Choosing the right food for our dogs often feels like navigating a minefield of marketing buzzwords, confusing ingredient labels, and guilt. I have stood in that pet store aisle for hours, analyzing bags until my eyes crossed, just wanting to know if I am making a choice that will help my dog live a longer, happier life.
BIXBI has recently caught the attention of many of us looking for that sweet spot between ultra-premium raw diets and convenient dry kibble.
If you are a pet parent who values ingredient transparency and wants the benefits of fresh meat without the hassle of a fully raw freezer routine, BIXBI is a strong contender for your pantry. It is particularly well-suited for dogs with sensitive stomachs or specific poultry allergies, thanks to their limited ingredient philosophy.
My Experience With BIXBI Dog Food
My journey with BIXBI began out of pure desperation.
I have a rescue mix named Barnaby who is the definition of “digestively dramatic.”
For years, we cycled through the big-name premium brands, the vet-recommended science diets, and even a brief, messy stint with home-cooking.
Nothing seemed to stick.
His coat was lackluster, his energy was inconsistent, and cleaning up the backyard was a daily exercise in holding my breath.
I stumbled upon BIXBI while looking for a “fresh meat” alternative that wouldn’t bankrupt me or require a second freezer.
I decided to try the BIXBI Liberty Game Bird Feast, hoping the novel protein would settle Barnaby’s system. The first thing I noticed when I opened the bag was the smell. It didn’t have that overwhelming, greasy “dog food” odor that clings to your clothes. It smelled more like… actual food. It was earthy and meaty, which was my first clue that the “fresh meat” claim on the bag wasn’t just marketing fluff.
The transition was surprisingly smooth. usually, even a slow introduction of new food would trigger a week of upset stomach for Barnaby. With BIXBI, I mixed it in over seven days, and his digestion actually improved during the switch. The kibble size was small and manageable, and the texture seemed crunchier and less oily than what we were used to. Barnaby, who often turned his nose up at breakfast, began doing a little tap-dance routine whenever I walked towards the food bin.
After about a month of feeding BIXBI exclusively, the changes were undeniable. The most significant difference was in the backyard—his stool was smaller, firmer, and much less frequent, which is a clear sign that he was actually absorbing the nutrients rather than just passing fillers. His coat, which had always been a bit coarse and prone to dandruff, started to soften and shine. Even our vet noticed the difference at his annual check-up, commenting on his weight maintenance and muscle tone.
What really sold me, however, wasn’t just the physical changes, but the peace of mind. Reading the ingredient list felt like reading a recipe, not a chemistry experiment. I wasn’t constantly worrying about hidden meals or ambiguous “animal by-products.” It felt like I was finally feeding him something that respected his biology. While it is certainly more expensive than the grocery store brands we started with, the reduction in vet visits for tummy troubles and the visible joy in Barnaby’s daily routine made it an investment I was happy to continue
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Pros Of BIXBI Dog Food
- Fresh Meat is Always the First Ingredient: One of the most significant advantages of BIXBI is their commitment to using fresh meat rather than meat meals as the primary protein source. Meat meals, often found in other “premium” brands, are highly processed rendered products that can vary wildly in quality. BIXBI uses whole chicken, beef, lamb, or trout, which means the protein your dog is getting is less processed and retains more of its natural amino acids. This philosophy mirrors the human trend toward “whole foods,” ensuring that the foundational block of your dog’s diet is a recognizable, high-quality cut of meat rather than a dehydrated powder.
- Exceptional Digestibility Ratings: The company boasts a digestibility rating averaging over 90% for their proteins, which is a massive pro for dogs with sensitive systems. When food is highly digestible, your dog’s body can efficiently extract the nutrients it needs, leading to less waste production. This high absorption rate explains why many users, myself included, report smaller and firmer stools after switching. It means you aren’t paying for expensive fillers that just pass right through your dog; you are paying for nutrition that actually gets used by their body to build muscle and maintain energy.
- No “Bad” Fillers or Mystery Ingredients: You will not find corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives in BIXBI recipes. These ingredients are common allergens and are often used as cheap bulking agents in lower-quality foods. By excluding them, BIXBI minimizes the risk of triggering common food sensitivities. Furthermore, they do not use “digest” or unnamed animal fats, which are vague terms used by manufacturers to hide low-quality ingredients. The transparency of the label allows you to know exactly what you are putting in your dog’s bowl, which is crucial for owners managing elimination diets.
