If you’re looking for whole-food ingredients without additives and preservatives for your pup’s diet, fresh dog food could be the perfect solution – especially if you and your dog aren’t fans of the usual overly processed dry kibble.
I’ll give you my recommendations for the best companies to get fresh dog food delivered right to your door. It saves you the hassle of preparing food from scratch while ensuring that your dog gets all the nutrients they need (which is a major concern with homemade dog food).
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| The Farmer’s Dog | Ollie | Nom Nom |
| Visit Website | ||
| Read Review |
Best Fresh Dog Food
All of the companies I review here use fresh ingredients with no fillers or preservatives and meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for a complete and balanced diet.
Many fresh dog foods qualify as “human grade,” meaning the company uses only ingredients that are fit for human consumption and the dog food is manufactured, handled, and packaged according to the same federal regulations that apply to human food processing.
Many of our recommendations include grain-free dog food. While the FDA has not found a significant link between grain-free dog food and cardio health, it’s wise to talk with your vet before switching your dog’s diet. You might also consider using a fresh, grain-free food as a topper on grain-inclusive kibble to add more nutrients.
How do these services work? Many of these companies allow you to fill out a dog profile on their website, which they use to customize the ingredients and portions for your pup’s specific dietary needs.
I’ve based my rankings and reviews on several factors, including the quality of ingredients, the level of customization for your dog’s specific needs, company reputation, customer service, customer reviews, packaging, pricing, and more.
Winner: The Farmer’s Dog Review
I think The Farmer’s Dog comes out on top for the best overall fresh dog food. What gives this subscription service the edge over such tough competition? A combination of high-quality ingredients, an extensive dog profile including most possible health issues, excellent customer service, and eco-friendly packaging that’s not too bulky for easy storage in your fridge or freezer. The only downside is that they don’t offer any grain-inclusive recipes.
Key Features
- Recipes created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- Meal plans are all grain-free and customized to each dog’s life stage, breed size, unique qualities, health goals, and lifestyle
- Meals are human-grade, slow-cooked in USDA-approved kitchens, and flash-frozen (flash-freezing is a process where fresh foods are frozen faster at lower temperatures to better preserve nutrients and prevent ice crystals from forming)
- You can adjust the recipes and quantity of packs in each shipment
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Thin, pre-portioned packages fit well in freezer
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, activity level, weight, body shape, ideal weight, and 20+ different health issues (allergies, gluten or grain insensitivity, ear infections, digestive issues, etc.).
Menu Options
All of The Farmer’s Dog recipes are grain-free.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Turkey
Example Of Ingredients (Turkey Recipe)
USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip, spinach, salmon oil, TFD nutrient blend (tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, vitamin B12 supplement, choline bitartrate, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid)
Our Personal Experience With The Farmer’s Dog
Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lexie LOVES The Farmer’s Dog! She gobbles it down fast and has had much more consistent bowel movements since switching. She’s also lost weight and maintained a much healthier weight since switching from kibble (and her coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy).
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Parent, Marketing & Creative at Canine Journal
Price
- Plans start at $2/day
- Free shipping
Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link, and the discount will be applied.
In-Depth Review Of The Farmer’s Dog
Be sure to read our full review of The Farmer’s Dog for details on formulas, ingredients, dog profile screenshots, and more. Also, check out more fresh dog food reviews.
Runner-Up: Ollie Review
Another high-quality subscription service, Ollie gets excellent reviews for their human-grade dog food and customer service. With Ollie, you can order fresh meals (full or half portions) or choose a mix of their fresh and newly introduced dry food, which is gently baked using high-quality, human-grade, and whole-food ingredients.
Unlike my other top winners, Ollie’s food takes a bit of measuring for each meal instead of having individual meal packs, but its quality is just as high as The Farmer’s Dog. However, Ollie only considers allergies in your dog’s profile and no other health concerns.
