Are you a dog parent looking for the best food option for your four-legged buddy? Have you come across Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble but are not sure whether it will fill the nutritional needs of your dog properly?
I can understand.
When you visit a pet food store, you are flooded with a large variety of options for your furry buddy.
There are so many brands with their different kinds of dog food products that you get super confused about which one to choose and which one to leave. After all, all of them promise only good things for pups!
And this can make your selection even more difficult.
This is where I can help!
I have come up with a detailed review of many pet parents’ favorite Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble.
They have many products under this category and I have picked five of them to talk about. I have made the evaluation on the basis of five factors that are recipes, nutritional value, ingredients, price, and recall history.
These are some of the most important factors you need to consider while choosing the right food for your dog.
Once you read this entire review, I’m sure you will be able to make a decision regarding this brand and if Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble will suit your furry buddy.
So, are you ready to explore?
Come, let’s dive right in!
| Product | Type | Special Feature | Our Rating | AAFCO Nutrient Profile (Life Stage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass-Fed Beef Raw Coated Kibble | Dry | Grass-fed beef and beef heart | 4 | All life stages |
| Cage-Free Chicken Raw Coated Kibble | Dry | Cage-free chicken and chicken heart | 4 | All life stages |
| Wild Caught Whitefish Raw Coated Kibble | Dry | Fresh wild-caught whitefish | 4 | All life stages |
| Cage-Free Duck Raw Coated Kibble | Dry | Humanely-raised ducks | 4 | All life stages |
| Grass-Fed Lamb Raw Coated Kibble | Dry | Grass-fed lamb and lamb liver | 3.5 | All life stages |
At a Glance: Stella And Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble
Here are some highlights of Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble. You will get to know about them in detail later in this review.
- A premium dog food brand specializing in raw food
- Baked gently and coated with tasty freeze-dried raw
- Their meat is sourced from grass-fed, cage-free, and wild-caught animals
- Come in a variety of recipes
- Filled with the goodness of wholesome grains, taurine, and probiotics
- You can choose grain-free options too
- Their recipes mirror the dog’s ancestral diet
- Some of their products were recalled
- They are filled with 90-98% meat, bone, and organ
- Some of their food products were recalled in the past
- Your pup can get the taste of real raw
- Made in the USA
- All their products are free from by-products, corn, soy, and wheat
- They don’t add antibiotics or hormones to their products
Now, no matter which variety of food you choose for your pup, it is important that you know a little about the brand and its history. After all, you need to trust the brand before you choose its food for your furry buddy, right?
About The Brand Stella And Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble
Stella And Chewy Raw Coated Kibble
- Full of omega fatty acids
- Rich in protein
- Added taurine
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Headquartered in Wisconsin at Oak Creek, Stella & Chewy’s LLC falls under the premium category of pet food companies.
This favorite pet food brand of many makes a variety of high-quality dog food that include raw frozen, freeze-dried, treats, wet dog food, and kibbles. But when it comes to the variety of Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble, there are only seven.
All their products are made with cage-free poultry, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish. And they use only organically sourced fruits and vegetables in their recipes.
They offer both grain-inclusive and grain-free dog food options meeting the different needs of different pets.
They don’t use any kind of hormones, artificial preservatives, antibiotics, or by-products in their recipes.
Who Makes Stella And Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble In 2023?
Stella & Chewy’s LLC is a renowned name in the dog food industry. They are a preferred choice of dog parents looking for quality over quantity.
This brand was established in the year 2003 by Marie Moody.
It was 1997 when Marie Moody went to a local animal shelter and adopted Stella, a dog. Soon after that, she adopted another pup named Chewy who was severely sick.
After consulting a vet, Marie started feeding a raw diet to them and can see Chewy recover completely and healthily.
It is then that Marie decided to take her dog food diet to a new height and founded Stella & Chewy’s LLC.
They have won several awards for their company culture and dog food products including one for Stella’s Solutions which gives dogs the digestive boost they need.
You can avail of their products in the U.S. and Canada at over 6,000 neighborhood pet stores. Also, you can get them online in some popular online stores such as Pet Supplies Plus, healthyspot, and more.
Five-Factor Analysis of Stella And Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble
Stella & Chewy’s offers a variety of food options for your beloved pet. But as I’m discussing only their kibble variety, I’ll talk in detail about Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble here.
When it comes to raw-coated kibbles, this brand offers several of them. I’ll discuss five of their highest-selling raw-coated kibbles.
I’ll go as deep as possible into each of those five products so that you can get a clear idea about what goes into them and if they are good for the dietary needs of your furry buddy.
