Fresh dog food delivery services are gaining popularity, promising healthier, whole-food meals for your canine companion right at your doorstep. Many pet owners are drawn to the idea of feeding their dogs recipes made with fresh, recognizable ingredients and the convenience of a subscription. However, it’s important to note that veterinary nutritionists suggest fresh food isn’t inherently superior to traditional kibble or canned options. Nonetheless, some fresh dog food brands distinguish themselves through quality ingredients, nutritional formulation, and commitment to pet health.
In this comprehensive guide, we consulted with leading experts in the field: two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and a food safety specialist, to gain valuable insights into the world of fresh pet food. Following expert recommendations, we rigorously tested six prominent fresh dog food brands with a 50-pound dog named Lyla, evaluating each brand over a week-long trial period. After extensive testing and careful consideration, JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Food emerged as our top recommendation. Its extensive range of recipes, user-friendly feeding options, and strong foundation in pet nutrition research make it a standout choice for discerning dog owners.
Ultimately, determining the ideal fresh food for your dog is a multifaceted decision, influenced by your dog’s individual preferences, specific dietary needs, and your veterinarian’s professional guidance. Regardless of the chosen brand, it is crucial to ensure that your dog’s food adheres to the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for complete and balanced nutrition. The veterinary experts we consulted also emphasized the importance of selecting brands that comply with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Guidelines. Among fresh dog food providers, JustFoodForDogs, Nom Nom, and The Farmer’s Dog are notable for meeting all WSAVA guidelines, reflecting a higher standard of quality and safety.
A key distinction of fresh dog food compared to kibble and canned food is the absence of artificial preservatives, resulting in a shorter shelf life. To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, it is essential to strictly adhere to the recommended storage and feeding instructions provided by each brand.
To understand our rigorous testing methodology for pet products, explore Business Insider Reviews’ expertise in pet product evaluation.
Top Picks: The Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
Best Overall: JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Dog Food – View at JustFoodforDogs
Best Runner-Up: Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food – View at Nom Nom
Best Overall Fresh Dog Food: JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Food
Check price at JustFoodForDogs Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon
Pros:
- Wide selection of recipes
- Three grain-inclusive recipe options
- Backed by research and feeding trials
- Complies with both WSAVA and AAFCO guidelines
- Available at major retailers like Chewy, Amazon, and Petco
- Custom diet formulations available
Cons:
- Only two recipes suitable for all life stages
- Inability to mix multiple recipes in one box
- Requires portioning for each feeding
- Consistency of some recipes resembles canned food
JustFoodForDogs distinguishes itself as the leading fresh dog food delivery service due to its diverse protein choices and competitive pricing. Significantly, the company adheres to all WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, a benchmark of quality that includes employing a full-time veterinary nutritionist or a doctorate-level animal nutritionist. Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals, emphasizes that WSAVA guidelines are crucial for ensuring both food safety and high nutritional value in pet food. JustFoodForDogs further demonstrates its commitment to quality through conducting feeding trials to validate the nutritional efficacy and digestibility of its food – a practice not commonly observed among fresh pet food companies.
JustFoodForDogs offers six primary Fresh Frozen recipes, with half being grain-inclusive to cater to different dietary needs. The chicken and fish recipes are formulated for all life stages, including puppies, while the turkey, beef, venison, and lamb recipes are designed for adult dogs. Beyond the main recipes, they also offer options for dogs with sensitive stomachs, joint support formulas, a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-time recipes, and even prescription diets developed by their in-house veterinary nutritionists. The food is conveniently packaged in 18-ounce portions and sold in boxes of varying sizes: small (7.8 lbs), medium (23.5 lbs), and large (31.5 lbs). While requiring a bit of planning, each package needs to be thawed in the refrigerator overnight and should be used within five days of opening. It’s also necessary to measure out the recommended serving size for your dog at each meal.
During testing, Lyla thoroughly enjoyed both the Beef & Russet Potato and Lamb & Brown Rice recipes from JustFoodForDogs. Despite her tendency to be a picky eater, she readily consumed both options. However, it was noted that the food’s consistency was quite similar to canned food, which might not appeal to owners expecting to see distinct whole food ingredients. Dr. Korinn Saker, an associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, explains that fresh dog food is made with whole food ingredients, gently cooked and then frozen to maintain freshness. The form of the food, whether ground or whole, doesn’t affect its nutritional value, but it may impact the visual appeal for owners seeking to see individual ingredients.
