Understanding Midwest Legacy Beef: Raw Dog Food Done Right
Thinking about switching your dog to raw food? At Midwest Legacy Beef, we've been making raw dog food for over 35 years, and we've learned what works. When we say "from our hands to your dog's bowl," we mean it. We control every step, from sourcing the beef to grinding, blending, and freezing or freeze-drying the final product.
Here's everything you need to know about our products and how to get started.
Our Two Formats: Frozen Raw and Freeze-Dried Raw
Frozen Raw Dog Food
Our frozen raw products are made from fresh beef that's ground, blended, and blast-frozen at -40°F immediately after processing. Freezing locks in freshness and preserves nutrients without any cooking or processing.
What frozen raw requires:
- Freezer storage space at home
- Thawing in the refrigerator before feeding
- Feeding thawed portions within 24 hours
Why raw feeders choose frozen:
- Nutrient-dense and minimally processed
- More affordable per serving than freeze-dried
- Traditional raw feeding format
Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Our freeze-dried products start as the same fresh, raw beef we use for frozen. We freeze-dry them through a four-step process that removes moisture while preserving the nutrient profile. Because no heat is used, freeze-dried raw contains the same nutrition as frozen raw, just without the water weight.
What freeze-dried offers:
- No refrigeration needed (shelf-stable)
- Lightweight and portable
- Fed dry, straight from the bag
- Long shelf life without sacrificing quality
- Perfect for travel or convenience
Both formats provide the same high-quality raw nutrition. Choose based on your storage space, lifestyle, and convenience preferences.
How to Transition Your Dog to Midwest Legacy Beef
Switching to raw food should be gradual, especially for dogs who've eaten kibble their entire lives.
The 7–10 day transition:
Days 1–2: 25% Midwest Legacy Beef, 75% current food
Days 3–4: 50% Midwest Legacy Beef, 50% current food
Days 5–6: 75% Midwest Legacy Beef, 25% current food
Days 7–10: 100% Midwest Legacy Beef
Every dog is different. Monitor your dog's digestion and adjust the pace as needed.
What to expect during transition:
- Smaller, firmer stools (raw is more digestible than kibble)
- Possible temporary digestive adjustment in the first few days
- Changes in water intake as your dog's body adjusts
If digestive concerns last longer than a few days, slow the transition and consult your veterinarian.
How Much Midwest Legacy Beef to Feed
Feed 2–3% of your dog's ideal body weight daily for adult dogs. Active dogs may need more, senior or less active dogs may need less.
Example: A 50 lb dog would eat approximately 1–1.5 lbs of Midwest Legacy Beef per day, split into two meals.
Adjust based on your dog's body condition. You should be able to feel (but not see) ribs with light pressure.
How We Handle Food Safety
Raw meat naturally contains bacteria. The key is proper handling in both our facility and your home.
What we do:
- Blast-freeze at -40°F immediately after grinding
- Treat all carcasses with a lactic/citric acid antimicrobial blend
- Process everything in-house under strict safety protocols
- Undergo regular third-party audits
What you do:
- Thaw frozen raw in the refrigerator, not on the counter
- Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces after handling
- Feed promptly or store in the refrigerator
- Dispose of uneaten portions after 30 minutes
Dogs have highly acidic stomachs designed to handle bacteria that would affect humans. Proper handling protects your household while allowing your dog to safely enjoy raw nutrition.
What Raw Feeders Tell Us They Notice
We can't make medical claims, but customers commonly report:
- Shinier, healthier-looking coats
- Cleaner teeth
- Smaller, less odorous stools
- Increased energy and vitality
- Better body condition and muscle tone
Every dog is different. Results vary based on the individual animal and overall care.
Common Questions About Our Products
"Can I feed freeze-dried and frozen interchangeably?"
Yes. Both formats provide the same nutrition. Many customers feed frozen at home and use freeze-dried for travel or convenience.
"What if my dog has allergies?"
Our single-protein options (100% Beef, Venison, Bison) contain just one ingredient, making it easy to identify and avoid problem ingredients. No fillers, no additives, no common allergens.
"Can puppies eat Midwest Legacy Beef?"
Puppies have higher energy and protein needs than adult dogs. Our complete blends work well for puppies when fed in appropriate amounts (typically more frequent, smaller meals). Always consult your veterinarian about your puppy's specific needs.
"Is raw food expensive?"
Our frozen raw compares favorably to premium dry food when you account for feeding amounts. Freeze-dried costs more per serving than frozen but offers convenience that many raw feeders find worth the investment. Buying in bulk and using auto-delivery can also reduce costs.
Why We Started Midwest Legacy Beef
We started this company because we wanted to know exactly what was in our dogs' food. When we looked at what was available in commercial pet food, we knew we could do better.
35+ years later, we're still a family operation. We still source our beef from U.S. cattle. We still process everything ourselves. And we're still feeding this food to our own dogs every day.
Is Midwest Legacy Beef Right for Your Dog?
Consider:
- Your storage space (freezer for frozen, pantry for freeze-dried)
- Your comfort level with handling raw meat
- Your dog's individual needs and health status
- Your veterinarian's input
Raw feeding requires more handling than kibble. But if you're looking for minimally processed, nutrient-dense food made by people who care about every cut that goes into your dog's bowl, we'd be honored to feed your dog.
No fillers. No additives. Just beef, the way nature intended.