Big Dog Single Protein Goat is one of the standout formulas in the range for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or guardians who want a gentle, low-allergen option that still supports all life stages.
3.1 Why Goat?
Goat is considered a high-quality, easily digestible protein for dogs and is far less commonly used in commercial pet foods than chicken or beef. That makes it an appealing choice for:
- Dogs who have reacted to common meats like chicken, beef or lamb.
- Guardians exploring a novel protein diet with their vet.
- Dogs needing a low-allergen, single-protein raw diet.
In this recipe, the goat used is pasture-raised in Australia, with minimal exposure to intensive farming practices. This is especially valuable for dogs whose allergies may be triggered or aggravated by environmental contaminants or heavily processed meats.
3.2 Nutrient-Dense Fruits, Vegetables & “Good Extras”
Big Dog Goat isn’t just meat. Like other Big Dog recipes, the goat protein is blended with a variety of nutrient-dense plant foods and functional ingredients to support digestion, stool quality, immunity and overall wellbeing.
Alongside goat, you’ll find ingredients such as:
- Apple, carrots, green beans and lettuce – providing natural fibre and phytonutrients.
- Green bananas – a source of resistant starch that can support gut health.
- Blueberries, strawberries and orange – rich in natural antioxidants.
- Sprouted wheatgrass and psyllium – supporting digestion and stool regularity.
- Goat whey, kelp and organic fulvic acid – contributing minerals, trace elements and overall vitality.
These additions are part of Big Dog’s broader approach to whole-food nutrition, where real ingredients do the heavy lifting instead of synthetic additives.
3.3 All Life Stages & AAFCO Compliance
Big Dog states that its Single Protein Goat formula is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards for all life stages – meaning it is suitable for:
- Healthy growth in puppies (when fed according to directions).
- Maintenance of adult dogs.
This makes it an excellent choice for multi-dog households where both younger and older dogs may benefit from a low-allergen raw diet. As always, portion sizes and feeding frequency will differ between puppies and adults, but the underlying nutritional profile is designed to support all life stages.
3.4 Big Dog Single Protein Goat – Ingredients List
For reference, here is the declared ingredient list for the goat formula:
Ingredients:
Goat (meat, heart, crushed bone & cartilage, trachea, washed tripe, liver, kidney, lung), apple, carrots, green bananas, lettuce, green beans, sprouted wheatgrass, orange, strawberries, blueberries, dolomite, psyllium, goats whey, kelp, organic fulvic acid.
If you are working with your vet on a detailed elimination diet, always show them the full ingredient list to confirm suitability for your individual dog.
Discover more information about the Goat recipe and other formulas by visiting the Big Dog Pet Food official website.
4. Big Dog Raw Food Comparison – Which Formula Fits Your Dog?
The table below summarises the main differences between key Big Dog ranges and where a formula like Single Protein Goat fits in. Use it as a quick reference when narrowing down your options.
| Formula Type | Example Proteins | Key Features | Best For | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Multi-Protein Dog Recipes | Beef, chicken, lamb, mixed meats | High meat content, BARF-style, balanced fruits & veggies. | Most healthy adult dogs and many puppies (as per packaging). | Not ideal if your dog has confirmed allergies to any protein in the mix. |
| Single Protein Range | Novel proteins, low-allergen meats such as goat, turkey or kangaroo | Single-protein diet to support elimination diets and targeted allergy trials. | Dogs with suspected or confirmed allergies to common meats; dogs needing a simple, clean ingredient panel. | Still a rich raw diet – follow feeding guidelines carefully, especially for puppies or dogs with medical history. |
| Scientific Range: Functional / Sensitive Skin–style Recipes | Selected proteins (often fish or gentle meats) | Focus on skin & coat, omega-3s and anti-inflammatory profiles. | Itchy dogs, recurring hot spots, coat dullness, mild food-related sensitivities. | Allergens can still exist in non-meat components – talk to your vet if reactions persist. |
| Big Dog Raw Cat Range | Poultry and other meats tailored for cats | Very high meat and organ content, taurine-rich, BARF-style design for felines. | Cats needing a complete raw diet without DIY prep. | Dog and cat formulas are not interchangeable; always feed species-appropriate recipes. |
If you’re unsure where to start, think about your dog’s history first – any past reactions, skin issues or digestive upsets – then use this comparison to choose the simplest, most appropriate formula. You can always rotate formulas slowly later once you know what works.
5. How to Choose the Right Big Dog Formula
5.1 For Dogs with Allergies or Food Sensitivities
If your dog has a history of itchiness, ear infections, soft stools or confirmed food allergies, a single-protein, low-allergen formula is often the safest starting point.
Big Dog Single Protein Goat is particularly useful when:
- Your dog has reacted to chicken, beef or lamb in the past.
- Your vet has suggested a novel protein trial.
- You want a simple ingredient list that’s easy to interpret and monitor.
Work closely with your vet and avoid introducing multiple new proteins at once. If your dog appears more comfortable on goat, you and your vet can decide whether to keep it long-term or test other proteins later.
5.2 For Dogs with Sensitive Skin & Coat Issues
Dogs with ongoing skin problems may benefit from a combination of:
- A clean, minimally processed raw diet (like Big Dog).
- Appropriate fatty acid balance (from whole food ingredients and oils).
- Careful avoidance of known food triggers.
A scientifically designed range of Big Dog recipes can be a good place to start. For dogs whose skin issues appear strongly linked to food proteins, Sensitive Skin Raw Diet offers a gentle option that still delivers complete nutrition for all life stages.
