We Feed Raw vs. Stella & Chewy’s: Choosing the Best Raw Diet

When deciding between We Feed Raw vs. Stella & Chewy’s, We Feed Raw is the best choice for pet parents who want a personalized, direct-to-door subscription model, while Stella & Chewy’s is a solid option for those who prefer buying their dog food at a local retail store.

Both brands provide a massive nutritional upgrade over traditional kibble by focusing on raw protein and organ meats. When you are looking for the best raw dog food for your pet, selecting a brand that uses a scientifically validated safety step and high-quality ingredients is the most important factor for long-term health.

What Is the Main Difference Between We Feed Raw and Stella & Chewy’s?

The main difference between We Feed Raw and Stella & Chewy’s is their delivery models and the level of customization they provide for your dog:

• •We Feed Raw is a direct-to-consumer subscription service that calculates your dog's specific caloric needs and delivers pre-portioned meals to your door

• •Stella & Chewy’s is primarily a retail brand found in physical pet stores

While both companies focus on raw nutrition, We Feed Raw’s model is designed to take the guesswork out of feeding. By creating a profile for your dog that includes their age, weight, and activity level, we ensure you are feeding the exact amount required for optimal health.

Stella & Chewy’s offers a wide variety of products, including kibble and wet food, but they do not provide the same level of individualized portioning we offer.

Does We Feed Raw Offer Both Frozen and Freeze-Dried Options?

Yes, We Feed Raw offers both frozen and freeze-dried options to suit different lifestyles and dog life stages:

• •Our frozen patties are formulated for dogs of all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies

• •Our freeze-dried recipes are specifically designed for adult dogs

This variety allows you to choose the format that works best for your household. Our frozen meals are the "gold standard" for moisture and ancestral nutrition, while our freeze-dried options provide a shelf-stable, lightweight alternative that is perfect for travel or for use as a high-value topper.

Does Stella & Chewy’s Only Sell Raw Dog Food?

No, Stella & Chewy’s has expanded their product line significantly to include several non-raw options. In addition to their famous freeze-dried and frozen raw patties, they sell "raw-coated" kibble, baked kibble, wet stews, and various treats.

For purists who want to stick strictly to raw nutrition, this means you have to be more careful when reading their labels in the store.

At We Feed Raw, we stay focused on the power of raw, ensuring that every meal we provide is minimally processed and biologically appropriate for your dog.

Which Brand Has Better Ingredients for Your Dog’s Health?

At We Feed Raw, we believe our ingredients offer a superior nutritional profile because they are selected for maximum bioavailability and are formulated by an expert with decades of experience.

Both brands use high-quality meats, organs, and bone, but we prioritize a limited-ingredient approach that avoids the "kitchen sink" of produce often found in other commercial raw foods.

The quality of a raw diet is measured by how well a dog can digest and utilize the nutrients. By keeping our recipes focused on animal-based proteins and fats, we ensure your dog isn't consuming unnecessary calories from plant-based starches that their body wasn't designed to process.

Why Is Our 80/10/10 Frozen Ratio Ideal for All Life Stages?

Our frozen patties follow the 80/10/10 rule: 80% muscle meat, 10% secreting organs, and 10% finely ground bone.

This ratio is considered the ancestral gold standard because it mirrors the proportions of a whole prey animal. This balance is critical for providing the correct levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone development in puppies and skeletal maintenance in seniors.

Because our frozen line is formulated for all life stages, you can start your dog on our food as a puppy and stay with the same high-quality nutrition throughout their entire life.

This consistency helps prevent the digestive upsets that often occur when switching between "puppy" and "adult" formulas found in other brands.

Why Is Our 85/15 Freeze-Dried Recipe Great for Adult Dogs?

Our freeze-dried recipes for adult dogs use a slightly different ratio, consisting of 85% muscle meat and organ meat alongside 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables. This blend provides the convenience of a shelf-stable meal while adding a boost of plant-based antioxidants and fiber.

We use only non-GMO produce to ensure your dog is getting the cleanest possible ingredients. This 85/15 ratio provides a high-protein punch that keeps adult dogs satiated and energized while offering the added benefits of vitamins and minerals sourced directly from whole foods.

Does Stella & Chewy’s Use Legumes or Plant-Based Fillers?

Most of Stella & Chewy’s core raw recipes are legume-free, but they do include a variety of organic fruits and vegetables like cranberries, spinach, and broccoli. However, some of their non-raw products, such as their kibble and stews, may contain legumes or other starches that act as binders or fillers.

If you are looking to avoid legumes entirely, you must check each individual Stella & Chewy's label.

