Not long ago, a friend told me about how she switched her dog food. She had been searching for high-quality, tasty dog food for her picky eater pup when she came across Dr. Marty Pets Nature’s Blend freeze-dried raw dog food. She had such wonderful things to say, so I decided it was time to start doing some research myself! 

After 

• digging into the reviews, 
• evaluating the pros and cons, and 
• calculating the price compared to my current brand of kibble, 

I ordered a few bags of the Essential Wellness freeze-dried raw dog food. After a couple weeks using it with my pups, I’m ready to share my Dr. Marty dog food review!

Why I Decided to Try Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend

I have three dogs who have unique personalities and varying tastes when it comes to food. 

Simon and Teddy are American Eskimo mixed-breed brothers who each weigh 25lbs. They are both high-energy and are always on high alert. Gunnar is a Basset Hound who weighs 55lbs. 

He keeps in shape by running around and wrestling with Simon and Teddy throughout the day. As typical with Basset Hounds, Gunnar is stubborn and emotional. 

While all three of my dogs are good eaters, they never have much enthusiasm when it comes to meal time. I use a good-quality kibble, but it doesn’t seem to do much more for them than satisfy their hunger. Recently, Gunnar has started making more of a fuss at meal time. Clearly getting bored with the same food day after day, he would howl and bark at his bowl until we made it “special” for him. 

If you’ve seen the videos of pet parents pretending to cook and prepare their dog’s kibble, you have an idea of what soon became his mealtime routine! Simon and Teddy noticed the special treatment, and they soon wanted to have the same “preparation” for their meals. It was exhausting! 

So, why did I try Dr. Marty dog food? I was tired of trying to make their kibble more appealing. I wanted to find dog food that made my dogs feel like meal time was special. The food had to be high-quality, nutritious, and taste great. Based on what my friend told me about freeze-dried raw dog food, I figured it was worth a shot. My biggest concerns before making the change were the quality of ingredients and the price. With three mouths to feed, dog food can get pretty pricey! Since I am focused on keeping my dogs healthy and happy, I take the time to research what is in any food that I plan to feed them. 

What’s in Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend?

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is a premium freeze-dried raw dog food made with meat, organs, veggies, fruits, and vitamins. But what is freeze-dried dog food? This was a new concept for me! 

This is food that is prepared in a way that removes the moisture from the raw ingredients through the process of freeze-drying. 

• Freeze-drying is done by first freezing the food and then placing it in a vacuum chamber. 
• Once in the vacuum chamber, the ice turns into vapor without becoming a liquid first. 
• After the process has been completed, the food becomes lightweight and shelf-stable, meaning it does not need to be refrigerated or frozen. 

Is freeze-dried raw food safe for dogs? If it comes from a reputable company, it sure is! The process of freeze-drying extends the shelf life of dog food and also makes it less messy to handle than fresh raw food. It preserves most of the nutrients that are typically lost when food is cooked at a high temperature. Dr. Marty’s formula for Nature’s Blend freeze-dried raw dog food meets AAFCO standards, which is a trusted measurement for food quality. 

Now, let’s talk Nature’s Blend dog food ingredients. Looking at the ingredient list, I was really impressed to see that the first four ingredients are turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. The following three ingredients are organs, beef liver, turkey liver, and turkey heart, which are all highly-nutritious animal proteins. As I continue reading down the list, I am more and more impressed. Flaxseed, sweet potato, egg, pea protein, apple, blueberry, carrot, and the list goes on! Every ingredient on the list is one that I recognize as a healthy food, with just one natural preservative (mixed tocopherois). 

As you may know, when it comes to reading labels, the ingredients are listed in the order of their weight, from the highest amount to the lowest. With the first four ingredients being four different types of animal protein, and the following three ingredients being organs, it is clear that this is a clean, nutrient-dense food without fillers. Knowing what is in the food and how it is made, my next question would have to be answered by actually trying the food with my pups: Is Dr. Marty’s Nature Blend good for picky eaters? Let’s find out! 

Our First Week on Dr. Marty’s

When I first opened the bag, all three dogs came running from every direction and were instantly at my feet. Eyes wide, tongues hanging out, I had their full attention! Surprised by the response from just the smell alone, I took out a few pieces and offered some to each dog to see how they would like it. They each gobbled it up and became frenzied with wanting more. I dropped some on the floor and it was like watching a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos playing out in my kitchen! Clearly, they liked it, and I hadn’t even hydrated it! So, do dogs like the taste of Dr. Marty’s food? The answer is a resounding YES! 

I decided to try feeding it to them dry first. I combined it with some of their kibble, thinking that would slow down their eating. I was very wrong! Slow feeders are an absolute must for this food. This food sets off your dog’s senses and makes them want to inhale every morsel. The next feeding, I decided to follow the rehydration process. 

The worst part about doing this was having to step over the dogs as they kept winding around my legs in anticipation of their meal! Once again, I mixed it with their kibble, but this time I put it in their slow feeders. The slow feeders only slowed them down a very little bit. I did not notice a difference between their response to having it dry or wet, other than them spending more time licking their bowls after eating the wet food. 