Key Features
- Recipes developed by veterinary nutritionists
- All meals are human-grade and contain no soy, corn, or wheat
- Beef, chicken, and turkey sourced from reputable suppliers in the U.S., and lamb sourced from the U.D., Australia, and New Zealand
- 100% money-back guarantee on your starter box
- Comes with a personalized plan to transition your dog to their diet
- Food comes frozen and requires thawing in fridge for 24 hours before use
- Packs aren’t portioned for individual meals, but they include a measuring scoop and a plastic container to store unused food for later use
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, weight, ideal weight, body shape, activity level, and food allergies or intolerances
Menu Options
- Fresh Beef with Sweet Potatoes (grain-free)
- Fresh Chicken with Carrots
- Fresh Turkey with Blueberries
- Fresh Lamb with Cranberries
- Fresh Pork with Apples
- Baked Chicken with Carrots
- Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes
Example Of Ingredients (Fresh Beef Recipe)
Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, beef livers, chickpeas, spinach, tricalcium phosphate, salmon oil, salt, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), and potassium iodide
Our Personal Experience With Ollie
Our dogs love Ollie’s fresh food and gobble it right up! However, we found it a bit messier and slightly wasteful experience compared to what we’ve experienced with competitive products that come in individual servings or ship in plastic containers that you serve directly from. All of that said, the food quality is very high, and the price really cannot be beat.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent, Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Price
- Full Fresh plans start at: $3.14/day
- Mixed Fresh & Baked plans start at: $2.72/day
- Half Fresh plans start at: $2/day
- Free shipping
Our readers can get 60% off their first box. Use this link to take advantage of this offer (no discount code needed).
In-Depth Ollie Review
Check out our full review of Ollie for more details about all of their fresh and baked formulas and three subscription plans.
Third Place: Nom Nom Review
Nom Nom is another excellent subscription service for top-quality, fresh dog food delivered to your door. Compared to The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom’s food isn’t human-grade, they don’t take as many health issues into account in their dog profile, and they’re more expensive.
But Nom Nom offers a grain-inclusive recipe and also stands out for its money-back guarantee, the ability to order a variety sample pack before committing to a subscription, and the option of ordering half meals for larger dogs. The main reason Nom Nom comes in third place is due to some customer complaints about meal packaging and delayed deliveries.
Key Features
- Recipes created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- Full money-back guarantee if you don’t see a difference in your pet after 30 days
- Sample variety pack available without subscription
- Option of choosing half meals for dogs weighing 40 or more pounds (a great way to save money by mixing in fresh food with your pup’s current food)
- Boxes, meal packs, and insulating liners are all either recyclable or made from recycled materials
- Vacuum-sealed, single-meal portion packaging
- Access to pet nutritionists via live chat, phone, and email
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, weight, body size, and health concerns (food allergies, sensitive stomach, dry or flaky coat, arthritis or joint pain), and if he’s a picky eater
Menu Options
- Beef Mash (grain-free)
- Chicken Cuisine (grain-free)
- Pork Potluck (grain-free)
- Turkey Fare
Example Of Ingredients (Turkey Recipe)
Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, citric acid, vinegar, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, salt, water sufficient for processing, fish oil, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, iron amino acid chelate, taurine, natural flavor, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplement
Our Personal Experience With Nom Nom
“I switched my dog, Tiny, to the Nom Nom fresh diet from his commercial kibble food. He loved it and ate every bite as soon as I put it in his bowl. After a couple of weeks on the Nom Nom diet, I noticed he was vomiting far less than he had been before and was much less gassy. A win for both me and my pup!”
– Sally Jones, Mixed Breed Parent, Writer/Researcher/Editor at Canine Journal
Price
- Plans start at $2.40/day
- For $20, you can get a sample pack to try out their food before subscribing
- Free shipping
- Multi-pet discounts
Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom; no promo code is needed. Use this link to get started!
In-Depth Review Of Nom Nom
Check out our full review of Nom Nom for details about the ordering process and our personal experience.
More Top Fresh Dog Food Options
Although these companies didn’t make it into our top picks, they’re certainly worth considering for your budget and your dog’s specific needs. The fresh dog food market is very competitive these days, so you may find your best fit with one of these companies.
- A Pup Above
- Chi Dog
- Freshpet
- JustFoodForDogs
- Open Farm
- PetPlate
- Raised Right
- Spot & Tango
- The Pets Table
A Pup Above Review
A Pup Above offers four human-grade fresh recipes that include non-GMO veggies, fruit, bone broth, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can make a one-time purchase or subscribe and save 10%. And they have a sample pack you can try out first to see which recipes your dog prefers. While their ingredients and cooking methods are top-notch, they don’t customize their food for any health issues or weight loss goals.