As this is a five-factor analysis, I’ll put light on some important factors such as recipes, ingredients, nutrition, recall history, and price.
Go through the following to see what are the differences and similarities between these products and if this brand is good for your dog or not.
So, are you ready to find out?
1. Recipes
In this section, I’ll have a detailed discussion about all five recipes and see what good or bad they offer.
Grass-Fed Beef Raw Coated Kibble
- Grass-fed beef
- Filled with omega fatty acids
- Gently baked in the oven
- Full of vitamins and minerals
- Grain and poultry-free
- Protein-infused nutrition
The main ingredient used to make this dog food from the house of Stella & Chewy’s is beef. As all the ingredients used by this brand are sourced responsibly, the beef that they use is fed grass. It is a great source of animal protein.
Also, they use beef heart and liver to provide your pooch with the much-needed amino acids. This contributes to the overall development of your dog.
This brand claims they don’t use any by-products in this recipe. By-products are low-quality meat, and some even don’t have any specific sources. As this recipe is void of by-products, you can say that it is good for your pup’s health.
Apart from protein, it is rich in fat and offers the required calories for developing dogs. The DHA helps in the development of the eyes and brain of your dog.
It is rich in omega fatty acids which contribute to promoting a healthy and shiny coat and skin.
It has a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, as the brand believes in providing your dog with only the best. It includes beets, cranberries, spinach, broccoli, carrots, squash, blueberries, and more. This helps in your dog’s improved bodily functions and proper growth.
If you want to feed raw food to your dog, you can start with this amazing recipe that is great for picky pups as it tastes great.
Cage-Free Chicken Raw Coated Kibble
- Cage-free chicken
- Oven baked
- No added antibiotics or hormones
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- No by-products
The primary ingredient used in this recipe is chicken. As the brand believes in responsibly-sourced products, they use cage-free, humanely-raised chicken. Also, it comes with the heart and gizzard of chicken.
This lean meat provides your canine buddy with all the energy they need in a day to stay active. And that too without too many calories.
This recipe is gently baked in the oven so that they don’t process it much.
Just as the other raw coated kibbles from the house of Stella & Chewy, this recipe is free from by-products that are actually low-quality meat.
They have not used wheat, corn, and soy in this recipe. These are mostly known as fillers that are used in products just to increase their quantity with no such benefits. Corn is not recommended for dogs with digestion issues. They can even be the reason behind your dog’s allergies.
This recipe is void of antibiotics or added hormones. Added hormones are often associated with reproductive issues and developmental disabilities.
This recipe is filled with the nutrients of organic fruits and vegetables which are highly beneficial for your dog. This includes peas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, fenugreek seed, broccoli, and more. These are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber helping your dog to have a better immune system, strong bones and joints, and overall good health.
Wild-Caught Whitefish Raw Coated Kibble
- Rich in protein
- Full of omega fatty acids
- Added taurine
- Added probiotics
- Organic fruits and vegetables
The heart of this recipe lies in the wild-caught whitefish that have never been injected with hormones and antibiotics. Many dog parents are wary of hormones in dog food products. As this recipe from the house of Stella & Chewy’s doesn’t contain any of it, it is loved by many dog owners.
This fish is a powerhouse of protein. It helps dogs with food allergies. Also, it is a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids. It keeps the coat and skin of your furry buddy healthy and shiny.
This recipe comes with added taurine which is excellent for the heart health of your furry buddy.
This recipe can help dogs with sensitive stomachs. It comes with added probiotics that aid in the proper digestion of food.
They claim that all their recipes follow a low-carb diet, which means they can keep the blood sugar level of your dog in check. Also, it can help your dog fit and be active. This makes the recipe perfect for overweight dogs or dogs who are suffering from obesity.
Cage-Free Duck Raw Coated Kibble
- Made from cage-free ducks
- Coated with freeze-dried raw
- Easy to digest
- Minimally processed
- Low-carb diet
- Great levels of chondroitin and glucosamine
The primary ingredient used in this formula is fresh duck that is not raised in a cage. Duck is an excellent source of iron that your dog needs. Also, it is loaded with easy-to-digest protein.
The amino acids in the duck meat help your pup in developing strong muscles. If you have a dog that has food sensitivities or allergies, this recipe can be a good food option for them.
This cage-free duck raw-coated kibble from the brand Stella & Chewy’s is free from artificial chemicals, preservatives, fillers, and by-products.
Artificial preservatives are used in dog food products so that the shelf life can be increased. These are mainly chemicals and are best to avoid if you are looking for natural food for your dog.