The recommended portion sizes are the same as their typical brand of kibble: 3 cups a day for Gunnar, and 1.75 cups a day for each Simon and Teddy. Since I cut the freeze-dried dog food with the kibble, I used 3.25 cups of it per day, which is about 1/3rd of a bag. Doing the math in my head, I was aware that it was worth the price in regard to quality, but much more per day to feed my dogs. More on the pricing later! 

Most importantly, let’s talk poop. Whenever you feed your dog something new, you never know how it is going to affect their digestive system. Happily, and not surprisingly, this did not cause any tummy upset for any of the dogs. Their poops remained healthy and solid, which was a relief! 

The biggest problem I faced with this new food was how high-value it instantly became for my dogs. This meant I had to be deliberate in separating them during meal time because they kept trying to eat quickly and then go to each other’s bowls. Not good! 

The biggest benefit to this food, aside from how much the dogs love it, is how lightweight it is. Unlike fresh dog food, you don’t have to store it in the fridge or freezer before using, which saves a lot of space. The shelf-life of the bags I received is two years! Not that it would last that long in this house, but it’s a nice feature for those who may like to stock up. 

My Tips for Feeding Dr. Marty:

• Add warm water and let it soak 3 minutes
• Start with a 50/50 mix of old and new food
• Refrigerate after opening
• Use within 3-5 days of opening
• Use a slow feeder
• Separate dogs when feeding
• Treat this as you would when handling raw meat – wash your hands and surfaces!

Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Worth the Price?

When it comes to ingredient quality, Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend truly stands out, and that premium nutrition does come with a higher price tag. On the brand’s subscription plan, each bag runs about $29.99, with roughly 9–10 cups of food inside. For households with multiple dogs, feeding this exclusively could add up quickly, around $20 per day in my case with three pups.

That said, there’s a smart way to get the benefits without stretching the budget too far. By using Nature’s Blend as a topper or supplement to regular kibble, the cost drops closer to $10 per day for my dogs. And honestly, even that feels like money well spent. Not only does it boost the nutrition of their everyday meals, but the excitement level when I open a bag is unmatched. Many dogs can smell it from across the room and can’t wait for mealtime.

For me, this makes Nature’s Blend worth keeping in our rotation. It’s a premium product I trust to add both health benefits and joy to my dogs’ daily routine.

Final Thoughts on Nature’s Blend

This freeze-dried raw dog food experience has been quite the ride! I never could have anticipated how strongly my dogs reacted to this food. The pure joy that they showed each and every time I opened that bag was a lot of fun to see. 

This is a great dog food for anyone who is looking for highly nutritious and high-value dog food, especially if their dog is a picky eater. The smell alone makes it irresistible! 

So, is Dr. Marty dog food worth it? I’d say so, and Gunnar, Teddy, and Simon agree! 

A Final Word (Disclaimer)

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Nonetheless, when our readers click through to online merchants (including Chewy or Amazon), we receive a referral commission. This supports the running of our free blog, and we appreciate your backing.

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If you are a dog owner considering a move away from conventional kibble, you’re not alone: More dog owners are turning to lightly processed, whole-food options that mimic home-cooked meals. These wholesome choices may provide more digestibility, better access to the food’s nutrient profile, and related health benefits.

Pet parents seeking minimally processed, whole-food alternatives to kibble might want to take a look at The Honest Kitchen dog food.

The Honest Kitchen is a pioneer in human-grade pet food—offering dehydrated food, dry food, wet food, treats and toppers made with real ingredients. This review will take a close look at their dehydrated dog food line, as well as other options like their Whole Food Clusters and Meal Toppers.

Product Overview

The Honest Kitchen’s product lineup includes three primary options: dehydrated dog food, Whole Food Clusters dog food, and meal toppers for dogs.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food 

Their dehydrated dog food is made with whole meats, fruits, and vegetables that have been gently dehydrated and blended to maximize taste and nutrition. Their recipes don’t contain any fillers like corn, wheat or soy. There are options for grain-free, grain-inclusive, and limited ingredients–perfect for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.

They also have a Base Mix line of dehydrated food that allows pet parents to add their own protein to create a complete meal. The Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food is a great choice for pet parents who want to feed the same human grade nutrition as  fresh food but want shelf-stable convenience.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters

Whole Food Clusters are a less processed dry food alternative to kibble. These recipes are cold pressed, roasted and gently dehydrated  with real meats and produce. Plus, they’re free from meat meals, artificial flavors or preservatives, and fillers like corn, wheat and soy. For pet parents who want to stick with the convenience and affordability of kibble, the Whole Food Clusters provide a healthy upgrade to conventional kibble.

The Honest Kitchen Meal Toppers for Dogs 

Finally, if you have a picky eater, a senior dog, or if you simply want to spoil your pup, The Honest Kitchen’s human grade dog food toppers add protein, flavor and health benefits for your dog. With a variety of options – including a best selling Pumpkin Pour Over that helps support digestion – these can be paired with what you’re already feeding or to top Whole Food Clusters.

Key Benefits and Ingredients

When you step into your local pet store or shop online, it’s daunting how many pet food options exist. What makes The Honest Kitchen stand out in a saturated market? 

