Primal Pet Foods: Raw Nutrition, Made Practical
Company Origins and Mission 
Primal Pet Foods was founded in 2001 by a pet parent whose dog was struggling with chronic health issues that weren’t improving with conventional diets. Inspired by the success of raw feeding, Primal was launched with a goal to make nutritionally superior raw diets accessible, safe, and easy to use.
Now based in California, Primal has grown into one of the most widely distributed raw pet food brands in North America. In 2021, Primal was acquired by Kinderhook Industries, a private equity firm that also owns other pet industry brands. Despite the change in ownership, Primal continues to operate with its original mission: to elevate the health of pets through species-appropriate, whole-food nutrition.
Core values:
- Nutrition First – Whole, functional ingredients that nourish from the inside out
- Responsibility – Ethical sourcing and environmental awareness
- Accessibility – Multiple formats to make raw feeding practical for more households
What Makes Primal Unique?
1. Multiple Raw Formats for Flexibility
Primal offers one of the broadest selections of raw feeding formats in the industry, making it easier for pet parents to incorporate raw into their routine at any level.
Options include:
- Frozen Raw Patties and Nuggets – Complete and balanced raw meals
- Freeze-Dried Nuggets – Convenient, shelf-stable raw food that rehydrates with water
- Raw Toppers – Bone broth, goat milk, and freeze-dried functional add-ons
- Raw Meaty Bones – Recreational chewing and dental support
This flexibility allows for full raw diets, hybrid feeding, or nutrient boosts to kibble or canned food.
2. Raw for Both Dogs and Cats
Primal offers complete and balanced formulas for both dogs and cats, with species-appropriate protein, fat, and moisture levels. Their feline formulas are higher in meat and organ content, lower in carbohydrates, and optimized for obligate carnivores.
All formulas meet AAFCO standards and are made with whole-food, recognizable ingredients.
3. Whole Food Nutrition—Not Synthetic Packs
While Primal recipes do include produce and functional foods (like kale, blueberries, and apple cider vinegar), they avoid synthetic vitamin packs. Instead, they rely on a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients—like sardine oil, coconut oil, and organic vegetables—to meet pets’ nutritional needs naturally.
4. Ethically Sourced Ingredients
All meats are sourced from USDA-inspected facilities and raised without antibiotics or added hormones. Primal emphasizes partnerships with sustainable farms and ranches, including those using pasture-based or free-range practices.
5. HPP for Food Safety
Primal applies High Pressure Processing (HPP) to its poultry-based raw formulas to reduce pathogenic bacteria without cooking the food. This safety measure, combined with in-house testing and traceability, helps ensure confidence for raw feeders—especially those new to the category.
Is Primal Right for Your Pets?
Primal is a smart choice for:
- Dogs and cats transitioning to raw for the first time
- Households seeking convenience with freeze-dried or frozen options
- Pets with sensitivity to synthetic additives
- Pet parents who want raw nutrition without the guesswork
- Those looking for ethically sourced, whole-food diets made in the U.S.
Cost per day for 50lb dog starts at about $8 for the 6lb bulk chicken formula
Feeding Cost
At Time of publication:
Cost for a 50lb dog starts at about $8 when feeding the 6lb Chicken formula, 2 x patties, 12/bag $49.98
Cost for a 10lb cat is about $2.50/day. 4oz daily, Chicken and Salmon Nuggets 3lb $27.99