With an average score of 9.4, Raw Bistro’s dehydrated dog food line is considered a low risk food. The food is lower in carbohydrate content, with an average of 5%. The carbohydrate content is low in starch and features spinach, green beans, kale and carrots – although some foods feature yams, which will be higher in starch.  The protein content is somewhat high with an average of 43%. Overall, the foods are lower in fat, although the Beef and Lamb are fairly high in fat compared to the other proteins in the dehydrated line.

On the ingredient safety side, the food features organic produce, which is a definite plus. Organic foods are much lower in pesticide residue and are not genetically modified. While this brand’s raw line loses ingredient safety points for its safflower oil content, the only food in the dehydrated line with this ingredient is the Beef Entree. While it is non GMO, safflower oil is a processed seed oil, which is likely highly processed and can be inflammatory.

While this doesn’t affect the food’s score, it’s worth noting that the Raw Bistro raw line contains some organ meats, which are a good source of whole food vitamins and minerals. With that said, the food does contain added minerals while other raw foods are formulated without them. A whole food source of minerals is preferable to the added vitamin D and copper, since many pet foods are recalled for vitamin D excess, which can damage dogs’ kidneys. Copper excesses are also a growing concern in pet foods since there is no maximum amount.

On the ingredient safety side, this food loses minor points for being dehydrated. Dehydration uses some heat with processing, which can cause a loss in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and phytonutrients.  

It’s notable that the omega-6:omega-3 ratio is not reported. A low amount of omega-6 is important to prevent chronic inflammation. Some of the foods in the raw line also contain coconut oil, which is a glam ingredient that’s been implicated in increased gut permeability and inflammation. 

Overall, this is a good raw food line. It would be nice to see a lower fat content in some of the foods, no added vitamins or minerals and a balanced fatty acid profile. A freeze-dried food would rank higher in ingredient safety, but of course this would also make the product more expensive for dog owners.