Food

Maev Dog Food Review: Raw Subscription, Bone Broth & Supplements (Personal Experience)

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Dog food aisles are chaos. Kibble bags scream with claims. Cans clink like they know something you don’t. But lately, more dog owners are skipping the store altogether—for raw, human-grade meals delivered to their doors.

Table of Contents

Enter Maev.

maev dog food sally ingredients
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2025.

Maev isn’t typical. It’s raw. It’s frozen. It’s made from ingredients you’d recognize in your own kitchen. Think chicken breast, sweet potato, kale—not by-products or filler grains.

It’s also subscription-only, meaning your dog’s meals arrive like clockwork—no scooping, no forgetting.

But is it worth the hype?

Visit Maev’s Website

Maev Dog Food Reviews

Summary

Maev is a newer company that makes all-natural, human-grade, raw dog food delivered directly to your door.

Overall Score

4.3

Pros

  • Human-grade, organic ingredients with whole meats and organ meat
  • Limited ingredient recipes
  • Veterinarian designed
  • Raw food can be personalized to target your dog’s specific health issue
  • Supplement bars can be given as treats to further target your dog’s issue 
  • Bone broth topper can help build immunity, detox the liver, strengthen skin/coat, and support healthy joints
  • Can eat frozen or thawed
  • Highly digestible
  • Targets 7 essential health benefits
  • Owners can select frequency of delivery
  • Made in USA with US and globally sourced ingredients

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Only 2 proteins available (chicken and beef)
  • Puppy formula is only available in chicken
  • Takes up freezer space
  • Shipping isn’t free
  • Subscription based but you can adjust frequency or cancel at any time

Key Features of Maev Dog Food

  • Biologically appropriate raw food designed to reflect a dog’s natural diet
  • USDA certified and AAFCO-compliant
  • Made and sourced in the USA
  • Formulated by Ph.D.-certified pet nutrition experts
  • Small, woman-founded business
  • Offers raw meals, bone broth, and supplement bars
  • Organic, human-grade, whole-food ingredients
  • Includes unique supplement blends for joint health, digestion, anxiety, and more
  • Shipped frozen on dry ice to preserve freshness
  • Subscription-based delivery with flexible frequency options
maev dog food
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2025.

Meet Maev: Raw Dog Food Born From a Real-Life Health Scare

In 2020, Katie Spies wasn’t planning to launch a dog food company. She was just a dog mom trying to help her pup, George, bounce back from health issues. When nothing worked, she tried making his meals from scratch using fresh, human-grade ingredients.

George started thriving.

That one change set her on a mission: make real, raw nutrition accessible to other dogs and their humans. Three and a half years of research later, Maev was born.

maev beef raw dog food
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2025.

What Makes Maev Different?

  • Raw, not cooked: Preserves nutrients naturally found in whole foods.
  • Human-grade ingredients: Think real meat, veggies, and bone broth—no by-products, no mystery.
  • Minimal processing: No fillers, no artificial anything. Just clean, functional food.
  • Zero prep required: Scoop it straight from the freezer—serve frozen or thawed.
  • Veterinary-approved: All recipes meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
  • Made in the USA: Every batch comes from a certified commercial kitchen.

Is Raw Dog Food Safe? Maev Says Yes—Here’s How

Let’s be honest—feeding raw meat makes a lot of dog owners nervous. And for good reason. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella aren’t just risky—they’re scary.

Maev takes that fear seriously.

Here’s how they keep their food safe:

  • Every batch is lab-tested for pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and more.
  • Formulated by a Ph.D. vet with deep expertise in canine nutrition and microbiology.
  • USDA-certified, AAFCO-compliant, and made only with human-grade ingredients.
  • No cutting corners—just the same safety standards you’d expect in your own kitchen.

In other words, raw doesn’t mean reckless. Maev backs its meals with science, not shortcuts.

Why Raw? The Health Benefits People Are Barking About

Feeding raw isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement backed by thousands of dog owners who swear they’ve seen real change.

