Dr. Marty’s Dog Food: Genius Nutrition or Gourmet Gimmick?

If you’ve ever Googled “best dog food” at 10 p.m. while your dog ignores another bowl of kibble, you’re not alone. These days, it feels like there’s a new “miracle” food every week - and let’s be honest, some of them sound more like overpriced hype than real help. But, one brand that keeps popping up (and getting rave reviews) is Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend. It’s freeze-dried, full of real ingredients, and has pet parents across Canada buzzing.

So is it actually worth it? Or just another gourmet gimmick with a fancy label? Let’s take a real look at what’s inside the bag - and why so many dog lovers swear by it.

What Makes Dr. Marty’s Dog Food So Special?

At first glance, Dr. Marty’s doesn’t look like your typical kibble - and that’s the point. It’s not processed in the same way, and it’s not filled with grains, starches, or “mystery meats.”

Instead, it’s a freeze-dried raw dog food made with real muscle meat, organs, fruits, and veggies. It’s basically the closest thing to a raw diet without having to store bloody patties in your freezer.

The brand was founded by celebrity vet Dr. Marty Goldstein, who’s known for promoting holistic, real-food-based nutrition. His whole vibe? Dogs thrive when they eat closer to how they would in the wild - minus the actual wild part.

Dr. Marty has several options tailored to each dog’s unique needs. The Small Breed formula is made specifically for the small mouths of toy to small dogs and the Original Formula is perfect for all breed sizes. In addition, don’t forget the treats! Cod Cracklers, Cod Crispies and Joey’s Favourite Salmon Treats are high-quality, highly palatable options. 

What’s Actually in It? (Spoiler: It’s All Real Food)

Let’s break it down. Here’s what you’ll find in a bag of Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend:

Real Proteins Up Front:

• Turkey
• Beef
• Salmon
• Duck

Whole Plant-Based Ingredients:

• Sweet potato
• Apple
• Carrot
• Flaxseed
• Kelp
• Broccoli
• Blueberries
• Ginger

There’s zero grain, no corn, soy, or filler, and no synthetic vitamins or preservatives. Just a blend of raw, whole food ingredients that you can actually recognize and pronounce.

Here’s why each ingredient matters:

It’s a short, sweet ingredient list - and that’s exactly how it should be.

Real Health Benefits (Backed by Real Pet Parents)

Let’s get into the good stuff. What can you actually expect if you start feeding Dr. Marty’s?

According to thousands of dog owners and real veterinary recommendations, here’s what pet parents and experts are seeing:

• Smaller, firmer poops (yes, we’re talking about poop - it matters!)
• Less paw licking and itchy skin
• Shinier coats and less shedding
• Way more enthusiasm at mealtime
• More energy (especially in senior dogs)
• Less gas and bloating (hallelujah)

And it’s not just hype - we’ve seen the love firsthand in reviews from Canadian pet parents who shop with us every day. Real customers, real reviews. 

“I switched my dog from homemade vet approved food to Natures Blend essential Wellness diet as travelling was difficult with homemade. She will now only eat this Dr. Martys Food. So convenient and much easier and healthy! She loves it! Thank you.” - Betty B. 

“Our dog Miko Loves his Natures Blend meal. He eats his meal right up at breakfast and supper. He also loves his Cod Crackers. His tail is always wagging when eating either his meal or his treat. Great products.” - John P.

“I appreciate the convenience of ordering and receiving this product. This is a superior blend that our dog loves. Although he is 13 years old he is young at heart, his coat is shiny and he has a lot of energy thanks to Dr. Marty’s blend. I would not hesitate to recommend this product.” - Diane B. 

The Freeze-Dried Factor: Why It Matters

What makes freeze-dried dog food different from kibble or canned? It all comes down to how it’s made.

Dr. Marty’s food is gently freeze-dried, which means the water is removed without using heat. That keeps all those nutrients intact - unlike kibble, which is cooked at super high temps.

• It’s shelf-stable (no fridge required)
• It keeps the food as “raw” as possible without spoiling
• It’s way easier to store, travel with, and scoop than raw patties
• Basically, you’re getting raw-food benefits with kibble-style convenience. It’s a win-win.

How It Compares to Other Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

Dr. Marty’s isn’t the only freeze-dried option out there - but it’s definitely one of the most premium. Here’s how it stacks up against some other popular brands (including our fave Canadian pick Smack Pet Foods):

Key Takeaways:

• Human-Grade Ingredients: Dr. Marty’s doesn’t cut corners - only real, clean food here.
• Multiple Proteins: fully balanced nutritional profile.
• No Additives: You won’t find synthetic vitamin mixes here.
• Supports Digestion Naturally: Ingredients like ginger and flaxseed help with tummy troubles.
• Picky Eater Approved: This food is famously loved by fussy dogs.
• North American Made: Trusted manufacturing, no overseas mystery sourcing.

Feeding Tips and Why It’s More Than Just “Expensive Dog Food”

Here’s something a lot of pet parents miss at first glance: Dr. Marty’s is super concentrated, which means you need way less of it per meal compared to traditional kibble.

So while the price per bag might feel like a splurge, the actual cost per day? Often the same as premium kibble, especially when you consider the quality of ingredients and health benefits packed into every scoop.

Why You’re Getting Real Value

Let’s be honest - there’s a huge difference between feeding half a cup of nutrient-dense, freeze-dried raw food vs. a cup of filler-heavy kibble. Dr. Marty’s is loaded with bioavailable protein, real organs, healthy fats, and functional superfoods. You're not paying for protein meals, corn or rice - you’re paying for clean, digestible fuel your dog can actually use.

Feeding Guide (Per Meal)

📌 Pro Tip: If the full switch isn’t in your budget right now, using Dr. Marty’s as a topper on your current food is still a game changer. Even adding a little bit can boost your dog’s nutrient intake, improve digestion, and increase mealtime excitement (especially for picky eaters).

How to Transition to Dr. Marty Food (Smoothly)

Like any diet change, switching to freeze-dried raw is best done gradually - especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Here’s an easy plan:

• Days 1 - 3: Mix 25% Dr. Marty’s with 75% of your current food
• Days 4 - 6: Move to a 50/50 blend
• Days 7 - 9: Try 75% Dr. Marty’s, 25% old food
• Day 10+: Fully transition if your dog is adjusting well

📌  You can serve it dry straight from the bag or rehydrate it with warm water - which also brings out the smell (dogs go wild for it!).

Bottom line? You’re not just feeding less - you’re feeding smarter. Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried Raw delivers dense, real-food nutrition in every bite, and your dog’s body knows exactly what to do with it.

So... Is Dr. Marty Dog Food Genius Nutrition or Gourmet Gimmick?

Honestly? It’s genius. Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend is more than just trendy packaging. It’s built on high-quality, whole ingredients, smart nutritional science, and real-life results.

It’s not the cheapest option - but for many dog parents, it’s 100% worth it. Especially if your pup has a sensitive stomach, skin issues, or a serious case of picky-eater syndrome.

If you’re ready to level up your dog’s diet without diving into messy raw prep, Dr. Marty’s is one of the best freeze-dried options out there.

Give it a try and see the difference.

You can shop the full line of Dr. Marty’s Dog Food at Brindle Pet Supplies - your trusted Canadian pet store for premium, pet-parent-approved products. Don't forget! Free shipping over $89 across Canada.