Is Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend the Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food?
Freeze-dried raw food promises the appeal of meat-rich feeding without the freezer space and preparation associated with conventional raw diets. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness is one of the best-known products in this category, combining several animal proteins with fruit, vegetables and seeds.
But is it the best choice for every dog? This guide looks at what Nature’s Blend contains, how freeze-drying works, how to serve it and what to consider before changing your dog’s diet.
What is Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness?
Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness is a premium freeze-dried raw food formulated for adult dogs. The recipe combines meat, fish and organ meat with plant ingredients, creating lightweight pieces that can be served dry or rehydrated.
Its animal proteins include turkey, beef, salmon and duck. Always check the bag you receive for the full current ingredient and nutritional information, particularly when feeding a dog with an allergy or sensitivity.
What does freeze-dried raw dog food mean?
Freeze-drying removes moisture at low temperatures and pressure rather than using the high heat associated with conventional kibble production. The result is shelf-stable food that retains the texture, flavour and nutritional characteristics of its ingredients.
Freeze-dried raw food remains a raw animal product. Wash your hands after handling it, clean bowls and preparation surfaces, keep it away from human food and follow storage directions carefully.
Why do owners choose Nature’s Blend?
Meat-rich ingredients
The recipe uses several animal proteins and organ meats, creating a flavour many dogs find appealing. This can be valuable for owners of selective eaters, although no food is guaranteed to suit every dog.
Convenient raw feeding
The unopened and dry product does not need freezer storage. Portions are easy to measure, and owners can adjust the texture by adding water.
Flexible serving
Nature’s Blend can be served as a meal, rehydrated or used as a topper. When using it as a topper, replace some of the existing food rather than simply adding more calories.
Grain-free formulation
Essential Wellness is grain-free. Grain-free is not inherently better for every dog, and most dogs do not need to avoid grains unless there is a specific dietary reason. Ask your vet if you are unsure whether this type of recipe suits your dog.
How do I prepare Nature’s Blend?
Serve the food dry or rehydrate it with warm — not boiling — water. Dr. Marty’s guidance recommends approximately two parts food to one part water. Leave it for about three minutes, stir and serve at a safe temperature.
Fresh drinking water should always be available, even when the meal has been rehydrated.
How much should I feed?
Use the current chart on the bag, starting with the quantity recommended for your dog’s weight. Age, activity, neuter status and body condition affect energy requirements, so monitor weight and adjust with veterinary guidance.
The daily amount for a healthy adult dog can be divided between morning and evening meals. Measure portions consistently rather than estimating by eye.
How should I change my dog to Nature’s Blend?
A gradual transition gives the digestive system time to adapt. Dr. Marty recommends an approximately ten-day plan:
- days 1–3: 25% Nature’s Blend and 75% current food;
- days 4–6: equal amounts of each food;
- days 7–9: 75% Nature’s Blend and 25% current food; and
- day 10 onwards: the full Nature’s Blend portion, if well tolerated.
Slow the change further for a dog with a sensitive stomach. Contact your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea is severe, persistent or accompanied by pain, blood, lethargy or dehydration.
Is Nature’s Blend suitable for puppies?
Essential Wellness is formulated for adult dogs. Dr. Marty offers a separate Healthy Growth formula designed for puppies. Growing dogs have specific requirements for energy, calcium and other nutrients, so use a food appropriate for the puppy’s life stage and expected adult size.
What about food allergies?
Essential Wellness contains multiple animal proteins, including common ingredients such as beef. That variety makes it unsuitable for many elimination diets and for dogs allergic to one of those proteins. Review the complete ingredient list with your vet if an adverse food reaction is suspected.
How should the food be stored?
Reseal the dry bag after every use and keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity. Manufacturer guidance states that an opened bag can last for up to three months depending on conditions. Treat rehydrated food like fresh food: serve promptly and discard leftovers that have been sitting out.
Where can I buy Dr. Marty dog food in the UK?
Shop Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend at Boss Pets for UK availability, pack sizes and current pricing. More preparation and feeding answers are available in the Boss Pets FAQ.
Is Nature’s Blend the best freeze-dried food?
Nature’s Blend combines the convenience owners want from freeze-dried food with varied animal proteins and flexible serving. That makes it a strong option for many adult dogs, but “best” depends on nutritional adequacy, life stage, allergies, budget, body condition and what the individual dog tolerates.
This article provides general nutritional information. Consult your vet before changing food for a puppy, pregnant dog or pet with allergies, digestive disease or another medical condition.