Here’s what raw feeding may help with:

  • Easier digestion and firmer poops
  • Better gut health and fewer tummy troubles
  • Shinier coats, healthier skin
  • Allergy relief and reduced itching
  • Steadier energy levels
  • Easier weight control

While clinical research is still catching up, the anecdotal evidence is piling up—and many pet nutritionists and holistic vets are taking notice.

Maev lets you feed for your dog’s needs—not a generic standard.

Want to see how it compares to other brands? Check out our guide to the best raw dog foods.

7 Health Benefits Maev Targets in Every Bowl

This isn’t just raw food—it’s functional nutrition built to improve how your dog feels, moves, looks, and lives.

You choose the goal. Maev blends in precise supplements to match.

Weight & Digestion

Supports gut health, nutrient absorption, and firm stools.
Includes: digestive enzymes, chicory root, probiotics.

Hip & Joint

Boosts mobility and reduces inflammation in active or aging pups.
Includes: glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, elderberry.

Anxiety & Calming

Promotes emotional balance and calms nervous energy.
Includes: Thiamine B1, L-Theanine, bovine colostrum, chamomile.

Skin & Coat Health

Less itching, more shine. Great for pups with allergies or dryness.
Includes: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fish oils.

Immune Function

Strengthens the gut barrier and reduces food-related sensitivities.
Includes: immunity-enhancing nutrients tied to allergy relief.

Oral Health

Freshens breath and naturally scrubs away plaque—without brushing.
Supports: dental hygiene through texture and active ingredients.

Early Development

Supports brain health, learning, and recall in growing puppies.
Includes: ingredients shown to aid cognitive function.

Maev raw dog food for puppies jpg

Benefits Seen In First 4 Months Eating Maev

Month 1: Gut ResetMonth 2: Overall HealthMonth 3: Improve Bones, Skin & TeethMonth 4: Healthy Aging
Improved digestionStrengthened immune systemBeginning to reduce allergy symptomsBetter weight control
Harder, smaller, less smelly stoolsImproved liver, pancreatic & bowel healthShinier, healthier skin & coatIncreased mobility in older animals
Balanced energy & stamina (less hyperactivity & fatigue)Less hyperactivity caused by chemicals, flavorings, additives & coloringsCleaner teeth & fresh breathFewer vet visits
Less begging for human food or treats

Has Maev Ever Been Recalled?

Nope. Not once.

Despite working in the high-risk world of raw, uncooked meat, Maev has had zero recalls to date.

That’s a big deal.

Raw food brands walk a tightrope when it comes to safety. It only takes one slip—a bacteria outbreak, a missed test—for a recall to hit headlines. But so far, Maev’s rigorous testing and safety protocols are holding strong.

They’re still a young company in a challenging category, but so far? They’re passing every safety test with flying colors.

What’s in Maev Dog Food? Only Ingredients You’d Eat Too

No mystery meat. No junk fillers. Just fresh, human-grade ingredients, all sourced in the U.S. and backed by Ph.D.-level nutrition expertise.

Every recipe starts with:

  • Lean muscle meat (for strength and energy)
  • Organ meat (for essential vitamins and minerals)
  • Fresh produce (for fiber, antioxidants, and hydration)
  • Targeted supplements (for your dog’s specific health goals)

Meal Options: 5 Raw Recipes with Beef or Chicken

Maev offers five pre-formulated blends built around either beef or chicken. Each includes a core base of meat + vegetables + supplements based on your chosen health focus.

Weight & DigestionHip & JointAnxiety & CalmingSkin & CoatWeight & Digestion
LifestageAdultAdultAdultAdultPuppy
Protein OptionsChicken or BeefChicken or BeefChicken or BeefChicken or BeefChicken
Blanched Potatocheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Green Beancheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Zucchinicheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Blueberriescheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Kalecheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Peanut Buttercheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Chicory Rootcheckmarkcheckmark
Probioticscheckmarkcheckmark
Glucosaminecheckmark
Chondroitincheckmark
Bovine Colostrumcheckmark
L-Theaninecheckmark
Fish Oilcheckmark
Eggcheckmark
Sweet Potatocheckmark

Maev Raw Food: What’s Actually in the Bowl?

