Big Dog Raw Pet Food Review (2025): Is It Worth It for Your Dog or Cat?
As a real pet store that has stocked and sold Big Dog raw pet food for years, we’re often asked: “Is Big Dog actually good, or is it just another raw food brand?” This review pulls together what we see every day in our Moorabbin warehouse and what Melbourne pet owners tell us after switching to Big Dog.
In this Big Dog raw food review, we’ll cover nutrition, philosophy, real customer feedback, pros and cons, how Big Dog compares with other raw diets, and which pets it suits best—so you can confidently decide whether it’s the right choice for your dog or cat.
Browse the full range here: Shop Big Dog Raw Pet Food at ADS Pet Store .
Big Dog at a Glance
- Type: Frozen raw BARF patties (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
- Formats: Dog Core, Single Protein, Scientific Range, Cat range
- Made in: Australia, in a facility that meets human-meat processing standards
- Best for: Owners wanting convenient, complete raw food without DIY prep
- Not ideal for: Homes with very limited freezer space, or pets on strict vet-only clinical diets
Big Dog’s Philosophy – “If It’s Not Natural, It’s Not Big Dog”
One of the reasons Big Dog stands out in our store is their unwavering commitment to natural, biologically appropriate nutrition. The brand started in Australia in 2000 with a simple mission: to create the healthiest natural food that pets are born to eat and thrive on.
Big Dog works from the belief that nature knows best. That means their recipes are built from fresh, recognisable ingredients rather than synthetic additives. You won’t find:
- Artificial colours or flavours
- Chemical preservatives
- Cheap fillers or processed grains
- Irradiation
- Cooked, high-heat processing that can damage nutrients
All ingredients are fresh and human-grade, sourced from Australian suppliers and blended in their Brisbane facility, using the same style of standards required for human-consumption meat processing. As a member of industry bodies such as PFIAA, their operations are regularly audited for food safety and nutritional compliance.
This focus on real ingredients, minimal processing and transparent sourcing is a core reason many of our long-term customers stick with Big Dog raw food for years.
You can also see independent feedback here: Big Dog Raw Food Reviews on ProductReview.com.au .
Quick Verdict: Who Big Dog Raw Pet Food Is Best For
Big Dog follows the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model – raw meat(80%), bones(10%), organs(10%), vegetables and natural superfoods, formed into convenient frozen patties. From what we see in-store, Big Dog is an excellent fit if your pet:
- Needs a complete and balanced raw diet without the effort of DIY raw.
- Has recurring skin problems, itching, food sensitivities or digestive upsets.
- Does better on grain-free, minimally processed food with whole-food ingredients.
- Lives in Melbourne or surrounding suburbs where frozen delivery and proper cold-chain can be maintained.
Big Dog may not suit every situation. It might be less ideal if:
- You have very limited freezer space and can’t store multiple boxes of patties.
- Your dog or cat requires a strict veterinary prescription diet (e.g. advanced kidney or liver disease).
- You are unable or unwilling to handle raw meat safely in the kitchen.
What Makes Big Dog Different?
1. BARF Whole-Food Formulation
Each patty is formulated to resemble a natural prey-style diet and typically includes:
- Fresh muscle meat as the main protein source
- Crushed raw meaty bones for calcium and minerals
- Nutrient-dense organs such as liver and kidney
- Vegetables, fruits and herbs for fibre and antioxidants
- Cold-pressed oils and functional superfoods (e.g. kelp, probiotics, seeds)
2. Frozen Raw, Not Cooked
Big Dog avoids high-heat processing. The food is kept raw and snap frozen, which helps preserve natural enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids and other fragile nutrients that can be reduced by cooking.
3. Human-Grade, GMO-Free Ingredients
Ingredients are sourced from the human supply chain where possible and processed in a facility that works to human-meat handling standards. The recipes are free from genetically modified ingredients and unnecessary fillers.
4. Naturally Balanced, Not Synthetic-Heavy
Rather than relying on a long list of synthetic vitamins and minerals, Big Dog uses whole-food ingredients to meet nutritional needs. Some recipes have also passed AAFCO feeding trials, which is a strong plus for a raw brand.
Real-World Benefits We See Most Often
Improved Digestion
When dogs transition from dry kibble to Big Dog raw food, we frequently hear about:
- Smaller, firmer and less smelly stools
- Reduced gas and bloating
- More regular bowel movements
Healthier Skin & Shinier Coat
The combination of fresh meat, organs and omega-rich oils often supports:
- Improved coat shine and texture
- Less flakiness and dry skin
- Reduced itching in many mild food-related cases (especially on Big Dog Sensitive Skin recipes)
Better Energy & Body Condition
Many owners report steadier energy rather than sugar “highs and crashes”. With high-quality animal protein and moderate, species-appropriate fat levels, Big Dog can help support:
- Lean muscle maintenance
- Healthy body condition scores
- More stable appetite in some fussy eaters
Immune & Overall Wellness Support
Naturally occurring antioxidants, phytonutrients from vegetables and fruits, plus high biological value protein all contribute to a stronger foundation for immune health and general vitality.
Big Dog vs Other Raw & BARF Brands
Big Dog isn’t the only raw option on the Australian market. Here’s a simple, generalised comparison based on what we commonly see in-store (details vary by exact recipe):
| Brand | Style | Meat Content & Veg | Price Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Dog | BARF patties, raw frozen | High meat + bone + organs + veg/fruit | $25-$35 | Everyday raw feeding for most dogs & cats |
| Proudi | Raw patties, prey-style | Very high meat, little/no veg (varies by range) | $25-$45 | Owners wanting extra meat-heavy diets, often for sensitive dogs |
| Organic Paws | Raw, whole-prey style | High meat and bone, organic certified | $45-$50 | Smaller pets and cats where rich, whole-prey style suits |
All three can be excellent options. Big Dog tends to strike a balance between convenience, availability, price and range variety, which is why it’s one of the most commonly chosen raw brands in our store.