- Variety of Formulations (Liberty vs. Rawbble): BIXBI offers flexibility through its two main lines, Liberty and Rawbble. Liberty is their fresh-meat accessible line that includes grains or grain-free options, making it a great entry point for most pet owners. Rawbble takes it a step further with freeze-dried raw coated kibble and fully freeze-dried options. This tiered approach allows you to feed a “raw-inspired” diet at a price point that fits your budget, or mix and match products to add variety to your dog’s meals without switching brands entirely.
- Sourced and Made in the USA: For many of us, the origin of our pet’s food is a major safety concern. BIXBI sources the vast majority of their ingredients from the USA and manufactures their products in domestic facilities. This supply chain control reduces the risk of contamination that has plagued brands sourcing heavily from overseas. Knowing that the chicken was raised in the US and the manufacturing happens under US safety standards provides a layer of security that is worth the extra cost for many pet parents.
Cons Of BIXBI Dog Food
- Higher Price Point Compared to Standard Kibble: There is no getting around the fact that BIXBI is a premium product with a premium price tag. Because they use fresh meat and avoid cheap fillers like corn and soy, the cost per pound is significantly higher than grocery store brands and even some other pet store staples. For owners of large breeds or multiple dogs, feeding BIXBI exclusively can become a substantial monthly expense. While the nutritional density means you might feed slightly less volume, the sticker price can still be a shock for budget-conscious families.
- Kibble Size May Be Too Small for Giant Breeds: The kibble in both the Liberty and Rawbble lines tends to be on the smaller side. While this is fantastic for small to medium dogs who might struggle with large chunks, it can be a downside for giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs. Some large dogs who are “gulpers” might swallow the small kibble whole without chewing, which can lead to faster eating and potential digestive upset or choking hazards. If you have a giant dog, you might need to use a slow-feeder bowl to ensure they take their time with the smaller pieces.
- Limited Availability in Local Stores: Unlike the massive heritage brands that you can find at every gas station and supermarket, BIXBI is typically found in specialized boutique pet stores or major online retailers. This means you cannot just run out at 9 PM on a Tuesday to grab a bag if you accidentally run out. You need to be proactive about your inventory or set up an auto-ship subscription. For people who prefer shopping in-person at big-box general stores, this limited distribution can be a logistical inconvenience.
- Transition Period Can Cause Temporary Stomach Upset: Because BIXBI is rich in fresh meat and lacks the fibrous fillers some dogs are used to, the transition period is critical. Some dogs, especially those switching from very low-quality food, might experience loose stools or gas for the first week as their gut microbiome adjusts to the richer, higher-protein diet. This isn’t necessarily a fault of the food, but it is a “con” in the sense that it requires patience and a slow, measured transition process that some owners might find frustrating if they are expecting an overnight miracle.
Maintenance Tips For BIXBI Dog Food
- Proper Storage is Non-Negotiable: Because BIXBI uses natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) instead of potent artificial chemicals, the shelf life once opened is shorter than cheap kibble. You must store the food in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. I highly recommend keeping the food in its original bag and placing that bag inside an airtight container. The original bag is designed to block moisture and oils from seeping out, while the container adds an extra barrier against pests and air. Do not pour the kibble directly into a plastic bin, as residual fats can settle in the scratches of the plastic and turn rancid over time, contaminating fresh batches.
- Hydration is Key, Especially for Freeze-Dried: If you are feeding the Rawbble freeze-dried formulas or even the dry kibble, ensuring your dog stays hydrated is massive. Dry food has very low moisture content (around 10%), whereas a natural ancestral diet would be around 70% water. I suggest adding a splash of warm water or bone broth to the kibble right before serving. This not only increases palatability by releasing the meaty aromas but also helps your dog process the protein more efficiently and protects kidney health in the long run.
- Rotate Proteins to Prevent Sensitivities: One of the best ways to maintain your dog’s health on BIXBI is to utilize their variety of proteins. Feeding the same protein (like chicken) every single day for years can sometimes lead to the development of intolerance or allergies. BIXBI makes this easy with their Liberty line having Beef, Lamb, and Fisherman’s Catch options. I recommend rotating the flavor every bag or two. Since the base formulation is consistent, most dogs can handle a flavor switch within the same brand without the need for a long, drawn-out transition period, keeping their gut robust and their interest in food high.
- Hygiene Habits for Rawbble Products: If you choose the freeze-dried options, you need to treat the food with the same safety respect you would give raw meat in your kitchen. While freeze-drying reduces pathogens, it is still a raw product. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the food, and wash your dog’s bowl with hot, soapy water after every meal. This prevents the buildup of bacteria that could be harmful to humans in the household, especially children or immunocompromised individuals. It is a small maintenance step that ensures everyone in the house stays safe.