Key Features
- Sous vide cooking method to preserve nutrients (slow-cooked in a vacuum-sealed, BPA-free bag in a 180° water bath)
- Ingredients are non-GMO and pesticide-free
- Meals made in USDA-approved kitchens in Texas (U.S.)
- You can look up the source of every ingredient for your food’s lot number on their website
- Bags aren’t pre-portioned — you have to figure out how much to give your pup
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Can request a free, pre-paid TerraCycle envelope to help you recycle the plastic packaging
- 1% of revenues are donated to White Buffalo Land Trust to restore the health of our soil, water, and climate
Dog Profile Includes
A Pup Above doesn’t offer customizable fresh dog food.
Menu Options
- Texas Beef Stew (grain-free)
- Chicka Chicka Bow Wow
- Porky’s Luau (grain-free)
- Turkey Pawella
Example Of Ingredients (Pork Recipe)
Ground pork, pork liver, sweet potatoes, pork bone broth, green beans, pineapple, turmeric, thyme, parsley, minerals [dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite] and vitamin D3 and E supplements
Price
- Starts at $79.98 (3 lbs)
- Free shipping
In-Depth Review Of A Pup Above
Read our full review of A Pup Above for more details on their nutritious offerings.
Chi Dog Review
Lesser-known Chi Dog takes a unique approach to fresh dog food — it’s based on the Eastern Medicine philosophy that “food is the first medicine.” Each of their five recipes (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) are designed to address specific imbalances in a dog’s health, whether suffering from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis or experiencing common issues like obesity, digestive problems, allergies, or anxiety.
You can search to find the right recipe fit based on your dog’s health concern(s) or browse the recipes — each one lists the imbalances it addresses, characteristics of a healthy balance, Chinese medicine indications, ingredients, and more. Chi Dog gets great customer reviews for the quality of food and customer service.
Key Features
- Human-grade recipes developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
- All meals include lightly cooked whole foods made in USDA-certified kitchens
- Each recipe is designed to help with specific health concerns, e.g., the Wood diet (chicken) addresses picky appetites, sensitive stomachs, liver support, ligament injuries, and seizures
- Eco-friendly shipping boxes lined with green cell foam, which is sustainable and biodegradable
- Sample packs available for one-time purchase
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, weight, body type, activity level (each recipe is designed to aid with special health concerns, so you can browse the recipes to find one that best fits your pup’s health issues)
Menu Options
- Wood Diet (Chicken and Eggs)
- Fire Diet (Turkey and Millet)
- Earth Diet (Eggs and Tofu)
- Metal Diet (Beef and White Potatoes)
- Water Diet (Pork and Barley)
Example Of Ingredients (Earth Diet Recipe)
Eggs, tofu, sweet potatoes, spinach, green peas, mushrooms, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, magnesium proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast], choline chloride, taurine, vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement]
Price
- Plans start at $6.23/day
- Sample packs are $73.95 for five 13.8-ounce trays
- Free shipping
Looking for a Chi Dog promo code? Click here for the best deal we could find.
Freshpet Review
Freshpet is a popular manufacturer of fresh, non-GMO, human-grade dog food that you can find in select grocery stores and third-party websites. The food is minimally processed, gently steamed at low temperatures, and vacuum-sealed to preserve nutrients and freshness. They offer grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes as well as special formulas for joint health/mobility and digestive health.
Freshpet differs from several other companies we review here because they don’t personalize or customize your dog’s fresh food. All food is pre-packaged, no matter your dog’s size or needs, so you have to portion the food yourself. However, it’s easier on your wallet compared to many other fresh dog food options.
Key Features
- Contains 100% farm-raised poultry, beef, and fish
- Fruits and vegetables are locally sourced in the U.S.
- No fillers, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
- Kitchens are registered with APHIS and the FDA and USDA-certified
- Company has excellent eco-friendly practices (uses renewable energy, rainwater capture, etc.)
- Can request a free, pre-paid TerraCycle envelope to help you recycle the plastic packaging
- Company makes charitable contributions to rescues, shelters, and animal welfare organizations
Dog Profile Includes
Freshpet doesn’t offer personalized fresh dog food.
