Raw Dog Food Made Easy? A Real Review of Maev with My Pup Freya

If you’ve ever dipped a toe into the world of raw feeding—or even just questioned what’s really in your dog’s kibble—you’ve probably come across Maev. They’ve been gaining traction for their human-grade raw dog food that promises clean, balanced nutrition minus all the usual raw diet headaches. Naturally, I had to see what the hype was about. Enter Freya: my high-energy, squirrel-obsessed Pharaoh Hound with a discerning palate and zero tolerance for subpar food. She’s not easy to impress, but Maev definitely hit the goal! Let’s take a closer look at what’s in Maev’s raw meals and what sets them apart from the pack.

9.2

Exceptional

Maev Dog Food

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TL;DR Quick Summary

Feature	Details
Type	Raw, human-grade, flash-frozen dog food
Best For	Pet parents who want biologically appropriate raw nutrition without the mess or prep
Rating	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Excellent – 96/100)
Top Benefit	Veterinarian-developed recipes with whole ingredients and functional nutrients like omega-3s, probiotics, and antioxidants
Main Concern	Requires freezer storage and thaw time; may be pricey for large dogs
Calorie Content	Approx. 1,250 kcal per lb (Beef recipe); varies slightly by protein type
Life Stage	Formulated for all life stages – suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors
Formulated To Meet	AAFCO Nutritional Standards for All Life Stages (complete & balanced)
Made In	USA (made in USDA-certified human food facilities)

Maev Dog Food Highlights

✓

Raw, flash-frozen nutrition: 100% human-grade raw food flash-frozen to lock in nutrients and freshness.

✓

Whole, functional ingredients: includes lean meats, fresh veggies, fruits, and powerful add-ins like probiotics and omega-3s.

✓

No fillers or synthetic vitamins: nutrients come directly from whole foods, not lab-made supplements.

✓

Vet-developed recipes: formulated by veterinary nutritionists to support muscle tone, digestion, and joint health.

✓

Supports gut & immune health: includes live probiotics and antioxidants for balanced digestion and overall wellness.

✓

Easy to serve: portion straight from the freezer or thaw in the fridge—no cooking or measuring needed.

✓

Meets AAFCO standards: complete & balanced for all life stages, including puppies and active breeds.

✓

Made in the USA: produced in USDA-certified, human-grade facilities under strict quality standards.

What's in Maev Raw Dog Food?

I kicked things off with their Beef Recipe for Freya. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredient	Risk Level	Why It’s Here
USDA-Certified Beef	✅ Low	High-quality muscle meat providing complete amino acids for strong muscles and energy.
USDA-Certified Beef Liver	✅ Low	A natural multivitamin—rich in iron, vitamin A, zinc, and essential B vitamins.
Blanched Potato	✅ Low	Provides easily digestible carbohydrates and fiber for balanced energy.
Green Bean	✅ Low	Low-calorie fiber source that supports healthy digestion and weight management.
Zucchini	✅ Low	Hydrating veggie loaded with antioxidants and gentle fiber for gut health.
Blueberries	✅ Low	Antioxidant powerhouse that supports immune function and healthy aging.
Kale	✅ Low	Superfood rich in vitamins K, A, and C; promotes heart and immune health.
MaevMulti™ Peanut Butter Cube	✅ Low	Functional supplement cube providing probiotics, omega-3s, and antioxidants for complete daily nutrition.
Chicory Root	✅ Low	Natural prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports digestive balance.
Probiotics	✅ Low	Supports healthy gut flora, immune defense, and nutrient absorption.

Maev’s recipes use only real, whole ingredients—no synthetic vitamins or fillers, ever.

What Makes Maev Different?

So what sets Maev apart from other raw dog food brands? For me, the biggest standout is how user-friendly it is. Instead of dealing with giant frozen meat blocks that need to defrost for hours, Maev packages their food in easy-to-pour, frozen nugget-style pieces. Think tiny cubes and pebbles that go straight from freezer to bowl—no prep, no mess. If your dog isn’t into cold meals, you can thaw it a bit, but Freya doesn’t seem to mind the chill.