5.3 For Everyday, Healthy Adult Dogs
If your dog is healthy, active and not particularly sensitive, the core multi-protein recipes are a great everyday choice. Many owners enjoy rotating flavours over time so their dog experiences a variety of meats and micronutrients.
Just remember:
- Make changes gradually to protect digestive comfort.
- Monitor body condition and adjust feeding amounts as needed.
- Introduce any new single protein (like goat) slowly if you decide to trial it.
5.4 For Households with Both Dogs and Cats
Big Dog’s raw cat range is tailored specifically to feline needs. While it may be tempting to share dog food with cats, or vice versa, it is unsafe to rely on dog-only formulas for cats in the long term due to nutrient differences (particularly taurine and certain vitamins).
In mixed pet households, a common pattern we see in-store is:
- Dogs: Multi-protein or single-protein formulas such as Goat, depending on sensitivities.
- Cats: Big Dog cat-specific recipes, served in smaller, frequent meals.
This way, each species gets a diet designed for their biology while the household benefits from the convenience of one brand and similar storage/handling routines.
6. Where to Buy Big Dog Goat & Other Recipes
At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, we stock a wide variety of Big Dog raw dog food and cat food, including:
- Single Protein Goat, Turkey and other single-protein formulas.
- Core multi-protein recipes for everyday feeding.
- Specialised, low-allergen and skin-focused options.
- Big Dog raw cat food for feline family members.
We offer:
- Refrigerated shipping and local delivery to many Melbourne suburbs (conditions apply), including areas in the south-east corridor.
- Convenient Click & Collect from our Moorabbin warehouse.
- Helpful, practical advice from a team that handles raw food daily.
You can browse the full Big Dog collection online here: Shop Big Dog Raw Pet Food at ADS Pet Store .
7. Summary – Matching Big Dog Formulas to Real Dogs
Choosing the right Big Dog raw food formula is less about chasing a perfect label and more about matching ingredients and structure to the dog in front of you. Multi-protein blends suit many healthy dogs, while single-protein options like Goat can be a calmer starting point for sensitive tummies and itchy skin.
Start by looking at your dog’s history – any known triggers, current skin or gut concerns, and whether you share your home with cats – then use this comparison to narrow down a shortlist. From there, introduce new formulas slowly, keep an eye on stool quality and comfort, and involve your vet if you are running an elimination diet or managing more complex health needs.
If you’re still unsure which recipe to try first, our team at ADS Pet Store is always happy to talk through your dog’s situation, especially for Melbourne owners who are new to raw feeding and want practical, everyday guidance.
FAQs – Choosing the Right Big Dog Raw Food Formula
Is Big Dog Single Protein Goat suitable for puppies?
Big Dog indicates that its Single Protein Goat recipe is formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages according to AAFCO standards. That means, when fed in appropriate amounts, it can support both healthy puppy growth and adult maintenance. Always adjust portions for age and growth and work with your vet to monitor your puppy’s development.
When should I choose a single-protein formula like Goat instead of a multi-protein blend?
Single-protein diets are especially useful when your dog has suspected food allergies or has reacted to multiple common meats. By feeding a recipe like Big Dog Goat, you limit the sources of animal protein, making it easier to identify which foods your dog tolerates well. They’re also a good option for dogs with very sensitive digestion or when your vet has recommended a simple, low-allergen diet.
Is Big Dog Goat good for itchy dogs?
Some itchy dogs improve when switched to a novel, single-protein formula that avoids common triggers such as chicken or beef. Big Dog Single Protein Goat offers a clean ingredient list and low-allergen profile, which can be helpful when you and your vet are investigating food-related skin problems. Always remember that itchiness can have multiple causes, so ongoing veterinary support is important.
Can Big Dog Goat be used in an elimination diet?
Because it uses one main animal protein and a transparent ingredient list, Single Protein Goat is often chosen when a simple, consistent diet is needed for elimination trials. Your vet can advise whether the full ingredient panel is appropriate for your dog and how long to feed it before assessing results.
Can I rotate between Big Dog Goat and other formulas?
Many dogs enjoy and cope well with rotation between compatible raw formulas. However, if you’re currently investigating allergies or digestive issues, it’s often best to stick with a single-protein diet (like Goat) long enough to see clear results before introducing new proteins. Always transition gradually when changing formulas.
Is Big Dog cat food the same as Big Dog dog food?
No. While both ranges follow a BARF-style philosophy and use high-quality ingredients, the cat recipes are specifically balanced for feline needs, including taurine and other essential nutrients. You should not rely on dog-only formulas for cats, especially over the long term.
How do I know if a Big Dog formula is all life stages?
Look for the nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging or product information. Foods described as meeting AAFCO standards for “all life stages” are suitable for both growth and maintenance when used correctly. Single Protein Goat, for example, is indicated as appropriate for both puppies and adults. If you’re unsure, ask your vet or contact the retailer for clarification.
What if my dog is very fussy – which Big Dog recipe should I start with?
Fussy dogs often respond well to richer, aromatic proteins or multi-protein blends. Some guardians find that gently warming the food to room temperature (never cooking it) or starting with smaller, more frequent meals encourages acceptance. If fussiness is combined with allergies, a single-protein option like Goat can still be worth trialling under veterinary guidance.
Continue Exploring Big Dog Raw Diets
If you're comparing Big Dog formulas and want to dive deeper into ingredients, benefits and feeding practices, these related resources may help:
- Big Dog Raw Pet Food Review (Australia 2025) — an overview of quality, ingredient philosophy and real-life performance.
- Big Dog Raw Food Feeding Guide (Australia 2025) — find correct feeding amounts and learn how to transition safely.
Combined, these articles create a complete Big Dog raw feeding resource to help you choose confidently and support your dog’s long-term wellbeing.
