Dr. Marty Dog Food is a freeze-dried raw pet food brand created by Dr. Marty Goldstein, a veterinarian with over 50 years of integrative veterinary experience. The brand targets dog owners seeking whole-food nutrition alternatives to conventional kibble for adult dogs of all breeds.
The Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness formula delivers 39.4% protein on a dry matter basis from turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. The freeze-drying process preserves enzymes and nutrients that high-heat kibble manufacturing destroys. The product line earns 5-star ratings from DogFoodAdvisor across all seven recipes.
In this review, our experts at Eat Proteins examine the full ingredient list, the safety record, real owner reviews from 4,453 customers, and a side-by-side comparison with K9 Natural to determine whether the premium price point reflects real nutritional value for your dog.
What Is Dr. Marty Dog Food?
Dr. Marty Dog Food is a freeze-dried raw pet food line created by Dr. Marty Goldstein, a veterinarian with over 50 years of integrative veterinary experience. Forbes Magazine called Goldstein the ‘Miracle Worker.’ The brand applies a holistic, prevention-first philosophy to every recipe.
Here’s the thing: the product lineup includes seven freeze-dried recipes, all rated 5 stars by DogFoodAdvisor and formulated for adult maintenance. Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness and Sensitivity Select Recipe are the flagship options. Small breed variants are available in all standard sizes.
Dr. Marty markets its food as ‘Never Kibbled.’ The brand removes moisture from raw ingredients through freeze-drying rather than applying high heat. In plain English: this process preserves nutrients, enzymes, and natural flavor that conventional manufacturing destroys.
Dr. Marty Goldstein is a leading voice in integrative veterinary medicine who founded the brand after more than 50 years in clinical practice. He’s the author of two bestselling books: The Nature of Animal Healing and The Spirit of Animal Healing. He starred in the documentary The Dog Doc.
And it gets better. Goldstein appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Martha Stewart Show, and Good Morning America, bringing pet nutrition science to mainstream audiences. His public profile distinguishes the brand from most private-label pet food competitors. The brand carries his name and clinical philosophy in every recipe.
What Makes Freeze-Dried Raw Different from Kibble?
Freeze-drying removes moisture from raw ingredients without applying nutrient-destroying heat, preserving enzymes and natural nutritional value that high-heat kibble manufacturing eliminates. Conventional kibble blasts ingredients under heat, degrading proteins and micronutrients in the process.
The freeze-dried format is shelf-stable without refrigeration, unlike fresh or frozen raw diets. Dog owners can serve it dry for a crunchy texture or rehydrate it with water for a fresh-meal consistency. Bottom line: both serving methods retain the same nutritional profile.
What Are the Ingredients in Dr. Marty Dog Food?
The Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness formula contains turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver, turkey liver, turkey heart, flaxseed, sweet potato, egg, pea protein, apple, blueberry, carrot, cranberry, pumpkin seed, spinach, dried kelp, ginger, salt, sunflower seed, broccoli, kale, and mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative.
The Sensitivity Select Recipe replaces the standard protein blend with turkey, duck, goose, and quail. This formulation excludes beef, dairy, eggs, and wheat. And here is the best part: 83% of the Sensitivity Select formula consists of real premium cuts of meat.
Guaranteed analysis for the standard formula: Crude Protein min 37%, Crude Fat min 27%, Crude Fiber max 4%, Moisture max 6%. Calorie content reaches 5,273 kcal/kg (227 kcal/cup).
Nature’s Blend Key Ingredients:
- Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck (primary proteins)
- Beef Liver, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart (organ meats)
- Sweet Potato, Carrot, Spinach, Broccoli, Kale (vegetables)
- Apple, Blueberry, Cranberry (antioxidant fruits)
- Flaxseed, Pumpkin Seed, Sunflower Seed (essential fatty acids)
- Dried Kelp, Ginger, Mixed Tocopherols (minerals and natural preservation)
Does Dr. Marty Use Quality Protein Sources?
