Raw Dog Food in Singapore: Is It Safe, and Where Do You Buy It?

If you’ve ever Googled “raw dog food Singapore” at 1am while your pup is snoring beside you… you’re definitely not alone.

More pawrents here are curious about feeding dog raw meat - whether because kibble feels too processed, or because they’ve heard raw can help with allergies, stools, or coat quality.

This guide walks you through:

• Whether dogs can safely eat raw meat
• The real pros and cons (especially in our hot, humid climate)
• Where to buy raw dog food in Singapore - both online and in-store

By the end, you’ll have enough fur-facts to decide whether raw fits your dog and your lifestyle, without guilt either way.

Disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet (ideally one familiar with raw or fresh diets) before making major changes to your dog’s food.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat Safely?

Short answer: yes, many dogs can eat raw meat - but “can” is different from “should”, and it’s not risk-free.

A raw dog food diet (often called BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) usually includes:

• Raw muscle meat (e.g. chicken, beef, lamb, kangaroo)
• Raw meaty bones
• Organ meats (liver, kidney, etc.)
• Sometimes vegetables, fruits, eggs and supplements

The idea is to mimic a more “natural”, less processed diet, closer to what canines might eat in the wild.

In Singapore, raw dog food typically comes in a few formats:

• Frozen raw (cubes, patties or rolls)
• Freeze-dried raw (lightweight nuggets you rehydrate)
• Air-dried raw (jerky-like pieces)

However, raw is not one-size-fits-all. Whether it works depends on:

• Your dog’s age, health and gut tolerance
• Your household (kids, seniors, immunocompromised family members)
• Your ability to handle raw meat safely and store it properly in our climate
• Whether you can feed a balanced diet consistently (not just chicken breast and hope for the best)

Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Pros of Feeding Raw Meat to Dogs

Many pawrents in Singapore who switch to raw report noticeable changes. While much of this is anecdotal rather than “hard science”, these are commonly reported potential benefits.

1. Better Skin, Coat and Digestion

Raw diets are usually high in quality animal protein and natural fats, and free from common kibble fillers like wheat, corn or soy.

Some pawrents notice:

• Shinier, softer coats
• Less flaky skin
• Reduced itch in dogs with food sensitivities
• Smaller, firmer stools with less smell

This may be because raw diets can be more digestible for some dogs and avoid trigger ingredients that cause inflammation or loose stools in others.

2. More Natural, Less Processed Diet

Commercial kibble is cooked at high temperatures and often includes preservatives and carb-heavy binders.

Raw diets, especially those using human-grade ingredients, appeal to pawrents who prefer:

• Short, recognisable ingredient lists
• Minimal processing
• Fewer artificial additives

You’re essentially feeding meat, organs, bone, plus fruits/veg and supplements - not just meat meal plus mystery bits.

3. Potential Dental Benefits

Chewing on appropriately sized raw meaty bones or chunky meat can help:

• Mechanically scrape plaque from teeth
• Exercise jaw muscles
• Encourage slower, more mindful eating

Because many raw diets are lower in simple carbohydrates, there may also be less residue left on teeth compared to some kibble-heavy diets.

⚠️ Important: Bone safety is a whole topic on its own - cooked bones should never be fed, and even raw bones must be chosen and sized carefully for your dog. When in doubt, check with your vet.

4. Ingredient Control for Sensitive or Allergic Dogs

If your dog reacts to certain proteins or additives, raw feeding can give you very tight control over what goes into the bowl.

You can:

• Choose novel proteins like kangaroo or venison
• Avoid known allergens (e.g. chicken, beef, specific grains)
• Pick single-protein, limited-ingredient formulas

Brands such as single-protein kangaroo or beef formulas, and allergy-focused raw ranges, are often used for sensitive or allergy-prone dogs because their recipes are clear and focused.

Cons and Risks of Raw Feeding

Raw feeding does come with real risks, especially in Singapore. These are the reasons many vets are cautious or outright against raw.

1. Pathogen Risk in a Tropical Climate

Raw meat can contain bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. In a hot, humid country, bacteria multiply quickly, especially if food is left out.

