The Real Meat Company is a dog food manufacturer that uses a unique blend of air-dried, meat-rich foods intended to provide dense nutrition for dogs.
Real Meat prides itself on sourcing only human-grade ingredients to make the finest quality diet for pets, and none of the meats in its products contain antibiotics or added hormones.
The high-quality meats are all sourced from free-range farms in the USA, New Zealand, and Australia, while the fish are all wild-caught from the ocean. Also, the company declared that although it makes premium dog food, its prices are very competitive.
Let's look closely into Real Meat's dog food recipes and see if these are our answered prayers in our search for affordable but high-quality meals for our furry pals.
Check out our comprehensive Real Meat dog food reviews below.
Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: The Real Meat Company
Founded In: 2003
Made in: California, USA
Available at: The Real Meat Company site, Amazon
Types of Food: Air-dried raw
Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
Recalled in Past? : No
Behind the Brand
The Real Meat Company is a California-based pet food-making company that uses only human-grade ingredients to create densely nutritious food.
The family-owned company that began in 2003 advocates the use of meat ingredients from free-range farms in the USA, New Zealand, and Australia, where the best quality farm animals are bred.
These farms are also notable for their more humane methods of raising the animals. Cage-free and grass-fed, these farm animals offer much better quality meat, with more nutritional benefits like higher natural fatty acid content than animals harvested in most commercial farms.
The company maintains that they keep their profit margin at a minimum to keep the selling prices low even with the top-quality ingredients.
They claim to do away with artificial preservatives, coloring, and flavoring, and cheap fillers like grains, which many dog food makers use to downplay the production costs.
Additionally, they rely more on word-of-mouth promotions than put a high budget on marketing activities.
Real Meat wants to be known as an economical option for premium dog meals. So even if Real Meat's recipes are slightly higher in price than the standard cheap kibble, the premium-quality and human-grade ingredients make them a great value for your money.
A premium dog meal made with real beef meat. Veggies and essential nutrients were added to the recipe to ensure that your dog is supplemented with the right nutrition they need.
This is a premium dog meal made with real beef meat and organs for a surely nutritious and enjoyable diet for your tail-wagging furkids.
The recipe is enhanced with vegetables and essential nutrients, including taurine, zinc, iron, vitamin E, folic acid, and riboflavin.
The air-drying process preserves the meat's natural nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria, making it a convenient alternative to raw food without the hassle of preparation. The beef chunks are softer than kibble, appealing to both young and older dogs.
With a minimum crude protein of 30% and a minimum crude fat of 27%, this recipe is ideal for active and working dogs. The inclusion of beef lung and beef liver adds additional protein and vital nutrients, while pumpkin powder contributes fiber and important vitamins.
Overall, this beef formula earns an impressive 4.6 stars for its high-quality ingredients and nutritional profile. It's a significant upgrade from cheaper kibbles and offers convenience over raw diets.
Although it falls into the premium price range, it is relatively affordable compared to other brands in the same category. The absence of common allergens and cheap fillers may also reduce the risk of health issues, making it a commendable choice for dog owners.
Made with turkey meat, this air-dried processed recipe delivers a high-quality, high-meat-content food while maintaining the nutritional integrity of the natural raw materials.
This premium air-dried turkey recipe is a highly nutritious meal made from raw turkey meat and organs, designed for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.
With turkey as the single-source protein, it is an excellent option for dogs with sensitivities to beef or chicken. The meal also includes ground turkey bones for calcium and plant-based ingredients like parsley, rosemary, and kelp to achieve a balanced diet.
The air-drying process preserves nutrients and eliminates harmful bacteria, offering the benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. With 29% crude protein and 26% crude fat, it is ideal for active and working dogs.
The turkey provides essential nutrients like riboflavin, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B, and C, while organs like turkey liver and heart add important vitamins and minerals.
The product also supports joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin from turkey gizzards and necks. While customer reviews are limited, the majority of feedback is positive, with a 4.8-star rating.
This turkey formula is praised for its high-quality ingredients, soft texture, and suitability for dogs with food sensitivities. Though priced as a premium diet, it is relatively affordable compared to other brands in the same category. Its superior nutrition and absence of cheap fillers make it an excellent choice for a healthier dog diet.
A dual protein recipe made from high quality turkey and venison which delivers a sumptuous meal for your precious pet. Crafted with vitamins and minerals to provide the optimum nutrition they need.
This dual protein recipe features air-dried turkey, venison, and turkey organs, making it suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. The air-drying process preserves nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria, allowing it to be served as a complete meal, a kibble topper, or treats.
With a minimum crude protein of 34% and a minimum crude fat of 25%, this recipe is highly recommended for active and working dogs. Turkey is lean and rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus, which supports energy production and kidney function. Venison, as a secondary protein, is lower in fat and cholesterol, making it a suitable option for older dogs and those with food sensitivities.
Turkey liver, heart, and gizzards contribute additional vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, manganese, and glucosamine for joint health. Customer feedback is largely positive, noting the product's convenience and easy-to-chew texture.