To begin with JustFoodForDogs, their website offers a helpful feeding calculator to provide personalized recipe and portion recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, allergies, and other factors. Orders can be placed directly through JustFoodForDogs, or through major pet retailers like Chewy, Petco, and Amazon, all of which often provide auto-shipping discounts for added convenience.
Best Runner-Up Fresh Dog Food: Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
Check price at Nom Nom Check price at Chewy Check price at Petsmart
Pros:
- Recipes formulated for all life stages
- Convenient pre-portioned meals
- Complies with both WSAVA and AAFCO guidelines
- Straightforward signup process and user-friendly website
- Also available at Chewy and Petsmart
Cons:
- Limited to four recipe options
- Only one grain-inclusive recipe
- Maximum selection of two recipes per order
- Food can sometimes be dry
- Generates significant packaging waste
Nom Nom stands out as a fresh dog food delivery service providing four palatable recipes in pre-portioned packages designed for ease of use. The website is commendably simple and intuitive to navigate, and the signup process is seamless. Beyond adhering to WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, Nom Nom is committed to scientific rigor, conducting research to assess the effectiveness of its food.
While a Nom Nom subscription is similarly priced to JustFoodForDogs, it takes the runner-up position due to a more restricted selection of protein options, including chicken, beef, turkey, and pork, with only the turkey recipe being grain-inclusive. Customers are limited to choosing a maximum of two recipes for their dog’s meal plan. A notable advantage is that all recipes are formulated for all life stages, including puppies.
During testing, Lyla was given the pork, chicken, and turkey recipes from Nom Nom. She showed a preference for the pork and turkey, consistently eating them quickly at almost every meal, while the chicken recipe was less favored. It was observed that the food can become somewhat dry, especially if not consumed immediately. While dryness isn’t a nutritional concern, leaving fresh food out for extended periods is. Dr. Teresa Morishita, professor of poultry medicine and food safety at Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, cautions that fresh dog food is more susceptible to spoilage if left out for hours. Therefore, uneaten food should be promptly discarded to maintain food safety. For a more detailed account of the testing experience, refer to the full Nom Nom dog food review.
For those interested in trying Nom Nom, they offer a two-week trial period, providing a great introduction to one of the Best Fresh Dog Food options. Alternatively, a sampler pack is also available. Individual packages can be purchased from Chewy and Petsmart, but these lack the pre-portioned convenience of the subscription service.
Other Fresh Dog Food Brands We Tested
The following brands were evaluated but ranked lower than our top recommendations. The Farmer’s Dog meets AAFCO standards and WSAVA guidelines but offers a more limited range of recipes compared to JustFoodForDogs and Nom Nom.
While PetPlate, Ollie, and Open Farm provided positive feeding experiences, they do not employ a full-time veterinary nutritionist or PhD-level nutrition expert, a criterion recommended by all experts consulted for selecting the best dog foods.
The Farmer’s Dog
Check price at The Farmer’s Dog
Pros:
- Recipes formulated for all life stages
- Complies with both WSAVA and AAFCO guidelines
- Convenient and easy to serve
- Option to select up to three recipes
Cons:
- Limited to four recipes
- No grain-inclusive options
Established in 2014, The Farmer’s Dog is a pioneering fresh dog food subscription service known for its precisely customized portions. Each package contains the exact amount of food required for your dog, simplifying feeding to just thawing and serving. During signup, you can choose up to three recipes for all life stages (beef, turkey, chicken, pork), however, none are grain-inclusive, which limits options for dogs needing or benefiting from grains in their diet.
The Farmer’s Dog meets WSAVA guidelines, but some marketing claims on their website suggest fresh food is superior to shelf-stable kibble and wet food, claims that lack sufficient scientific backing.
To access detailed recipe information from The Farmer’s Dog before subscribing, you must complete a signup questionnaire and provide your email, a step that feels less user-friendly compared to other brands in this guide that offer readily available recipe details. More information can be found in the comprehensive The Farmer’s Dog review.