Local vets and health advisories have highlighted that raw pet food can:

• Cause serious illness in pets
• Pose a risk to humans through handling and contact (especially young children, elderly and immunocompromised people)

In practice, this means:

• You must handle raw dog food like you would raw chicken for your family
• Bowls and surfaces need washing with hot, soapy water after each meal
• Raw food can’t sit in the bowl all day in an HDB kitchen
• Dogs with weaker immune systems (very young, very old, or sick) are at higher risk

2. Nutritional Imbalance (Especially with DIY)

A balanced dog diet isn’t just “meat = protein = good”.

Dogs need:

• The right calcium:phosphorus ratio (usually from bone or supplements)
• Correct levels of vitamins and minerals
• Controlled fat levels
• Enough but not too much organ meat

Poorly formulated homemade raw diets can cause deficiencies or excesses over time. Puppies and large-breed dogs are particularly vulnerable if calcium or energy levels are off.

This is where tools like a homemade dog food nutrition calculator or working with a canine nutritionist become important if you plan to go fully DIY.

3. Time, Storage and Cost

Raw feeding isn’t as simple as “scoop from bag, pour, done”.

You’ll need to manage:

• Freezer space for frozen patties or large meat orders (not always easy in smaller flats)
• Thawing time (usually overnight in the fridge)
• Extra cleaning and hygiene steps

Commercial raw foods, especially those made with human-grade meat and imported proteins, are generally more expensive than mid-range kibble. Novel proteins like venison or kangaroo usually cost even more.

4. Not Ideal for All Dogs or Households

Raw may not be suitable if:

• Your dog is immunocompromised, on certain medications, or recovering from illness
• You have young children, pregnant family members, or elderly grandparents in close contact with the dog
• You or your helper are uncomfortable handling raw meat regularly

In these homes, gently cooked fresh diets can be a safer compromise.

5. Human Health & Household Hygiene

Raw-fed dogs can shed bacteria in their saliva and poop, potentially exposing humans - especially kids, seniors, and those with weaker immune systems.

If your dog loves licking faces, sleeping on beds, or hanging out in a multi-generational household, you’ll need to be extra strict about hygiene and handwashing.

Singapore-Specific Factors to Consider

Choosing raw dog food in Singapore isn’t the same as feeding raw in a large landed home with a walk-in freezer.

Here are some local realities to factor in.

1. AVS & Local Vet Perspectives

Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) does not outright ban raw diets, but local vet columns and advisories regularly caution about:

• Bacterial risks from raw meat
• Impact on vulnerable humans in the same household
• Nutritional imbalances in poorly formulated diets

Many mainstream vets here lean towards cooked or commercial diets. Some are open to balanced raw if:

• It’s from reputable brands made in AVS-licensed facilities
• Hygiene is taken seriously at home
• The dog’s health is monitored with periodic check-ups and bloodwork

2. HDB/Condo Living and Storage

Most of us don’t have farmhouse-sized kitchens.

• Freezer space is precious - especially if you share it with human meal prep
• Defrosting needs planning; you can’t safely leave meat out in the sink for hours
• Raw bowls shouldn’t be left on the floor all day with the air-con off

This is where pre-portioned frozen cubes or freeze-dried raw can be more practical than bulk DIY meat from the wet market.

3. Our Climate: Heat, Humidity, Rain

Because of Singapore’s weather:

• Raw food spoils quickly if left out
• Ants and insects can be a problem if bowls aren’t cleaned promptly
• Walking on wet grass and then going home to lick paws + raw-fed poop is a hygiene challenge

All this means raw feeding here requires a bit more structure, discipline, and routine.

4. The Realistic Take: The Best Diet Is the One You Can Do Well

At Pawrenthood.sg, we keep things simple:

The “best” diet is the one you can feed safely, consistently, and that your dog genuinely thrives on.

For some families, that’s raw.
For others, it’s gently cooked fresh food, a good-quality kibble, or a mix.

You are not a “bad” pawrent if you don’t go fully raw.

Where to Buy Raw Dog Food in Singapore

If you’d like to try raw without turning your kitchen into a mini abattoir, these brands and stores are a good starting point.

We’ll highlight what each is known for, and how to buy them online in Singapore.

PetCubes Raw Kangaroo (Singapore)

What it is:
PetCubes is one of Singapore’s earliest commercial fresh pet food manufacturers. Their Raw Kangaroo range is a frozen, complete meal made in an AVS-licensed kitchen.