Nutrition labels shouldn’t need decoding. But when you’re feeding raw, it’s smart to understand how those nutrients break down.

Maev provides both:

  • As Fed = Real-world values with moisture. High hydration = smoother digestion and healthier poops.
  • Dry Matter = True nutrient density. This tells you what your dog’s really absorbing, especially compared to dry or kibble diets.

Maev shares these values transparently, so you know exactly what your pup is getting in terms of:

  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Fiber
  • Moisture

Maev Raw Food Nutrition Analysis

BeefChickenPuppy
Crude Protein (Min) – As Fed10.86%10.58%10.43%
Crude Protein (Min) – Dry Matter43.5%48.13%37.25%
Crude Fat (Min) – As Fed4.7%3.5%4.06%
Crude Fat (Min) – Dry Matter18.8%19.25%12.51%
Crude Fiber (Max) – As Fed1.16%2.5%1.95%
Crude Fiber (Max) – Dry Matter6.45%7.32%6.97%
Moisture (Max) – As Fed76%77%72%
Moisture (Max) – Dry Matter0%0%0%
Cal/kg350035003495
Maev Raw Food is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.

Bottom line? Maev hits nutritional targets that support whole-body wellness—without sacrificing ingredient quality or transparency.

Maev Bone Broth: Tiny Cubes, Big Benefits

Looking to boost your dog’s bowl with something extra? Maev’s frozen bone broth cubes are small, but powerful.

maev bone broth
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2025.

Made from real beef bone broth, each cube is packed with:

  • Collagen (for skin, coat, and joints)
  • Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
  • Glucosamine & Chondroitin (mobility & inflammation support)
  • Hyaluronic acid (joint lubrication)
  • Glutathione and essential amino acids (cell repair & immunity)

They can be crunched, frozen, or left to melt, whatever your pup prefers. Bone broth helps support the cartilage in joints, benefits the gut, and can help with inflammation. It also adds flavor and variety to your pup’s bowl.

How to Use Them

Serve them frozen, melted, or crunchy—however your pup likes it.

  • Drop one on top of meals for a flavor upgrade
  • Offer as a cooling treat
  • Mix into food to support gut and joint health

It’s more than a treat—it’s a functional, nourishing topper that adds hydration, flavor, and health benefits to any meal.

My Inside Scoop: Real Talk on Maev’s Bone Broth

I tested Maev’s bone broth cubes alongside Danielle from Canine Journal, and here’s what we noticed:

Our dogs loved them. Whether frozen, thawed, or served as a treat, the cubes were a hit.

But…

They stick together in the container—badly. Which makes separating and giving them to our dogs difficult.
No seal on the packaging. For a raw, frozen product, that felt… off. A resealable lid or vacuum seal seems like a no-brainer.

We still use the cubes because our pups go wild for them—but a packaging upgrade would take the experience from good to great.

Supplement Bars: A Crunchy Treat with a Purpose

Beyond frozen meals and broth, Maev also offers peanut butter-based supplement bars—functional treats designed to support specific areas of your dog’s health.

Each bar is:

  • Crunchy, but not too hard (safe on teeth)
  • Made with clean ingredients like coconut flakes, chia seeds, coconut oil, flour, gelatin, vitamins, and probiotics
maev supplement bars
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2025.

4 Health-Targeted Formulas

You can choose bars based on your dog’s needs:

  • Hip & Joint
  • Anxiety & Calming
  • Skin & Coat
  • Weight & Digestion

My Take (and Sally’s)

Maev sent me boxes of all four formulas to try with my dog, Sally.

She’s not the easiest to please when it comes to treats—but she loved these.

The Anxiety & Calming bars seemed to help during moments when she was clearly feeling tense, and the Skin & Coat formula has been a huge plus as she battles some seasonal allergies this summer.

