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The finest fresh dog food is prepared using carefully cooked, whole-food components and often includes the benefit of doorstep delivery. In the last decade, numerous fresh meal subscription services have appeared within the pet food industry. After thorough investigation into all these services and personally testing their recipes with my canine companion, I aim to assist you in finding the most suitable option based on your requirements and financial constraints. However, as per advice from veterinary professionals whom I spoke to, fresh meals aren’t inherently superior to dry kibble or wet canned foods. Nonetheless, certain fresh dog food brands distinguish themselves amongst others.
To compile this guide, I consulted two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and a food safety specialist to gain their expertise on fresh pet food. Following these consultations, I evaluated six well-known brands using my 50-pound canine companion, Lyla, who sampled recipes from each brand over a period of at least one week. Based on numerous feedings, my highest recommendation goes to:
JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Food
, owing to its extensive range of user-friendly meal options backed by pet nutrition studies and feeding experiments.
Ultimately, the best fresh food for your dog depends on several factors, such as your pet’s preferences and your veterinarian’s recommendations. It’s important that your dog’s food meets the
American Association of Feed Control Officials
The AAFCO guidelines for comprehensive and balanced nutrition were mentioned, and the veterinarians I consulted also suggest selecting products from brands that adhere to the WSAVA standards.
Global Nutrition Guidelines
Among the freshly prepared pet foods we evaluated, only JustFoodForDogs, The Farmer’s Dog, and Nom Nom comply entirely with the WSAVA standards.
Read more about
How Business Sazua.com Reviews examines and studies pet items
.
Our favorite choices for the finest new canine meals
Best overall:
JustFoodForDogs Freeze-Dried Dog Food –
See at JustFoodforDogs
Best runner-up:
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food –
See at Nom Nom
Best overall
Offering numerous protein choices along with affordable prices, JustFoodForDogs emerges as the premier choice for delivering fresh canine meals. According to reports, this business adheres strictly to the comprehensive standards set forth by the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. These guidelines play a crucial role in maintaining both food security and superior nutritional content within pet nourishment products.
Dr. Emily Luisana
, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and co-founder of Peak Veterinary Specialists. Furthermore, JustFoodForDogs has carried out AAFCO feeding tests to confirm the nutritional value and digestibility of their products.
JustFoodForDogs provides six primary Fresh Frozen recipes, three of which include grains. Their chicken and fish dishes cater to dogs at every stage of their lives, including both puppies and adults. Meanwhile, the turkey, beef, venison, and lamb varieties are designed specifically for adult canine companions. Additionally, you have the option to order meals tailored for sensitive stomachs as well as those aimed at supporting joints. Alongside these choices, they offer rotating seasonal and short-run recipes alongside therapeutic diets crafted by resident veterinary nutrition experts.
The food comes in 18-ounce sachets and is available in petite (7.8 pounds), mid-size (23.5 pounds), or jumbo (31.5 pounds) boxes. After removing each pack from frozen storage, let it defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. It’s best consumed within five days after unsealing. Remember to measure out the suggested portions according to your pet’s needs; this might require some extra effort on your part.
I tested out the Beef and Russet Potato as well as the Lamb and Brown Rice dishes. Despite my dog’s finicky nature, she thoroughly enjoyed both meals. Nevertheless, I found myself somewhat taken aback by how similar the consistency was to canned pet food. According to Dr. Korinn Saker, formerly an associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, fresh canine cuisine typically uses complete ingredients that undergo gentle cooking before being frozen for preservation. Even though the texture—whether finely ground or intact—does not affect nutritional value, this format may not appeal if you like seeing distinct components in your dog’s dish.
To begin with JustFoodForDogs, the company offers a user-friendly approach.
feeding calculator
To obtain personalized recipes and serving suggestions tailored to your dog’s age, weight, allergies, and additional needs, you can proceed to place an order with JustFoodForDogs or via retailers such as Chewy, Petco, and Amazon. These platforms provide comparable automatic reorder benefits with potential savings.
