Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken
Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken scores 5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its two scoring factors rate evenly: protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named) and animal-protein content (strong — 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Aug 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken freeze-dried dog food good?
Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken is a freeze-dried dog food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 42% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 34% |
| Est. Carbs | 10% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 9% |
Moisture (6%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 39% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 32% |
| Est. Carbs | 9% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Moisture | 6% |
| Ash | 8% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Super High (42% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This can fit very active, working, or growing dogs, but dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions need vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is Super High (34% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense and may fit some working or underweight dogs, while dogs with pancreatitis history need veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
20 of 20 matched
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1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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3 Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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4 Minerals
SupplementDescription
A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.
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5 Pea Fibre
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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6 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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7 Dried Carrot
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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8 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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9 Blackberries
CarbsDescription
Bubble-like berries that are full of vitamins and minerals like C, K, and manganese.
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10 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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11 Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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12 Kale
CarbsDescription
A type of dark green leafy vegetables belongs to the cruciferous family. It is high in vitamin A, C, K, and other minerals, which is one of the most nutrient-dense food.
Digestion Concern
Contains isothiocyanates, a small molecule found in specific plants, which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation.
Uncertain/Risky
Contains calcium oxalate, which can cause health problems like kidney and bladder stone.
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13 Peppermint
CarbsDescription
An aromatic herb used in food and teas, well known for its minty scent from menthol. Aside from its cleansing smell, it is also believed to help to treat indigestion and fight bacterial infections.
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14 Coconut Oil
FatDescription
The richest source of "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCT). One of the MCT, lauric acid is said to help to fight off viruses and infection of the body.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
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15 Green Tea
OthersDescription
One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.
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16 Yucca
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
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17 Rosemary
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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18 Parsley
CarbsDescription
A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.
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19 Dandelion Root
CarbsDescription
A plant with yellow flowers that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains inulin, which serves as a prebiotic in pet foods.
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20 Hawthorn Leaf
CarbsDescription
A shrub from the rose family. Its leaves, flowers, and berries are often used as herbal medicine. It is high in antioxidants - polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidant compounds found in plants.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Pea Fibre.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Kale have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Pea Fibre, Kale, Coconut Oil have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 100%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken freeze-dried dog food Review
Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry.
- On a dry-matter basis: 42% protein, 34% fat, 10% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken good for dogs?
Yes — Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken earns 5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your dog’s needs.
Does Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken grain-free?
Yes — Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken?
The main animal proteins in Natures Menu Raw Freeze Dried Complete & Balanced Chicken are Chicken. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