Menu Options
- Chicken
- Beef
- Turkey
- Beef & Lamb
- Chicken & Turkey
- Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg
- Salmon & Ocean Whitefish
Example Of Ingredients (Vital Fresh Cuts Chicken)
Chicken, sweet potato, carrots, pea protein, pea fiber, ground oats, natural flavors, green beans, cranberries, vinegar, carrageenan, cassia gum, salt, potassium chloride, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), vitamins (choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin, calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid), fish oil, and spinach
Our Personal Experience With Freshpet
I’ve purchased Freshpet a few times. It is a reliable, well-established brand that is easy to find. My older dog, Daisy, a Pitbull Lab mix, has been picky about her food for the last few months. I chop up the Freshpet food rolls and mix them in with her kibble. Daisy loves the taste and happily eats the food. She also has more energy and is excited for her meals when I add this to the mix. I like the gentle cooking methods, as well as the freshness of the food. It is easy to find and use and doesn’t require a monthly commitment, which I appreciate.
–Danielle DeGroot, Pet Parent to a Pitbull Lab Mix, Researcher & Writer at Canine Journal
Price
Here are some of their most popular products and pricing you can find on Chewy. You can sign up for auto-shipping with Chewy and save 5%.
- Chicken Vital Cuts Recipe (1.5-lb bag, 4 per case): $59.92
- Chicken Vital Recipe (1.75-lb bag, 4 per case): $47.96
- View all options
In-Depth Review Of Freshpet
Learn more about what this fresh dog food brand offers in our full Freshpet review.
JustFoodForDogs Review
One of the first fresh dog food companies, JustFoodForDogs offers 10 fresh-frozen recipes (and several variety packs) that contain whole, human-grade foods and locally sourced produce. You can search their site by recipes or specific health needs. They also offer several vet-prescribed fresh formulas for renal, hepatic, metabolic, and critical care support.
JFFD has a feeding calculator (similar to a profile on other sites). It asks you about your dog’s breed, age, weight, body shape, and activity level. However, JustFoodForDogs doesn’t personalize the food for specific health concerns (unless you pay a hefty $250 formulation fee). You can make a one-time purchase or sign up for auto-shipping and save 5%.
Key Features
- Several recipes are grain-free and gluten-free
- Year-long research feeding trials determined that their meals improved immune health
- Nutrition team can formulate a custom diet based on your dog’s medical records (requires a one-time $250 fee)
- Also offers PantryFresh food, vet-prescribed custom food, treats, nutrient blends, and supplements
- Can save 40% off your first order and 5% on recurring orders by signing up for auto-shipping
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Nutrition consultants available by phone and live chat
- They also offer fresh food for cats
- Company is active in ongoing research into the benefits of fresh dog food
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
JustFoodForDogs only offers personalized fresh dog food for a $250 formulation fee. Their fresh food recipes have a feeding calculator that helps you figure out how much food to buy and how much to feed your dog each day based on his age, weight, and activity level.
Menu Options
- Chicken & White Rice
- Beef & Russet Potato
- Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni
- Fish & Sweet Potato
- Venison & Squash
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Chicken Salad
- Tofu & Quinoa
- Large Breed Support (Beef & Brown Rice)
- Joint & Skin Support (Pork & Quinoa)
- Balanced Remedy For Sensitive Stomachs (Turkey & White Rice)
Example Of Ingredients (Venison & Squash Recipe)
Ground venison, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberries, safflower oil, Icelandic premium fish oil, and JFFD nutrient blend [calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, choline bitartrate, salt, vitamin E supplement, taurine, magnesium amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, manganese amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), and vitamin B12 supplement]
Price
- Plans start at $1.36/day
- Free shipping for auto-shipping
- Packs at Chewy start at: $72.03 (18-oz pouch, case of 7)
Looking for a JustFoodForDogs promo code? Click here for the best deal we could find.
In-Depth JustFoodForDogs Review
Our full review of JustFoodForDogs gives you more details about all of their recipes’ ingredients, food safety practices, and more.
Open Farm Gently Cooked Recipe Review
Open Farm’s gently cooked recipes stand out from its competitors for its dedication to ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. All of its fresh dog food formulas include human-grade, whole-food ingredients, which are blended, portioned into BPA-free packages, and then sous vide. They don’t personalize your pup’s meals, but they do have a handy feeding guideline chart on their website. And you can feel good about supporting our planet and the humane treatment of animals.