Best runner-up
Nom Nom is a new fresh dog food delivery service providing six delicious recipes in individually portioned packs. The two recent additions (Lamb Pilaf and Turkey & Chicken Cookout) debuted in April 2025, and we have an upcoming review from one of our reporters about these options.
I was pleased with the straightforward, intuitive website and smooth registration process. Besides following the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, this brand has also contributed to published studies on nutrition.
evaluate how well its food can be digested
and
its impact on the gut microbiome,
However, it hasn’t carried out AAFCO feeding trials similar to those of JustFoodForDogs.
When catering to a medium-sized dog, a subscription would set you back roughly the same amount daily as JustFoodForDogs. With smaller dogs, though, Nom Nom tends to be pricier compared to JustFoodForDogs. Nom Nom provides five different proteins: chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and lamb; however, their turkey and lamb varieties include grains. It’s worth noting that you’re limited to choosing just two recipes for your pet’s meal plan. One positive aspect is that these recipes cater to all life stages, including puppies.
I fed my dog the pork, chicken, and turkey recipes. She preferred the pork and turkey over the chicken, gobbling them up quickly at almost every meal. I found the food can be dry, especially when not immediately eaten. While dryness isn’t a nutrition concern, food left out too long is.
Dr. Teresa Morishita
Dr. Jane Smith, a professor specializing in poultry medicine and food safety at Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, notes that freshly prepared dog food has a higher chance of spoilage if not consumed within a few hours. It’s advisable to discard any leftovers immediately after your pet finishes eating. For further insights into her experiences, you may refer to her comprehensive article.
Review of Nom Nom Dog Food
.
Nom Nom’s two-week trial offers an excellent opportunity to begin using some of the finest fresh dog food available; however, you have the option to place a direct order as well.
sampler pack
Chewy and Petsmart also offer individual packs, however, they lack the advantage of conveniently portioned servings.
What else we tested
The brands listed here have scored lower compared to my top choices. The Farmer’s Dog complies with the AAFCO requirements and adheres to the WSAVA guidelines; however, they haven’t released any studies regarding their nutrition content yet.
Although my encounters with PetPlate, Ollie, and Open Farm were positive, each of these companies falls short by not having a dedicated full-time veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level nutrition specialist—something every expert I consulted emphasized as crucial when selecting such products.
best dog foods
.
Our journalists are likewise putting to the test
FreshPet
and
The Pets Table
With our pups, we’ll be sharing our thoughts over the coming few months.
Established in 2014, The Farmer’s Dog stands out as one of the pioneering fresh dog food delivery services. Its standout feature is personalized portioning; each shipment contains precisely measured meals tailored for your pet. All you need to do after receiving them is defrost and feed. When signing up, customers can select from up to five life-stage appropriate options such as chicken and grains, beef, turkey, chicken again, and pork. Recently, they introduced their new chicken and grains meal option. This dish caught the attention of Jaclyn Turner, a senior editor at BizSazuacom Reviews, who tried it along with her own dog named Reese. Among several flavors like beef and classic chicken, this particular recipe became one of Reese’s top choices.
The Farmer’s Dog adheres to all WSAVA guidelines, thanks to having both a board-certified companion animal nutritionist and a veterinary nutritionist on their team.
its full-time staff
While certain parts of the
claims on its website
imply that fresh food is superior to shelf-stable kibble and wet food, keep in mind that there’s not enough research to support those claims. However, in March 2025, the
brand announced
It carried out an extensive one-year feeding trial alongside the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. According to a spokesperson from their communications team, the findings will be made public later this year.
If you want to find out more about The Farmer’s Dog meal plans prior to signing up, you must complete their sign-up survey and share your email address. This appears to be an extra step compared to other brands highlighted in our guide, which typically offer straightforward access to recipe information without such requirements.
You can find additional information in my complete report.
The Farmer’s Dog review
.
Ollie delivers freshly prepared dog food solely via its subscription model. They provide a wide range of meal choices, a straightforward feeding schedule, along with a practical storage bin and measuring scoop included. By subscribing, customers have the flexibility to choose up to four out of their five different formulas designed for various life stages, which include three varieties containing grains.