Why pawrents like it:

• Uses wild kangaroo meat (lean and helpful for weight management)
• Balanced with vegetables, fruits and supplements
• Pre-portioned frozen cubes - easy to thaw and serve
• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards

Where to buy (online):

• PetCubes’ own website
• Major pet e-commerce stores like Good Dog People, Kohepets, and official PetCubes listings on platforms such as Shopee

The Grateful Pet Raw Range (Singapore)

What it is:
A homegrown brand offering both gently cooked and raw fresh food. Their raw dog food line focuses on biologically appropriate recipes, often with added functional ingredients.

Why pawrents like it:

• Around 70% meat and organs, with New Zealand green-lipped mussels and “superfood” ingredients (e.g. reishi mushroom, prebiotic seaweed) in some recipes
• Prepared in AVS-licensed facilities
• Available on subscription with islandwide delivery

Where to buy (online):

• Direct from The Grateful Pet website (raw dog food collection)
• Partner retailers such as Kohepets and other Singapore pet e-shops

Big Dog BARF (Imported, Popular in SG)

What it is:
An Australian brand specialising in Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) patties. Widely stocked in Singapore and popular among raw feeders.

Why pawrents like it:

• Uses 100% Australian human-grade meat
• Includes crushed bone, offal, fruits and vegetables for a complete diet
• Multiple ranges: Core, Single Protein Allergy, and Scientific (e.g. Sensitive Skin)

Where to buy (online):

• Good Dog People
• Kohepets
• Other online pet stores in Singapore that carry frozen raw

K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Raw (New Zealand)

What it is:
Freeze-dried raw dog food made in New Zealand. Lightweight and shelf-stable - you just add water.

Why pawrents like it:

• High meat and organ content, grain-free
• Great for travel or as a topper over kibble
• Less messy and easier to store than frozen raw

Where to buy (online):

• Commonly found on platforms like Lazada
• Larger pet e-shops and select vet clinic online stores in Singapore

Prime100 SPD Raw / Limited-Ingredient Diets

What it is:
An Australian brand known for Single Protein Diet (SPD) formulas, often recommended for dogs with allergies or on elimination diets. In Singapore, selected raw, BARF-style or limited-ingredient products are available.

Why pawrents like it:

• Focus on single-protein recipes (e.g. lamb, kangaroo)
• Vet-developed, suitable for sensitive or allergic dogs

Where to buy (online):

• Selected online pet shops and marketplaces
• Some listings on platforms like Amazon SG (check that products are suitable for your dog and climate storage-wise)

Retail Stores in Singapore That Carry Raw Dog Food

If you prefer to see products in person or pick them up while you’re out, these stores are common touchpoints:

Pet Lovers Centre – Plaza Singapura

• Address: 68 Orchard Rd, #06-03/07, Singapore 238839

One of the most accessible pet chains, with freezers dedicated to fresh and raw pet food in many outlets. The Plaza Singapura branch is central and convenient if you’re already in town shopping.

Good Dog People Showroom (By Appointment)

• Address: 994 Bendemeer Rd, Singapore 339943

Good Dog People is known for curating higher-quality and fresh food brands, including many raw options like Big Dog BARF and PetCubes. The showroom is by appointment only, but their online store delivers islandwide.

Polypet (West) – Tradehub 21

• Address: 18 Boon Lay Way, #01-98, Tradehub 21, Singapore 609966

Popular with West-side pawrents, Polypet stocks a variety of frozen and air-dried raw brands at relatively competitive prices. They also have an online store with delivery options.

Wet Markets & Butchers for DIY Raw

For pawrents comfortable with DIY:

• Wet markets (e.g. Tekka, Tiong Bahru, Clementi)
• Larger supermarkets’ butchery counters
• Specialist butchers offering pet-friendly cuts

can be good sources of fresh meat and offal.

Just remember:

• You are responsible for balancing the diet appropriately
• You’ll need adequate freezer space
• Strict handling hygiene is non-negotiable

Quick Tips for Pawrents Curious About Raw Feeding

If you’re standing at the freezer in a pet shop wondering, “Should I feed my dog raw or cooked meat?” - here’s a practical, non-judgemental checklist.

1. Transition Slowly

If your dog is on kibble or cooked food:

• Start by replacing 10–20% of the meal with raw
• Gradually increase over 7–14 days if stools stay normal
• Introduce one protein at a time so you can spot any issues

Sudden full switches can cause tummy upsets, even in healthy dogs.

