Stella & Chewy’s Dog Food Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
Quick Verdict: 9.1/10 — Premium freeze-dried raw and raw-coated kibble—best-in-class palatability and raw nutrition for performance dogs.
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Company Overview
Founded: 2003 | Parent Company: Stella & Chewy’s (private) | Price Range: ~$55–$100 per 10–22 lb bag
Stella & Chewy’s was founded in 2003 by Marie Moody, who developed raw food for her rescue dogs. The brand is known for freeze-dried raw dinners, raw coated kibble (Chewy’s Dinner), and raw patties. All recipes are made with pasture-raised or cage-free proteins and are minimally processed. Stella & Chewy’s is available at Petco, independent stores, and Chewy.com.
Product Lineup
| Product | Size | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties (Chicken) | 25 oz | ~$55 |
| Chewy’s Kibble (Chicken) | 22 lb | ~$85 |
| Raw Coated Biscuits | 9 oz | ~$18 |
| Carnivore Crunch Toppers | 3.25 oz | ~$12 |
| Wet Stew (2.75 oz) | 2.75 oz | ~$2.50 |
Ingredient Analysis
Primary Ingredients (Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties, Chicken): Chicken, chicken giblets, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, organic kale, organic pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, sodium bisulfate, potassium chloride.
100% cage-free chicken with organs—exactly as you’d find in prey. No grains, corn, wheat, soy, or fillers. Organic vegetables for micronutrients. Freeze-dried to preserve raw nutrition without high-heat processing. No artificial additives.
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 39% (dry matter) |
| Crude Fat (min) | 28% (dry matter) |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 5% |
| Moisture (max) | 5% |
| Calories (per oz) | ~138 |
Pros
- Freeze-dried raw preserves maximum nutrient integrity
- 100% cage-free/pasture-raised proteins with organs
- No grains, corn, wheat, soy, or fillers
- Exceptional palatability—even picky dogs love it
- Available as complete dinner or kibble topper
Cons
- Very expensive ($55+ per 25 oz freeze-dried bag)
- Freeze-dried patties require rehydration for full feeding
- High fat—requires careful portioning for sedentary dogs
Best For
Raw-feeding converts, performance dogs, picky eaters, dogs recovering from illness, and owners who want the closest thing to raw feeding in a convenient shelf-stable format.
Alternatives
- [Instinct Review](/reviews/review-instinct)
- [Orijen Review](/reviews/review-orijen)
- [Primal Pet Foods Review](/reviews/review-primal-pet-foods)
FAQ
Is freeze-dried raw better than kibble?
Freeze-dried raw preserves significantly more enzymes, probiotics, and heat-sensitive nutrients than extruded kibble. Most dogs also find it more palatable.
Can Stella & Chewy’s be used as a topper?
Yes—Carnivore Crunch is specifically designed as a kibble topper. Even adding a small amount dramatically improves palatability of any food.
Has Stella & Chewy’s been recalled?
Yes—a 2016 recall for potential Listeria contamination in raw frozen formulas. The freeze-dried line was not affected.
Is Stella & Chewy’s good for puppies?
Yes. Their Puppy Complete dinners provide high protein and DHA. Very rich—transition slowly.
What is the difference between freeze-dried and raw frozen?
Freeze-dried removes moisture without heat, creating a shelf-stable product. Raw frozen preserves food in its natural state. Both offer similar nutritional profiles; freeze-dried is more convenient.
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