When it comes to personalization and selection, Ollie mirrors PetPlate but comes at a higher cost. If budget is a concern, consider opting for smaller portion sizes as an add-on to your dog’s usual dry food. Similar to PetPlate, Ollie does not have a dedicated full-time dietitian but works with external consultants.
two board-certified veterinary nutritionists
, failing to meet the WSAVA guidelines. Nonetheless, it’s important to mention that the brand has
a full-time licensed veterinarian
on staff.
Lately, Ollie has started providing additional health screening services which might appear as an attractive perk; however, vets recommend steering clear of these online assessments. Should you worry about your dog’s weight or stool condition, your vet ought to be the one examining your animal companion.
PetPlate stands out as the sole fresh dog food subscription service that lets you incorporate an unlimited range of recipes into your pet’s dining schedule. According to Saker, varying meals doesn’t particularly matter as long as every serving meets the necessary nutritional standards. Nonetheless, certain individuals might appreciate having different recipe choices available. Additionally, instead of committing to a complete meal package, one has the flexibility to purchase modest servings to complement their dog’s usual dry food regimen.
In contrast to JustFoodForDogs and Nom Nom, PetPlate fails to adhere fully to the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. One reason for this is that their food is manufactured in facilities owned by third-party co-manufacturers. Additionally, PetPlate does not have a dedicated full-time animal nutritionist; instead, the recipes are developed by
Dr. Renee Streeter
a board-certified veterinarian specializing in nutrition and a consultant for PetPlate.
I appreciate how every recipe you select comes with comprehensive feeding guidelines accessible through your PetPlate account. This guide offers step-by-step directions for measuring portions, storage methods, and warming up your dog’s meals—very handy as my dog likes his food warm. Our pet sampled the Lip Lickin’ Lamb and the Tail Waggin’ Turkey dishes; she liked them both but needed some added broth towards the end of our test run to stay engaged.
PetPlate comes in 20-ounce containers. Measuring servings was straightforward, though having individually portioned packs would be more convenient. Those who are sensitive to potent smells could find this unsuitable. The cuisine carries a scent that might deter some individuals; however, my dog wasn’t bothered by it at all.
Open Farm is
a Certified B corp
that positions itself as an ethical and eco-friendly choice compared to other commercially available pet foods. Based on the specific recipe, you might come across various certification labels.
Certified Humane
,
Global Animal Partnership
, and
Ocean Wise
, and you can check the source details for each ingredient on its respective product page. Additionally, Open Farm is involved in this initiative.
TerraCycle program
, even though you must preserve and eventually send back the utilized packaging for recycling for it to be beneficial.
Open Farm’s Gently Cooked fresh meals come in seven varieties: one designed specifically for puppies, four tailored for adult dogs, and two that cater to all life stages with grains included. These dishes can be purchased by the box (either 8 lbs. or 16 lbs.) directly from the Open Farm website as well as through various physical pet store locations across the United States. Although they do not provide meal plans or subscription services, opting for their automatic delivery service will secure you a 5% discount.
Similar to PetPlate and Ollie, Open Farm doesn’t have a dedicated full-time nutritional specialist but instead works with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for advice.
Key factors to consider when choosing fresh dog food
Vets indicate that there are several important factors to keep in mind when selecting the optimal diet for your canine companion.
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement:
Always check for the AAFCO statement on a pet food label. This label should indicate that the food is fully balanced and suitable for your dog’s specific life stage, ensuring it contains the required levels of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. If the product is marked as ‘maintenance,’ it is designed for adult dogs older than one year. Pet foods tagged as ‘growth’ are meant for puppies less than a year old, along with pregnant and nursing dogs. Should you find a label stating it’s fit for “all life stages,” this means the food can cater to every phase of your dog’s development.
Furthermore, a food product’s label must feature a guaranteed analysis. This section details the minimum percentages of crucial components such as proteins and fats contained within the food.