Low-quality meat is often known as a by-product. These are often taken from animal body parts that humans can’t eat. So now you know if you want it in your dog food or not.
Fillers are those ingredients that are used in a food product with the intention to increase the quantity and it contributes little to nothing when it comes to the quality.
This dog food formula contains chondroitin and glucosamine. When these two ingredients are combined, they can help with joint pain in your dog. Chondroitin can heal inflammation and stop further damage. Glucosamine, on the other hand, numbs the area and relieves your dog of joint pain.
Grass-Fed Lamb Raw Coated Kibble
- Made from grass-fed lamb
- No colorings
- No added hormones or antibiotics
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Complete nutrition
- Quick baked
The main ingredient used in this dog formula is pasture-raised lamb. Also, it contains lamb heart, liver, spleen, and kidney. It is full of essential amino acids and high-quality protein. This helps in building and maintaining your dog’s body tissues.
Organic fruits and vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your dog with everyday nourishment.
The flaxseed used in this recipe is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Also, they have a large amount of soluble fiber.
Taurine helps in maintaining the proper function of your dog’s heart muscle.
It contains a starch-like compound known as inulin. It is an excellent natural source of soluble dietary fiber. And did I tell you it is a prebiotic too?
It aids in the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract of your dog.
This dog food formula doesn’t have any by-products, artificial preservatives, added hormones, artificial colorings, and fillers. This makes it a great option for dog parents who are looking for safe food products for their canine buddies.
However, if your dog has a sensitive nose, it might not like this lamb formula because of its smell.
The Verdict | ★★★★
I think the best thing about Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble is that they are made with high-quality ingredients that are sourced responsibly.
All their dog food formulas are free from artificial preservatives, colorings, corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. In fact, they don’t use any added antibiotics or hormones.
This makes these recipes a good option if you want to go for a wholesome food option for your pup.
Another thing that I like about this brand is that they have an entire page on their website dedicated to the dietary needs of your dog.
You have to enter the breed of your pet, their age, their name, your recipe preferences, and dietary needs and they will recommend you the right set of products just for your pet.
Isn’t that awesome?
What I don’t like is that when it comes to varieties of dog food, this brand doesn’t have a lot of it in their kibble category.
They use mild heat to bake their recipes. Sometimes, heat can actually decrease the levels of essential vitamins and amino acids.
And last but not the least, they don’t have dog food products meant for specific issues of your dog such as joint health, sensitivities, and more.
2. Ingredients
What comes next after recipes is the list of ingredients. Of course, not all the ingredients in all the varieties of Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble are the same.
But their main ingredients are mostly the same.
I have dedicated this section to discussing the four primary ingredients mentioned on the label of each of the five recipes.
Meat, Fish, and Poultry (Beef, Chicken, Wild-caught Whitefish, Duck, Lamb)
If you look at the list of ingredients in all five recipes, you will see that meat, fish, or poultry is their primary source of protein. For example, they have beef, chicken, wild-caught whitefish, duck, and lamb.
They are filled with the goodness of vitamin B12, vitamin B3, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, and amino acids.
These nutrients contribute to making your dog’s muscles strong, brain sharp, and great recovery power. They provide your dog with complete nutrients.
Meal (Lamb, Chicken, Ocean Whitefish, Turkey)
Now, before I say anything, please note that meals and meat are not the same. This means real chicken as an ingredient and chicken meal as an ingredient is not the same.
Talking about lamb, chicken, or turkey, are meat or muscle tissue from a specific animal. But when I say lamb meal, chicken meal, or turkey meal, I know that they have undergone rendering.
This is a special process in which the meat is ground first to give it a uniform size. Then the fat and moisture are removed from it by cooking it. And at the last stage, it is ground again.
So, the final product that you get is a powder consisting of high levels of protein.
The same goes for ocean whitefish meals.
Did you know lamb meal has about 300% more protein compared to fresh lamb?
These meals are full of essential amino acids and dietary fats to keep your dog healthy. They keep your canine buddy’s coat and skin shiny. And they make it easier for your dog to digest food, helping them have a good bowel movement.
Peas
Peas are a primary ingredient used in all five recipes. They are an excellent source of vitamin B, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
They are a powerhouse of minerals including magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. Also, they come with high protein and high fiber content.
Did I tell you that peas have lutein?
It is an antioxidant that keeps your dog’s eyes, heart, and skin health healthy.
Lentils
When it comes to plant-based protein options, lentils are sure to top the chart.
And did I mention how great of a fiber and iron source this ingredient is?
