Choosing the Best Raw Diet: An In-Depth Look at We Feed Raw vs Maev

Choosing a raw diet is one of the best decisions you can make for your dog's health. With more veterinarians recommending a raw food diet for dogs for its superior digestion and immune benefits, the market for premium raw food is growing rapidly.

Among the most popular names frequently compared are We Feed Raw vs Maev.

This comprehensive guide reviews the current information, corrects common misconceptions, and clearly outlines the unique benefits each brand offers so you can choose the best fit for your lifestyle and your dog’s health.

Convenience and Preparation: More Than Just Thawing

Online comparisons often cite the required thawing time as a major drawback for We Feed Raw, contrasting it with Maev’s scoop-and-serve, no-thaw convenience. This view provides an incomplete picture of We Feed Raw’s actual offerings and flexibility.

We Feed Raw: Versatility in Two Forms

We Feed Raw provides two distinct product lines to meet different needs, offering greater versatility for pet parents.

1. Our Frozen Raw Meals

Our core frozen patties must be thawed in the refrigerator before serving. This is a common and simple step for dedicated raw feeders.

• •Prep required: Thawing in the refrigerator (24 hours in advance)

• •Best for: Daily feeding, puppies and senior dogs (our frozen meals are approved for all life stages), and pet parents who prefer the absolute lowest-carb, purest Prey Model Raw (PMR) philosophy

2. Our Freeze-Dried Raw Meals

To address the need for ultimate convenience, especially for travel, training, or busy mornings, we offer a complete and balanced freeze-dried line for adult dogs that’s shelf-stable and doesn’t require any freezer space.

• •Prep required: None. Simply scoop and serve, or rehydrate with water for added moisture.

• •Best for: Adult dogs, travel, hiking, using as high-value training treats, or mixing with kibble as a topper

This freeze-dried option completely negates the "con" about the need to thaw, proving that We Feed Raw can offer the same on-the-go convenience as any other brand on the market.

Maev: The Single Convenience Model

Maev’s primary offering is a frozen product that is designed to be scooped directly from the freezer and served, which thaws quickly in the bowl.

• •Prep required: None (scoop and serve)

• •Best for: Pet parents who prioritize speed and simplicity for every single meal and have freezer space to accommodate their entire food supply

While Maev offers simple convenience, We Feed Raw provides a choice: optimal purity for daily feeding (frozen) or optimal convenience for travel (freeze-dried).

Nutritional Philosophy: Simple Composition Versus Complex Ingredients

The second major difference between We Feed Raw and Maev lies in their approach to raw nutrition.

While Maev offers a singular, complex blend, We Feed Raw provides two distinct nutritional models—one focused on simplicity, and one focused on hybrid convenience—giving pet parents more control over the ingredients they choose.

We Feed Raw: Two Nutritional Models

We offer flexibility by catering to two common raw feeding philosophies:

1. Frozen Raw Meals

Our core frozen recipes adhere to the classic, simplified Prey Model Raw (PMR) philosophy. The formula is uncompromising: 80% muscle meat, 10% finely ground bone, and 10% organ meat, plus a minimal vitamin and mineral mix for completeness.

Why is this an ideal choice?

• •Simplicity is key: This limited, intentional ingredient list is the absolute most streamlined option, effectively eliminating virtually all carbohydrates and potential plant allergens. It is the ideal choice for dogs with severe food sensitivities, as the simple composition is often the foundation of an effective elimination diet.

• •Targeted Wellness: This simple formula is designed to provide complete core nutrition without relying on added "functional" plant ingredients.

2. Freeze-Dried Meals

Our freeze-dried recipes offer a complete, shelf-stable, and convenient hybrid diet for adult dogs. Benefits include:

• •Balanced blend: These recipes contain 85% muscle meat and organ meat alongside 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables.

• •Function and fiber: The inclusion of non-GMO produce provides fiber and additional micronutrients, appealing to owners who prefer a diet that is part-raw and part-BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).

Maev: The Singular BARF Model

Maev’s recipes follow a complex hybrid approach, closer to a BARF model, without offering a strict PMR option:

• •Complex ingredients: Maev’s blends include a significant amount of plant matter, seeds, and targeted, functional ingredients (like chia seeds, turmeric, and kale) intended to address specific health concerns (e.g., joint health, anxiety).

• •The difference in simplicity: If you look at We Feed Raw vs Maev, our PMR frozen line offers the most limited ingredient list on the market. Maev’s complexity may make it harder to isolate the cause of an allergic reaction if one occurs, whereas our simple PMR recipe is often used as a gold standard for elimination diets.

• •Life stage: Maev's food is also formulated for all life stages, similar to our frozen raw line, but its high vegetable content philosophically contrasts with the low-carb focus of our strict PMR frozen meals.

In summary, We Feed Raw provides a choice: absolute simplicity and the lowest carb content (frozen), or convenience with added fruits/veg (freeze-dried). Maev offers a single, complex, plant-inclusive formula.

Safety, Quality, and Value: The Core Differentiators

Beyond ingredients and convenience, safety standards, meat sourcing, and the overall value proposition are crucial points of distinction in the We Feed Raw vs Maev debate.

Validated Safety Protocols

Not all raw dog foods are created equal when it comes to the safety of pets and people.

We Feed Raw: The HPP Advantage

Every one of our raw recipes (both frozen and freeze-dried) undergoes high-pressure processing (HPP). This non-thermal, cold-water method achieves a validated reduction in pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, guaranteeing a safe product without using heat. This science-backed safety step is non-negotiable for us.