Key Features
- All of their pet food is formulated and produced by a team of animal nutrition, animal science, and food manufacturing experts
- Every batch of Open Farm’s food is tested by an independent third-party lab
- Produce is fresh, locally sourced, and non-GMO
- Also offers a huge variety of all-natural kibble and freeze-dried dog food, stews, treats, supplements, and cat food
- Company is entirely transparent about all ingredients on its website
- Manufacturing facility is regularly audited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the American Institute of Baking (AIB International), and Certified Humane to ensure strict food safety practices
- Partners with TerraCycle for packaging recycling
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Open Farm doesn’t offer personalized fresh dog food.
Menu Options
- Grass-Fed Beef (grain-free & grain-inclusive options)
- Harvest Chicken (grain-free & grain-inclusive options)
- Homestead Turkey (grain-free)
- Surf & Turf (grain-free)
- Puppy Recipe (grain-free)
Example Of Ingredients (Surf & Turf Recipe)
Beef, carrots, kale, apples, salmon, beef liver, butternut squash, pumpkin, water, flaxseed, coconut oil, sunflower oil, tricalcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, chia seeds, chicory root, vitamin A, B12, D3, and E supplements, D-calcium pantothenate, mononitrate riboflavin, folic acid, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid chelates, selenium yeast, dried kelp, turmeric, and cinnamon
Our Personal Experience With Open Farm
Open Farm sent me samples of their kibble and gently cooked dog foods in exchange for an unbiased review. My hound-mix Sally can be a little ornery about eating her meals, so at times we’ve added wet food to her kibble to entice her to eat. There is no enticing needed to get her to eat her Open Farm meals. The girl inhales it! In fact, we may need to start using a slow feeder to slow her down some!
– Kimberly Alt, Pet Parent to a Treeing Walker Coonhound Mix, Pet Insurance Expert at Canine Journal
Price
Open Farms offers 5% off all orders if you sign up for auto-shipping.
- Starts at: $89.99 (8-lb box)
- Free shipping over $50
In-Depth Open Farm Review
Check out our full review of Open Farm to learn more about this premium brand and other formulas you may want to consider.
PetPlate Review
PetPlate made an appearance on Shark Tank back in 2016, and while they didn’t get a nod for funding, the company found its way into homes across the U.S. Their subscription-based, human-grade fresh food is top quality and competitively priced. They offer more fresh recipes to choose from and a 25% topper plan. They also offer full FreshBaked chicken and beef recipes and a FreshCombo option, which is a 50-50 mix of fresh and baked food.
However, their dog profile only takes food sensitivities into account and no other health issues. And the food comes in large plastic containers rather than individually packaged servings. While they’re recyclable, they take up a ton of freezer space.
Key Features
- Recipes developed by veterinary nutritionists
- 4 subscription options
- Meals cooked in USDA-approved kitchens and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients
- All packaging is BPA-free and recyclable
- Bulky plastic containers take up a lot of freezer space
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Has organic, grain-free dog treats and four supplements for anxiety and digestive, joint, and skin health
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, weight, ideal weight, activity level, food sensitivities, wellness goals (e.g., healthy digestion, increased performance, easy mobility, etc.)
Menu Options
- Fresh Beef
- Fresh Chicken (grain-free)
- Fresh Turkey
- Fresh Lamb
- Fresh Pork
- Fresh Venison
- Baked Beef
- Baked Chicken (grain-free)
Example Of Ingredients (Lamb Recipe)
Ground lamb, sweet potatoes, apples, lamb liver, quinoa, broccoli, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, salmon oil, minerals (ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, manganese gluconate, magnesium oxide, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), mixed tocopherols (preservative), taurine, and parsley
Our Personal Experience With PetPlate
At first, we tried it out to see how our dogs would react to such a treat. But, as it turned out, our dog Lily, who used to be a very picky eater, immediately gobbled her PetPlate food up and ate the mixed-in kibble as well! She went from eating only one of two meals every day to being a member of the clean-plate club every time! We continue to feed 50/50 kibble because it makes this a more economical choice.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent, Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Price
- Topper plans start at $1.30/day
- Full plans start at $3.79/day
- FreshCombo plans start at $2.80/day
- Free shipping
- View all options
Get 50% off your first box and a free bag of treats. No promo code is needed; just use this link to take advantage of this offer.
In-Depth Review Of PetPlate
Want to see screenshots of PetPlate’s doggy questionnaire and ordering process? See our full review of PetPlate. Also, you may want to read our interview with PetPlate’s founder.