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend uses five premium animal proteins as primary ingredients: turkey, beef, salmon, duck, and three organ meat varieties including beef liver, turkey liver, and turkey heart. Organ meats supply taurine, an amino acid that supports brain and heart function in dogs.
On a dry matter basis, Nature’s Blend delivers 39.4% protein. The trade-off? A broader ingredient variety with moderate carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits. This profile suits dogs needing fiber support or transitioning from conventional kibble.
Dr. Marty Dog Food contains zero artificial preservatives, additives, fillers, or synthetic vitamins across all recipes. Mixed tocopherols serve as the only preservation agent and are derived from natural vitamin E sources. No grain replacements like lentils or white potatoes appear in the ingredient list.
To be clear: superfoods including kale, blueberries, and dried kelp deliver vitamins and antioxidants without filler function. Every ingredient in the formula serves a nutritional purpose according to brand specifications.
How Does Dr. Marty Dog Food Work?
Dr. Marty Dog Food works by freeze-drying raw ingredients after mixing to remove moisture without heat, creating a shelf-stable product that retains the nutritional profile of a raw diet. The process preserves natural enzymes, flavor compounds, and micronutrients intact.
Owners serve the food dry for a crunchy texture or rehydrate it with water before meals. Feeding guidelines scale by dog weight from 1/2 cup for 5 lb (2.3 kg) dogs up to 4 2/3 cups for 90 lb (41 kg) dogs.
Feeding Guidelines by Dog Weight:
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 1/2 cup |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 3/4 cup |
| 20 lbs (9 kg) | 1 1/2 cups |
| 40 lbs (18 kg) | 2 1/2 cups |
| 60 lbs (27 kg) | 3 1/3 cups |
| 90 lbs (41 kg) | 4 2/3 cups |
Does the Freeze-Drying Process Preserve Nutrients?
The freeze-drying process preserves more natural nutritional value, enzymes, and flavor than traditional kibble manufacturing methods according to comparative reviews of Dr. Marty and K9 Natural. Both brands use freeze-drying specifically for this nutrient retention advantage.
And this is where it gets interesting: every batch of Dr. Marty Dog Food undergoes triple third-party testing for purity and potency before distribution. Manufacturing takes place in North America under high safety and quality standards. The testing protocol covers all freeze-dried food, supplements, and treats in the product line.
What Are the Benefits of Dr. Marty Dog Food?
Dr. Marty Dog Food claims to support healthy digestion, more consistent energy, a shinier coat, and stronger immune function through its nutrient-dense freeze-dried formula. Fiber-rich sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach support digestive health alongside natural enzymes from raw ingredients.
The high-protein formula at minimum 37% crude protein promotes strong muscle maintenance and active energy. The nutrient-dense design satisfies dogs without overfeeding, helping maintain a healthy body weight. Essential fatty acids from salmon and flaxseed directly support skin and coat condition.
Key Benefits:
- Healthy digestion via fiber-rich vegetables and natural raw food enzymes
- Strong muscles and sustained energy from multiple premium protein sources
- Skin and coat support from salmon and flaxseed essential fatty acids
- Immune system boost from antioxidant-rich blueberries, apples, and kale
- Healthy weight maintenance through nutrient-dense, satisfying formula
Does Dr. Marty Improve Digestion?
Dr. Marty Dog Food delivers digestive support through fiber-rich sweet potato, carrots, and spinach combined with natural enzymes preserved by the freeze-drying process. The Sensitivity Select Recipe removes the four most common canine allergens to further ease digestion in sensitive dogs.
Here’s what that actually means: Verified reviewer Mary F. reported her rescue dog previously refused multiple top-brand foods after a few weeks. After switching to Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend, the dog now consistently empties her bowl and asks for more. This pattern of acceptance after refusal appears repeatedly in owner review data.