AAFCO minimums
For proteins, the content should be at least 22.5% for puppies and 18% for adult dogs, while for fats, the minimums stand at 8.5% for puppies and 5.5% for adults. Additionally, brands may provide details about vitamin levels and omega-3 fatty acid contents; however, these figures do not have to appear on product labels as mandated requirements.
WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines:
The
WSAVA Worldwide Nutritional Guidelines for Choosing Pet Food
serve as benchmarks for selecting pet food from manufacturers with stringent quality control measures. According to the veterinarians I spoke with, it’s advisable to buy products from companies adhering to these criteria, which encompass optimal procedures for both formula development and production processes. Additionally, WSAVA cautions pet owners about promotional phrases such as “holistic,” “natural,” and “filler-free,” noting that these aren’t grounded in regulatory standards and thus don’t guarantee superior product quality.
Recipe variety:
Search for brands offering a wide range of protein sources along with grain-containing formulations. In compiling this guide, I sought out at least four distinct types of proteins, especially because certain dogs may have sensitivities to widely used meats such as chicken and beef.
Although grain-free dog food has been heavily promoted over the past ten years, doubts still persist regarding its benefits.
A grain-free diet increases the likelihood of dogs developing dilated cardiomyopathy.
(DCM) is a severe and potentially deadly cardiac condition. Due to this, numerous vets suggest providing a grain-inclusive diet until further information becomes available regarding the connection between DCM and grain-free diets. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before choosing any meal for your canine companion.
Healthy extras:
Experts indicate that ultimately, fresh food isn’t necessarily superior to dry or canned options simply due to being prepared whole. Nonetheless, numerous fresh dog foods include supplementary components like fish oil and probiotics. Such additives might provide further health advantages. For instance, the
top-notch omega-3 supplement for canines
contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can support
heart and joint health
, while the
best probiotics for dogs
can aid in digestion.
Simplicity of placing orders and providing feeding guidelines:
Registering for home-delivered dog food ought to be straightforward. At the very least, a service provider should inquire about your canine companion’s age, weight, exercise routine, gender, sterilization status, and known dietary allergies. Saker advises steering clear of providers whose surveys omit these crucial details, as they help establish the right nutritional plan for your furry friend. Whether the servings come individually portioned or not, the enterprise must offer comprehensive guidelines on how much to feed your pup, preferably printed directly on the product packaging.
Cost:
High-quality fresh dog food tends to be much pricier compared to conventional pet foods. Many businesses provide substantial discounts for initial purchases; hence, carefully review the terms to understand the pricing of subsequent orders.
Customer service:
If you have queries or issues regarding your order, it ought to be simple to contact a customer service agent. Support services that provide phone, chat, and email assistance are particularly user-friendly.
Shipping and delivery notifications:
Shipping and delivery alerts assist you in monitoring your pet’s meals. Since fresh food can spoil quickly when it thaws, these notifications are particularly crucial.
Packaging:
Fresh dog food differs from kibble and canned varieties as it lacks preservatives and has a more limited lifespan. Proper handling is crucial to avoid spoiling; thus, adhere strictly to the provided storage instructions. The ideal method involves using vacuum-sealed containers for freshness. During my evaluation, all examined brands utilized this type of packaging. Additionally, pay attention to how the product remains frozen throughout transit. My tests showed that items shipped with dry ice generally arrived fully frozen, whereas those sent with just ice packs could start defrosting prematurely inside unopened boxes. Should your delivery arrive unfrozen or warm, refrain from giving it to your canine companion—instead, reach out to customer support regarding this concern.
Sustainability:
As worries over climate change intensify, I examined each brand’s efforts towards sustainability. A few of my deliveries included some recyclable packaging, typically used as insulation material. Nonetheless, many companies still use non-biodegradable plastics for their food containers, which is far from optimal. Additionally, seek out brands dedicated to achieving goals such as climate neutrality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Method We Used to Identify the Top Fresh Dog Foods
Prior to shortlisting new dog food options, I made sure each brand’s formulations adhered to the AAFCO guidelines. Additionally, I sought out companies whose products align with many or all of the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines endorsed by vets.