Raised Right Review
Raised Right is a family-owned company specializing in high-protein, limited-ingredient, human-grade fresh dog food containing carefully selected whole foods with low carbohydrate content. While healthy dogs can benefit from their unique formulas, Raised Right is an excellent option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. They have several recipes to choose from, and each contains only one protein source.
Key Features
- Recipes formulated by well-known veterinarian Karen Becker, DVM, and pet food formulation expert Steve Brown
- All essential nutrients in their adult formulas come from whole foods without the addition of any synthetic vitamins or minerals (and they meet AAFCO guidelines)
- Lightly cooked in a USDA-inspected human-grade facility
- Every batch is lab safety tested for pathogens such as e-coli, listeria, and salmonella
- Also offers fresh, human-grade cat food and treats
- Plastic-neutral certified and uses compostable liners and recyclable shipping boxes
- Partners with Carbonfund.org to offset their carbon emissions through reforestation and forest preservation
- Received the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition from the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal
Dog Profile Includes
Raised Right doesn’t personalize food, but they have a handy dog food calculator, which includes your dog’s weight, activity level, and whether he needs to lose, maintain, or gain weight.
Menu Options
- Original Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Turkey Adult Recipes
- Adult Pumpkin Paté Recipes: Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Turkey,
- Puppy Growth Recipes: Beef, Chicken, or Turkey
Example Of Ingredients (Original Turkey Adult Recipe)
Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries, organic spearmint, cod liver oil, egg shell powder, flaxseed oil, and organic dried kelp
Price
You can make a one-time purchase (minimum of 16 x 1-lb bags) or subscribe for auto-shipping.
- Full meals start at (for 5-lb dog): $1.97/day
- Sample pack (4 x 1-lb bags): $53.95 + $9.99 shipping
In-Depth Review Of Raised Right
See our full Raised Right review for a nutritional and ingredient analysis and much more.
Spot & Tango Review
Another subscription-based service, Spot & Tango offers three fresh and four shelf-stable recipes (called UnKibble) that are all made with human-grade, whole-food ingredients. They take a lot of health concerns into account when customizing both types of food. Spot & Tango is another great option for fresh meals, and they offer a topper plan you can mix in with your pup’s current food to save some money. Their UnKibble is an excellent solution if you want high-quality “fresh” dog food but don’t have storage space in your freezer.
Key Features
- All recipes developed by a certified vet nutritionist
- Ingredients are sourced from local farms and human food suppliers
- Food manufactured in USDA-certified facilities
- Fresh recipes are flash-frozen to preserve nutritional value
- All fresh and Unkibble recipes are non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain no wheat, corn, or soy
- Shelf-stable UnKibble dry dog food is made from human-grade meats and fresh starches, veggies, and fruits that are dehydrated under low temperatures to preserve nutrients
- Slim, single-portion packaging fits well in freezer
- Risk-free 2-week trial — they’ll give you a full refund if your dog doesn’t like it
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Add-on, single-ingredient treats available: sweet potato, chicken, or bison bites
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, body shape, weight, activity level, and 20+ health concerns (allergies, arthritis, digestive issues, diabetes, etc.)
Menu Options
- Fresh Meals:
- Beef & Millet (grain-free)
- Turkey & Quinoa
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Unkibble:
- Beef & Barley
- Chicken & Brown Rice
- Cod & Salmon (grain-free)
- Turkey & Sweet Potato
Example Of Fresh Meal Ingredients (Lamb Recipe)
Lamb, brown rice, spinach, carrots, peas, blueberries, eggs, parsley, apple cider vinegar, safflower oil, vegetable stock, calcium phosphate, salt, calcium carbonate, magnesium, kelp, potassium, vitamin E, zinc, iron, manganese, vitamin D3, copper, selenium, folic acid, iodine, and vitamin B12
Price
- UnKibble plans start at $1/day
- Fresh plans start at $2/day
- Free shipping
- View all options
Our readers can save 55% off the first two weeks (plus free shipping, free customized scoop and free personalized feeding guide) using this link.
In-Depth Spot & Tango Review
Learn more about what this premium brand offers in our full review of Spot & Tango.
The Pets Table Review
HelloFresh, the popular human meal delivery service, now offers The Pets Table for our pup family members. This personalized dog food delivery service has four subscription plans, Fresh, Air-Dried, Mixed, or Half Fresh, to fit your budget and your dog’s food preferences. They use human-grade ingredients, and all recipes are grain-free except the Chicken & Sweet Potato Air-Dried Recipe. The Pets Table also gets fantastic customer reviews for their food, deliveries, and customer support. However, their fresh meals are pricier than average, and they only offer three protein options.