PetPlate
Pros:
- Wide variety of recipes
- Option to select any combination of recipes
- Four grain-inclusive recipes available
- Convenient and easy to serve
- Food formulated for all life stages
Cons:
- Requires portioning for each feeding
- Noticeable strong odor
- More expensive compared to other brands
- Does not meet all WSAVA guidelines
PetPlate is unique as the only fresh dog food service allowing customers to include all six recipes in their subscription. While Dr. Saker notes that variety isn’t essential if nutritional consistency is maintained, PetPlate’s flexibility appeals to owners who prefer recipe diversity. Furthermore, PetPlate offers the option to order smaller portions as a supplement to regular kibble, offering flexibility for different feeding approaches.
However, PetPlate does not fully meet WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. Their food is produced in co-manufacturing facilities, and while they do not employ a full-time animal nutrition expert, recipes are formulated by Dr. Renee Streeter, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist consulting with PetPlate.
PetPlate provides a detailed feeding guide in user accounts with instructions for portioning, storing, and warming the food, which is beneficial, especially for dogs preferring warm meals. During testing, Lyla enjoyed both the Lip Lickin’ Lamb and Tail Waggin’ Turkey recipes, though broth was needed to maintain her interest later in the trial.
PetPlate’s 20-ounce containers are convenient for portioning, though pre-portioned packaging would enhance convenience. A notable aspect is the food’s strong odor, which might be off-putting to some owners, although it didn’t deter Lyla.
Ollie
Pros:
- Wide variety of recipes
- Option to select up to four recipes
- Three grain-inclusive recipes
- Includes storage container and serving scoop
- Food formulated for all life stages
Cons:
- Does not meet all WSAVA guidelines
- Most expensive service tested
- No refunds offered
Ollie is a subscription-based fresh dog food service with a strong emphasis on recipe variety, offering five recipes for all life stages, including three grain-inclusive options. They provide a user-friendly feeding guide and include a storage container and scooper with the first delivery.
Ollie is comparable to PetPlate in customization and variety but is more expensive. Like PetPlate, Ollie does not fully meet WSAVA guidelines, consulting with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists instead of employing one full-time.
Ollie recently introduced complementary health screening services, but veterinary professionals advise against relying on virtual screenings and recommend consulting a veterinarian for health concerns.
Open Farm
Pros:
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Subscription not required
Cons:
- Only two grain-inclusive options
- Does not meet all WSAVA guidelines
- Cannot combine multiple recipes in one box
- Requires portioning for each feeding
- Expensive
Open Farm is a Certified B corporation emphasizing ethical and sustainable ingredient sourcing. They hold certifications like Certified Humane, Global Animal Partnership, and Ocean Wise depending on the recipe, and ingredient sources are transparently listed on product pages. Open Farm participates in the TerraCycle program for packaging recycling.
Open Farm’s Gently Cooked fresh food line includes seven recipes, with two grain-inclusive options for all life stages. Food is sold in boxes via their website and pet stores. Subscriptions are not mandatory, but auto-ship provides a 5% discount.
Similar to PetPlate and Ollie, Open Farm consults with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist but does not employ one full-time, thus not fully adhering to WSAVA guidelines.
Key Considerations When Choosing Fresh Dog Food
Veterinarians highlight several crucial factors when selecting the best food for your dog.
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement: Always check for the AAFCO statement on pet food labels. It confirms the food is “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage, containing the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Labels indicate if food is for “maintenance” (adult dogs over 1 year), “growth” (puppies, pregnant, and lactating dogs), or “all life stages” (suitable for any age).
Labels should also include a guaranteed analysis, listing minimum percentages of essential nutrients like protein and fat. AAFCO minimums for protein are 22.5% for puppies and 18% for adults, and for fat, 8.5% for puppies and 5.5% for adults. Brands may list vitamins and omega-3s, but it’s not mandatory.
WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines: The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods are vital for choosing high-quality pet food. Veterinarians recommend brands meeting these guidelines, which ensure best practices in food formulation and manufacturing. WSAVA advises against marketing terms like “holistic,” “natural,” and “filler-free,” as they lack regulated standards and don’t guarantee higher quality.
