Raw feeding has exploded in popularity across Canada—and Big Country Raw is one of the most well-known names leading the movement. With a wide range of raw blends, meaty bones, supplements, and natural treats, they’ve built a strong reputation among pet parents seeking a more “ancestral” way of feeding.
But how does Big Country Raw actually measure up in terms of quality, convenience, nutrition, and everyday use? Below is everything you need to know before deciding if this style of feeding is right for your dog.
About Big Country Raw
Big Country Raw is a Canadian-owned and family-run company founded in 2012 in Smithville, Ontario. Their mission is to make raw feeding accessible and affordable while maintaining high sourcing standards.
What Big Country Raw Stands For
- Human-grade ingredients sourced from Canadian farms
- Minimal processing—products are uncooked and frozen to preserve nutrients
- No fillers, additives, or artificial preservatives
- Transparency about sourcing and manufacturing
Big Country Raw operates its own CFIA-inspected facility, which is a major credibility point for pet parents concerned about safety.
Product Line Overview
Big Country Raw offers one of the largest raw feeding assortments in Canada. Their catalog includes:
Complete Raw Meals
Balanced formulas with meat, bone, organ, and sometimes added vegetables or tripe.
Pure Protein Blends
Single-protein blends for DIY feeders who create their own balanced recipes.
Raw Meaty Bones
Turkey necks, duck feet, beef marrow bones, and more—often used for dental health and enrichment.
Supplements & Toppers
Including probiotics, kelp, herring oil, and superfood blends.
Treats
Freeze-dried or dehydrated snacks made from whole ingredients.
Their variety is ideal for experienced raw feeders and dogs without strict dietary restrictions.
Ingredient Quality & Sourcing
Big Country Raw emphasizes locally sourced, human-grade, and ethically raised meats. Their website highlights partnerships with Canadian farmers and producers, giving buyers confidence in the freshness and origin of ingredients.
Key quality points:
- Primarily Canadian meats
- No artificial additives
- Whole-food ingredients
- Transparency around protein sources
This positions the company as a strong choice for pet parents who prioritize traceability and minimally processed diets.
Benefits of Feeding Big Country Raw
1. High Nutrient Density
The raw format preserves naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Many dogs experience improvements in coat shine, digestion, and energy when switching to fresh or raw diets.
2. Wide Protein Variety
From beef and turkey to rabbit and lamb, picky eaters or dogs with sensitivities have many options.
3. Customizable Feeding
Big Country Raw appeals to dog parents who enjoy personalizing meals. You can choose complete formulas or build meals from scratch using pure proteins and supplements.
4. Canadian-Made
Their Ontario facility and focus on local farms make them an appealing choice for Canadians wanting home-grown products.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While Big Country Raw has many strengths, raw feeding isn’t for everyone. Some of the challenges include:
Requires Strict Handling & Storage
Raw meat diets require freezer space, thawing time, and careful hygiene to prevent cross-contamination.
Not Always Convenient for Busy Owners
Raw diets are more involved than ready-to-serve fresh cooked meals, and travel or daycare drop-offs can be trickier.
Balancing DIY Meals Can Be Tricky
If you’re not choosing their “Complete” line, you must ensure proper ratios of meat, bone, and organ—something many new raw feeders struggle with.
Sensitive Dogs May Need Cooked Options
Some dogs—especially those with digestive issues—do better on gently cooked fresh meals rather than raw.
Who Big Country Raw Is Best For
Big Country Raw is a strong fit for:
- Experienced raw feeders
- Owners who prefer natural, minimally processed foods
- Dogs without extensive allergies
- People comfortable handling and storing raw meat
- Budget-conscious owners who still want high-quality whole ingredients
It may not be ideal for:
- First-time dog owners unfamiliar with balancing raw meals
- Busy families wanting easy, pre-portioned options
- Dogs needing cooked diets or specialized formulations
How Big Country Raw Compares to Fresh Dog Food Options
While Big Country Raw excels in ingredient purity and variety, fresh gently cooked dog food brands offer a different kind of convenience—pre-portioned, balanced meals that reduce prep time and risk.
Pet parents seeking:
- easier feeding
- less mess
- simpler travel
- cooked proteins for sensitive stomachs
often lean toward fresh cooked brands such as NutriCanine (especially their allergy-friendly Pork Recipe and upcoming Salmon Recipe).
Final Verdict: Is Big Country Raw Worth Trying?
Big Country Raw is undoubtedly a reputable raw dog food company with strong sourcing standards, a massive product lineup, and a loyal Canadian customer base. If you’re committed to raw feeding and don’t mind the extra handling, it offers excellent value and transparency.
For dog owners who prefer a simpler, safer, ready-to-serve option, cooked fresh food may be more practical—but for raw enthusiasts, Big Country Raw remains one of the top choices in the Canadian market.