Key Features
- All recipes formulated by an on-staff board-certified vet nutritionist
- Fresh food is made at an FDA-inspected human-grade facility
- Air dried food is minimally processed with low heat to preserve nutrients
- Slim packaging fits well in freezer
- Risk-free 2-week trial — they’ll give you a full refund if your dog doesn’t like it
- Get a free bandana in your pup’s trial box
- Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
- Boxes and liners are recyclable; however, the food packaging is not
- Made in the USA
Dog Profile Includes
Breed, age, body shape, weight, and activity level
Menu Options
- Fresh Meals:
- Beef Stew with Carrots (grain-free)
- Chicken Casserole with Green Beans (grain-free)
- Turkey Casserole with Broccoli (grain-free)
- Air Dried Meals:
- Beef & Berries (grain-free)
- Chicken & Sweet Potato
Example Of Fresh Meal Ingredients (Chicken Recipe)
Chicken, chickpeas, chicken liver, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, salmon oil, sunflower oil, salt, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin D3, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12, folic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, tricalcium phosphate, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, selenium yeast, potassium iodide, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, and yeast culture
Price
The following pricing from their website is based on an average 30-pound dog who’s fed twice per day.
- Full Fresh meals: $2.48/day
- Air Dried: $1.38/day
- Free shipping
- View all options
In-Depth The Pets Table Review
Learn more about what this premium brand offers in our full review of The Pets Table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions pup owners often ask about fresh dog food. If you don’t see yours here, please ask us in our comments.
What Are The Benefits Of Fresh Dog Food?
Feeding your dog high-quality, fresh food is a great way to keep your furry friend as healthy as possible throughout their lifetime. Fresh dog chow contains real, whole-food ingredients, like premium meats, vegetables, and fruits. Unlike heavily processed kibble, fresh dog food is lightly cooked to preserve nutrients and freshness. And it contains plenty of moisture to keep your pup well-hydrated.
Fresh meals are a tasty alternative to kibble and a fantastic choice for picky eaters. But they also provide your pup with the ideal nutrition for whole-body wellness and the energy they need to thrive. Benefits include everything from a stronger immune system and improved digestion to heart, brain, eye, skin, and coat health, and much more.
Do Vets Recommend Fresh Dog Food?
Some vets do recommend fresh dog food for certain conditions, particularly because it can be easier to digest than kibble. However, fresh isn’t always your pup’s best option, so your vet may advise against it. For example, many fresh formulas are high in fat, making them unsuitable for dogs with pancreatitis or diabetes.
Is Fresh Food Really Better For Your Dog?
It can be for many dogs, but a high-quality, all-natural kibble can be equally healthy. The most important thing to keep in mind is to check with your veterinarian before switching your furry friend’s diet. Your vet is your best resource to know what nutrition and ingredients are ideal for your pup’s health.
What Is The Best Fresh Dog Food For Your Pup?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dog food. We love The Farmer’s Dog for grain-free fresh food and Ollie for grain-inclusive fresh food. However, the brand and formula that’s best for your individual dog depends on several factors, including allergies or other health problems, and taste and texture preferences. Again, I urge you to discuss your options with your vet.
How Do I Transition My Dog’s Food?
No matter what type of food you’re feeding your dog (kibble, canned, fresh, raw, etc.), switching to a new food type and even a new brand takes some time and consideration. Dogs’ tummies are notoriously sensitive, so we have a handy guide on how to slowly introduce new food to your dog to help minimize transitional digestive issues.
Consider Fresh Fruits For Dog Treats
If you’re into the healthiest food options for your pup, why not consider replacing regular dog treats with fresh fruit? This video tells you which fruits are safe and the recommended serving sizes. Learn more about which human foods are do’s and don’ts to give to dogs.
Are You Looking For Other Types Of Dog Food?
All of the fresh dog food companies I review here offer at-home delivery. But if you’re looking for dog food delivery for all-natural or brand-name kibble, check out my comprehensive reviews of the best dog food delivery services. We also have reviews of the best raw dog food if that’s an alternative you’re considering for your pup.
Our Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs’ nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brand’s history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. She’s an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