2. Start with Reputable Commercial Raw First

Before going full DIY butchery at home, it’s usually safer to:

• Use complete & balanced commercial raw diets (labels should state they meet AAFCO or similar standards)
• Observe how your dog’s digestion, energy and coat respond

Brands like PetCubes, The Grateful Pet and Big Dog BARF are often used as starting points for raw dog food in Singapore because they’re formulated and portioned for convenience.

3. Use a Homemade Dog Food Nutrition Calculator If DIY

If you eventually want to make your own raw meals:

• Follow recipes created by qualified canine nutritionists
• Use a homemade dog food nutrition calculator to check calcium, phosphorus, calories and key micronutrients
• Weigh ingredients with a kitchen scale, don’t eyeball

This extra work is what keeps DIY raw from becoming unknowingly unbalanced over time.

4. Practise Strict Hygiene

Treat raw dog food exactly like raw chicken in your own kitchen:

• Thaw in the fridge, not on the countertop
• Discard leftovers that have sat out for more than ~30 minutes in non-aircon areas
• Wash bowls, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water
• Store raw separately from human food where possible

This reduces bacterial risk to both your dog and your family.

5. Remember: Cooked Diets Are Still Valid

If you’re busy, squeamish about raw meat, or share your home with vulnerable family members, it’s perfectly reasonable to say:

“I like the idea of fresh, but I’ll stick with gently cooked or kibble-plus-fresh.”

Brands such as PetCubes and The Grateful Pet also offer gently cooked meals, which provide many of the same benefits (better ingredients, fewer fillers) with lower pathogen risk.

You can also:

• Mix some raw with cooked or kibble
• Use freeze-dried raw as a topper rather than the whole meal
• Keep raw for occasional meals if that fits your lifestyle better

There’s plenty of room for flexibility, not perfection.

FAQ: Raw Dog Food in Singapore

Can I feed supermarket meat raw?

Yes, many DIY raw feeders use human-grade meat from supermarkets or wet markets.

The key is handling and balance:

• Make sure the meat is fresh and kept cold
• Freeze portions you won’t use within 2–3 days
• Don’t rely on just chicken breast; you still need bone, organ and micronutrients

When in doubt about freshness or smell, don’t feed it to your dog.

Should I start raw if my dog has allergies?

Raw diets with single-protein or novel protein formulas can help in allergy investigations, but:

• Allergies are to proteins, not whether food is raw or cooked
• Gently cooked single-protein diets can work just as well
• Elimination diets are most effective when done under vet supervision

If your dog has severe allergies or chronic skin issues, consult a vet or nutritionist before changing diets.

Is freeze-dried raw “real” raw?

Freeze-dried raw is made from raw ingredients with moisture removed under low temperatures.

It is:

• Still essentially raw, but lighter and more shelf-stable
• Less messy and easier for small fridges or travel
• Often rehydrated with water before serving

Bacterial risk is reduced but not entirely eliminated, so basic hygiene still applies. It’s a good middle ground for pawrents who want raw-style nutrition without full-on frozen patties.

So… Should You Feed Raw or Cooked Meat?

There isn’t a single “right” answer.

• If you have the time, freezer space and discipline to handle raw safely - and your dog thrives on it - raw can be a fantastic option.
• If you prefer lower risk and higher convenience, gently cooked fresh food or a mix of kibble plus fresh toppers is perfectly valid.
• If your dog has health conditions or you live with young kids/elderly family, cooked diets may be the safer default.

What matters most is:

• Your dog’s health markers (energy, coat, stools, breath, bloodwork)
• Your ability to feed a safe, balanced diet consistently
• A plan you can realistically stick to for years, not weeks

Your dog doesn’t need a “perfect” Instagram raw bowl. They need a loving pawrent who chooses a diet that keeps them happy, healthy and tail-wagging.

Curious About Raw vs Cooked?

Still torn between feeding dog raw meat or gently cooked meals?

👉 Check out our comparison guide on fresh feeding options in Singapore (raw, gently cooked, and high-quality kibble).

We walk through how they compare in:

• Cost (in SGD)
• Convenience for HDB/condo life
• Health and safety considerations

so you can choose the approach that fits your dog and your life best.