Choosing the Right Big Dog Formula
Within the Big Dog range, different formulas suit different pets. A few quick guidelines:
- Core Range(mixed protein): Everyday recipes for healthy adult dogs with no major health issues.
- Scientific Range(mixed protein): A specially crafted dog food range designed to help pets with skin issues like allergies, or to support specific needs such as joint care, liver health, kidney support, or weight management.
- Single Protein (e.g. Kangaroo): Formulas that use novel proteins are especially useful when your vet is exploring food allergies or guiding your dog through an elimination diet.
- Big Dog Cat Range(mixed protein): Higher taurine and feline-appropriate meat-to-bone ratios for cats and kittens.
Unsure how much to feed? You can use the official calculator here: Big Dog Feeding Guide Calculator .
How to Transition to Big Dog Raw Food Safely
To minimise digestive upsets, we usually recommend transitioning slowly over 7–10 days:
- Days 1–3: 25% Big Dog + 75% current food
- Days 4–6: 50% Big Dog + 50% current food
- Days 7–9: 75% Big Dog + 25% current food
- Day 10 onwards: 100% Big Dog (if your pet is doing well)
Always monitor stool quality, appetite, energy level and skin/coat. If your pet has a medical condition, consult your vet before switching to a raw diet.
What Customers Tell Us (ADS Pet Store Feedback)
From regular conversations with our customers and watching repeat orders, we see a few patterns:
- Most dogs accept Big Dog quickly and enjoy the taste, even some fussy eaters.
- Skin and coat improvements are one of the most commonly reported benefits.
- Digestive changes (better stools, less odour) are noticed within the first few weeks for many dogs.
- Some cats can take longer to transition, but many accept the Big Dog cat range when mixed slowly with existing food.
- A minority of pets with complex health issues still need a specific veterinary diet and may not be suited to raw feeding.
Where to Buy Big Dog Raw Pet Food
At ADS Pet Store, we stock a wide range of Big Dog recipes and can help match the right formula to your pet. We offer:
- Refrigerated local delivery across many Melbourne suburbs from our Moorabbin warehouse.
- Frozen shipping to selected regions where cold-chain can be maintained. See our Mel & VIC Refrigerated Shipping page for more information.
- Fast Click & Collect from our Moorabbin location, ideal if you’re near suburbs like Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Brighton, Clayton or Moorabbin itself
Ready to try it? Shop Big Dog Raw Pet Food at ADS or contact us for personalised feeding advice.
Conclusion: Is Big Dog Raw Pet Food Worth It?
For many dogs and cats in Australia, especially around Melbourne, Big Dog raw pet food offers an excellent balance of convenience, quality and natural nutrition. It’s not the only raw brand on the market, and it won’t suit every medical situation, but for healthy pets or those with mild skin and digestive sensitivities, it is one of the most consistently successful options we see in our store.
If you want a complete, balanced, minimally processed raw diet without having to design recipes yourself, Big Dog is absolutely worth considering. Start slowly, monitor your pet’s response, and work with your vet if your dog or cat has any existing health conditions.
FAQs – Big Dog Raw Pet Food
Is Big Dog complete and balanced?
Yes. Big Dog recipes are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition when fed as directed. They use whole-food ingredients, and several formulas have passed AAFCO feeding trials for added reassurance.
Is Big Dog suitable for puppies?
Yes, but choose the Puppy formula or a recipe your vet recommends for growth. These are designed with the extra energy, minerals and DHA puppies need for bones, joints and brain development.
Is Big Dog okay for senior dogs?
Many senior dogs do well on Big Dog, especially when weight and joint health are monitored. If your dog has kidney, liver, heart or pancreatic disease, speak with your vet before changing to any raw diet.
Can Big Dog help with allergies or sensitive skin?
Big Dog can be a good option for some dogs with mild food-related itching or coat issues. The Sensitive Skin and Single Protein recipes are often chosen during food trials. Always involve your vet if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Can I mix Big Dog with kibble?
Yes, many owners feed a combination of raw and high-quality dry food. Introduce the mix gradually and monitor stools. Some pets do best when raw is fed in a separate meal from kibble—observe what works for your individual pet.
How do I store and handle Big Dog raw food safely?
Keep boxes frozen until needed. Thaw patties in the fridge, ideally in a covered container, and treat them like raw meat for humans: wash hands, clean utensils and avoid cross-contamination with ready-to-eat foods.
How long does Big Dog last in the fridge once thawed?
In general, thaw only what you need for the next one to two days. Most owners aim to use thawed patties within 2–3 days and discard any leftovers that smell off or look questionable.
Is Big Dog raw food suitable for cats?
Yes, as long as you use the Big Dog cat range, which is formulated with feline-friendly meat, organs, bone and taurine levels. Transition cats slowly, as many are creatures of habit and may need time to adjust.
How long does it take to see results after switching to Big Dog?
It varies, but many owners notice changes in stool quality within one to two weeks and improvements in coat and skin within four to eight weeks. Allergies and chronic conditions can take longer and should be managed with your vet.
Explore More Big Dog Raw Feeding Guides
If you are comparing different Big Dog raw diets or planning to transition your dog to a raw meal plan, these related guides offer practical advice to support your research:
- Big Dog Raw Food Feeding Guide (Australia 2025) — learn how much to feed, transition tips, and how to use the official feeding calculator.
- Big Dog Raw Food Comparison Guide (2025) — understand the differences between single-protein, multi-protein and low-allergen formulas.
Together, these articles provide a full picture of Big Dog’s raw dog food range, making it easier to choose the right recipe for your dog’s needs.
