Northwest Naturals: Raw Feeding Backed by Decades of Meat Processing Expertise

Company Origins and Mission

Northwest Naturals was launched in 2004 as the pet food division of Morasch Meats, a USDA-inspected, family-run meat processing company that has been operating in Portland, Oregon since 1956. With decades of experience in human-grade meat sourcing and food safety, the transition into raw pet food came naturally.

Today, Northwest Naturals continues to operate as a division of Morasch Meats, giving them vertical integration from sourcing to final product. Their mission is to make raw feeding safe, practical, and nutritionally complete using whole ingredients and industry-best food safety standards.

Core values:

• Meat Industry Expertise – Built on decades of USDA-inspected meat processing

• Safety and Quality Control – In-house production, HPP, and SQF certification

• Practicality – Affordable raw feeding in easy-to-use formats

What Makes Northwest Naturals Unique?

1. In-House Production from a USDA Facility

All Northwest Naturals products are made in their own USDA/FDA-inspected facility in Portland, Oregon. Unlike many raw pet food brands that co-pack or outsource manufacturing, they maintain full control over sourcing, formulation, and pathogen testing.

Their background in meat processing gives them unmatched consistency and food safety rigor.

2. Formulas for Both Dogs and Cats

Northwest Naturals offers complete raw diets for dogs and cats, with feline-specific recipes available in both frozen and freeze-dried formats. The cat line is free from fruits and vegetables, following a meat-and-organ-forward model that supports obligate carnivore needs.

3. Affordable, Easy-to-Use Formats

One of the brand’s most popular features is its convenient nugget format—available in both frozen and freeze-dried options. Nuggets are quick to thaw and portion, ideal for busy pet parents or those transitioning to raw.

They also offer:

• Frozen chubs and bars for cost-effective bulk feeding

• Freeze-dried raw meals and treats

• Meaty bones and organs for DIY and supplemental feeding

4. HPP and SQF Certification for Food Safety

Northwest Naturals uses High Pressure Processing (HPP) on poultry-based recipes to reduce pathogen risk without compromising nutritional value. Their facility is also SQF Level 2 certified, reflecting advanced food safety management protocols.

For customers new to raw, these safety steps can offer added confidence.

5. Balanced Nutrition with Functional Ingredients

Dog formulas follow an 80/18/2 ratio (meat/organs, produce, supplements) and include functional foods like kelp, apple cider vinegar, and ground eggshell. While some pet parents seek produce-free diets, others appreciate the low-glycemic fruits and vegetables used here for added fiber and antioxidants.

Northwest Naturals is great for you if:

• You want raw food made by a company with deep experience in USDA meat processing

• You’re looking for complete diets for both dogs and cats

• You need convenience—quick-thaw nuggets or shelf-stable freeze-dried formats

• You’re new to raw and value safety protocols like HPP and SQF certification

• You’re feeding multiple pets and appreciate bulk options and affordability

Feeding Cost per Day at Time of Publication:

• 50lb dog starts at about $6 for the 25lb bulk Chicken Formula
• 10lb cat starts at about $2/day