The bars have a nice crunch without being too hard, and they’ve become a go-to in our treat rotation.

sally dog eating maev supplement treat bars
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.

One heads-up: they’re smaller than they appear on Maev’s site. Sally didn’t seem to care—though she wouldn’t turn down a second.

Bottom line: If your dog loves peanut butter and could use targeted health support, these bars are a smart (and tasty) option.

Maev’s Freeze-Dried Treats: Simple, Irresistible, and Perfect for Training

Maev keeps it clean with their single-ingredient freeze-dried treats—made only from human-grade beef liver.

  • Shelf-stable
  • Resealable bag
  • No fillers, no additives, no fluff
maev freeze dried treats with sally
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2025

Sally’s Reaction? Immediate Obsession

The second I opened the bag, Sally sprinted over like I was hiding steak. Her nose went wild, and she was laser-focused.

She loves the taste, devours them quickly, and clearly ranks them above most store-bought treats.

Hand holding Maev dog treats in front of bag and dog.
Photo by Kimberly Alt for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.

Why These Work

  • Convenient to store—no fridge, no mess
  • High-value for training (they’ve got that “must-have-now” smell)
  • Breakable into smaller bits for quick rewards or smaller dogs

If you’re after pure protein and serious motivation in a tiny bite, these liver treats deliver.

How Much Does Maev Cost?

Let’s be real—Maev isn’t cheap. But you’re also not paying for filler-loaded kibble. This is human-grade, raw, made-to-order food with real health benefits.

It has a flexible delivery schedule that you are fully in control of. You can have boxes sent weekly up to every 10 weeks.

Here’s the breakdown:

Meal Subscription

  • 20 lbs (4 bags) = $179–$199
  • Ships every 4 weeks (customizable)

Bone Broth Add-On

  • 3 jars = $39
  • Comes in frozen cubes

Supplement Bars

  • $39 per box
  • Each box includes 30 bars

Freeze Dried Treats

  • $19 per bag
  • Comes in resealable, shelf-stable bag

Maev’s Premade Bundles: Curated for Your Dog’s Needs

Not sure where to start? Maev offers 8 curated bundles, each tailored for a specific need or life stage.

Some include just food, others add supplement bars, bone broth, or all three—designed to target common health issues in one easy box.

Bundle Lineup & Pricing

  • Itchy Dog – $228
    Great for allergies, skin flare-ups, and coat support
  • Small Dog – $154
    Portion-friendly, lighter food load for small breeds
  • Gassy Dog – $213
    Focuses on digestion and gut support
  • Achy Dog – $260
    Designed for joint care and mobility support
  • Senior Dog – $260
    A balanced mix for aging pups with multiple needs
  • Puppy – $193
    Formulated for growth, development, and brain health
  • Big Dog – $260
    Sized for large breeds with larger appetites
  • Reactive Dog – $221
    Supports anxiety, hyperactivity, and stress regulation

Each bundle saves you time (and often money) by combining targeted formulas with ready-to-go meal plans.

Is Maev Worth It? Here’s the Honest Take

Yes, it’s pricey.

Maev costs more than most kibble—and even more than many other human-grade brands. But you’re paying for premium, raw meals made with ingredients that wouldn’t be out of place in your own kitchen.

Why the Cost Might Be Justified

  • Raw, not cooked = better nutrient retention
  • Human-grade ingredients = no shortcuts
  • Vet-formulated, U.S.-made, AAFCO-compliant
  • Dogs love the taste—and it shows in their energy, coat, digestion

Ways to Stretch the Value

  • Mix Maev with other food to make it last longer
  • Customize delivery frequency (weekly to every 10 weeks) to fit your budget
  • Use in phases—as a boost during allergy season or post-surgery recovery

Safety Concerns? Addressable.

Raw food always raises concerns about bacteria. But Maev includes clear handling instructions, and with proper storage, it’s no more dangerous than handling raw meat at home.

If you want truly clean, functional food for your dog—and you’re able to budget for it—Maev is one of the best options available.

Better, in fact, than what many humans eat.

