We Feed Raw vs Viva Raw: Raw Dog Food Comparison (2026 Guide)

As a veterinarian with 30 years of experience, raw food for pets has been a topic of interest to me for quite some time now. Initially, the biggest concern was: Is it safe? Are you exposing your pet (and yourself) to pathogens? That question is still one pet parents should ask when considering a switch to raw dog food. The difference now is that there’s been a lot of research and industry change since raw feeding first became popular, and pet owners should now feel more comfortable making the switch to raw. 

An increasingly popular way to provide raw dog food for your pup is to subscribe to a delivery service. Pet parents who want fresh, minimally processed meals without having to prepare them themselves find this particularly appealing. I can certainly understand that. I don’t have time to prepare my pets’ meals, so I’ve enrolled in a subscription service. During my research, I found that two of the most recognizable brands in the raw dog food space are We Feed Raw and Viva Raw.

There are similarities between the two companies. They both offer frozen raw meals that deliver high-protein nutrition conveniently to your door, made with real meat and organ ingredients. However, there are also differences between the brands, especially in recipe variety, sourcing approach, delivery flexibility, safety practices, and overall customer experience.

Let’s take a look at both We Feed Raw and Viva Raw so you can decide which you and your dog may prefer.

Main Takeaways

• We Feed Raw offers a wider variety of protein options and greater customization, making it easier to rotate meals long term.
• Viva Raw offers a simpler, streamlined lineup that may suit dogs with food sensitivities.
• Both brands prioritize safety testing and frozen delivery, which is essential for raw diets. However, We Feed Raw has had zero recalls while Viva Raw has only recently adopted HPP and has had at least 2 recalls in the last 18 months.
• For many pet parents seeking flexibility and choice, We Feed Raw is often the more well-rounded option.

Quick Comparison: We Feed Raw vs Viva Raw

Feature	We Feed Raw	Viva Raw
Protein Variety	Wide variety of protein choices, ideal for rotational feeding	Smaller, streamlined recipe lineup
Ingredient Style	Balanced recipes designed for long-term variety and flexibility	Simpler formulas
Best For	Picky eaters, multi-dog homes, and most households overall	Dogs needing minimal ingredient complexity
Sourcing	Responsibly sourced, human-grade meats with broad availability	Small-batch emphasis and ingredient transparency
Safety Testing	Routine pathogen testing and structured quality controls for strong reassurance (0 safety recalls, many years of HPP)	Batch testing and strict handling standards focused on safety – recently started HPP after recalls
Customization	Highly flexible meal plans, delivery schedules, and protein selection	Straightforward ordering but less flexibility
Packaging	Frozen, portion-ready patties built for consistent feeding routines, shelf-stable freeze-dried raw recipes	Larger frozen meal packs that require a bit more planning
Convenience	Strong, long-term option due to variety and adaptability	Straightforward, simple approach but larger packs are less convenient to store

Brand Overview: We Feed Raw and Viva Raw

Before I dive deeper, it may help to understand each brand’s general approach.

We Feed Raw

If you’re looking for multiple recipe choices, meal plan flexibility, and the ability to rotate proteins, this brand may be the one for you. We Feed Raw is well established and offers complete and balanced meals.

We Feed Raw is known for:

• Variety-focused raw feeding
• Subscription-style convenience
• Long-term adaptability for different dogs
• High safety standards (zero recall)
• Named to Clean 16 by The Clean Label Project (independent 3rd-party nonprofit)

Viva Raw

Viva Raw is another up-and -coming  raw dog food delivery brand. They are often popular with pet parents seeking an ingredient-focused approach and a small-batch emphasis. Simple formulas with clear ingredient transparency are their main focus.

Viva Raw is often associated with:

• Streamlined recipe options
• Minimal ingredient complexity
• Consistency-focused feeding

Protein Options and Recipe Variety

Besides a more robust safety history, I found that one of the most significant differences between We Feed Raw and Viva Raw is the variety of proteins, which is important to me and many pet parents. Some of my patients do best when their proteins are rotated, while others do better with consistency.

We Feed Raw Protein Selection

We Feed Raw gives pet parents more flexibility by offering multiple proteins. Rotational feeding can be especially helpful for picky eaters and provides long-term variety.

Standard protein options include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Turkey
• Duck
• Pork

I like their options because I see so many patients these days with food sensitivities or allergies, and this gives me a choice of proteins to suggest as a trial. Many pets have become sensitive or allergic to chicken, so having duck and pork in particular is very useful. These tend to be novel proteins that dogs may not be sensitive to. Overall, We Feed Raw tends to be the better choice for protein selection and rotational feeding, offering owners greater flexibility in feeding their pets.

Viva Raw Protein Approach

Viva Raw offers fewer core recipes and focuses on simplicity. This can be more limiting for pet parents who wish to rotate proteins regularly. Still, it can also be helpful for dogs with extreme food sensitivities if one of the company’s selections agrees with your dog’s digestive system.

Viva Raw may be a good fit for:

• Dogs with extreme sensitivities
• Pet parents who have space to freeze larger portions

Ingredient Sourcing and Quality Standards

Since raw diets are minimally processed, ingredient sourcing plays a key role in overall quality.

We Feed Raw Ingredient Standards

Ingredient standards are very important to We Feed Raw. This is one of the main criteria I research because a food product needs to use high-quality, human-grade ingredients. We Feed Raw provides just that. 

Key sourcing features include:

• Muscle meat as the primary protein base
• Organ meats for natural micronutrient support
• Bone content for calcium and phosphorus balance
• Added vitamins & minerals (balanced meals)
• Limited fillers

We Feed Raw also makes it easier to find protein options that suit your dog, thanks to their broad recipe selection.

Viva Raw Ingredient Standards

Ingredient transparency is another of my main criteria, and Viva Raw provides that.

Their ingredient lists are easy to understand.

Viva Raw priorities often include:

• Minimal ingredients
• Meat and organ content
• Simple formulation 

Another key difference between brands is nutritional structure. We Feed Raw offers complete meals formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for long-term feeding, while Viva Raw provides both “Pure” (unsupplemented) options and “Complete” recipes. They have more than one line of food, and not all of it meets the AAFCO standards. I always like to see the AAFCO label on the food I purchase for my pets, so for me We Feed Raw wins this round.

Safety Testing and Food Handling Practices

If you’re concerned about handling and feeding raw food to your dog, it’s important to understand safety practices.  We Feed Raw was established in 2009, so they have extensive experience producing raw dog food safely. Viva Raw was established in 2021.

Despite We Feed Raw being around longer than Viva Raw they’ve got a cleaner track record when it comes to safety recall. Viva Raw has been around for only 5 years (at the time of writing) and has already had at least three voluntary safety recalls. 

Pathogen Reduction Methods

We Feed Raw uses structured food safety systems before shipping. Testing is routine, which helps reduce the risk of pathogen exposure.

Their safety measures include:

• Routine pathogen testing
• Quality control checks during production
• Frozen shipping protocols
• Controlled handling standards

We Feed Raw also emphasizes high-pressure processing (HPP) as part of its safety approach. HPP is a cold-water pressure technology that neutralizes pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli without heat. This method greatly reduces bacteria without altering the nutritional content, meeting the same safety standards as gently cooked diets while remaining 100% raw.

Viva Raw previously relied on pathogen-eliminating probiotics and lactic acid sprays to maintain what they called “prey-model purity”. However, according to their HPP FAQs, they have transitioned to HPP for products with “Best Buy” dates on or after March 15, 2027. However, this does not apply to all the food they manufacture.

Viva Raw also practices safety measures through strict preparation protocols and batch-level oversight. Their safety practices include:

• Batch testing protocols
• Strict preparation procedures
• Frozen delivery
• Focus on safe raw handling

HPP is currently considered the gold standard for maximizing pathogen-free safety in the production of raw food.

Recalls

A company’s recall history should be considered when choosing any diet, especially a raw diet, due to the risk of serious pathogens. Checking for transparency around past recalls and reviewing safety updates can provide added reassurance when feeding any raw food brand. I also encourage you to visit the FDA pet food recall database for the most current information.

As of early 2026, We Feed Raw has never been involved in a recall in its 15-year history. The company attributes this to its use of High-Pressure Processing (HPP), which neutralizes pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria without the use of high heat. 

Viva Raw has experienced product recalls in the past, which should matter to pet parents prioritizing the longest possible safety history. They have issued several voluntary recalls, including a major one in July 2024 for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination and another in August 2025 for Salmonella and Listeria. These incidents occurred before their full transition to HPP. 

Facility and Sourcing Standards

We Feed Raw is produced in an SQF-certified facility (Safe Quality Food) and uses USDA-sourced human-grade meats, organs, and bones. They also conduct third-party testing on every batch before shipping.

Viva Raw manufactures in a USDA-inspected human-grade kitchen. Their protocols include regular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing. ATP is a chemical found in every cell of living organisms. As well as existing in living cells, it is present in residues from organic sources such as:

• Food debris remaining on a surface after cleaning
• Biofilms produced by bacteria
• Surfaces touched by operators

It helps food safety teams identify areas that may still harbor contaminants after cleaning, allowing quick corrective actions. 

Delivery Flexibility and Customization

Ordering flexibility can make a significant difference, especially since freezer space and feeding routines vary from household to household.

We Feed Raw Flexibility

The meal plan structure at We Feed Raw is highly customizable. Pet parents can adjust feeding plans according to their dog’s size, calorie needs, and protein preferences. They can typically modify:

• Protein selections
• Delivery frequency
• Portion sizing
• Pausing or skipping shipments

We Feed Raw is popular because of this level of control. Some simpler delivery services do not offer the same level of flexibility. I really need the ability to pause or skip shipments because I never seem to be able to estimate precisely how much I will need at any given time. I have also invested in an additional stand-alone freezer to accommodate my own needs and my dogs’ freezer space. This is something every pet parent needs to consider before switching to a frozen raw food diet. But I will say that the smaller pre-packaged portions are extremely helpful for storage, whereas the Viva Raw packaging is larger and more difficult to store.

Viva Raw Simplicity

Viva Raw focuses less on customization and more on straightforward purchasing with fewer decisions to make. 

This method works well for some households, while others prefer more long-term flexibility.

Pricing and Overall Value

Cost matters to most people, and raw food is typically more expensive than traditional kibble.

We Feed Raw’s pricing depends on:

• Dog size and calorie needs
• Recipe selection
• Frequency of deliveries
• Portion requirements

You will pay a premium price for We Feed Raw’s wider variety and customization options. Those features can make it feel worthwhile, as they support long-term feeding without requiring a change in brands.

Viva Raw pricing also commands a premium price. Like We Feed Raw, you are paying for ingredient quality, safe formulation, and frozen convenience. However, Viva Raw has a smaller recipe lineup overall.

If you’re like me and your pets are family, you won’t mind paying a premium for higher-quality pet food.

Packaging, Shipping, and Convenience

Both brands help you avoid preparing raw meals at home by shipping frozen meals directly to customers. As mentioned, adequate freezer storage is required.

Preparation differs: We Feed Raw meals are typically shipped as pre-portioned patties. At the same time, Viva Raw often arrives in larger 1-lb frozen bricks that may require more measuring or portioning at mealtime. I like the pre-portioned patties because they save time on preparation and prevent waste.

Both companies offer:

• Safe temperature maintenance during shipping
• The convenience of not having to prepare homemade raw meals
• Insulated frozen packaging

Pet parents should plan on sacrificing some freezer space, especially for larger dogs.

Pros and Cons of We Feed Raw

Pros

• Wide variety of protein options
• Strong meal plan flexibility
• Easy to provide rotational feeding
• Routine safety testing and oversight
• No recalls ever
• High-Pressure Processing (HPP) is used for all food.

Cons

• Premium cost
• Requires freezer space
• Some owners may feel overwhelmed by too many recipe choices (which can be rectified if you use their personalization quiz)

Pros and Cons of Viva Raw

Pros

• Simple formulas
• Transparent small-batch emphasis

Cons

• Fewer protein choices than We Feed Raw
• Less customization for meal plans
• Requires freezer storage
• Does not use High-Pressure Processing (HPP) on all food
• They have had multiple recalls

Which Brand Is Best for Different Dogs?

Both brands are high-quality, but We Feed Raw may be a better fit for a broader range of dogs and pet parents. Those who want flexibility and variety would prefer We Feed Raw.

We Feed Raw May Be Best For:

• Picky eaters
• Multi-dog households
• Owners who value customizable delivery schedules
• Dogs that do well on protein rotation

Viva Raw May Be Best For:

• Pet parents wanting simple ingredient profiles

How to Choose Between We Feed Raw and Viva Raw

There’s no question that both brands offer high-quality raw dog food. However, We Feed Raw stands out as the brand with more options and a more reliable safety profile. Their most significant advantage is the wide variety of proteins and the flexibility of ordering, which makes it easier to tailor meals, rotate recipes, and adjust deliveries over time. Those features are especially important to me. For a household with a picky dog or for pet parents who value long-term convenience, the stronger overall choice is We Feed Raw.

Viva Raw is a perfectly reasonable alternative, especially for dogs who need simplified formulas, but its offerings may feel more limited in terms of rotation and customization.

In most cases:

• I recommend We Feed Raw for adaptability, flexibility, and variety.
• Choose Viva Raw if you prefer a more streamlined, minimal-ingredient approach.

Final Verdict: We Feed Raw vs Viva Raw

Both brands are strong contenders in the raw dog food delivery space. They offer frozen, protein-rich meals made with high-quality ingredients and produced in accordance with strict safety standards.

However, We Feed Raw comes out ahead as the more versatile and practical choice for most pet parents, thanks to its strong track record of safety and trust, wider recipe selection, flexible delivery options, and rotation-friendly approach.

Viva Raw may be a good option for pet parents who need simplicity. But when safety, choice, convenience, and adaptability are priorities, We Feed Raw stands out to me.