Review: Answers Raw Organic Dog Food

My Honest Take on Answers Raw Organic Dog Food: A 2026 Update

If you have been following Mochi and me for a while, you know our journey with food has been a bit of a roller coaster. Mochi, my 14-year-old Mini Dachshund, has always been my heart, but his health needs—specifically kidney issues and hypolipidemia—have kept me on my toes. For years, I have been searching for that perfect balance of nutrition and something he actually wants to eat.

A few years back, I stumbled upon Answers Pet Food. They are a Miami, Florida-based company (right in my backyard!) that specializes in fermented raw nutrition. At the time, I was desperate. The prescription diets weren't working, and Mochi was losing interest in his meals. I started with their fermented fish stock and raw goat milk, and eventually, I tried their raw meat patties.

Fast forward to April 2026, and a lot has changed in the pet food world—and in our kitchen. I wanted to give you all an updated look at Answers, especially given some of the news surrounding them lately and how our own routine has evolved.

The Science of Fermentation: Why Answers is Different

What sets Answers apart from the dozens of other raw brands like Stella and Chewy's or Primal is their focus on fermentation. Instead of using high-pressure processing (HPP) to kill bacteria, they use "good" bacteria (probiotics) from kombucha and cultured whey to naturally protect the food.

In 2026, they are still leaning hard into this "Good Energy" philosophy. Their Detailed Formula, which is their complete and balanced meal option, includes 90 percent animal protein along with organic vegetables and their signature fermented ingredients.

What's in the Bowl: Products and 2026 Pricing

Answers has expanded quite a bit, and thanks to a new partnership with Phillips Pet Food and Supplies that started in February 2026, they are much easier to find in independent pet stores across the country, not just here in PA.

Here is a quick look at what we have been using and what it will cost you at the register this year:

Detailed Raw Beef Patties (4lb bag): Usually runs around 32.00 to 39.99 dollars depending on the retailer. This is their flagship "complete" meal.

Power Pours Raw Goat Milk (32oz): Expect to pay between 12.99 and 17.99 dollars. This is still a staple in our house.

Fermented Fish Stock (32oz): Typically around 15.00 dollars. It is packed with collagen and omega fatty acids, which is great for older dogs like Mochi.

The Elephant in the Room: Recent Recalls and FDA Warnings

I have to be honest with you all—it hasn't been all smooth sailing for Answers. In late 2024 and again in June 2025, they faced some serious hurdles. The FDA issued a warning letter after sampling revealed Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in several lots of their beef and chicken formulas.

Specifically, lot May 06 2026 of the Raw Beef Detailed Formula and several lots of their Straight Chicken Formula were called out. The FDA was concerned that their fermentation process wasn't consistently keeping these pathogens at bay in the manufacturing facility.

Answers has fought back, defending their methods and increasing their testing protocols, but as a dog mom, it is something you have to weigh. For us, it meant being even more careful with hygiene and really watching how Mochi reacted to each new batch.

Why We Still Use the Supplements (But Not the Patties)

If you remember my original review, I had a love-hate relationship with the raw patties. I had a hard time handling them (even with tongs!), and eventually, Mochi started turning his nose up at the raw texture. I tried cooking them, but the team at Answers rightly pointed out that cooking destroys the very enzymes and probiotics that make their food special.

Today, Mochi is on a high-quality cooked protein diet for his main meals, but I still swear by the Answers supplements.

The Raw Goat Milk is like "liquid gold" for his digestion. Even at 14, her tummy stays settled, and he thinks it is a massive treat. The Fermented Fish Stock is also a permanent fixture. Yes, it still smells like a pier at low tide. Yes, I still have to wipe Mochi's snout every single night because that scent lingers. But the shine in his coat and the mobility in his joints tell me it is worth the extra grooming time.

Pros and Cons for 2026

Pros

The nutritional density is hard to beat. You are getting organic, pastured-raised ingredients with zero synthetic vitamins.

The fermented supplements (milk and broth) are incredible for picky eaters and senior dogs.

Increased distribution means you can actually find it in stores now without a treasure map.

Supporting a company that prioritizes sustainable, ethical farming.

Cons

The recent FDA warning letters (2025) are a valid concern for families with small children or immunocompromised members.

The smell of the fish stock is truly legendary—and not in a good way.

The raw meat can be messy and off-putting to handle if you are squeamish like me.

It is a premium product with a premium price tag to match.

The Bottom Line: Who Is It For?

Answers Raw Organic Dog Food is for the dedicated "pet parent" who wants the absolute closest thing to a wild diet for their dog. If you have a dog with specific inflammatory issues or digestive troubles, their fermented milks and broths are, in my opinion, the best on the market.

However, if you are new to raw feeding and worried about pathogens, or if you can't stand the smell of fermented foods, you might want to start with just the goat milk as a topper.

For Mochi and me, we have found our middle ground. We skip the raw patties but keep the "fermented magic" in his bowl every single day. It has helped him stay spunky and happy well into his senior years, and that is all this Miami, Florida dachshund mom could ask for.

References

1. 1Answers Pet Food Official Site, Products and Pricing, 2026. https://answerspetfood.com/collections/all
2. 2FDA Warning Letter to Lystn LLC dba Answers Pet Food, June 18, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/lystn-llc-dba-answers-pet-food-694680-06182025
3. 3Pet Food Processing, Answers Pet Food ramps up distribution via Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, January 2026. https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/20080-answers-pet-food-ramps-up-distribution
4. 4Dog Food Advisor, Answers Pet Food Recall and FDA Advisory, 2024-2025. https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/fda-warning-letter-sent-to-answers-pet-food/