I still remember the guilt I felt every time I poured those dry, brown pebbles into my dog’s bowl. You know the ones—the “burnt cereal” kibble that has been sitting in a warehouse for six months. I would watch my dog, Buster, sigh and reluctantly crunch through it, looking at me as if to say, “Is this really it?”
If you have been online recently, you have definitely seen the ads. A kindly older veterinarian, Dr. Marty Goldstein, talking about the “silent epidemic” in dogs and promising that his freeze-dried raw food, Nature’s Blend, is the key to longevity. It sounds amazing, but then you see the price tag, and your wallet screams.
I was skeptical. Is this just fancy marketing for expensive jerky? Or is it actually a life-changing diet? I decided to bite the bullet (and the credit card bill) to find out.
I ordered the “Nature’s Blend – Essential Wellness” to see if it lived up to the hype. In this review, I’ll walk you through my honest experience—from the smell and texture to the actual changes I saw in my dog—so you can decide if it’s worth the investment. You can buy it directly from the Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend website or check for deals on Amazon.
My Experience With Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
Buster is a seven-year-old rescue mix who has mastered the art of being a picky eater.
He would routinely spit out “premium” kibble brands.
When the Dr. Marty bag arrived, the first thing I noticed was how light it was.
16 ounces doesn’t feel like a lot of food when you are used to lugging around 40-pound bags of kibble.
I opened the bag and was hit by a very distinct smell.
It doesn’t smell like dog food; it smells like a farm. It’s an earthy, raw meat scent that is a bit intense for human noses but apparently intoxicating for dogs.
The food itself looks like small, irregular nuggets of freeze-dried meat, not uniform factory pellets.
Following the instructions, I crumbled the nuggets into his bowl and added warm water. This is the “ritual” part. You have to wait about three minutes for the food to rehydrate. It turns into a sort of wet, meaty stew. When I put the bowl down, Buster didn’t just eat it; he inhaled it. He licked the bowl clean and then pushed it around the kitchen looking for more.
Over the next month, I fed him Nature’s Blend exclusively to test the results. The changes were subtle at first, but noticeable. The “doggy breath” that could peel paint off the walls improved significantly. His poop became smaller and less frequent—a sign that he was actually digesting the nutrients rather than just passing fillers.
By week three, the most surprising change was his energy. At seven, he had started slowing down, but he began bringing me his ball again in the evenings. His coat, which was usually coarse, felt softer. The food definitely works. However, the cost is a serious reality check. Feeding a 50-pound dog this diet exclusively is incredibly expensive. I eventually switched to using it as a “topper” mixed with high-quality kibble to balance the benefits with my budget.
Also read: My Thoughts On Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Pros Of Dr. Marty Dog Food
- Incredible Palatability For Picky Eaters: If you have a dog that turns their nose up at everything, this is your solution. The freeze-drying process locks in the aroma of real meat (turkey, beef, salmon, and duck). Because it hasn’t been cooked to death at high temperatures like kibble, it retains a flavor profile that drives dogs crazy. I have yet to meet a dog that refuses to eat this, even dry.
- Actual Raw Nutrition Without The Freezer Mess: Feeding a raw diet usually involves defrosting bloody chubs of meat in your fridge and worrying about salmonella on your countertops. Dr. Marty’s offers the nutritional benefits of raw (enzymes, unaltered proteins) in a shelf-stable format. You can keep the bag in your pantry, making it perfect for people who want the benefits of raw feeding but lack the freezer space or time for prep.
- Digestive Health Improvements: One of the most consistent reports from users, including myself, is the improvement in digestion. Because the formula is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial fillers, dogs with sensitive stomachs tend to thrive on it. You will likely notice smaller, firmer stools because the dog is absorbing more of the food. It is cleaner fuel for their system.
- High-Quality Sourcing: The ingredient list is impressive. The first ingredients are named meats (Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck) and organs (Beef Liver, Turkey Heart). There is no “meat meal” or vague “animal by-product.” The inclusion of superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and ginger provides natural antioxidants. It feels like real food because it is real food.
- Versatility In Feeding: You don’t have to go “all or nothing.” While the bag recommends full feeding, the nuggets are soft enough to be crumbled easily. This makes it an excellent high-value training treat or a meal topper. Using it to boost the nutrition of a cheaper base diet is a popular strategy that makes the bag last much longer while still giving your dog a health boost.
Cons Of Dr. Marty Dog Food
- The Price Is Astronomically High: There is no sugarcoating this. Dr. Marty’s is one of the most expensive dog foods on the market. A 16oz bag costs around $30-$60 depending on the deal you find. For a medium-to-large dog, you could easily burn through a bag in two days if you feed it as a sole diet. It is priced like a luxury item, which makes it unsustainable for many pet owners as a primary food source.
- The Bags Are Tiny: Related to the price, the packaging size is frustrating. The standard bag is only 16 ounces. If you have a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd, opening a new bag feels like opening a bag of potato chips—it’s gone instantly. There are no bulk 20lb options available that offer significant savings, which forces you to buy dozens of small bags.
- Texture Can Be Inconsistent (The “Dust” Issue): Because freeze-dried food is brittle, shipping can be rough on it. Some bags arrive with perfect nuggets, while others have a lot of crushed powder at the bottom. While the “dust” is still nutritious and can be mixed with water, it’s annoying to pay a premium price for what looks like crumbs.