Overall, this dog food receives a 4.7-star rating, praised for its high protein content and quality ingredients sourced from reliable free-range farms. Its soft texture is beneficial for older dogs or those with dental issues.
Although it comes at a higher price point, many owners believe its dense nutrition can lead to long-term health benefits and lower vet bills.
Venison or deer meat is the main protein source in this recipe with less fat and cholesterol when compared to beef. It's a healthy option especially to senior dogs.
This is a premium recipe is made with real venison meat, designed to provide a nutritious and flavorful meal for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. It includes vegetables and essential nutrients like powdered parsley, rosemary, and kelp, with nutrients such as taurine, zinc, iron, vitamin E, folic acid, and riboflavin.
The air-drying process preserves most natural nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria, making it convenient to serve as a meal, treat, or topper. With a minimum crude protein of 39% and minimum crude fat of 23%, this recipe is ideal for active and working dogs, as well as suitable for seniors.
Venison is a lean protein with less fat and cholesterol than beef, making it a good option for older dogs and those with food sensitivities. The recipe also incorporates venison organs, which provide additional vital nutrients.
Overall, this venison dog food receives a strong 4.6-star rating, praised for its high protein content and quality ingredients sourced from reliable free-range farms.
Its soft texture benefits older dogs or those with dental issues, and while it comes at a higher price point, it remains competitively priced among premium brands.
The absence of common allergens like cheap fillers is also a plus for overall canine health. However, it is rated slightly lower than other variants due to its higher cost, as venison is less commonly used than other meats.
A recipe packed with an irresistable flavor coming from lamb and fish. It's a multi-protein meal suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.
This is a flavorful premium dog food highly recommended for doggy fans of lamb and fish.
It boasts air-dried lamb, lamb organs, mackerel, and hoki for a multi-protein meal suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. It has superfoods such as powdered parsley, rosemary, and kelp that are rich in antioxidants.
Carefully air-dried, the raw meat and veggies are able to retain their high nutritional value and flavor, while also eliminating harmful bacteria. The process ensures the product is shelf-stable and ready to serve, providing a softer texture that's easier for dogs to chew.
The lamb used is human-grade and sourced from free-range farms, while the mackerel and hoki are wild-caught. This recipe boasts an impressive minimum crude protein of 39% and minimum crude fat of 23%, making it suitable for active and growing dogs as well as older dogs needing a lower fat intake.
Lamb is the primary ingredient, known for its high-quality meat from naturally raised animals, and is rich in vitamins B12 and B3, omega fatty acids, selenium, and zinc. Lamb lung and liver further enhance the nutritional profile, providing essential amino acids and vitamins that support overall health.
Mackerel and hoki contribute omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin health and a shiny coat. Overall, pet parents appreciate this convenient option for transitioning to a raw diet, highlighting the quality of the ingredients and the unique flavor combination of lamb and fish.
While the price is higher due to its premium nature, it is still competitively priced compared to similar brands. The nutrition content is exceptional, and the absence of common allergens suggests fewer vet visits. This recipe is a significant upgrade from standard kibble and more convenient than traditional raw food options.
An air-dried form of dog food made from lamb and lamb organs. With only one protein source, this will make an ideal diet for sensitive dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.
This air-dried lamb recipe provides a nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meal free from harmful bacteria, making it safer than fresh raw food.
It contains a minimum crude protein of 30% and a minimum crude fat of 32%, ideal for active, growing, or working dogs, but not suitable for senior or overweight dogs.
Lamb is the primary ingredient, valued for its natural farming methods, and is rich in vitamins B12 and B3, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc.
The recipe also includes lamb lung, which is high in protein and essential amino acids, and lamb liver, known for its cleansing properties and high nutrient content.
Additional ingredients like vegetable glycerin serve as a binder, while pumpkin powder adds fiber and vitamins A, E, and C. The recipe has received a strong rating of 4.6 stars, praised for its high-quality lamb from free-range sources.
The high-fat content is beneficial for active dogs but not recommended for those with conditions like pancreatitis. Despite its higher price, the product is well-regarded for its quality and palatability, receiving positive feedback from pet owners.
A complete and balance meal made from air-dried premium chicken. It also has nutritious veggies like powdered parsley, rosemary, and kelp which are all high in antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.
This fine chicken recipe offers a nutritious meal for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Made with real chicken and nutritious vegetables like powdered parsley, rosemary, and kelp, it helps strengthen the immune system with its high antioxidant content. The air-drying process preserves flavor and nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria, resulting in softer pieces compared to dry kibble.
The recipe contains a minimum crude protein of 30% and a minimum crude fat of 25%, making it suitable for active and working dogs. Chicken is the main ingredient, providing protein, vitamins B3 and B6, phosphorus, selenium, and glucosamine, which supports joint health. However, some dogs may have allergies to chicken, which is a common ingredient in dog foods.
Organ meats, including chicken liver, heart, and gizzard, are included for their rich nutrient content, providing vitamins A, B, D, and E, along with essential minerals. Chicken necks, high in protein and calcium, contribute to joint health.