Salmon and flaxseed provide essential fatty acids that directly support skin integrity and coat shine in dogs fed Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend. Both ingredients appear as primary components in the Essential Wellness formula alongside duck, another fatty acid source.
Antioxidant-rich ingredients add a secondary layer of skin and coat support. Blueberries, apples, and kale supply free-radical-fighting compounds. Dried kelp delivers iodine and trace minerals that contribute to coat health and thyroid function.
What Do Dr. Marty Dog Food Reviews Say?
Dr. Marty Pets has accumulated 4,453 customer reviews with consistently positive feedback about product quality and pet acceptance rates. DogFoodAdvisor assigns 5-star ratings to all seven Dr. Marty freeze-dried recipes. That’s a rare sweep across an entire product line.
The good news? Aggregate review data highlights improved pet health, energy levels, and digestion as the most commonly reported outcomes. Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness receives particular praise for energy improvement and overall health gains. Delivery issues appear occasionally but don’t dominate the review landscape.
What Are the Positive Experiences?
Verified reviewer Carol A. reports her finicky dog gobbled up Dr. Marty’s food on the first serving after rejecting numerous other freeze-dried brands. She describes the food disappearing before she finished watching the bowl. The review directly credits the ingredient profile for meeting her picky dog’s needs.
Verified reviewer Mary F. describes a rescue dog who refused multiple vet-recommended top brands after brief trial periods. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend reversed that pattern: the dog now finishes every meal and signals hunger for more. Both reviewers carry Verified Reviewer status on the platform.
The most consistent complaint against Dr. Marty Dog Food is premium pricing, with one reviewer calculating the cost at approximately 10 times that of their dog’s prescription food. The price range runs $17.99 to $98.99 (USD) for standard 6oz to 48oz sizes.
A smaller number of reviewers report increased thirst and urination in dogs after switching to Dr. Marty. Does this signal a problem? Nutrition experts typically attribute this response to high-protein content and the transition from lower-protein kibble. The response generally resolves as dogs adjust to the new diet.
Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Safe?
Dr. Marty Dog Food carries a zero-recall record as of February 2025, with every production batch undergoing triple third-party testing for purity and potency before reaching consumers. North American manufacturing facilities operate under high safety and quality control standards.
The Sensitivity Select Recipe adds a safety layer for dogs with food allergies by excluding beef, dairy, eggs, and wheat from the formula. These four ingredients account for the majority of documented canine food sensitivity reactions. The allergen-free recipe supports easy digestion, healthy skin, and strong joint function in sensitive dogs.
Has Dr. Marty Had Any Recalls?
Dr. Marty’s has recorded zero product recalls as of February 2025, a record shared by competitor K9 Natural across both freeze-dried dog food lines. This clean recall history reflects the quality controls applied during North American manufacturing.
The brand’s triple third-party testing protocol covers all freeze-dried food, supplements, and treats at a batch level. Testing verifies purity and potency before any product ships to retail or direct customers. The testing investment operates independently of in-house quality assurance checks.
How Much Does Dr. Marty Dog Food Cost?
Dr. Marty Dog Food is priced between $17.99 and $98.99 (USD) for standard sizes ranging from 6oz (170g) to 48oz (1.36 kg), with the large 80oz (2.27 kg) size available at $119.99 (USD). Small breed variants match the same price tiers in equivalent sizes.
Subscription purchases through the official Dr. Marty Pets website unlock discounts of up to 35%. The product is also available on Amazon and at specialty pet retailers including Treats Unleashed and Petsense. Retail pricing may vary slightly from direct channel pricing by location.
Pricing by Size:
| Size | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 6oz (170g) | $17.99 | Trial or small dog |
| 16oz (454g) | Mid-range | Single dog monthly |
| 48oz (1.36 kg) | $98.99 | Multi-dog or large breed |
| 80oz (2.27 kg) | $119.99 | Bulk savings |
Is Dr. Marty Worth the Price?