Recipe Variety: Look for brands with diverse protein options and grain-inclusive recipes. Aim for at least four protein choices, considering sensitivities to common meats like chicken and beef.
Despite grain-free food’s marketing popularity, concerns exist about a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Until more is understood, many vets recommend grain-inclusive diets. Always consult your veterinarian about the best food for your dog.
Healthy Extras: While fresh food isn’t inherently superior nutritionally to dry or canned food, many fresh dog foods include beneficial extras like fish oil and probiotics. Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and joint health, and probiotics aid digestion.
Ease of Ordering and Feeding Instructions: Fresh dog food ordering should be simple, requiring information on your pet’s age, weight, activity level, sex, spay/neuter status, and sensitivities. Dr. Saker advises against brands with questionnaires missing these key questions. Detailed feeding instructions, ideally on packaging, are essential, regardless of portioning.
Cost: Fresh dog food is significantly more expensive than other types. Initial order discounts are common, so check long-term pricing.
Customer Service: Easy access to customer service via phone, chat, or email is important for addressing questions or concerns.
Shipping and Delivery Notifications: Delivery notifications are crucial for fresh food to prevent spoilage during transit.
Packaging: Vacuum-sealed containers are ideal for fresh dog food. Dry ice packaging is preferable for maintaining frozen state during shipping, compared to ice packs which may allow thawing. Do not feed thawed or room temperature food; contact customer service if this occurs.
Sustainability: Consider brands with sustainable practices, including recyclable packaging and commitments to carbon emission reduction. While some recyclable insulation is used, most fresh food packaging is non-recyclable plastic.
Our Testing Methodology for Fresh Dog Food
Prior to testing, we verified that each brand’s recipes met AAFCO standards and aimed for WSAVA guideline compliance. Six brands were tested for a week each, building on previous positive experiences with JustFoodForDogs, PetPlate, Ollie, The Farmer’s Dog, and Nom Nom from other Insider Reviews testers.
Pet food experts Dr. Emily Luisana, Dr. Teresa Morishita, and Dr. Korinn Saker provided insights into fresh food manufacturing and selection criteria for nutritious recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Dog Food
What constitutes the highest quality fresh dog food?
While no single “best” fresh dog food exists for every dog, certain quality benchmarks are universal. Experts recommend foods meeting AAFCO and ideally WSAVA standards. These organizations set nutritional needs and quality control practices.
Always consult your veterinarian, who understands your dog’s specific needs and can assess if a brand’s recommendations are appropriate. Dr. Luisana emphasizes that nutritional content and food safety are crucial considerations beyond labels like “fresh” or “kibble.”
Dr. Morishita highlights safe handling as essential for quality fresh dog food, starting with production practices adhering to FDA regulations. Consumers also play a vital role in safe handling by refrigerating/freezing food until feeding, cleaning surfaces, and discarding uneaten food promptly to prevent spoilage. Treat pet food with the same food safety standards as your own meals.
Is homemade dog food recommended by veterinarians?
Dr. Luisana notes homemade food may be recommended for specific medical needs when commercial options are limited, or due to owner preference. However, she advises against it without veterinary guidance. Homemade diets are “difficult to get right and easy to get wrong.” If pursuing homemade food, do so under the supervision of your vet and a veterinary nutritionist.
Fresh dog food offers a balanced compromise for those seeking alternatives to kibble or canned food. Brands recommended in this guide formulate foods with animal nutrition experts to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
Are dog food subscription services worthwhile?
The value of dog food subscriptions depends on individual needs. They simplify food shopping and preparation and can appeal to picky eaters. However, they are costly and require planning, like overnight thawing. Ultimately, the best food choice depends on nutritional profile and your dog’s needs, not just freshness.
Is feeding raw food to dogs advisable?
Despite claimed benefits, raw dog food diets can be risky, increasing risks of bacterial infections and nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Morishita explains raw food contains bacteria typically eliminated by cooking, posing risks to pets and humans through cross-contamination. Cooked fresh or processed foods are safer choices.
By Sophia Carlisle
Fellow
Sophia Carlisle is a former Editorial Fellow on the Insider Reviews team, covering pet products. She has a background in environmental, health, and social services reporting, book publishing, and student journalism. In her free time, Sophia enjoys reading and spending time with her dog.
