Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food: My Honest Review

If you’re wondering is Stella and Chewy good dog food, the short answer is yes—it’s a high-quality brand that focuses on raw-inspired nutrition with simple, natural ingredients. I’ve fed it to my own dogs and noticed better digestion and shinier coats, though the cost and handling of raw food can be a drawback for some. With my veterinary background, I can say it’s one of the stronger options on the U.S. market, especially for pet parents who value minimally processed diets. If you’re considering a switch, let me walk you through the details so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your pup.

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Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food?

Yes, Stella & Chewy’s dog food is one of the better options I’ve tried, especially if you’re looking for raw-inspired nutrition in a safe and convenient form. My dogs loved the freeze-dried raw dinner patties, and I noticed clear benefits like smaller stools, better digestion, and more energy.

When I first tested it, I started with the beef patties. They were easy to rehydrate, smelled like real meat, and even my pickiest eater went straight for the bowl. I also experimented with their raw coated kibble on busy days when I couldn’t prepare raw patties, and it still kept my dogs excited at mealtime. Over time, I even used their meal mixers as a topper on regular kibble to boost flavor and nutrition.

From what I’ve seen, Stella & Chewy’s delivers on its promise of raw, wholesome ingredients. The company offers not just freeze-dried patties but also frozen raw dinners and a wide range of treats, so you get flexibility depending on your budget and your dog’s needs.

What I Like

High-quality ingredients
I love that the patties are made from 95% meat, organs, and bone. This is closer to a dog’s natural diet, and I could see the difference in their coat shine and stool quality.

Great for picky eaters
My dogs sometimes turn their nose up at kibble, but with Stella & Chewy’s, they were all in. The patties rehydrate into a meaty texture that’s hard for them to resist.

Variety of options
I’ve tested not just the patties but also the raw coated kibble and meal mixers. On days when I wanted to keep meals simple, the kibble worked well. When I wanted to spoil them or add a nutrition boost, the meal mixers and treats came in handy.

What Could Be Better

Price
Stella & Chewy’s is on the expensive side, especially if you’re feeding a large dog full patties every day. It’s more affordable for smaller dogs or when used as a topper.

Availability
While common in U.S. pet stores, I’ve had times where certain recipes or sizes were out of stock. It can be frustrating if you rely on a specific formula.

Transition time
If your dog is new to raw-style food, the switch can take time. I had to slowly transition mine over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.

Recommendation

I’d recommend Stella & Chewy’s to dog parents who want the benefits of raw feeding without the hassle of handling raw meat at home. It’s a strong fit if you have picky eaters, active dogs, or want to add variety to your dog’s diet.

If budget is tight, I suggest using the meal mixers or raw coated kibble as a compromise—this way, you still get some of the raw nutrition without going all-in on the patties.

For U.S. pet owners, availability is good since most major pet chains carry Stella & Chewy’s, both in-store and online. But I’d still keep a backup food in case your favorite recipe is out of stock.

Overall, my testing showed Stella & Chewy’s to be a trustworthy brand that delivers on quality and nutrition. It’s not the cheapest, but if you want a raw-inspired diet that’s safe, balanced, and easy to feed, it’s worth considering.

Details Comparison: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

I’ve tested both the freeze-dried raw patties and the raw coated kibble from Stella & Chewy’s. They share the same quality-first approach, but they fit different needs. Here’s my honest breakdown after feeding them to my dogs.

Specifications: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

The patties are classic freeze-dried raw, while the raw coated kibble is more of a hybrid. Both are grain-free and AAFCO-approved. The patties feel closer to a raw diet, while the kibble adds convenience.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Great for picky eaters, made with 95% beef, organs, and bone. Sourced and made in the USA. Best for those who want raw without the mess.

Raw Coated Kibble: Crunchy kibble with a raw freeze-dried coating. Balanced for all life stages, with meat as the first ingredient.

My dogs clearly preferred the smell and taste of the patties, but the kibble made feeding easier on busy days.

Rating: Patties 9.5/10 | Kibble 8.5/10

Design & Composition: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

The patties are round, burger-like disks. They break apart easily and can be rehydrated with warm water. The kibble looks like standard crunchy pieces, but each piece is coated in freeze-dried raw for flavor.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Require storage in a dry, cool place. Best when soaked. Shelf life is long since they’re freeze-dried.

Raw Coated Kibble: No prep needed. Pour and serve. Easier to store and handle, but not as close to raw.

I found the patties a little messier to handle, but rehydrating them made mealtime exciting. The kibble was mess-free but less “special.”

Rating: Patties 9/10 | Kibble 9.5/10

Nutritional Features: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Both are nutrient-rich, but the patties win in protein and fat density. The kibble balances things with added fiber and convenience.

Freeze-Dried Patties: 41% protein, 35% fat, very calorie-dense (4940 kcal/kg). Probiotics, taurine, and antioxidants included.

Raw Coated Kibble: Around 30% protein, 15% fat (varies by recipe). Still enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

My high-energy dog thrived on the patties. My older dog did better on the kibble since it wasn’t quite as rich.

Rating: Patties 9.5/10 | Kibble 8.5/10

Ingredient Quality: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Stella & Chewy’s prides itself on whole-prey ingredients. The patties shine here, with organ meats and bone in every bite.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Grass-fed beef, liver, kidney, heart, and tripe. Organic produce like spinach, blueberries, and carrots. No fillers or artificial preservatives.

