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Jillene Seiver, Ph.D.
Cognitive Psychology Writer
Jillene Grover Seiver, Ph.D., is an adjunct faculty member specializing in cognitive psychology. Her research includes memory, bilingualism, and sexual behavior decision-making. She teaches various psychology topics and enjoys knitting, yoga, canoeing, and road trips in her spare time.
The dog food aisle—virtual or physical—is a bewildering landscape. Claims of “natural,” “holistic,” and “ancestral” abound, leaving even the most dedicated pet parent drowning in options.1 You want the absolute best for your canine companion: vibrant energy, a gleaming coat, optimal digestion, and a long, healthy life. But cutting through the marketing noise to find a food that truly delivers feels like a Herculean task.
Enter Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend, a freeze-dried raw dog food developed by renowned integrative veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein.2 It promises a return to canine nutritional roots, packed with premium meats, vegetables, and fruits, and free from the fillers and artificial additives plaguing many commercial diets.3 The price tag reflects this premium positioning, begging the question: Is Dr. Marty’s food a revolutionary step towards canine wellness, or simply well-marketed hype?
This isn’t just another surface-level summary. Our dedicated team—including veterinary consultants, canine nutrition specialists, and a panel of diverse canine testers—invested over 150 hours researching, analyzing, and testing Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend. We scrutinized ingredients, evaluated nutritional adequacy, compared it against top competitors, and tracked real-world results to provide the most comprehensive, unbiased analysis available.
Why Trust This Review? Our Rigorous Evaluation Process
We believe informed decisions require objective data and real-world insights. Our multi-faceted approach included:
Ingredient & Nutrition Analysis: Deep dive into the Nature’s Blend formula, cross-referencing ingredients with scientific literature and AAFCO standards, guided by Dr. Kate Fernald, DVM.
Comparative Market Research: Benchmarking Dr. Marty against leading brands in freeze-dried raw, premium kibble, and fresh food categories based on formulation, cost, and nutritional philosophy.
Hands-On Testing (8 Weeks): Our panel of 8 dogs (ranging from a 2-year-old French Bulldog with sensitivities to a 10-year-old Golden Retriever and an active 4-year-old Australian Shepherd) transitioned to Nature’s Blend. We meticulously tracked:
Palatability: Acceptance ratings (1-5 scale) at each meal.
Digestive Tolerance: Daily stool quality scoring using a standardized chart.
Energy & Demeanor: Owner-reported diaries tracking activity levels and overall vitality.
Skin & Coat Condition: Weekly visual assessments and photographic documentation.
Cost-Value Assessment: Calculating per-ounce and estimated daily feeding costs for different dog sizes to understand the true financial commitment.
Safety & Recall Check: Thorough investigation of FDA databases and consumer reports for any safety concerns or recall history associated with the Dr. Marty brand.4
What Exactly is Dr. Marty Dog Food? Philosophy and Formulation
Dr. Marty Pets, founded by Dr. Marty Goldstein—a veterinarian with over 45 years of experience advocating for integrative medicine—operates on the principle that mimicking a dog’s natural, ancestral diet is key to optimal health.5 Their flagship product, Nature’s Blend, embodies this philosophy. It’s a freeze dried raw dog food, designed to provide the nutritional benefits of raw feeding without the associated risks and inconveniences.6
The core idea is minimal processing. Unlike high-heat cooking used for kibble, which can degrade sensitive nutrients, freeze-drying removes moisture at low temperatures (a process called sublimation), preserving the integrity of the ingredients and their inherent vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.7
The Science Behind Freeze-Dried Raw: Nutrient Preservation Powerhouse
Freeze-drying technology isn’t new, but its application in pet food offers distinct advantages:
Maximum Nutrient Retention: Vitamins (like B vitamins and Vitamin E), fatty acids, and enzymes that are sensitive to heat remain largely intact.8
Enhanced Palatability: The process concentrates natural flavors, making the food highly appealing to many dogs.9
Shelf Stability: Removing water inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the food to be stored safely at room temperature for extended periods (check packaging for specifics).10
Reduced Pathogen Risk: While not sterile, the process significantly reduces the bacterial load often associated with raw meat diets, provided safe handling practices are followed post-rehydration.11
The main trade-offs are cost (it’s an energy-intensive process) and the need for rehydration before serving to ensure proper digestion and hydration for the dog.12
Deep Dive: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend – Essential Blend for Adult Dogs Analysis
Let’s dissect the most popular formula, Nature’s Blend – Essential Blend:
Key Ingredients: Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck are the first four ingredients, followed by Beef Liver, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Egg, Pea Flour, Apple, Blueberry, Carrot, Cranberry, Pumpkin Seed, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Ginger, Salt, Sunflower Seed, Broccoli, Kale, Mixed Tocopherols (natural preservative).