What Does Maev Actually Cost? A Real Example

Let’s break it down with a 60-pound dog—a common size for breeds like Labs, Goldens, or Boxers.

Daily Needs (Per Maev’s Feeding Guide):

  • That equals 30 pounds of raw food per month
  • 4 cups of food per day
  • 1,600 calories/day

Monthly Cost:

$254/month for Maev dog food alone.

That’s not including extras like bone broth or supplement bars.

Takeaway:

  • It’s an investment—about $7.20/day
  • But for dogs with allergies, chronic issues, or picky eating habits, it may be worth every cent

Maev Feeding Guide: How Much Should You Serve?

Maev doesn’t pre-portion meals, but they make it easy to get it right.

Their website and printed materials include detailed guidance to help you determine the perfect portion based on your dog’s size and calorie needs.

Adult Dog Feeding Recommendations

Dog Weight (lbs.)Normal Activity High Activity
4 – 101/3 to 3/4 cups per day1/2 to 1 cup per day
10 – 203/4 to 1 1/2 cups per day1 to 2 1/4 cups per day
20 – 301 1/2 to 2 1/4 cups per day2 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups per day
30 – 352 1/4 cups to 4 cups per day3 1/2 to 6 1/4 cups per day
55 – 804 to 6 cups per day6 1/4 to 9 cups per day
80 – 1206 to 9 cups per day9 3/4 to 13 1/2 cups per day
120 -1559 to 11 3/4 cups per day13 1/2 to 17 1/2 cups per day
155 – 20011 3/4 cups to 15 cups per day17 1/2 to 22 1/2 cups per day
For both Chicken and Beef Raw Food

Puppy Feeding Recommendations

Feeding a growing pup? Maev offers tailored serving sizes for puppies based on their current weight and higher calorie needs.

These recommendations apply to:

  • Beef Raw Food
  • Puppy Raw Food
  • Chicken Raw Food
Puppy Weight (lbs.)1-6 Months Old7-12 Months Old
2 – 101/2 to 1 1/2 cups per day1/3 to 1 1/2 cups per day
10 – 201 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups per day1 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups per day
20 – 303 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups per day2 3/4 to 4 1/2 cups per day
30 – 405 1/2 cups to 7 3/4 cups per day4 1/2 to 6 1/4 cups per day
40 – 50 7 3/4 cups to 10 cups per day6 1/4 to 8 cups per day
50 – 6010 to 12 cups per day8 to 10 1/4 cups per day
60 – 70 12 to 14 1/2 cups per day10 1/4 to 12 cups per day

Tip: Puppies often need to eat more frequently than adult dogs—typically 3–4 meals per day until they’re around six months old.

Real-Life Test: Daisy’s Experience with Maev

Meet Daisy—an 11-year-old Pitbull/Lab mix with a big heart and a few age-related quirks.

Daisy the dog laying down.

Danielle, Daisy’s human mom and writer for Canine Journal, tried Maev’s Chicken recipe paired with bone broth cubes, and chose the Anxiety formula—a blend that includes:

  • Bovine colostrum: A powdered form of nutrient-rich bovine milk, known for its calming antibody proteins
  • L-Theanine: An amino acid that helps regulate stress and support dopamine and serotonin levels

She picked this blend specifically because Daisy’s been showing some moodiness and stiffness as she ages.

Maev dog food package and bowl of raw food

The First Bowl? Gone in Seconds.

If Daisy could talk, she’d probably say, “Where has this been all my life?”

She licked the bowl clean from day one—even when mixed with her usual kibble. She also warmed up to the bone broth cubes, which Danielle used as both a snack and a kibble mix-in.

Maev bone broth containers stacked next to bowl of cubes

The Results After 2 Weeks

  • Increased excitement at mealtime
  • More energy throughout the day
  • Easier, less strained bowel movements
  • Slight reduction in gassiness
  • No mess, no smell, no fuss with packaging
  • Food arrived cold on dry ice—zero thawing issues
Maev dog food box packaging with frozen wraping and manual
Danielle’s Tip: The dry ice needs a clearer warning label. Touching it without gloves? Not fun.