- Preparation Time Required: It is not as simple as scoop-and-go. To get the maximum benefit and digestibility, you really should rehydrate it with warm water and let it sit for 3 minutes. On a busy morning when you are rushing to work, this extra step can feel like a hassle. If you don’t rehydrate it, you must ensure your dog drinks a lot of water, or they can get dehydrated.
- Strong Smell: While dogs love it, the smell is potent. When you add warm water, the aroma of organ meat fills the kitchen. It is much stronger than kibble or canned food. If you have a sensitive nose or a small apartment, you might find the “wet dog food” smell lingering longer than you’d like.
Maintenance & Feeding Tips
- Start With A Slow Transition: Even though this is high-quality food, you cannot just switch your dog overnight. The richness of the organ meats can cause diarrhea if introduced too fast. Start by mixing 25% Dr. Marty with 75% of their old food, and gradually increase the ratio over 10 days. This allows their gut biome to adjust to the higher protein content.
- Use It As A “Mix-In” To Save Money: If the cost is prohibitive, don’t feel like you can’t use it at all. I found that crumbling just a few nuggets over Buster’s regular kibble and adding a splash of water created a “gravy” that made him eat his dinner with gusto. You get some of the nutritional benefits and the palatability without the $300/month bill.
- Store In A Cool, Dry Place: Moisture is the enemy of freeze-dried food. If humidity gets into the bag, the food can spoil or grow mold. Always seal the bag tightly after use. If you live in a very humid climate, consider transferring the nuggets to an airtight glass jar or plastic container with a silica gel packet to keep them crisp.
- Rehydrate With Bone Broth: To supercharge the meal, instead of using plain water to rehydrate the nuggets, use unsalted beef or chicken bone broth. This adds extra collagen and hydration, which is fantastic for older dogs with stiff joints. Just make sure the broth is onion-free and dog-safe.
- Crush For Seniors: If you have an elderly dog with dental issues or missing teeth, this food is excellent because it is soft. You can crush the nuggets into a fine powder with your fingers before adding water, creating a soft mash or pate consistency that requires zero chewing.
Comparison with Other Brands
- Dr. Marty vs. Badlands Ranch:Badlands Ranch is the direct competitor, founded by actress Katherine Heigl. Their “Superfood Complete” is air-dried rather than freeze-dried. Air-drying cooks the food “low and slow,” resulting in a jerky-like texture that is harder and chewy. Dr. Marty is freeze-dried, making it softer and more crumbly. Both are incredibly expensive and nutritionally similar, but Dr. Marty is easier for seniors to chew, while Badlands might be better for dogs who like to chew their food.
- Dr. Marty vs. Stella & Chewy’s:Stella & Chewy’s is the veteran in this space. They offer freeze-dried raw dinner patties that are widely available in local pet stores. The biggest difference is availability and price. You can usually find Stella & Chewy’s cheaper per ounce, and you don’t have to order it online. Dr. Marty includes unique ingredients like glandulars (heart, liver) in a specific ratio that he claims is superior, but Stella & Chewy’s is a more accessible entry point into raw feeding.
- Dr. Marty vs. The Farmer’s Dog:The Farmer’s Dog is fresh frozen food delivered to your door. It is like human food (chicken and veggies) that is cooked and frozen. It requires freezer space and thawing. Dr. Marty is shelf-stable. If you travel with your dog or forget to defrost dinner, Dr. Marty wins on convenience. However, The Farmer’s Dog looks more like “real food” to humans, whereas Dr. Marty looks like nuggets.
- Dr. Marty vs. Orijen (Premium Kibble):Orijen is arguably the best kibble on the market. It is high protein and grain-free, but it is still a cooked, processed pellet. Dr. Marty is raw. The theory is that raw preserves delicate enzymes that cooking destroys. If you want the absolute highest bio-availability, Dr. Marty wins. If you want convenience and a lower price point while still feeding quality, Orijen is the better middle ground.
Read more: My Thoughts On Merrick Dog Food
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There have been consumer complaints and class action inquiries, but they generally revolve around marketing and subscription practices, not food safety. Many users have complained to the BBB about difficulty canceling “auto-ship” subscriptions or unexpected charges. There are no major recalls or lawsuits regarding the food killing dogs or being toxic. It is vital to manage your subscription carefully if you sign up.
Nutrition-wise, yes. It is significantly higher in quality protein and lower in carbohydrates than standard kibble. The “prey model” approach (meat + organs + bone) is widely accepted by holistic vets as optimal for dogs. The inclusion of organ meats provides natural vitamins that synthetic additives can’t fully replicate.
This is mixed. Dr. Marty Goldstein is a veterinarian, and many holistic/integrative vets support raw, freeze-dried diets. However, traditional vets who strictly follow WSAVA guidelines (which prioritize extensive feeding trials) may be skeptical of boutique raw brands. They might prefer established prescription diets. You will find that holistic vets love it, while conventional vets might caution you about the lack of long-term clinical studies.
No, and that is its biggest advantage over fresh raw food. Because it is freeze-dried (moisture removed), it is shelf-stable in the bag. You do not need to put it in the fridge or freezer until you rehydrate it. Once you add water, any leftovers must be refrigerated and treated like fresh meat.
Conclusion
So, is Dr. Marty Dog Food worth it? If you have the budget, absolutely. It is one of the highest-quality, most convenient ways to feed a raw diet without the mess. It can transform a picky eater into a chow-hound and breathe new life into senior dogs.
However, for most of us, the price is a barrier. The smartest way to use it is as a supplement—mix it with your current food to upgrade your dog’s nutrition without going broke. You can check the latest offers on the Dr. Marty Official Site or see if there is a discount on Amazon.