Analysis: A diverse mix of high-quality animal proteins, including nutrient-rich organ meats. Inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and seeds provides fiber, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.13 Notably free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein: 37% (min)
Crude Fat: 27% (min)
Crude Fiber: 4% (max)
Moisture: 6% (max)
Note: These are high protein and fat levels, typical of raw-style diets, reflecting energy density.14
AAFCO Statement: “Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend – Essential Blend is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.” This is crucial – it means it’s proven complete and balanced for adult dogs, but not formulated for the specific needs of growing puppies or pregnant/lactating females.15
Texture & Preparation: The food consists of small, dry, irregularly shaped nuggets. Rehydration is simple: add the recommended amount of warm water (or bone broth for extra appeal), stir, and let it sit for about 3 minutes until softened.
Pricing & Value (As of July 2024): A 16 oz (1 lb) bag typically costs around $55.95 when purchased directly from the Dr. Marty Website (Prices may vary slightly and significant discounts are often offered for first time buyers or multi bag purchases/subscriptions). This translates to roughly 3.56 per ounce. For a 30 lb dog eating approximately 1.5 cups (around 4-5 oz dry) per day, the cost could range from $14-$18 per day, making it one of the most expensive non-prescription dog foods on the market.
Expert Tip: “The high percentage of animal-sourced ingredients, including organ meats, is a strong point for Nature’s Blend. Organ meats are incredibly nutrient-dense, providing vitamins and minerals often lacking in muscle-meat-only diets.”16 – Dr. Kate Fernald, DVM
Real-World Results: What Our Testers Found
Our 8-week trial yielded valuable insights:
Palatability: High scores across the board. 7 out of 8 dogs devoured the food eagerly from day one (average score: 4.5/5). Our notoriously picky French Bulldog tester, who often turns his nose up at kibble, consistently finished his bowl when served Nature’s Blend rehydrated with warm water.
Digestive Health: Remarkable improvements were noted. 6 out of 8 dogs showed firmer, more consistent, and less voluminous stools within 7-10 days (moving towards an ideal score on our adapted Bristol Stool Chart). The owner of the senior Golden Retriever specifically noted a reduction in gas.
Energy & Vitality: Owners of 5 dogs, particularly the senior Golden and the active Aussie, reported perceived increases in playfulness and sustained energy throughout the day after the 4-week mark.
Skin & Coat: By week 6, visible improvements in coat glossiness and softness were documented in 4 dogs, most notably the Aussie and the French Bulldog (who had previously mild flaky skin).
Transition: Transitioning was generally smooth following the recommended gradual mix-in over 5-7 days. One dog experienced mild loose stools for 2 days, which resolved by slowing the transition pace.
Pro Tip for Picky Eaters: “If your dog hesitates, try rehydrating with low-sodium bone broth instead of water. The added aroma can be highly enticing. Also, ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid cooking the food.” – Lead Product Tester Notes
Analysis: Dr. Marty stands out for its specific blend and high price. Stella & Chewy’s offers similar quality freeze-dried raw, often at a slightly lower cost and with All Life Stages options. Orijen provides a high-quality kibble alternative at a significantly lower price point. The Farmer’s Dog offers a fresh, human-grade approach requiring refrigeration, priced between kibble and freeze-dried raw.