Final Thoughts

Maev feels closer to a human-grade frozen meal than any other dog food Danielle has tried—with visible, identifiable ingredients. Daisy is genuinely happier and more energized after switching things up.

That said, it’s not cheap. At 70 lbs, Daisy would need a lot to make Maev her full-time diet. So for now, they’re using it as a topper—and it’s been a fantastic addition.

Danielle would absolutely recommend Maev, especially for senior dogs, picky eaters, or pups with digestion or anxiety challenges.

Final Verdict: Is Maev Worth It?

If you’re looking for simple, whole-food, raw nutrition for your dog—and you’re willing to invest—Maev delivers.

Meals are fresh, thoughtfully formulated, and absolutely devoured by our dogs. Over time, many owners report noticeable improvements in:

  • Mood and energy
  • Digestion and weight
  • Coat shine and skin health
  • Overall vitality

What We Loved

  • Top-tier ingredient quality—truly human-grade
  • Formulated with veterinary nutrition experts
  • Excellent customer service
  • Clean packaging + thoughtful touches (like the printed Field Guide)
  • User-friendly website with loads of education on raw feeding

What to Keep in Mind

  • It’s expensive, especially for big dogs
  • Takes up freezer space
  • Best used as a topper or supplement if full meals aren’t realistic

Ready to Try It?

Visit Maev’s website to explore meals, bundles, and custom plans.

If you’re serious about upgrading your dog’s diet, Maev is easily one of the most premium and purposeful options available.

What If Raw Isn’t Right for You? Fresh Alternatives to Consider

Still on the fence about Maev?

If you love the idea of fresh, whole-food nutrition but aren’t comfortable with uncooked meat, you’re not alone—and you’ve got options.

We also reviewed We Feed Raw, another raw food delivery brand worth exploring. But if raw just isn’t your thing, the good news is:
The fresh dog food market is booming, with gently cooked, human-grade meals designed for dogs of all ages and dietary needs.

Top Fresh & Gently Cooked Brands:

  • The Farmer’s Dog – Great for dogs of all sizes and life stages
  • Nom Nom – Offers personalized meals + gut health kits
  • Ollie – Human-grade recipes tailored to your pup
  • A Pup Above – Sous-vide cooked meals with visible ingredients
  • Raised Right – Home-style, limited-ingredient meals
  • Spot & Tango – Offers both fresh and freeze-dried “UnKibble” options

All of these are subscription-based, shipped straight to your door.

Retail & Non-Subscription Options:

  • Freshpet – Available in many grocery and pet stores
  • Stella & Chewy’s – Freeze-dried and raw-inspired meals, no subscription required

New to Raw or Fresh Feeding?

If your dog has health issues, sensitivities, or you’re switching from kibble, it’s always smart to:

  • Consult your veterinarian first
  • Transition gradually to avoid digestive upset
  • Monitor for changes in energy, stool, and coat quality

Want to explore more? Check out our full guide to the best fresh dog food delivery options and see what might work best for your pup—and your budget.

Kimberly Alt

Kimberly is a writer and content strategist for Canine Journal, specializing in pet insurance consulting. She has written and edited professionally since 2010. In 2014, Kimberly began researching dogs and discovered her passion for pet insurance. She strongly advocates for insuring pets and knows insurance is a complex subject for most. Kimberly has read hundreds of pet insurance policies (including the fine print), ran more than 3,000 pet insurance quotes, engages in frequent discussions with pet insurer representatives, and conducts mystery shopping to gain an unbiased perspective and explain how companies differ and their strengths. Her passion is teaching others about the pet insurance industry and helping them make informed decisions for their pet insurance needs. Kimberly has a B.A. in Multimedia Journalism from Simpson College. She is a Dog Writers Association of America member, and her work has appeared in many brands, including The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, People, Woman’s World, and Huffington Post. Kimberly is the parent of a rescue Coonhound mix, Sally.

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