Raw Coated Kibble: Still good quality, but includes legumes and starches to form kibble. Meat-first, but not 95% meat like the patties.

I noticed better coat shine and smaller stools on the patties, which tells me the whole-prey formula made a difference.

Rating: Patties 10/10 | Kibble 8/10

Performance & Health Impact: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Both foods improved my dogs’ digestion, but the patties were more noticeable in results.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Smaller, less smelly stools. Glossy coat. Higher energy. Great for sensitive stomachs.

Raw Coated Kibble: Solid digestion support, but not quite as dramatic. Still better than standard kibble.

I’d pick the patties for picky eaters or allergy-prone dogs. The kibble worked better when I needed something more practical.

Rating: Patties 9.5/10 | Kibble 8.5/10

Feeding & Usage: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Feeding both was simple, but in different ways.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Feeding chart is based on dog weight. Puppies need 2x adult portions. Best served rehydrated. Can be used as a topper or full meal.

Raw Coated Kibble: Feeding chart is also weight-based. No soaking required. Just scoop and serve.

On rushed mornings, kibble saved me time. On weekends, I enjoyed preparing the patties with warm water. My dogs seemed to love those “special meals.”

Rating: Patties 9/10 | Kibble 9.5/10

Safety & Testing: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Both are made in the USA with strict safety protocols.

Freeze-Dried Patties: High-pressure processing to kill pathogens.

Raw Coated Kibble: Cooked kibble, safer for households worried about handling raw foods.

I never had issues with either, but I appreciated the extra peace of mind with the kibble.

Rating: Patties 9/10 | Kibble 9.5/10

Brand Reputation: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Stella & Chewy’s has a strong reputation in the U.S. for raw-inspired feeding.

Freeze-Dried Patties & Kibble: Both come from the same trusted brand. They source responsibly, avoid artificial ingredients, and are widely available online and in pet stores.

I found their customer support helpful when I asked about transitioning my pup. Both product lines reflect a strong company ethos.

Rating: Patties 9.5/10 | Kibble 9.5/10

Pricing & Value: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Here’s where they differ most.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Expensive, especially for big dogs. Feeding a 60 lb dog daily adds up fast.

Raw Coated Kibble: Much more affordable per meal, but you lose some of the raw authenticity.

I ended up using patties more as a topper and sticking with kibble for daily meals to balance cost.

Rating: Patties 8/10 | Kibble 9.5/10

User Experience: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

From a dog parent’s perspective, both worked well.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Smell like real meat, highly palatable, but can be messy when rehydrated. Transition smooth with a 7–10 day mix.

Raw Coated Kibble: Clean, easy to pour, less smell, but slightly less exciting for my dogs.

My picky eater adored the patties. My less fussy dog was happy with the kibble.

Rating: Patties 9.5/10 | Kibble 9/10

Ecosystem & Variety: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Stella & Chewy’s offers a full ecosystem of options.

Freeze-Dried Patties: Many proteins (beef, chicken, lamb, duck, venison). Puppy, adult, and all-life-stage formulas.

Raw Coated Kibble: Same protein variety, plus meal mixers and treats to round out the diet.

I loved being able to rotate between patties, kibble, and even their frozen raw dinners to keep meals fresh.

Rating: Patties 9.5/10 | Kibble 9.5/10

Pros & Cons: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Freeze-Dried Patties Pros: High-quality ingredients, raw nutrition, amazing for picky eaters.

Freeze-Dried Patties Cons: Expensive, needs rehydration, can be messy.

Raw Coated Kibble Pros: Affordable, easy to feed, safe, and convenient.

Raw Coated Kibble Cons: Less raw authenticity, still pricey compared to basic kibble.

For me, patties felt like a “premium treat” while kibble was the “daily staple.”

Rating: Patties 9/10 | Kibble 9/10

Final Take

Freeze-Dried Patties: 9.3/10 – Best for picky eaters, allergy-prone dogs, and owners who want the closest thing to raw.

Raw Coated Kibble: 9.1/10 – Best for convenience, affordability, and safe handling.

In my home, I use both. The patties for special meals and the kibble for everyday feeding. Together, they give me the balance of raw nutrition and practical convenience.

FAQs: Is Stella and Chewy Good Dog Food

Is Stella and Chewy good dog food for all breeds?
Yes, Stella and Chewy suits most breeds with balanced recipes, but serving size may vary. Learn more about breed-specific feeding tips.

Is Stella and Chewy safe for puppies?
Stella and Chewy offers puppy-friendly recipes that meet AAFCO standards for growth. Learn more about choosing the right formula for young dogs.

Does Stella and Chewy use real meat in their recipes?
Yes, Stella and Chewy uses high-quality meats, organ meats, and bone content. Learn more about their ingredient sourcing and whole prey approach.

Is Stella and Chewy dog food grain-free?
Many Stella and Chewy recipes are grain-free, but grain-inclusive options are also available. Learn more about which choice is best for your pup.

Is Stella and Chewy worth the price?
Though more expensive, Stella and Chewy is valued for quality, digestibility, and palatability. Learn more about whether it’s the right investment for your dog.

Taslima Akter Sumaiya

Taslima Akter Sumaiya is a passionate pet mom and founder of PetFoodHubing.com. With real-life experience and insights inspired by USDA-ARS experts like Dr. Jitender P. Dubey, she writes honest, research-backed reviews to help dog and cat parents choose the best food. Trust her to simplify pet nutrition—with love and science. Read More…