Our commitment to being legume-free across our raw lines ensures that you never have to worry about the potential health risks associated with high levels of pulses or starches in your dog's bowl.

Who Formulates We Feed Raw’s Recipes?

We Feed Raw’s recipes are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with over 40 years of experience in the field. This expertise is what sets us apart from many other brands that may use general consultants or "vet-approved" labels without a dedicated nutritionist on staff.

Having a PhD animal nutritionist lead our formulation process ensures that every meal is perfectly balanced for long-term health.

Our expert understands the intricate relationship between raw nutrients and canine physiology, ensuring that our food doesn't just look good on paper but actually helps your dog thrive in real life.

Is We Feed Raw Safer Than Stella & Chewy’s?

We Feed Raw and Stella & Chewy’s are both industry leaders in safety, but at We Feed Raw, our methods for ensuring a pathogen-free product are a core part of our transparency.

We use a scientifically validated "kill step" on all of our recipes to ensure they are safe for your dog to eat and for you to handle in your kitchen.

Feeding raw meat naturally comes with concerns about bacteria, but modern processing technology has made those risks manageable. By choosing a brand that prioritizes safety through rigorous testing and processing, you can enjoy the benefits of raw feeding with total peace of mind.

How Does Our High-Pressure Processing Protect Your Family From Salmonella?

At We Feed Raw, we use high-pressure processing (HPP) on all our recipes to neutralize harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.

This process involves subjecting the food to high water pressure, which physically crushes the cell walls of pathogens without heat.

Because we avoid heat, the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in the raw meat remain intact. This allows us to provide a product that is as safe as cooked food but as nutritionally powerful as a fresh kill.

It is the perfect marriage of modern safety and ancient nutrition.

Is Stella & Chewy’s Raw Food Safely Processed?

Yes, Stella & Chewy’s also uses high-pressure processing and third-party testing to ensure the safety of their raw products. They have long been proponents of food safety in the raw industry and were one of the first major brands to adopt these protocols.

Both companies are committed to proving that raw food can be safe for household environments. When you choose either brand, you are getting a product that has undergone much more rigorous safety testing than most of the kibble found on grocery store shelves.

Which Brand Is Better for Weight Management?

We Feed Raw is the better choice for weight management because our zero-carb frozen recipes and portion-controlled subscription model prevent overfeeding that can lead to obesity. We calculate exactly how many calories your dog needs based on their unique profile, ensuring they stay at a lean, healthy weight.

Obesity is a major health crisis for dogs, often leading to joint pain and a shortened lifespan. Traditional kibble and many commercial raw foods that are high in plant-based starches contribute to weight gain by causing insulin spikes.

Our focus on high-protein, low-carb nutrition helps your dog burn fat while maintaining lean muscle.

Why Is a Zero-Carb Raw Diet the Best Choice for Weight Loss?

A zero-carb raw diet is the best choice for weight loss because it mimics the natural metabolic state of a dog in the wild.

Dogs do not have a biological requirement for carbohydrates. When you feed a diet like our frozen patties, which have zero carbs, the dog’s body becomes more efficient at using protein and fat for energy.

This metabolic shift helps dogs shed excess weight without feeling hungry. Because our food is so nutrient-dense, your dog feels satisfied on smaller portions. Owners often report that their dogs have more energy and a "tucked" waistline within just a few weeks of switching.

Which Brand Is Better for Dog Allergies, We Feed Raw or Stella & Chewy’s?

We Feed Raw is the superior choice for dogs with allergies because of our limited-ingredient recipes and our strict avoidance of common triggers like grains, legumes, and artificial additives:

• •Studies have shown that puppies fed a raw diet are less likely to develop skin allergies as adult dogs.

• •Many "itchy" dogs are actually suffering from a reaction to the starches and fillers found in processed foods.

• •By providing a clean, animal-based protein source, we allow your dog's immune system to rest, often leading to a dramatic reduction in skin redness, paw licking, and chronic ear infections. 

• •Our simplified ingredient lists make it easy for you to identify and avoid specific proteins if your dog has a known sensitivity.

Why Is We Feed Raw’s Freeze-Dried Option Better Than Stella & Chewy’s for Adult Dogs With Allergies?

Our freeze-dried option is an excellent choice for adult dogs with allergies because it uses high-quality, non-GMO produce and premium proteins without the use of pea protein or other plant-based isolates.

Many other freeze-dried brands use these isolates to "boost" the protein percentage on the label, but these can be difficult for allergic dogs to digest.