Maev

While Maev states it uses human-grade ingredients and is manufactured in a human-grade facility, they do not publicly advertise the use of a validated kill step like HPP. When choosing raw food, a proven pathogen reduction step is the ultimate assurance of safety.

Sourcing and Quality

Both companies emphasize human-grade ingredients, but We Feed Raw is committed to USDA-sourced meats for its entire line. Our commitment to human-grade standards ensures transparency and rigorous quality control from farm to bowl.

Value and Price Point: Consistent Pricing for Every Lifestyle

Price is one of the most frequently mentioned differences in all We Feed Raw vs Maev reviews. However, our consistent pricing across two different formats—frozen and freeze-dried—significantly enhances our overall value proposition.

We Feed Raw's Consistent Value

We operate at a highly competitive price point per pound, regardless of the format you choose. 

This means you can opt for the absolute simplicity of our frozen PMR recipes or the ultimate convenience of our shelf-stable freeze-dried recipes, all while benefiting from the same affordable cost per meal.

Our focus on core nutrition helps us maintain this consistent, accessible pricing.

Maev's Premium Price

Maev is typically positioned as the premium, higher-priced option. The cost reflects the integrated supplements and the convenience of the no-thaw model.

The Value Advantage

Our consistent pricing model means we can serve both the budget-conscious owner seeking long-term raw feeding and the owner who needs maximum, no-thaw convenience (freeze-dried) without paying a convenience premium.

We are generally the more budget-friendly option for owners committed to feeding a 100% raw diet long-term.

Which Raw Diet Is Right for Your Dog: We Feed Raw vs Maev?

The choice between We Feed Raw vs Maev ultimately depends on your priorities, as both brands offer high-quality, human-grade raw food. Use the following comparisons to determine which brand aligns best with your dog's needs and your lifestyle:

We Feed Raw

Choose We Feed Raw if you prioritize:

• •Nutritional simplicity: You want a clean, protein-focused diet (our frozen PMR line) with the absolute lowest carb content and the fewest ingredients possible for managing sensitivities.

• •Maximum flexibility: You need the option of both convenient freeze-dried raw for travel and economical frozen raw for daily feeding, without a significant price difference between formats.

• •Validated safety: You require a scientifically validated kill step (HPP) to guarantee your raw food is pathogen-free.

• •Value: You are seeking the best long-term value in a complete and balanced raw diet and appreciate consistent pricing across product lines.

Maev

Choose Maev if you prioritize:

• •Complex ingredients: You prefer a BARF-style diet that includes targeted functional ingredients, vegetables, and seeds integrated into every meal.

• •Single-source convenience: You only want the scoop-and-serve frozen format for every single meal, regardless of price or compositional complexity.

• •All-in-one supplements: You want your dog's supplements (like turmeric and kale) integrated directly into the food rather than adding them separately.

Ready to Choose We Feed Raw Over Maev?

When evaluating We Feed Raw vs Maev, the most important consideration is long-term health and sustainable feeding.

We believe that providing uncompromising quality, validated safety, and flexible convenience makes us the ideal choice for the vast majority of raw feeders committed to their dog's long-term health. Our commitment to simplicity, value, and safety ensures you are feeding the most biologically appropriate diet possible without unnecessary compromises.

Ready to see the difference a simple, safe, and biologically appropriate raw diet can make? Take our quiz now to build your personalized meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which brand is better for my dog if they have severe food sensitivities: We Feed Raw or Maev?

If your dog has severe food sensitivities, We Feed Raw is often the better choice. Our frozen raw meals adhere to the strict Prey Model Raw philosophy, offering the most limited ingredient list (meat, organs, bone, and a supplement mix) with virtually zero carbohydrates or plant fillers. 

This simple composition makes it ideal for elimination diets and reducing the triggers that cause sensitive stomachs.

Is there a difference in safety protocols when comparing We Feed Raw vs Maev?

Yes, there is a significant difference. We Feed Raw uses high-pressure processing (HPP) on all our recipes (frozen and freeze-dried).

HPP is a scientifically validated, cold-water method that achieves a guaranteed reduction in pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli while preserving the food's raw nutritional integrity.

Maev does not publicly advertise using a validated "kill step" like HPP.

Does We Feed Raw have a convenient no-thaw option like Maev?

Yes. While our primary frozen meals require thawing, we offer freeze-dried raw meals for maximum convenience.

Our freeze-dried line is shelf-stable and requires no thawing, allowing you to scoop and serve directly from the bag. This provides the same on-the-go, no-fuss convenience as Maev, but for adult dogs only.

Why is Maev generally more expensive than We Feed Raw?

Maev is generally more expensive due to its incorporation of numerous functional supplements and complex ingredients (like kale, chia seeds, and ginger) into its singular formula, and the premium associated with its no-thaw convenience model.

We Feed Raw focuses on core nutritional value (simple meat, organ, and bone content) and offers consistent, competitive pricing across both our frozen and convenient freeze-dried lines.

Are puppies and large-breed puppies safe to eat both We Feed Raw and Maev?

Yes, both brands offer recipes safe for puppies.

Our frozen raw meals are specifically formulated and balanced for all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies. However, our convenient freeze-dried recipes are formulated for adult dogs only.

You should always check Maev's specific guidelines, but generally, their comprehensive formulas are designed for all life stages.