When it comes to premium dog nutrition, Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend has created quite a buzz in the pet food world. As someone who’s analyzed countless dog food formulas over the years, I was particularly interested in examining what sets this veterinarian-created brand apart from the competition. What I found was a thoughtfully crafted approach to canine nutrition that challenges many conventional pet food norms.
What is Dr. Marty Dog Food?
Dr. Marty Pet Food was founded by Dr. Martin Goldstein, an integrative veterinarian with over 45 years of experience. His philosophy centers on providing dogs with biologically appropriate nutrition through minimally processed, real food ingredients. The flagship product, Nature’s Blend, is a freeze-dried raw dog food that aims to deliver nutrition “as nature intended.”
Unlike traditional kibble that undergoes high-heat processing, Dr. Marty’s freeze-dried approach preserves more nutrients while eliminating moisture that bacteria need to thrive. The result is a shelf-stable product that maintains the benefits of raw feeding without the handling concerns or inconvenience of frozen products. I’ve found this makes it particularly appealing for pet owners who want raw nutrition benefits with kibble-like convenience.
If you’re comparing premium dog food options, you might also want to check out our Diamond dog food review to see how these brands stack up against each other.
Ingredients and Nutritional Analysis
What immediately stands out about Nature’s Blend is its impressive protein content – a whopping 81% comes from animal sources. The formula features a diverse protein matrix including:
- Turkey
- Beef
- Salmon
- Duck
- Organ meats (beef liver, turkey liver, turkey heart)
This multi-protein approach provides a complete amino acid profile while mimicking the varied diet wild canines would naturally consume. The inclusion of organ meats is particularly noteworthy, as these nutrient-dense ingredients deliver concentrated vitamins and minerals that muscle meat alone doesn’t provide.
The remaining 19% of the formula consists of carefully selected fruits, vegetables, and seeds including sweet potato, blueberry, spinach, broccoli, kale, flaxseed, and pumpkin seeds. These aren’t just fillers – they’re functional superfoods that provide antioxidants, fiber, and essential fatty acids.
The guaranteed analysis shows a minimum of 37% crude protein and 27% crude fat, with maximum 4% crude fiber and 6% moisture. This high-protein, moderate-fat profile aligns well with canine biological needs. What you won’t find are common allergens like corn, wheat, or soy, nor artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – a major plus for dogs with sensitivities.
Manufacturing and Safety
Dr. Marty’s products are manufactured in the USA, with a dedicated facility in Germantown, Wisconsin since 2023. The company emphasizes rigorous quality control, including third-party testing for purity and potency. This commitment to safety has paid off – the brand has maintained a clean record with no recalls to date.
The freeze-drying process itself provides inherent safety advantages. By removing moisture through sublimation rather than cooking, it creates an environment inhospitable to bacterial growth while preserving the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients. This approach addresses many of the safety concerns traditionally associated with raw feeding.
All ingredients are sourced from trusted North American partners, with proteins coming from USDA-inspected facilities. The beef is exclusively pasture-raised in New Zealand, which helps avoid growth hormones and other unwanted additives. In my experience analyzing pet food manufacturing, this level of supply chain control is impressive and reassuring.
Health Benefits and User Experiences
Based on consumer testimonials and the nutritional profile, dogs eating Nature’s Blend often experience several notable benefits:
Improved digestion is among the most commonly reported outcomes. The absence of fillers and inclusion of natural digestive aids like ginger likely contribute to this effect. Many owners report resolution of chronic loose stools within 2-3 weeks of transitioning to the food.
Enhanced coat health is another frequently mentioned benefit. The formula’s omega-3 fatty acids (minimum 2.5%), combined with zinc from pumpkin seeds and vitamin E from sunflower seeds, support skin and coat condition. Dogs with allergy-related hair loss have shown impressive coat regrowth when switched to Nature’s Blend.
Increased energy and mobility appear particularly significant for senior dogs. The combination of high-quality proteins, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and nutrients that support joint health often translates to renewed vitality. I’ve personally seen similar results when older dogs switch to nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods like this one.
Even picky eaters tend to embrace Nature’s Blend, with palatability studies showing a 94% acceptance rate. The inclusion of organ meats likely contributes to its appealing flavor profile.
Cost and Feeding Guidelines
Let’s address the elephant in the room – Dr. Marty’s is positioned as a premium product with premium pricing. Depending on your dog’s size, feeding costs can range from approximately $2 per day for toy breeds to $6 or more for large dogs. This places it significantly higher than most kibble options, though comparable to other freeze-dried raw products.