Lentils are low in calories and the high levels of fiber in them keep your furry buddy fuller. They prevent the blood levels from going up sharply right after your dog has a meal.
This makes it a good choice for dogs who are suffering from diabetes.
Controversial Ingredients
After analyzing the ingredients list of Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble thoroughly, I found some ingredients that are regarded as controversial.
They use pea protein in some of their raw-coated kibble formulas. Do you know how pea protein is made?
Well, it is made by getting rid of the starchy parts of this vegetable. Now, why is it controversial?
It is because it offers a protein boost of substantial protein. Compared to proteins that are sourced from meat, proteins derived from plants have a lower biological value. And so, this boost is something that people have an objection to.
Tomato pomace is another ingredient that this brand uses in some of its raw-coated kibbles. Do you know what it is?
It is a by-product of manufacturing tomatoes. People think that it is a filler of cheap and low quality.
That being said, tomato pomace is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, lycopene, and vitamin B.
The Verdict | ★★★★
Although there are some controversial ingredients present in the Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble, there doesn’t make their formulas bad.
After all, how can you overlook the fact that they don’t use any artificial coloring, preservatives, by-products, hormones, antibiotics, corn, wheat, and soy?
Also, all their ingredients are sourced responsibly and are of high quality.
They have included all their ingredients on the labels of each formula, which suggest that they are transparent about what they are using in their products. This is something I like.
And so, I’m giving them a rating of 4!
3. Nutritional Analysis
When you are zeroing in on a specific dog food brand, you need to know what nutritional value they have and what benefits they will provide your furry buddy. Isn’t it?
And so, here comes the table with nutritional content.
| Nutrient | Content (per serving) |
| Crude Protein | 32-35% |
| Crude Fat | 13-16% |
| Crude Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Calories | 432-453 kcal/cup |
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), if you are looking for adult dog food, it should have at least 18% crude protein on the basis of dry matter.
And Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble has 32-35% crude protein, which is, no doubt, great.
This helps in building as well as repairing different tissues of your dog’s body. Also, it helps in growing healthy coats and forming new skin cells.
Did you know that according to IAMS research, a healthy dog needs about 1.4-3.5% crude fiber?
Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble comes with 5% crude fiber, which is, again, great!
The fat content of dog food needs to be less than the protein content. If you look at Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble, it has 13-16% crude fat content.
So, in this case, too, it has pleased me.
The moisture content in food is very important. Do you know why?
Well, if the dry dog food you choose for your furry friend doesn’t have enough moisture in it, your dog can feel dehydrated. Even if you give them water apart from food, it is not generally enough.
There is 12% moisture in Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble.
If you are a parent to an adult dog, know that your dog should have at least 400 kcal/day. And Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble has 432-453 kcal/cup, which is great.
Author’s Note: Please note that not all Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble has the same nutritional value. It varies depending on the recipe you choose.
The Verdict | ★★★★
Yes, I’m giving Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble 4 stars!
And I have reasons for that.
All their Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble formulas come with good nutritional value.
Their percentage of crude protein, crude fat, moisture, and just what you need in dry dog food. But the fiber content could be better.
4. Price
The price of their 3.5lb bags is $24.99. Also, you can get bags of 22lb which are priced between $86.99 and $89.99, and 10lb, which is priced at $47.99.
This is the price that I found on their website. But if I look at other online mediums that are selling their products, there is a huge difference in the price.
For example, the price of Stella and Chewy’s Raw Coated Cage-Free Chicken Dry Dog Food on Tomlinson’s website is $86.99. But the same product on Amazon is priced at $104 after a discount.
Tomlinson is one of those websites that are mentioned on Stella and Chewy’s own website. So, if you are planning to buy products from this brand, it would be better to buy from their partnered websites. That way, you can buy it at its best price.
Also, there are many offline stores where you can buy this brand’s dog food. You can find the entire list of online and offline stores on the brand’s website.
Please note that you can’t buy dog food directly from this brand’s website.
The Verdict | ★★★★
Now, coming to the price, I think they are priced fairly looking at the high-quality ingredients they are offering.
Also, not to mention that the products are free from by-products, artificial preservatives, and a lot of other harmful ingredients. And these are not offered by a lot of dog food brands.
But, if you are someone with a tight budget, you can get less expensive dog food from other brands. And that is where I think I will cut one star from this brand.
So, it’s a 4-star from me.
5. Recall History
Unfortunately, the brand Stella and Chewy’ has been recalled twice.