Another thing I really like? Their formulas are intentionally crafted to address specific health concerns. It’s not just about feeding your dog—it’s about supporting things like digestion, mobility, skin issues, or even stress. We started Freya off with the beef variety, and the chicken formula is next on our list. They also offer curated bundles to help target particular issues, which I’ll get into shortly.

Maev Dog Food Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
🥩 100% raw, human-grade ingredients — no fillers, preservatives, or synthetic vitamins	💲 Premium pricing — significantly more expensive than kibble or most fresh options
🍽️ Nutrient-dense and balanced — includes probiotics, omega-3s, and antioxidants for full-body wellness	❄️ Requires freezer storage — not shelf-stable and must be thawed before serving
🧬 Vet-formulated recipes — designed by veterinary nutritionists for optimal digestibility and health	⏱️ Longer prep time — needs thawing before mealtime, which may not suit busy schedules
🐶 High palatability — dogs love the taste and texture of the raw, lightly frozen food	📦 Shipping can be costly for larger orders due to cold packaging requirements
🔍 Transparent sourcing — made in USDA-certified facilities with published safety testing	—

Maev Dog Food Pros & Benefits

Truly Transparent Ingredients

When Maev says their food is human-grade, they’re not exaggerating. The meats are USDA-certified, and everything in the recipe is clearly identifiable—no vague “meat meals” or suspicious additives. What I love most is that you can actually see the ingredients in the bowl. I’m talking whole blueberries, chunks of veggies, and recognizable proteins—not just an anonymous blend of who-knows-what. It feels like a meal you could almost serve yourself (but don’t—your dog deserves it more).

Ridiculously Convenient

I’ll be honest—I have zero interest in prepping raw meals for Freya. I haven’t eaten beef (or any other mammals) in over three decades, so the idea of handling raw meat is pretty much a hard pass for me. I do still cook chicken for my family, and even that’s not exactly my favorite kitchen task. So the fact that Maev handles all the messy stuff—sourcing, prepping, balancing, portioning—is a huge win.

Plus, the way their food is portioned out in these little frozen nuggets is just chef’s kiss convenient. I’m definitely not the type to remember to defrost anything ahead of time—if I manage to thaw something for dinner, it’s a small miracle. So the fact that I can pour Maev straight from the freezer into Freya’s bowl like kibble (but way better) makes my life way easier.

Nutrition With a Purpose

What really makes Maev stand out is that they don’t just stop at “feed your dog.” Their formulas are crafted to do more—like support digestion, healthy weight, mobility, skin and coat health, and even anxiety. Freya’s in great shape overall (and I hope it stays that way!), but she does have a mildly sensitive stomach, and at her age, joint health is something I’m keeping an eye on. Knowing her food is working toward those goals gives me peace of mind.

Convenient Bundles

Maev also puts together thoughtful bundles that combine their raw food with targeted supplements and extras. Honestly, I think this is genius—it saves you from having to research and piece together a supplement lineup on your own. Each bundle is tailored to a specific health focus, so you can pick the one that best fits your dog’s needs.

Here are a few that stood out:

The Itchy Dog Bundle: Designed to support skin and coat health with gut-friendly probiotics and inflammation-fighting ingredients.
The Gassy Dog Bundle: All about digestive health, featuring bone broth and prebiotics to keep things moving smoothly.
The Achy Dog Bundle: Focuses on joint support with mobility-boosting supplements—great for aging or extra-active pups.
The Senior Dog Bundle: A well-rounded option that hits all the major areas older dogs need help with, from digestion to mobility to immune support.

You can go the subscription route or just grab a bundle as a one-time purchase. Either way, it’s a smart way to streamline your dog’s nutrition without needing a spreadsheet to track everything.

Drawbacks

Let’s take a closer look at the drawbacks.