The food comes in freeze-dried nuggets that must be rehydrated before serving. A 1:1 ratio of food to filtered water and 3-5 minutes of soaking time is recommended. Daily feeding amounts range from 1/2 cup for small dogs (around 5 lbs) to 4.5 cups for giant breeds (90+ lbs).
For budget-conscious pet owners who still want the benefits, Dr. Marty suggests a partial substitution approach – replacing 25% of your dog’s current food with Nature’s Blend can provide nutritional benefits without the full cost commitment. The company also offers subscription discounts of 5-15%, which helps mitigate the expense for long-term users.
Transitioning Tips
As with any premium food, transitioning slowly is essential to avoid digestive upset. Dr. Marty recommends a 10-day transition schedule:
Days 1-3: 25% Nature’s Blend, 75% current food
Days 4-6: 50% Nature’s Blend, 50% current food
Days 7-9: 75% Nature’s Blend, 25% current food
Day 10: 100% Nature’s Blend
Some temporary digestive adjustments like flatulence or softer stools are normal during transition but typically resolve within a few days. Monitoring your dog’s weight, energy, and stool quality during this period is recommended.
What Kind of Dogs is This Food Suitable For?
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is formulated as an all-life-stages food, making it technically suitable for dogs from puppies to seniors. However, its specific nutritional profile makes it particularly beneficial for certain dogs:
For adult and senior dogs, the high-quality protein content supports muscle maintenance while the anti-inflammatory ingredients and joint-supporting nutrients can help with mobility issues. I’ve seen particularly impressive results in older dogs who switch to this type of diet – often they display renewed energy and comfort.
Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies often thrive on Nature’s Blend due to its limited ingredient list and absence of common allergens. The lack of artificial additives and fillers makes it gentle on sensitive digestive systems.
Active dogs benefit from the dense nutrition and quality protein that supports muscle recovery and sustained energy. The fat-to-protein ratio (73%) provides excellent fuel for high-energy activities without spiking insulin.
For overweight dogs, the high protein content can help maintain muscle mass during weight loss, though portion control is essential due to its caloric density.
While suitable for puppies nutritionally, the premium price point may make it prohibitively expensive during this high-consumption growth phase. Additionally, dogs with specific medical conditions like kidney disease or pancreatitis should consult with a veterinarian before starting, as the high protein and fat content may not be appropriate for their condition.
Is This Dog Food Good? The Bottom Line
After thorough analysis, I can confidently say that Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is among the highest quality commercial dog foods available. Its protein-rich, minimally processed formula closely mimics what dogs would eat in nature, and the freeze-dried preparation preserves nutrients better than high-heat processed alternatives.
The ingredient quality is exceptional, featuring diverse animal proteins including organ meats, complemented by functional plant ingredients that provide genuine nutritional benefits. The absence of fillers, artificial additives, and common allergens further enhances its nutritional value.
The main drawback is undoubtedly the price, which may put it out of reach for many dog owners. At $4-6 per day for larger breeds, it represents a significant financial investment compared to conventional options. Is it worth it? For dogs with chronic health issues that respond to dietary improvements, absolutely. For otherwise healthy dogs, it’s a premium option that could contribute to long-term wellness, but there are more affordable foods that still offer good nutrition.
I appreciate the brand’s transparency about sourcing, manufacturing, and nutritional philosophy. The fact that it’s formulated by a veterinarian with decades of clinical experience adds credibility to its approach.
My honest assessment: This is a superior dog food from a nutritional standpoint, but its premium pricing means it represents a significant investment in your dog’s diet. For those who can afford it, particularly for dogs with health issues that might benefit from a minimally processed diet, it’s an excellent choice. For others, even partial supplementation with this food could provide benefits.
Find Your Dog’s Perfect Food Match
Every dog is unique – from age and activity level to breed-specific needs and health conditions. What works wonderfully for one dog might not be ideal for another. That’s why choosing the right dog food should be a personalized decision based on your individual dog’s specific requirements.
We’ve created a quick, free questionnaire to help match your dog with their ideal nutrition. By answering a few simple questions about your dog’s age, size, activity level, and any special health concerns, you’ll receive recommendations for the three best dog food brands specifically tailored to your dog’s needs.
The questionnaire takes less than a minute to complete, and you’ll get instant, personalized results. Whether Dr. Marty is the right choice for your dog or another brand might be better suited, you can find out via this link. Your dog deserves nutrition as unique as they are!
