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Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food, 48 oz Review

Dr. Marty · 3 lb · Dog

Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food 48 oz (3 Bags x 16 oz)
$55.30/lb·$165.90total

Verified 28 days ago on Amazon.

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Overview

Dr. Marty Nature's Blend for Small Breeds offers a unique approach to canine nutrition, delivering the nutritional benefits of a raw diet in a convenient, freeze-dried format. This 48 oz package, split into three 16 oz bags, is specifically formulated to meet the metabolic needs of smaller adult dogs. The core philosophy of this food is to provide a diet that mirrors what a dog's ancestors would have eaten in the wild. By freeze-drying the ingredients, the food remains shelf-stable without cooking, a process that can degrade vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This method preserves the natural integrity of the meat, fish, and produce. The resulting food is lightweight, minimally processed, and dense in nutrients, offering a different dietary option compared to traditional extruded kibble. It's designed for pet parents who prioritize high-protein, grain-free diets and are interested in the principles of raw feeding without the associated hassle of handling and preparing raw meat.

Key features

  • Combines multiple premium protein sources for a complex amino acid profile.
  • Freeze-dried raw format preserves nutrients and flavor, avoiding high-heat processing.
  • Specifically formulated for the higher energy needs of small-breed adult dogs.
  • Lightweight and nutrient-dense, requiring smaller serving sizes than many kibbles.
  • Grain-free recipe, suitable for dogs with sensitivities to common grains.
  • Packaged in three smaller 16 oz bags to maintain maximum freshness after opening.

Pros

  • Nutrient preservation through freeze-drying is superior to conventional cooking.
  • High-quality, varied protein sources appeal to picky eaters and support lean muscle.
  • Convenience of raw feeding without the mess or safety concerns.
  • Smaller bags help prevent spoilage and nutrient degradation over time.

Cons

  • Significantly higher price-per-pound than most dry foods.
  • Requires rehydration for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, adding a preparation step.
  • The rich formula may be too dense for dogs accustomed to lower-protein diets.
  • Some small dogs may find the texture unusual at first.

Best for

Dr. Marty Nature's Blend is best suited for adult small-breed dog owners who are committed to providing a diet that is as close to nature as possible. It is an excellent choice for those who believe in the benefits of raw feeding but require a more convenient, shelf-stable option. Given its high protein content and nutrient density, it's particularly beneficial for active small dogs that can utilize the rich energy sources. It's also a strong contender for owners of picky eaters, as the freeze-dried raw meat and fish ingredients tend to be highly palatable. Owners of dogs with sensitivities to grains or those seeking to minimize processed ingredients in their pet's diet will find this recipe aligns with their feeding philosophy.

Feeding guide

Feeding guidelines for freeze-dried raw food differ significantly from typical kibble. Always start with the manufacturer's specific instructions on the packaging. As a general rule, a small adult dog might require between 1/2 and 3/4 cup of the rehydrated food per 10 pounds of body weight daily. To serve, you will typically crumble the food and mix it with a few tablespoons of warm water, letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb the moisture. The total daily portion should be split into two separate meals. Monitor your dog's body condition and energy levels, adjusting the amount as needed. Less active or older dogs may need less, while highly active dogs may require more. Always provide access to fresh, clean water.

Ingredients & nutrition note

Without a complete ingredient list, we cannot comment on the specifics. However, a recipe named 'Nature's Blend' with multiple protein sources in a freeze-dried raw format is typically centered around a high percentage of real meat, poultry, and fish. These often include muscle meat, organs (like liver and heart), and ground bone to create a balanced, ancestral-style diet. The remainder of the formula usually consists of a variety of seeds, vegetables, and fruits to provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as sweet potatoes, apples, or blueberries. These recipes are almost always grain-free, avoiding corn, wheat, and soy.

Price comparison

When evaluating the cost of Dr. Marty Nature's Blend, it's essential to place it in the correct category. At $55.30 per pound, its price point is substantially above the median of $10 per pound for dry dog foods in the small bag category. While the average price is elevated to $47.09 per pound due to a wide range of premium and specialty products, this food still sits comfortably in the upper tier of the market. This cost reflects its positioning as a specialty, freeze-dried raw product, which involves more expensive ingredients and processing methods than conventional extruded kibbles. It is not a budget food, but rather a premium option for owners prioritizing minimal processing and nutrient density.

Frequently asked questions

What is freeze-dried raw dog food?

Freeze-dried raw food is made by taking fresh, raw ingredients and freezing them at a very low temperature. Then, a powerful vacuum removes all the moisture (ice) from the food. This process, called sublimation, preserves the food and its nutrients without cooking, resulting in a lightweight, shelf-stable product that can be rehydrated before serving.

Why is this food so much more expensive than kibble?

The high price is due to two main factors: ingredient quality and processing method. Freeze-dried foods typically use a very high percentage of high-quality muscle meat and organs, which are more expensive than the grains and meat meals that form the base of many kibbles. The freeze-drying process itself is also far more time-consuming and energy-intensive than the high-heat extrusion used to make traditional dry food.

Is this a good food for a dog with a sensitive stomach?

For some dogs, yes. A minimally processed, grain-free diet with high-quality protein can be very gentle on the digestive system. However, its richness and high protein content can also be a challenge for dogs not accustomed to it. A slow transition over 7-10 days is crucial to allow the digestive system to adapt.

Do I have to mix it with water?

While dogs can technically eat it dry, it is strongly recommended to rehydrate it with water. Adding water restores the moisture that was removed, making the food easier to chew and digest, and helps ensure your dog stays properly hydrated. Serving it dry can be a dehydration risk, especially for small breeds.

How long does a 48 oz package last?

This depends entirely on the size and activity level of your small dog. A 5 lb dog might only need about 1/3 cup per day, while a 20 lb dog would need significantly more. Because it's nutrient-dense, the serving sizes are smaller than you might expect. Refer to the bag's specific feeding chart to calculate how long a package will last for your specific pet.

Is a 'mixed protein' food good for dogs?

For most dogs, a diet with multiple protein sources is excellent. It provides a wider range of amino acids and can prevent the development of sensitivities to a single protein over time. However, for dogs with known food allergies to specific proteins (like chicken or beef), a single-source protein food would be a safer choice.

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