They are a human grade pet food brand – meaning their ingredients are sourced from the human food supply chain and their foods are produced in a human food facility with exceptional quality and safety standards.

They are made in the USA, and source their ingredients from suppliers they know and trust from the USA and around the world. They use 100% non-gmo ingredients and opt for real, whole foods you recognize like cage free chicken, quinoa, broccoli, kale and more. There are no mystery “meals”, meatby-products, and all the recipes are minimally processed.

Dehydrated food retains more nutrients than traditional extrusion-based kibble, making the nutrient profiles of the individual ingredients more available to your dog. Without corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial flavors, The Honest Kitchen is also a clean-label product for your dog. 

How to Use It Safely

If you don’t have experience with these alternatives to kibble, here’s how to use each product type properly and safely.

Dehydrated Food

Determine the portion size for your dog’s age, health, and energy requirements. Scoop out the appropriate amount of dehydrated food based on the instructions on the box. Mix with warm water. Stir, then let it sit for 3 minutes to rehydrate before serving.

Because it has such a long shelf life, The Honest Kitchen dehydrated food is great for travel or emergencies. And, you can use it alone or rotated with fresh food or kibble. 

Whole Food Clusters

If you’re looking for convenience but are unwilling to sacrifice ingredient quality, the Whole Food Clusters are for you. Simply serve like traditional dry dog food. It can be mixed with the dehydrated food or the toppers, too. 

Toppers

Pour over existing meals to boost protein, flavor, or variety. These toppers are great for picky eaters, senior dogs, or dogs needing extra encouragement to eat.

Transition Tips

Whether you’re trying out the dehydrated food or the clusters, introduce the new foods gradually, only adding a small amount to your current food at first, then slowly shifting the ratio to favor the new food over five to seven days. This helps prevent GI upset, which some dogs can experience when changing a diet. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water, especially with dry or dehydrated diets.

Pros and Cons

When making a change to a new food, take the time to weigh out the pros and cons. For a switch to The Honest Kitchen, especially the dehydrated food, there are many considerations.

Pros

• Human-grade ingredients with high transparency
• Easy-to-store and travel-friendly, especially dehydrated meals
• Versatile options that can be used as standalone meals, mix-ins, or emergency food
• Excellent for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, or older dogs or dogs with teeth or jaw problems
• Great customer reviews and vet-approved options

Cons

• More expensive than standard kibble
• Dehydrated food prep takes a few extra minutes
• Texture or temperature may take time for some dogs to adjust to
• Subscription isn’t required, but single orders don’t receive a 5% discount

My Review and Feedback

My dogs, Penny and Stola, tried two dehydrated recipes from The Honest Kitchen. 

Everything came well-packaged, and the boxes arrived intact. We dug into the Whole Grain Beef Recipe first. Because we feed a rotational diet, changing their food often, we don’t need to do as long of a transition because their stomachs are already accustomed to variety. I mixed the beef in a separate bowl and then stirred it into the food they’re currently eating. 

To be fair, Penny is a hound / pit bull mix who will eat anything in a bowl set down in front of her, and this was no exception. The texture and temperature didn’t slow her down, and she slurped up the bowl right away.

Stola is a rambunctious, high-energy pit bull puppy. The majority of her meals are served to her in a food puzzle toy or frozen into a stuffable toy. I quickly realized how simple the dehydrated recipe made it to fill her food puzzle toys and to stuff and freeze in her stuffable toys. Stola is pickier than Penny and hesitated at first to dig into her puzzle, though once she got going, she gobbled it all up. 

Compared to other premium dog foods we rotate in, this was a nice addition. I love how long it lasts and how portable it is. We plan to pack a box of the chicken recipe on our next camping trip. 

Penny and Stola will continue eating The Honest Kitchen as part of their rotation because of the convenience of the packaging and long shelf life, and how easily it can be rehydrated and stuffed into toys and puzzles to keep my busy puppy happy. 

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Honest Kitchen’s human-grade, minimally processed products provide a nutritious, safe, and convenient alternative to conventional dog food. For pet parents who are looking for a healthy, whole-foods alternative to traditionally processed kibble, The Honest Kitchen offers a number of solutions worth a try. Plus, the dehydrated recipes are perfect for anyone with dogs who have food sensitivities, digestion issues, or picky appetites, or senior dogs who need something softer to chew.

The Honest Kitchen is best for owners seeking clean-label, whole-food nutrition without going fully homemade who are willing to spend a little more than on a bag of conventional kibble. The Honest Kitchen delivers on its promise of human-grade pet food—with dehydrated meals for health-focused feeders, clusters for convenience, and toppers for picky pups. No matter what you and your dog are looking for, The Honest Kitchen checks a lot of boxes. 

Feature Image via Pexels from Pixabay; Other Images via Author 

A Final Word (Disclaimer)

At Petful, our review integrity is paramount; we never exchange special treatment in our reviews for monetary or material rewards.

Nonetheless, when our readers click through to online merchants (including Chewy or Amazon), we receive a referral commission. This supports the running of our free blog, and we appreciate your backing.

For additional information, kindly refer to our Disclaimer and Discourse Section.