In July 2015, Stella & Chewy’s went for a voluntary recall on a variety of their freeze-dried and frozen dog food. The reason is that there was possible exposure to certain foods that are contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria is dangerous to humans and dogs alike, especially to the elderly and children.
Again, in December 2015, the brand went for a voluntary recall for four of its products that are sold in both Canada and the U.S. The reason this time is the same – possible contamination with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
Author’s Note: Please note that none of these recalls were for their raw-coated kibble.
The Verdict | ★★★
When a brand has a history of recall, it generally means that certain dog food products are not safe for your pup to use.
Having said that, when a company goes for a voluntary recall, it shows its dedication to the safety of its products. They are ready to cooperate with government officials and face the consequences.
How Does Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble Compare to the Competition?
Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble is a perfect combination of high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients. They make your dog follow a high-protein raw diet.
It is great for dogs that are picky when it comes to eating and have dietary restrictions. Also, their products are great for dogs of all life stages.
The best thing about this brand is that it doesn’t have any artificial preservatives, colorings, hormones, antibiotics, corn, soy, wheat, or by-products in any of its kibble formulas.
And not to mention that they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your furry buddy active, healthy, and happy.
They have a large variety of dog food products. But when it comes to raw-coated kibble, you can find a lot of options. This is what I don’t like about this brand.
But overall, this is a great pet food brand in the dog food market.
Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble: To Buy or Not to Buy?
This is the time for making the decision: should you buy it or skip it?
I have already covered all the main points regarding the Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble. And now is the time for a short recap.
I’ll discuss the pros and cons of this brand now. Shall I start?
Pros And Cons of Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble
Pros
- They use only grass-fed, cage-free, and wild-caught meat and fish
as their main ingredient - Their products are free from corn, soy, wheat, and byproducts
- They don’t use artificial preservative and colorings in their food products
- Their formulas are free from antibiotics and hormones
- They are filled with protein, vitamins, omega fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants
- They come with added taurine and probiotics for improved heart health and maximum digestion
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive options
- Made with high-quality and safe ingredients
- Low in carbohydrates, making it good for obese dogs
- They have food according to your furry buddy’s dietary needs
- Gently baked to retain the goodness of the ingredients
- High-quality raw diet, filled with 90-98% meat, bone, and organ
- It is recommended by vets
- They come with a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with their products, let the brand know and they will do the needful
Cons
- If you look at the main brands, that is Stella and Chewy’s, you will find a variety of dog food options. But when you look at Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble, you can find not many options to choose from.Although I think they have priced their products fairly, looking at the amazing ingredients they use. It might be an issue for many pet owners.Coming to their nutritional value, there is a scope for improvement.
- Although I think they have priced their products fairly, looking at the amazing ingredients they use. It might be an issue for many pet owners.Coming to their nutritional value, there is a scope for improvement.
- Coming to their nutritional value, there is a scope for improvement.
Is it worth buying?
I would say “yes.”
Yes, there might be a shortage of options when you look at Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble. But you will be highly satisfied with the quality ingredients they use.
And did I not tell you that it is recommended by vets?
Budget can be an issue for some, but if you can overcome that issue, this is definitely a great food option for your four-legged buddy.
Our Rating
Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble is a vet-recommended premium dog food option for dog owners.
If you ask me, “what you liked the most about this brand?”, I would say their responsibly sourced ingredients. And they don’t use any by-products, fillers, hormones, antibiotics, artificial coloring, and preservatives in their products.
The price of their 3.5lb bags is $24.99, which can be an issue for some. But if you don’t have a budget as such, you can let your pup enjoy the goodness of the high-quality ingredients.
In the end, I give a 4-star rating to Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble for the nutritional ingredients they use in all their kibble options that can be fed to puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble earns a rating of 4 out of 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble:
Is Freeze-Dried Raw Pet Food Similar to Actual Raw Food?
Yes. When you get freeze-diet food from the house of Stella & Chewy’s, you will understand that both have a similar formulation. You get the benefits of raw and shelf-stable food at the same time.
Can Feeding a Raw Diet to My Dog Be Dangerous Because of Listeria and Salmonella?
Stella & Chewy’s follows the highest safety procedure to provide you with safe and nutritious dog food. They go for high-pressure processing that eliminates all food-borne bacteria while keeping the raw nutrition intact in their meat products.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good raw food option for your picky dog that has a sensitive stomach, you can go for Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble.
They are filled with high-quality raw protein – perfect for your furry buddy.
So, tell me, do you think Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Kibble would be the best food option for your four-legged buddy? Are you going to give it a try?
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments!
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
