Nuggets vs. Patties: Choosing the Best Frozen Raw Pet Food Format

Nuggets vs. Patties
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At Steve’s Real Food, we believe raw pet food should fit your life — and your pet’s needs. That’s why we offer our complete and balanced frozen raw food for dogs and cats in both nuggets and patties. Whether you’re a longtime raw feeder or just starting your journey, choosing the right format can help make feeding more convenient, effective, and enjoyable. So, what’s the difference between raw nuggets and patties, and which one is right for you? There is NO difference in formulation between the two - the only difference is their shape. Let’s break it down.

Raw Nuggets 

Simple to Serve
Simply use a measuring cup to scoop out the amount your pet needs and pour it into their bowl – no leftovers, no mess, no fuss!

Quick-Thawing
Nuggets thaw faster than patties, making them a great option for busy households or last-minute feeding.


Great for Small Pets
Whether you have a small-breed dog or a cat,  nuggets make portioning super simple.

Raw Patties

Perfect for Larger Dogs
Our patties are a great fit for large breed dogs who need more substantial portions to meet their daily nutritional needs. Their size and shape make it easy to portion out meals without needing to feed multiple small nuggets.

Easy Planning

Planning meals is simple with patties! Their uniform size makes it easy to calculate daily portions and prep meals in advance—whether you’re feeding one dog or a whole pack. Just thaw the amount you need, and you’re ready to go.

Bulk Purchasing Options

Our patties are offered in multiple sizes of boxes – including a 20lb bulk box – so your stash will last longer if you’re going through food quickly!



Which Frozen Raw Format Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing frozen raw for your pet, there are many benefits! It’s the most economical way to feed raw and, while it requires thawing prior to feeding as an extra step, there is no need to rehydrate as the food retains all its moisture. Steve’s Real Food offers frozen raw in two forms: patties and nuggets – and it can be a heated debate between our passionate team members and fellow pet parents on which is better! There’s no wrong answer — just what works best for your pet’s eating habits, portion needs, and your lifestyle.

Choose nuggets if you:

  • Want the simplest way to feed raw – just grab a measuring cup to scoop and serve!
  • Have smaller dogs or cats.
  • Need meals that thaw quickly
  • Want to incorporate raw in enrichment – use in slow feeders, puzzle toys, or as high-value treats
  • Are looking to add raw into your pet’s diet as a topper

Choose patties if you:

  • Have large breed dogs or a multi-pet household
  • Need a larger quantity of food – our patties are available in 20lb bulk boxes!
  • Are looking for more flexible portioning without a measuring cup

Many of our customers use both — nuggets for travel or training and patties for everyday meals at home.

No matter what you choose, both formats are made with the same high-quality, complete and balanced raw nutrition you expect from Steve’s Real Food. All you have to do is thaw, serve, and watch your pets thrive.

Shop Nuggets & Patties

Ready to try? Browse our full line of raw dog and cat food products to find the best match for your pack.

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