Our 85/15 ratio ensures that the bulk of the nutrition comes from animal sources. The addition of non-GMO fruits and vegetables provides natural antioxidants that support a healthy immune system, helping your dog fight off the environmental triggers that contribute to seasonal allergies.

Which Is More Convenient: Local Retail or Home Delivery?

Home delivery is significantly more convenient than local retail because it ensures you never run out of food and eliminates the need for frequent trips to the pet store.

We Feed Raw’s subscription model is "set it and forget it," meaning your dog's meals arrive on a regular schedule that fits your life.

Shopping for raw food like Stella & Chewy's at a retail store requires you to monitor your stock constantly and hope that the store has your dog's specific recipe in stock.

With our service, the food is delivered in an insulated box that stays frozen until you get home, making the entire process seamless.

Why Is Having We Feed Raw Delivered to Your Door a Game-Changer?

Having our raw food delivered to your door is a game-changer because it saves you time and ensures your dog’s nutrition is always a priority. Our meals are pre-portioned, so you don't have to deal with measuring cups or scales. You simply thaw and serve.

This convenience extends to the customization of your plan. If you are going on vacation or need to change your delivery frequency, you can easily adjust your subscription through our online portal.

We Feed Raw is the ultimate solution for busy pet parents who want the best for their dogs without the hassle of traditional shopping.

How Does the Price of We Feed Raw Compare to Stella & Chewy’s?

The price of We Feed Raw is often more competitive for long-term feeding because our subscription model allows for bulk shipping and predictable pricing.

While a single bag of Stella & Chewy’s may look cheaper on the shelf, the price-per-calorie can often be higher when you aren't buying in a subscription format.

We provide a clear breakdown of your daily and monthly costs during the signup process. This transparency helps you budget for your dog's health without any hidden fees. When you factor in the time and gas saved by avoiding the pet store, our delivery service offers incredible value.

Which Subscription Offers Better Value for Large Breed Dogs?

Our subscription plans at We Feed Raw offer much better value for large-breed dogs because we can ship larger quantities of food more efficiently than a retail store can stock them. 

Feeding a 90-pound dog a raw diet is a significant commitment, and our "bulk" frozen boxes are designed to make it as affordable as possible.

Retail brands often focus on smaller bag sizes that are more profitable for the store but less convenient for the owner of a large dog. By shipping directly to you, we cut out the middleman and pass those savings on to you, ensuring your big dog gets the high-quality nutrition they deserve.

The Final Verdict: Should You Choose We Feed Raw or Stella & Chewy’s?

The final verdict is that We Feed Raw is the best choice for pet parents who value customization, safety, and the convenience of direct-to-door delivery.

While Stella & Chewy’s is a reputable brand with a wide range of products, they cannot match the personalized approach and PhD animal nutritionist-led formulations that we provide.

Choose We Feed Raw if:

• •You want a diet customized to your dog's specific weight and activity level.

• •You want a 100% raw brand that avoids kibble and highly processed fillers.

• •You prefer the convenience of a "set it and forget it" subscription.

• •You want a zero-carb frozen diet for weight loss or allergy management.

Choose Stella & Chewy’s if:

• •You prefer to shop in person and only buy food as needed.

• •You want to mix raw food with specialized stews or kibble from the same brand.

• •You have a very small dog and don't mind the higher price per calorie of retail bags.

Ready for the convenience and quality that We Feed Raw offers? Take our quiz now to get your dog’s personalized meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About We Feed Raw and Stella & Chewy’s

Is We Feed Raw better than Stella & Chewy’s?

At We Feed Raw, we believe we are the better choice for those seeking a personalized, science-based raw diet. Our PhD animal nutritionist formulation and customized portioning provide a level of care that retail brands simply can't match.

Does Stella & Chewy’s use high-pressure processing?

Yes, Stella & Chewy’s uses high-pressure processing to ensure the safety of their raw products. This is a standard safety protocol that we also use for all of our recipes.

Is We Feed Raw available in pet stores?

No, we are a direct-to-consumer brand. This allows us to maintain strict control over the quality and temperature of our food from our facility to your doorstep, while also keeping our prices competitive for our subscribers.

Can I use We Feed Raw as a topper for Stella & Chewy’s kibble?

Yes, you can use our raw food as a topper for any kibble. Adding even a small amount of raw nutrition to your dog's bowl provides them with live enzymes and high-quality protein that can improve their overall health.

Does We Feed Raw have freeze-dried food for puppies?

Our current freeze-dried line is formulated for adult dogs. For puppies, we recommend our frozen patties, which are specifically balanced for all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies.