Dr. Marty Dog Food Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Freeze-dried dog food often promises the taste and nutritional appeal of raw ingredients without the inconvenience of storing frozen meals. It also costs much more than standard kibble, which raises a fair question: Is Dr Marty dog food worth buying?

The brand’s best-known recipe, Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness, combines several meats, organs, seeds, vegetables, and fruits in a freeze-dried formula. It has a strong protein and fat profile and may appeal to picky dogs. However, its calorie density, multiple animal proteins, raw-food handling concerns, and premium price mean it will not suit every household or every dog.

At a Glance: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is a calorie-dense, freeze-dried raw food made with turkey, beef, salmon, duck, organs, fruits, and vegetables. It provides 37% minimum protein, 27% minimum fat, and 256 calories per cup. It may suit healthy adult dogs and picky eaters, but dogs with medical conditions or food sensitivities should receive veterinary guidance.

What Is Dr Marty Dog Food?

Dr. Marty Pets produces freeze-dried raw dog food, treats, supplements, and related pet products. Its flagship food is Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness, which the company markets for healthy adult dogs.

Unlike kibble, which is typically cooked and formed into dry pieces, Dr Marty freeze dried dog food is made by removing moisture from raw ingredients at low temperatures. The finished food can be served dry or mixed with warm water.

The manufacturer recommends combining food and water at a ratio of two parts food to one part water, then allowing it to soak for about three minutes. The company also states that dogs can eat the product dry when they prefer that texture.

The Nature’s Blend range also includes recipes for puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, dogs with sensitivities, and dogs needing skin and coat support. Product ingredients and nutritional values differ, so this review focuses mainly on Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness.

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Ingredients

The first ingredients in the Essential Wellness recipe are turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver, turkey liver, and turkey heart.

The full ingredient list also includes flaxseed, sweet potato, egg, pea protein, apple, blueberry, carrot, cranberry, pumpkin seed, spinach, dried kelp, ginger, sunflower seed, broccoli, kale, and mixed tocopherols as a preservative.

This recipe uses several whole-animal protein sources instead of relying on one meat. Organ meats such as liver and heart naturally provide protein and several vitamins and minerals. Salmon and flaxseed contribute fat, including omega fatty acids.

However, a long list of appealing ingredients does not prove that a food is ideal for every dog. WSAVA warns that ingredient lists do not show ingredient quality, digestibility, nutrient balance, or the manufacturer’s level of nutrition research. Owners should also examine the nutritional adequacy statement, quality-control practices, formulation expertise, calorie content, and suitability for the individual dog.

Dogs with confirmed allergies to beef, turkey, duck, egg, or fish may find this multi-protein recipe difficult to use. When a dog needs an elimination diet, veterinarians usually choose a tightly controlled formula rather than food containing several animal proteins.

Guaranteed Analysis and Calories

The manufacturer currently lists the following values for Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness:

These figures show that the food is high in protein and fat compared with many conventional adult dog foods. The low moisture level also makes each cup calorie-dense.

This can be useful for active dogs or pets that struggle to eat enough food. However, it may be less suitable for overweight dogs or dogs that require a low-fat diet.

A dog with pancreatitis, a history of fat intolerance, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or another medical condition should not begin a rich freeze-dried diet without veterinary approval.

Do not compare this food directly with canned food using only the percentages printed on each label. The FDA explains that foods with very different moisture levels should be compared on a dry-matter basis for a meaningful nutrient comparison.

Is Dr Marty Dog Food Complete and Balanced?

A food used as the dog’s entire daily diet should carry a nutritional adequacy statement for the correct life stage.

The FDA explains that a product described as “complete and balanced” must meet an AAFCO nutrient profile or pass a feeding trial using AAFCO procedures. Adult maintenance and growth or reproduction have different nutritional standards.

Before purchasing Dr Marty Nature’s Blend dog food, check the statement printed on the current package. Make sure it specifies complete and balanced nutrition for your dog’s life stage.

Do not assume the adult Essential Wellness recipe is appropriate for a puppy. The company sells a separate Healthy Growth formula designed for puppies, while Active Vitality is positioned for dogs aged seven and older.

The nutritional adequacy statement matters more than promotional phrases such as “premium,” “natural,” or “whole food.”

Potential Benefits

Strong Appeal for Picky Dogs

The combination of meat, fish, organs, and a concentrated aroma may appeal to dogs that regularly refuse dry kibble.

Rehydrating the food with warm water can increase its smell and create a softer texture. This may help certain senior dogs or dogs that prefer moist meals, provided they can safely eat the recipe.

Palatability is not guaranteed. Every dog has different preferences, so avoid purchasing a large supply before confirming that your dog accepts it.

High Animal-Protein Content

The recipe begins with several named meats and organ ingredients. Its guaranteed analysis lists 37% minimum crude protein.

Protein supports muscles, organs, skin, coat, enzymes, hormones, and many other body functions. Still, more protein is not automatically better for every dog. The complete amino acid balance, digestibility, calories, health status, and total diet matter.

Flexible Serving Options

The food can be fed as a complete meal, mixed with another food, or used as a topper, provided calories and nutrient balance are managed correctly.

Using it as a topper may make the product more affordable. Replace part of the regular food instead of simply adding Nature’s Blend on top, which could lead to overfeeding. The manufacturer also recommends reducing the existing food when combining the two diets.

Convenient Storage

Freeze-dried food is lighter and easier to store than frozen raw food. It does not require freezer space before opening and can be portioned quickly.

Once rehydrated, however, it should be treated like moist food. Discard leftovers that remain at room temperature too long and wash the bowl after feeding.

Possible Drawbacks

It Can Be Expensive

Dr Marty dog food costs considerably more per pound than most kibble. Large dogs may consume several cups daily, making full-time feeding difficult for budget-conscious households.

Calculate the daily cost using your dog’s recommended portion rather than comparing only the price of one bag. A smaller bag may disappear quickly when feeding a medium or large dog.

Using the food as a measured topper may offer a more manageable option, but it will not provide the same nutritional contribution as feeding it as the entire meal.

It Is Calorie-Dense

At 256 calories per cup, portions can look smaller than the dog’s previous meal.

Owners may accidentally overfeed because the bowl does not look full. Weigh or measure portions carefully and monitor body weight, waist shape, and rib coverage.

Feeding recommendations are starting points. Age, neuter status, activity, health, treats, and metabolism affect how much each dog needs.

Multiple Proteins Complicate Allergy Testing

Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, egg, and several organ ingredients make the recipe varied, but that variety can create problems for dogs with suspected food allergies.

A dog that reacts to the food may be exposed to several possible triggers at once. Dogs undergoing veterinary elimination trials should eat only the prescribed diet and approved treats.

Raw-Food Safety Requires Attention

Freeze-drying removes moisture but should not be treated as a substitute for safe food handling.

The AVMA notes that raw or undercooked animal proteins may carry disease-causing organisms that can affect pets and people. Raw-fed animals may also shed organisms without appearing sick.

Wash your hands after handling the food, clean preparation surfaces, wash bowls after meals, and keep the product away from small children or immunocompromised family members.

The risks deserve extra consideration in households with pregnant people, older adults, young children, or anyone with reduced immune function.

How to Transition Your Dog

A sudden food change may cause vomiting, gas, or diarrhea. Dr. Marty’s published transition plan introduces Nature’s Blend over ten days:

• Days 1 to 3: 25% Nature’s Blend

• Days 4 to 6: 50% Nature’s Blend

• Days 7 to 9: 75% Nature’s Blend

• Day 10: 100% Nature’s Blend

Dogs with sensitive digestion may need a slower transition.

The company’s guide describes some early digestive upset as “detoxing,” but this marketing term should not be used to dismiss persistent symptoms. Vomiting and diarrhea can indicate intolerance, infection, pancreatitis, dietary excess, or another health problem.

Contact your veterinarian if symptoms are severe, continue beyond a brief adjustment period, contain blood, or occur with weakness, pain, dehydration, or refusal to eat.

Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Worth It?

Dr Marty dog food may be worth considering for healthy adult dogs that enjoy meat-rich food, tolerate higher fat levels, and need a highly palatable freeze-dried option.

It is less appealing for households that need a low-cost staple food, dogs requiring a single protein, dogs on low-fat veterinary diets, or owners uncomfortable handling freeze-dried raw products.

The strongest reasons to buy it are palatability, named animal ingredients, high protein, convenient storage, and serving flexibility. The main drawbacks are price, calorie density, multiple proteins, and raw-food hygiene concerns.

Before committing, check the current adequacy statement, calculate the daily feeding cost, and review the recipe with your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Good for Dogs?

It may suit healthy dogs that tolerate its ingredients and fat level. Whether it is a good choice depends on life stage, calorie needs, health conditions, food sensitivities, and the nutritional adequacy statement on the current package.

Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Raw?

Nature’s Blend is marketed as freeze-dried raw dog food. Freeze-drying removes moisture at low temperatures, but owners should still follow safe raw-food handling practices.

Does Dr. Marty Dog Food Need Water?

It can be served dry, but the manufacturer recommends adding warm water at a ratio of two parts food to one part water and soaking it for about three minutes.

Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Good for Puppies?

The adult Essential Wellness recipe should not automatically be used for puppies. The brand offers a separate Healthy Growth puppy formula. Check the nutritional adequacy statement and ask your veterinarian before feeding it during growth.

Can Dr. Marty Dog Food Be Used as a Topper?

Yes. Replace part of the current food with a measured amount of Nature’s Blend instead of adding it as extra calories. Keep the main diet complete and balanced and monitor your dog’s weight.