This chicken food receives a rating of 4.6 stars due to its generous use of free-range chicken and high-quality ingredients. It is especially beneficial for active dogs or puppies, while its soft texture makes it suitable for older dogs or those with chewing difficulties.
Though it is priced higher than standard kibble, it remains relatively cheaper than other premium options. The recipe is free from common allergens like cheap fillers, promoting better health and reducing vet visits for dogs.
What Types of Dog Food Do They Offer?
The brand promotes a meat first recipe using a gentle air-drying process to preserve the natural ingredients and mouth-feel of their dog meals.
Each recipe boasts high-quality proteins and higher fat content to provide your pooch with energy throughout the day.
Only the finest ingredients from reputable sources are accepted for producing this special diet. All recipes are suitable for all life stages, although it's still best to seek advice from your local vet before switching from another diet.
Senior dogs should find some relief chewing and digesting this meal because of its soft texture. It's also appropriate for pups with dental challenges. Storage is more manageable, and the bags are shelf-stable until you rehydrate them.
All Real Meat air-dried recipes have no gluten or grain and use no cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
More importantly, these dog foods are about 90% meat, with the remaining 10% comprised of other wholesome ingredients like vegetable powders, and added vitamins and minerals.
Apart from the muscle meat, the recipes also have organ meat for extra flavor and nutrition.
Air Dried Recipes:
Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Turkey
Lamb & Fish
Turkey & Venison
Venison
Recall History
The Real Meat Company has no record of recalls. It adheres to strict safety standards set by the USDA and uses only high-quality ingredients from trustworthy sources in the USA, New Zealand, and Australia. The Real Meat has an impressive track record, especially for raw and gently dried foods.
Customer Reviews
Though not many reviews are found online, the few ones are all favorable, with an average rating of close to 5 stars.
Most pet parents are delighted with the natural ingredients and the predominantly meat formulas for their furry kids. They also like that these air-dried meals are easy to serve.
They give a high value on the encouraging feedback from trusted dog food reviewers.
What Customers Like and Dislike about them?
Customers mostly love the prime quality of the natural ingredients in these recipes. They feel great by feeding their beloved pets human-grade and natural meals that don't have the inconveniences of raw food.
They also like the soft texture, which is easier for their pups to chew and digest. And they also feel safer with the fact that Real Meat meals don't use any artificial ingredients that cause many dogs to overeat.
Customers with sensitive or picky dogs are also pleased with the absence of cheap fillers like grain, wheat, or soy, which cause allergic symptoms.
They mention the great digestibility of the meals as well. And of course, the approximately 90% meat content in these recipes has worked wonders for their canine companion's muscle, skin, and coat health. According to many, their wet-nosed buddies also adore the flavors.
Some customers claimed their dogs experienced more gas than usual with this type of food, which is likely because of the higher protein load. But the gradual transition to this kind of diet usually does the trick.
If there's any common negative remark to the Real Meat air-dried chows, it has to be the higher price tag.
If you're used to the regular kibble, which should be a lot more economical than a natural real meat diet, then this brand will certainly hurt your pocket.
But these products use premium ingredients, which are also much more valuable than the components in the cheaper kibbles.
With these meals, you also don't need to give as much amount to your pets because of their dense nutrition.
Also, the natural ingredients without the cheap fillers will likely result in better digestion and much less skin irritation, therefore fewer trips to the dog clinic.
Positive:
“One of my dogs loves dried lamb lung. The consistency of this food is a lot like lamb lung. He loves this food. It is alllllll treats to him. Good food and I find I don't have to serve as much as wet canned food. I feel that he is getting quality food that he loves. Have reordered this as well as the lamb one.” Marjo, chewy.com
Negative:
“My dog was diagnosed with liver cancer and this food has literally bought him more time. All other foods he was throwing up and couldn't digest. I love it for him, but am sad to the see the price of it continually going up, it just went up $16 more a bag!! I can hardly afford to keep buying this when I have to purchase at least 2 bags a month:(“ Doglover25, chewy.com
Our Verdict
This company stands out as a premium brand focused on providing high-quality, air-dried meals for dogs.
With a strong emphasis on using real meat from free-range, humanely raised animals, along with nutrient-rich ingredients like organs and natural additives, the brand delivers balanced, protein-dense meals that cater especially well to active, working, and growing dogs. Their air-drying process preserves natural nutrients and flavor while ensuring shelf stability, making the food convenient to serve compared to raw diets.
While the protein and fat levels are impressive, offering great benefits for highly active dogs, some recipes may be too rich for senior, overweight, or less active pets. Additionally, the use of chicken, one of the most common allergens in dogs, might not be suitable for all pets, though they offer a variety of other meat options to accommodate different needs.
One downside is the price point, which can be steep for some pet owners. However, given the quality of ingredients and the absence of cheap fillers and harmful additives, many believe it to be a worthwhile investment, potentially saving on vet bills in the long run by promoting overall health.
In summary, Real Meat Company offers a top-tier, nutritious option for dogs, particularly those with high energy needs, but it may not be the most affordable choice for every pet owner. For those seeking a more natural, high-quality diet for their dogs, it's a brand worth considering.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