In the end, I decided to try out six different brands for at least one week each. While this might be a brief testing phase, it’s worth noting that a few years back, fellow Sazua.comReviews journalists evaluated JustFoodForDogs, PetPlate, Ollie, The Farmer’s Dog, and Nom Nom, reporting favorable outcomes from their experience with every single one of these services.
The pet food specialists I spoke with detailed the process behind making fresh foods and provided guidance on identifying nourishing options. The insights were shared by Dr. Emily Luisiana from the Friendship Hospital for Animals, where she serves as a veterinary nutritionist; Dr. Teresa Morishima, who teaches poultry medicine and food safety at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Korinn Saker, a board-certified vet and an associate professor specializing in clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Fresh dog food FAQs
What is the highest quality fresh dog food available?
Although numerous high-quality fresh dog food brands are available, there isn’t a single diet suitable for all pets. However, this does not imply that some fundamental guidelines aren’t relevant. According to experts, any canine meal you provide ought to comply with the benchmarks established by the AAFCO and preferably those from the WSAVA as well. Both these groups assess the dietary requirements of animals and develop optimal protocols for ensuring product integrity.
It remains crucial to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new diet to your dog, as they understand what best suits your pet’s requirements. Additionally, they can verify whether a brand’s suggested serving sizes align with your dog’s energy and nutrition demands. “One should bear in mind that numerous nutritional factors come into play beyond just terms like ‘fresh’ or ‘kibble,’ including nutrient composition and food safety,” notes Luisana.
Morishita says that, in addition to ensuring the nutritional content of food, the best fresh dog food must be handled safely. A big element of food safety happens during production, so you’ll want to choose brands with high quality assurance standards, which include abiding by
Health Canada guidelines for pet nutrition
Morishita emphasizes that consumers have an equally crucial part in safeguarding their pets’ food, and they must consistently adhere to fundamental food safety practices when dealing with fresh canine meals. Such measures encompass storing the food in either the fridge or freezer up until mealtime, thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting every surface the fresh victuals come into contact with, and making certain the sustenance doesn’t remain unrefrigerated for too long where it might become rancid. In her view, one should regard their pet’s perishable provisions as they would their own edibles. Animals aren’t invulnerable to tainted fare, regardless of how recently prepared it was.
Is it recommended by veterinarians to prepare homemade meals for dogs?
Luisana suggests that homemade meals might be advised for animals with specific health issues when there are limited—or even no—appropriate store-bought alternatives,” but she adds that such dietary choices can also depend on individual preferences. However, she warns against adopting this approach without professional approval from your vet. She emphasizes that “one crucial aspect of home-cooked diets to grasp is their complexity; getting them correct is challenging, whereas making mistakes is quite simple.” Should you decide to prepare your pet’s food yourself, ensure you consult both your veterinarian and a veterinary nutritionist for proper guidance.
High-quality fresh dog food offers an appealing alternative for pet owners looking beyond traditional dry kibble or wet canned options. This list features brands whose recipes have been crafted by specialists in animal nutrition to guarantee comprehensive and well-balanced dietary needs.
Is subscribing to dog food really beneficial?
It varies depending on your requirements. Top-tier dog food delivery services can ease the process of purchasing and prepping your canine companion’s meals. If your pup tends to turn up their nose at most foods, freshly prepared options could ensure they finish each serving with gusto. Nevertheless, these services come with significant costs and necessitate planning ahead—like defrosting portions in the fridge prior to use. In essence, selecting the ideal diet for your pet hinges more on nutritional content and individual dietary needs rather than simply opting between fresh or non-perishable choices.
Is it advisable to feed my dog with raw food?
Certain individuals discuss the alleged advantages of
raw dog food diets
However, giving your dog raw food could pose risks. There’s an increased likelihood of bacterial infections like salmonella when dogs consume uncooked meals. Additionally, such diets might lead to nutrient imbalances over time. According to Morishita, raw food often harbors many harmful bacteria usually eliminated through cooking. These pathogens not only endanger your pet but also increase the chance of cross-contamination affecting you as well. Choosing freshly prepared or commercially cooked options tends to be a safer approach.
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