A Better Dog Food | Salmon Dry Dog Food | Raw You Can See |
✅ PROS
- Visible raw-coated kibble pieces — you can actually see the freeze-dried raw bits mixed in, not just promises on the label
- Salmon is the first ingredient, with no chicken, corn, wheat, or soy — solid for dogs with poultry sensitivities
- Smaller kibble size works well for medium breeds and senior dogs with dental issues
❌ CONS
- Some bags arrive with excessive powder at the bottom — the raw coating separates during shipping, which makes portions look inconsistent
- Strong fishy odor that lingers in the bowl and on breath; noticeable if your dog eats indoors
- Price per pound runs higher than comparable salmon kibbles from Purina Pro Plan or Taste of the Wild
The Verdict
The “Raw You Can See” claim is literally true — and that’s both the appeal and the catch.
Most “raw-coated” kibbles hide their raw ingredients in a fine dust you’d never notice. A Better Dog Food’s Salmon formula does something different: when you open the bag, you see actual dark, freeze-dried raw pieces mixed into the brown kibble. As shown in the product image, it’s not a uniform blend — it’s a visible mix of standard kibble and raw chunks. That visual difference matters to owners who’ve been burned by marketing claims before.
What’s actually in the bag
You get a standard 4-pound or 12-pound resealable pouch depending on your order. The ingredient list leads with salmon, followed by salmon meal and chickpeas. There’s no chicken byproduct, no corn, no wheat, no soy — which makes this a legitimately good option for dogs with common protein or grain sensitivities. The guaranteed analysis lands around 30% protein and 15% fat, which puts it in the same ballpark as premium kibbles in its class.
Real-world performance
I’ve seen consistent feedback from buyers whose picky eaters actually finish their bowls with this food. The freeze-dried raw pieces add texture and a strong salmon aroma that most dogs find irresistible. One reviewer noted, “My golden retriever is 13 and has food allergies — this is the first kibble she’s eaten without us mixing in wet food.” Another owner reported, “My lab’s coat is noticeably shinier after 3 weeks on this.”
But here’s the honest part: that same strong smell is a double-edged sword. Multiple owners commented on the fishy odor. “The bag smells like a fish market,” one wrote. “My dog loves it, but I hold my breath when I scoop it.” If your dog eats in a confined space or you’re sensitive to smells, factor that in.
Where it falls short
The powder problem is real. The raw coating is sprayed on after baking, and during shipping, it shakes off. Several buyers reported a thick layer of reddish powder at the bottom of the bag. It’s not harmful — it’s just concentrated flavor dust — but it means your last few scoops are less coated than the first few, and portion consistency suffers slightly.
The price is also a sticking point. At typical retail, you’re paying roughly $4.50–$5.50 per pound. That’s premium territory. You’re not getting a bargain here; you’re paying for the visible raw inclusion and the single-protein salmon base.
Who should buy this
- Owners of picky eaters who refuse standard kibble — the raw pieces and strong aroma genuinely help
- Dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities — the salmon-only protein base is clean
- Owners who want visible proof of raw ingredients without going full raw or frozen
Skip it if you’re on a tight budget, your dog has a sensitive stomach that reacts to high-fat foods, or you can’t tolerate a strong fishy smell in your feeding area.
FAQ
Q: Is this food suitable for puppies? A: It’s formulated for all life stages, but the high fat content (15%) can be too rich for some puppies. If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, transition slowly over 10–14 days.
Q: Can I mix this with wet food? A: Yes, but the kibble is already calorie-dense. If you add wet food, reduce portions by about 20% to avoid weight gain.
Q: How fast does a picky dog actually take to it? A: Most owners report immediate acceptance — the freeze-dried raw pieces are highly palatable. But a small percentage of dogs dislike the texture mix and pick out only the raw chunks.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a single-protein salmon kibble with visible raw inclusions and your dog struggles with food acceptance. Skip it if you’re price-sensitive, dislike strong fish odors, or your dog needs a low-fat diet.
At 4.0 stars from 200 ratings, this is a solid mid-premium option that delivers on its core promise. It’s not the cheapest, not the most polished, but it genuinely helps picky and allergy-prone dogs eat well. For that, it earns a 4.2/5.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.