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Comparison with Other Brands
BIXBI vs. Orijen and Acana
Orijen and Acana are the titans of the “biologically appropriate” dog food world, and they are the brands most often compared to BIXBI. The primary difference lies in the formulation philosophy regarding “fresh meat” versus “meat meals.” Orijen and Acana use a “WholePrey” approach, which includes a very high ratio of organ meats, cartilage, and bone, often resulting in extremely high protein percentages (sometimes 38%+).
BIXBI, specifically the Liberty line, tends to have more moderate protein levels (around 27-30%) which can be better for dogs who aren’t working athletes. While Orijen is fantastic, it is also incredibly rich, and I have seen many regular house dogs get loose stools because the richness is just too much for their sedentary lifestyle. BIXBI strikes a balance: it offers the fresh meat benefits and quality sourcing of these giants but in a formulation that is often easier on the average dog’s stomach and slightly lighter on the wallet. If Orijen is the “Ferrari” of dog foods, BIXBI is the reliable, high-performance “Volvo”—safe, high quality, but perhaps less aggressive.
BIXBI vs. Dr. Marty
Dr. Marty is a massive name in the freeze-dried raw space, largely due to aggressive marketing and celebrity associations. When you compare BIXBI’s Rawbble freeze-dried to Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend, the similarities are strong—both are freeze-dried raw diets aimed at maximum nutrition preservation. However, the price difference can be stark. BIXBI Rawbble is often more accessible in terms of cost per ounce and is available in more retail channels.
Dr. Marty’s food is excellent, but it is exclusively a freeze-dried product. BIXBI offers a bridge. You can feed BIXBI Liberty (kibble) and top it with BIXBI Rawbble (freeze-dried) to get the benefits of raw without the astronomical cost of feeding a 100% Dr. Marty diet. BIXBI feels like a more versatile brand for the average pet owner who wants to mix-and-match textures and price points, whereas Dr. Marty is an all-or-nothing commitment to the freeze-dried lifestyle.
BIXBI vs. The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen is famous for its “dehydrated” food, which is a powder you mix with water. BIXBI’s main focus is dry kibble and freeze-dried pieces. The difference here is mostly about convenience and texture. The Honest Kitchen requires preparation time—you must mix it and wait for it to rehydrate, resulting in a oatmeal-like consistency. BIXBI Rawbble or Liberty is ready to eat right out of the bag (though adding water is recommended, it’s not mandatory for texture).
For picky eaters who dislike mushy textures, BIXBI is the clear winner. The crunch of the kibble or the solid chunks of the freeze-dried food is often more appealing to dogs than the slurry texture of dehydrated food. However, if your dog has dental issues and needs soft food, The Honest Kitchen might have the edge. But for the busy owner who wants high quality “scoop and serve” convenience, BIXBI wins on ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, BIXBI is widely considered a high-quality, premium dog food. Its emphasis on fresh meat as the first ingredient, lack of meat meals, and exclusion of fillers like soy, corn, and wheat place it significantly above standard grocery store brands. The high digestibility and US-based manufacturing further add to its reputation as a safe and nutritious choice for dogs.
There is no single “number one” food because every dog is different, but fresh-frozen or freeze-dried raw diets are generally considered the “healthiest” category by nutritionists due to minimal processing. Brands that prioritize human-grade ingredients and minimal thermal processing, like The Farmer’s Dog (fresh-frozen) or high-end freeze-dried options (like BIXBI Rawbble or Orijen), usually top the lists for nutritional density.
BIXBI is an independent, family-owned company based in Boulder, Colorado. Their kibble products, including the Liberty line, are manufactured in the USA, often linked to partnerships with family-run manufacturing facilities such as Barrett Petfood Innovations in Minnesota, which is known for its high standards and farm-to-table approach to sourcing ingredients.
Oprah Winfrey has been long associated with Dr. Marty Goldstein, a veterinarian who frequently appeared on her show. While she has explored various options over the years, she is strongly linked to endorsing Dr. Marty’s approach to pet nutrition. Consequently, many sources suggest she feeds her dogs Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend, a premium freeze-dried raw dog food designed to mimic an ancestral diet.
Conclusion
After analyzing the ingredients, seeing the results in my own dog, and comparing the market, I believe BIXBI is absolutely worth the investment. It bridges the gap between convenience and raw nutrition better than almost any other brand on the shelf.
If you are ready to ditch the mystery meat meals and give your dog a diet that prioritizes digestibility and fresh protein, BIXBI is the upgrade you have been looking for.