Dr. Marty Dog Food earns 5-star ratings across all seven recipes from DogFoodAdvisor, positioning it at the top tier of freeze-dried dog food on quality-per-dollar metrics. The premium pricing aligns with K9 Natural, its closest competitor in the freeze-dried raw category.
Here’s why that matters. The value calculation shifts for owners of picky eaters or dogs with food sensitivities where lower-cost options have repeatedly failed. The decision depends on whether the dog’s specific health needs justify the freeze-dried raw premium over alternatives like fresh-cooked or high-quality kibble.
Dr. Marty vs. Competitors: How Does It Compare?
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend delivers 39.4% protein, 28.7% fat, and 23.9% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, compared to K9 Natural’s 44% protein, 39% fat, and 9% carbohydrates. K9 Natural holds a clear edge in protein and fat density.
But consider the full picture. Dr. Marty counters with broader ingredient variety across seven recipes versus K9 Natural’s five, and a more diverse protein blend covering turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. Some K9 Natural recipes have been flagged for high fat content by reviewers.
Dr. Marty vs. K9 Natural:
| Metric | Dr. Marty | K9 Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Protein (dry matter) | 39.4% | 44% |
| Fat (dry matter) | 28.7% | 39% |
| Carbs (dry matter) | 23.9% | 9% |
| Recipe count | 7 (all 5-star) | 5 |
| Recalls (Feb 2025) | 0 | 0 |
How Does Dr. Marty Compare to K9 Naturals?
K9 Natural suits dogs thriving on a high-protein, low-carb ancestral diet, while Dr. Marty suits dogs needing a broader nutrient profile with moderate carbs and fiber support.
DogFoodAdvisor rates all seven Dr. Marty recipes at 5 stars. K9 Natural’s five recipes average 40% protein and 6% carbohydrates including beef and lamb varieties not found in the Dr. Marty lineup. Both brands share a clean recall record and use freeze-drying as the core manufacturing method.
Dr. Marty holds stronger North American brand recognition and broader retail distribution. So the right pick depends entirely on your dog’s specific dietary needs.
Where Can You Buy Dr. Marty Dog Food?
Is Dr. Marty Available Online and In Stores?
Dr. Marty Dog Food is available through the official Dr. Marty Pets website, Amazon, and specialty pet retailers including Treats Unleashed, Petsense, and sBARKles. Subscription pricing through the official website offers up to 35% savings versus single-purchase retail.
Retail availability covers all standard sizes: 6oz (170g), 16oz (454g), and 48oz (1.36kg) for both standard and small breed variants. The 80oz (2.27kg) size is available at select stores. The Sensitivity Select Recipe is available in 6oz at specialty retailers.
Where to Buy:
- Official Dr. Marty Pets website (best price with subscription discount up to 35%)
- Amazon (standard single-purchase pricing)
- Treats Unleashed (specialty pet retail, in-store experts available)
- Petsense (carries Sensitivity Select and standard sizes)
- sBARKles (small breed 80oz size stocked)
Should You Try Eat Proteins’ Top-Rated Dog Food Pick?
Is Dr. Marty the Right Choice for Your Dog?
Look, if you’ve been searching for a dog food that actually sticks. Our team at Eat Proteins has tracked the research and the reviews closely, and Dr. Marty consistently earns its place at the top. A zero-recall record, 5-star ratings across all seven recipes, and a veterinarian-formulated formula backed by 50 years of clinical practice.
The product performs best for picky eaters, dogs with food sensitivities, and owners transitioning pets from low-quality kibble to a whole-food diet. It’s got real results behind it. Verified reviewers consistently report dogs accepting Dr. Marty after refusing multiple competing brands. Don’t settle for food your dog barely tolerates.
The freeze-dried format keeps feeding simple, shelf-stable, and nutrient-complete. Your dog deserves the upgrade. Start here.