Recall History & Safety Record: A Clean Slate (So Far)
Our research, including checks of the FDA recall database and reputable pet food safety watchdogs, found no recalls associated with Dr. Marty Pets dog food products as of July 2024. This is a positive indicator of quality control. However, as with any raw or freeze-dried raw product, safe handling is essential: wash hands thoroughly before and after handling, clean bowls after each use, and promptly refrigerate or discard any rehydrated leftovers.
Who Should Consider Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend?
Owners Prioritizing Whole-Food Nutrition: If minimally processed, high-quality ingredients are your top priority and budget is less of a concern.
Seeking Solutions for Pickiness or Mild Sensitivities: Its high palatability and limited-ingredient nature (no common fillers/allergens) may help some dogs (always consult your vet first).
Owners Wanting Raw Benefits with More Convenience/Safety: A good alternative to DIY raw feeding.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
Budget-Conscious Pet Parents: The cost is a significant barrier.
Owners of Puppies or Pregnant/Lactating Dogs: Nature’s Blend Essential Blend is not formulated for these life stages.
Those Needing Retail Availability: It’s primarily an online purchase.
Owners Preferring Ultimate Convenience: Kibble remains the easiest “scoop and serve” option.
Dogs with Severe Allergies or Medical Conditions: These dogs often require specific prescription or veterinary-guided diets.
It’s formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional levels for adult maintenance, meaning it’s complete and balanced for that life stage based on nutrient profiles. It doesn’t necessarily mean feeding trials were conducted.
Do I have to rehydrate it?
Yes, rehydration is strongly recommended for proper digestion and hydration.
How long does a 16 oz bag last?
It depends entirely on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. For a 30 lb dog, it might last roughly 3-4 days.
Is it good for dogs with allergies?
It avoids common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. However, dogs can be allergic to any protein, including beef or chicken. Consult your vet.
Where is Dr. Marty dog food made?
According to the company, the food is made in the USA with ingredients sourced globally.
The Final Verdict: Our Professional Recommendation
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is undeniably a high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food crafted with an admirable philosophy focused on whole foods and minimal processing. Our testing indicated excellent palatability and positive impacts on digestion and coat health for most dogs in our panel. The freeze-dried format offers many benefits of raw feeding with enhanced safety and convenience.
However, the astronomical price point cannot be ignored. It places Nature’s Blend firmly in the ultra-premium category, making it inaccessible for many owners. Furthermore, the “adult maintenance” limitation restricts its use for puppies and breeding dogs.
Dr. Marty Dog Food
Our Recommendation:
For the owner who prioritizes top-tier, minimally processed ingredients above all else and has the budget to match, Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is an excellent choice worth considering, particularly for adult dogs, potentially picky eaters, or those seeking raw-like benefits. (4.3/5 Stars)
For most dog owners, especially those on a budget, with puppies, or who prefer the convenience of kibble, more affordable yet still high-quality alternatives exist (like premium kibble or other freeze-dried brands).
Ultimately, the “best” dog food is the one that fits your dog’s individual needs, your budget, and your lifestyle, while providing complete and balanced nutrition.
Where to Buy Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend & Potential Savings
The most reliable place to purchase authentic Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is through the official Dr. Marty Pets website.
Potential Savings: Dr. Marty Pets frequently offers significant discounts for first-time customers and savings for subscribing to auto-ship deliveries. Check their website directly for current promotions.
Warning: Be cautious about purchasing from unauthorized third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon or eBay, as product authenticity, freshness, and adherence to storage guidelines cannot always be guaranteed.
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts vigilantly monitor the domain of health and wellness, promptly refreshing our articles with the latest discoveries. Your well-being is significant to us, and we stand ready to ensure you stay well-informed.
June 12, 2025
Current Version
June 12, 2025
June 12, 2025
Written By Jillene Seiver, Ph.D. Edited By Suzanne Briggs Medically Reviewed By Robin M Voigt-Zuwala, PhD Copy Edited By David Lopez-Kopp
June 12, 2025
At Body Freedom, we rely solely on top-tier sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to bolster the veracity of our content. Dive into our editorial approach to discover how we ensure the precision, dependability, and integrity of our information.
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