Where to Buy Raw Dog Food in San Francisco — Complete Guide

Feeding your dog a raw diet in the Bay Area is easier than you might think. San Francisco and the surrounding cities have an incredible selection of sources for raw meat, bones, and organs — from budget-friendly Asian supermarkets to premium pet food delivery services.

This guide will walk you through every option, from the cheapest chicken backs at 99 Ranch to the fanciest grass-fed tripe at boutique pet stores. Whether you are just starting raw feeding or you are a veteran looking for new sources, you will find something useful here.

Understanding Raw Dog Food (BARF Diet)

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet follows an 80-10-10 ratio:

• 80% muscle meat (chicken thighs, beef, turkey, pork, etc.)
• 10% raw meaty bones (chicken backs, necks, duck frames)
• 5% liver (beef, chicken, or pork liver)
• 5% other organs (kidney, spleen, heart technically counts as muscle meat)

Optional additions include eggs, sardines, and a small amount of vegetables or fruit.

Budget Option: Asian Supermarkets

99 Ranch Market

99 Ranch is the single best source for affordable raw dog food ingredients in the Bay Area. With locations in Daly City, Foster City, Cupertino, Milpitas, Richmond, and Newark, most Bay Area dog owners have one within a reasonable drive.

What to buy at 99 Ranch:

• Chicken backs — $0.99-1.29/lb. This is your primary bone source. Buy in bulk.
• Chicken livers — $1.49/lb. Essential for the liver component.
• Chicken gizzards and hearts — $1.99/lb. Hearts count as muscle meat.
• Pork neck bones — $1.49/lb. Great meaty bone option for larger dogs.
• Duck frames — $1.99/lb when available. Excellent bone-to-meat ratio.
• Beef tripe (green or bleached) — $2.49/lb. Packed with probiotics when green.
• Chicken feet — $1.29/lb. Natural glucosamine source for joint health.
• Whole fish (mackerel, sardines) — $2-4/lb. Omega-3 rich.

Pro tip: The Daly City 99 Ranch tends to have the best selection of offal and organ meats. Visit on weekday mornings when stock is fresh. Ask the butcher counter for cases of chicken backs — they often have bulk boxes in the back that are not on the shelf.

Monthly cost estimate (50 lb dog): $60-80/month.

Marina Supermarket (San Francisco)

Marina Supermarket on Clement Street has a solid selection of organ meats and bones. Their pork kidneys and beef liver are usually well-priced and fresh.

Sunset Super (San Francisco)

Another Sunset District gem with good prices on chicken frames and organ meats. They carry green tripe when available.

H Mart (Various Locations)

Korean supermarkets like H Mart carry excellent quality beef bones, ox tails, and tripe. Prices are higher than 99 Ranch but the quality is often superior. The H Mart in San Jose has one of the best butcher selections.

Ranch 99 vs. Regular Grocery Stores

For comparison, here are typical prices at a regular grocery store like Safeway or Whole Foods versus 99 Ranch:

The savings are significant. Over a year, feeding a 50 lb dog from 99 Ranch versus Whole Foods could save you $1,000+.

Mid-Range Option: Specialty Pet Stores

Marin Raw (San Rafael)

Marin Raw is a dedicated raw dog food store in San Rafael that has become a Bay Area institution. They carry:

• Pre-made raw patties (various proteins)
• Whole prey model options
• Green tripe (the real stuff, not bleached)
• Raw meaty bones from local farms
• Supplements and balancing powders

Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable about raw feeding and can help you customize a diet for your dog's specific needs. Prices are higher than DIY from the supermarket, but the convenience and quality are worth it for many dog owners.

Monthly cost estimate (50 lb dog): $120-160/month.

Pet Food Express (Multiple Locations)

Pet Food Express carries several commercial raw food brands:

• Primal Pet Foods (based in San Francisco!) — Nuggets, patties, and grinds
• Stella & Chewy's — Freeze-dried raw patties
• Northwest Naturals — Raw frozen diets
• Steve's Real Food — Raw frozen nuggets

These are convenient but expensive. A 50 lb dog eating exclusively commercial raw food will cost $200-300+/month.

George (San Francisco)

George pet store in the Inner Richmond has a curated selection of raw food brands and knowledgeable staff who can help you transition your dog to raw.

Premium Option: Delivery Services

Raw Paws Pet Food

Online delivery with a wide selection of raw proteins, bones, and organs. They ship frozen with dry ice. Good option if you want variety beyond what local stores carry (venison, rabbit, goat, etc.).

We Feed Raw

Subscription-based raw food delivery. Pre-portioned patties based on your dog's weight. Convenient but premium-priced at about $250-350/month for a 50 lb dog.

DIY Raw Feeding: Getting Started

If you are new to raw feeding, here is a simple starter plan using 99 Ranch ingredients:

Week 1-2: Introduction

Start with one protein (chicken is easiest):

• Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) — This gives both meat and bone
• Serve at 2-3% of body weight per day
• Split into two meals

Week 3-4: Add Organs

• Continue chicken thighs as the base
• Add chicken liver (small amounts — too much causes loose stool)
• Add chicken hearts (a nutrient-dense muscle meat)

Month 2: Expand Proteins

• Rotate between chicken, pork, and beef
• Add beef liver and kidney
• Add chicken backs as a dedicated bone source
• Begin adding eggs (2-3 per week for a 50 lb dog)

Month 3: Full Diet

Your dog should now be eating:

• Chicken thighs, beef chunks, pork shoulder (muscle meat)
• Chicken backs, pork neck bones (bones)
• Beef liver, chicken liver (liver)
• Beef kidney, chicken gizzards (organs)
• Eggs, sardines (supplements)

Important Supplements

Even a well-balanced raw diet may need supplementation:

• Fish oil — For omega-3 fatty acids. Norwegian salmon oil is a popular choice. About 1,000 mg EPA/DHA per 30 lbs of body weight daily.
• Vitamin E — When feeding fish oil, add vitamin E to prevent oxidation. 100 IU per 30 lbs daily.
• Kelp powder — For iodine and trace minerals. A pinch per meal.
• Balance IT Canine — If you are concerned about balancing, this supplement fills nutritional gaps.

Food Safety for Humans

Raw meat handling requires basic food safety:

• Store raw dog food separately from human food
• Wash bowls after every meal with hot soapy water
• Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter
• Wash your hands after handling raw meat
• Clean prep surfaces with diluted bleach or vinegar solution

Cost Comparison: Raw vs. Kibble vs. Commercial Raw

For a 50 lb dog eating 2% body weight daily (1 lb/day):

DIY raw from Asian supermarkets is competitive with premium kibble pricing while providing what many owners consider a nutritionally superior diet.

Bay Area Raw Feeding Community

The Bay Area has an active raw feeding community:

• Facebook groups: Search for "Bay Area Raw Feeding Dogs" — several active groups with 5,000+ members share tips, recipes, and bulk buying opportunities.
• Meetups: Raw feeding dog owners often organize bulk buying co-ops to get better prices on larger orders.

Final Thoughts

The Bay Area is one of the best places in the country to feed your dog a raw diet. Between the incredible Asian supermarket selection, dedicated raw pet stores like Marin Raw, and a supportive community of experienced raw feeders, you have everything you need to give your dog the diet nature intended.

Start simple, introduce proteins slowly, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Your dog's improved coat, energy, and dental health will be all the evidence you need that you made the right choice.