Needs Decent Freezer Space

Since Maev’s food arrives frozen and needs to stay that way until it hits your dog’s bowl, you’ll want to free up a bit of space in your freezer. A single 5-pound bag is totally manageable, but if you’re stocking up or ordering a bundle, it’s worth clearing out a shelf.

I currently have two bags in mine, and honestly, I was a little nervous about how they’d fit. You can’t exactly stack them flat like some of the “brick-style” raw food packs from other brands. That said, the flexible packaging makes it easy to squish the bags into tighter spots. I even managed to tuck both into the smallest shelf in my freezer—along with chicken and my usual stash of ice packs—without playing freezer Jenga. So, while it’s a bit of a tight squeeze, it’s totally doable.

It’s Not Cheap

There’s no getting around it—Maev isn’t a budget dog food. You’re paying for high-quality ingredients, thoughtful formulations, and serious convenience. It costs more than your average kibble and even some freeze-dried raw foods, so it might not be the best fit if you’re on a tight pet food budget.

That said, when you factor in what you might be spending on supplements for skin issues, digestion problems, or joint support—not to mention potential vet bills—it could actually balance out. And if you’re comparing Maev to other subscription-based raw food brands, the pricing is actually pretty competitive. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s also far from the most expensive in the raw dog food space.

Give Your Dog Time to Adjust

Not every pup can switch to a new food overnight—especially when it comes to raw. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to take it slow when introducing Maev. Luckily, they make the transition process easy by including clear, step-by-step instructions right in the box. I appreciated having an actual guide instead of just a vague “ease into it” suggestion. So, if your dog tends to be a little finicky or has digestive quirks, definitely stick to their schedule to avoid any tummy trouble.

Maev Extras (Add-Ons or Standalone Products)

In addition to their raw meals, Maev offers a few smart add-ons that you can either purchase à la carte or bundle with your regular order to boost your dog’s diet. We’ve tested out a couple of them, and let’s just say Freya gave her enthusiastic approval.

Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Treats (Freya’s #1 Pick)

These are as simple as it gets—just 100% USDA-certified beef liver, with nothing extra. No fillers, no weird additives, just pure protein-packed goodness. They’re perfect for training sessions or tossing your dog a guilt-free snack. Bonus: they’re super lightweight and easy to break into smaller bits, which makes them great for picky or smaller dogs. Freya goes absolutely wild for these—her nose knows when the bag’s about to open. Grab them here.

Hip & Joint Supplement Bars

These bars are kind of like sneaky little health boosts disguised as treats. They’re soft, easy to chew, and packed with joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and chia seeds. Freya didn’t hesitate for a second—she treated it like a reward, not a supplement. If you’ve got an active pup or a senior dog who’s starting to slow down, these are a great way to support joint health without the daily supplement struggle. Check them out here.

Bone Broth Topper

If your dog tends to turn their nose up at mealtime, this topper might be your new secret weapon. It’s loaded with collagen, amino acids, and nutrients that support digestion, joint health, and overall wellness. The broth comes in small frozen cubes, so you can toss one right into your dog’s bowl as-is, let it melt a bit and drizzle it over their food, or even serve it as a refreshing treat on a warm day. It’s versatile, nutritious, and picky-eater approved—Freya certainly didn’t complain. Get it here.

Final Thoughts: Is Maev the Right Fit for Your Dog?

After testing out Maev with Freya, I can say it’s one of the more impressive raw food options we’ve tried—and we’ve tried quite a few. It checks a lot of boxes: high-quality ingredients, serious convenience, targeted nutrition, and products that actually do what they claim. Yes, it takes up freezer space. Yes, it costs more than your average bag of kibble. But if you’re looking for a raw diet that doesn’t involve playing butcher in your kitchen, Maev takes a lot of the stress (and mess) out of the equation.

Freya gave a very enthusiastic paws-up to both the food and the extras, especially the freeze-dried treats. And I appreciated not having to hover over the sink with raw meat at 7 a.m. That’s a win in my book.

Whether you’re brand new to raw feeding or just looking for something easier and more complete, Maev is definitely worth checking out.

9.2