Cheap raw dog food
Raw dog food is generally more expensive to feed than dry kibble, largely because it's mostly meat rather than a mix of meat and cheaper bulking ingredients, and it needs freezer space and careful handling. If you're looking specifically for "cheap" raw food, it's worth knowing upfront that raw feeding is rarely the cheapest way to feed a dog — the honest question is how to manage the cost sensibly rather than finding a bargain that doesn't really exist.
Why raw food generally costs more
A raw diet is built predominantly around meat, bone and organ content, all of which cost more to produce than the grain and rendered ingredients that make up a large share of budget dry food. There's also the practical cost of keeping it frozen and defrosting it safely, which dry food doesn't require.
That said, cost varies a fair amount between raw products depending on the protein used and the format — a complete frozen formula versus individual cuts, for example — so "raw" isn't one fixed price point across the board.
How to manage the cost sensibly
Buying larger packs where your freezer space allows generally works out cheaper per kilogram than buying small portions repeatedly, in the same way it does with any frozen food. Checking your dog's actual feeding amount against their weight, rather than over-portioning, also avoids paying for more food than they need.
Some owners feed a raw and dry combination rather than raw exclusively, which can bring the average cost down while keeping some of what they like about a raw diet. This is a personal choice rather than something with one right answer, and it's worth discussing with your vet, particularly for a puppy or a dog with any health condition.
What to check before committing to raw
Make sure any raw diet you choose is labelled as complete, meaning it's formulated to meet your dog's full nutritional needs rather than needing other ingredients added at home. Storage and handling matter too — enough freezer space, safe defrosting, and hygiene when preparing it, since raw meat carries the same handling considerations for a dog's bowl as it would for a kitchen worktop.
Factor in the practical running cost of a chest freezer or dedicated freezer space if you don't already have it, since that's a real part of switching to raw that's easy to overlook when comparing food prices alone. It's a one-off consideration rather than an ongoing cost, but worth having in mind before committing to a full switch.
The cheaper end of the range
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Lamb
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% lamb, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Adult Dog Turkey Veg
Complete dry food for adult dogs with turkey, chicken and salmon oil, 21% protein
From£3.39
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Common questions
- Is raw dog food cheaper than dry food?
- Generally no — raw diets tend to cost more to feed than dry kibble, mainly because they're built around meat, bone and organ content rather than cheaper bulking ingredients. There's variation between raw products, but it's rarely the cheapest way to feed a dog overall.
- How can I make raw feeding more affordable?
- Buying larger packs where you have the freezer space, feeding the correct amount for your dog's actual weight rather than over-portioning, and considering a raw-and-dry combination rather than raw exclusively can all help bring the average cost down.
- Is a cheaper raw dog food safe to feed?
- Check that it's labelled as a complete food formulated to meet your dog's nutritional needs on its own, regardless of price. A cheaper product that isn't complete may need other ingredients added at home to properly balance the diet.
- Can I mix raw and dry dog food to save money?
- Many owners do feed a combination, and it can help manage the overall cost while keeping some raw feeding in the diet. Check the feeding guidance for both types so the combined amount suits your dog's size and needs, and ask your vet if you're unsure.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.