Best Fresh Dog Food

We Don’t Just Think… We Know

The size of your dog’s breed can influence its nutritional requirements. Small breeds often have faster metabolisms and may require more calorie-dense foods, while large breeds need diets that support their joint health and manage their slower metabolism.

Additionally, portion sizes and kibble shape can differ; smaller breeds may prefer smaller bites, while larger breeds might need larger portions. Tailoring the diet to your dog’s breed size ensures they receive the right balance of nutrients and energy.

Before you can decide on the best fresh food for your dog it’s important to educate yourself on a few factors that may impact your final choice. Here’s a quick rundown.

Dogs have sensitivities to certain proteins

Different health conditions in dogs can significantly influence their dietary needs. For instance, dogs with allergies may benefit from hypoallergenic diets that exclude common allergens like beef, dairy, and wheat. Dogs with kidney issues might require low-phosphorus diets, while those with diabetes need low-glycemic foods to manage blood sugar levels. Consulting with your veterinarian about your dog’s specific health conditions is crucial before making any dietary changes.

Transitioning dog food shouldn’t happen overnight

Switching your dog to a fresh food diet should be done gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Start by mixing a small amount of fresh food with your dog’s current food, gradually increasing the proportion of fresh food over a week or two. Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool consistency, and adjust the transition period accordingly.

Fresh and human-grade dog food are NOT the same thing

Understanding the difference between human-grade and fresh dog food is essential. Human-grade food meets the same standards as food prepared for human consumption, which means it’s subject to stricter safety and quality controls. Fresh dog food, on the other hand, refers to minimally processed, whole foods that are often tailored to your dog’s nutritional needs. While all human-grade foods can be fresh, not all fresh foods are necessarily human-grade.

Make sure you have enough fridge/freezer space

Proper storage of fresh dog food is vital to maintain its nutritional value and prevent spoilage. Fresh food should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. Some fresh foods can be frozen for longer shelf life, but be sure to thaw them safely in the refrigerator before serving. Always check the storage recommendations provided by the food manufacturer to ensure maximum freshness and safety.

Feeding large dogs fresh food can get really expensive

The size of your dog’s breed can influence its nutritional requirements. Small breeds often have faster metabolisms and may require more calorie-dense foods, while large breeds need diets that support their joint health and manage their slower metabolism. Additionally, portion sizes and kibble shape can differ; smaller breeds may prefer smaller bites, while larger breeds might need larger portions. Tailoring the diet to your dog’s breed size ensures they receive the right balance of nutrients and energy.

Is fresh dog food better for my dog?

Generally speaking, pet nutrition experts prefer fresh dog food over traditional kibble. Fresh food is generally made with whole ingredients and is often cooked at a much lower temperature which preserves the nutritional integrity of those ingredients. Many fresh dog food delivery companies produce their products in small batches as well which ups the quality. What it really comes down to is the ingredients, however, so it’s perfectly possible for a premium dry food to be rated higher than a poor-quality fresh food. This is why you have to do your research before choosing a company.

Can I change or cancel my dog food delivery?

Yes, most dog food delivery companies have you create an account on their website from which you can change or cancel your subscription at any time. Customer service is typically online as well, via email or chat, though some companies offer help by phone as well. You’ll get an email a few days before your order ships too, just in case you want to make changes before your card is charged.

Where can I find a dog food subscription free trial?

Fresh dog food typically costs more than your average kibble, so you may not be able to find a dog food subscription free trial. Many companies will send you a small sample if you write to request them, or you can start out ordering smaller quantities of the food to try it. Some companies give you the option to designate your subscription a “meal topper” plan where you mix the fresh food with your dog’s current diet, or you might be able to order a starter pack to try the product out before committing.

Does fresh dog food work for dogs with allergies?

If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, you’ll need to pay extra attention to what you feed him. The trouble with even the best fresh dog food delivery services is that their product choices are limited. Many do, however, offer products made without grains and made with novel proteins like turkey or lamb. When creating your dog’s profile online, be sure to indicate your dog’s allergy or contact customer service directly so they can help you choose the right plan for your dog.

Natural Pet Food: A Review of Natural Diets and Their Impact on Canine Physiology – This article reviews the trends and challenges of natural diets for pets, including definitions of natural pet foods by regulatory bodies like AAFCO and FEDIAF. It discusses the differences in regulations and what constitutes a balanced natural diet for pets, providing insights into how natural pet foods are formulated and perceived in the market ​(Oxford Academic).

First Study on Human-Grade Dog Food Says Whole, Fresh Food is Highly Digestible – Conducted by the University of Illinois, this study highlights that human-grade, minimally processed fresh dog food is highly digestible compared to traditional pet food. The research tested various fresh diets using human-grade ingredients and confirmed high nutrient digestibility, suggesting potential health benefits for dogs fed these diets (ACES).

Functional Foods in Pet Nutrition: Focus on Dogs and Cats – This review examines functional foods in pet nutrition, including fresh diets that enhance health beyond basic nutrition. It focuses on the gastrointestinal benefits and overall improvements in health parameters from feeding pets fresh foods regularly, supporting the idea that minimally processed diets are superior for pets ​(Oxford Academic).

Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Fresh Pet Food Space – This article explores the growing market for fresh pet foods, driven by consumer demand for high-quality, minimally processed ingredients that resemble human diets. It addresses supply chain challenges, the impact of inflation on pricing, and the increasing preference for fresh foods as either primary meals or as toppers to traditional kibble ​(Pet Food Processing).

Fresh Pet Food and Nutrition Research – The Farmer’s Dog provides an overview of ongoing research into fresh pet foods, highlighting studies that demonstrate the superior digestibility of fresh, lightly cooked diets compared to kibble. The company emphasizes the health benefits associated with fresh ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in dog diets (​The Farmer’s Dog).

The Scientific Research Behind Fresh Dog Food – JustFoodForDogs is heavily invested in research and education, conducting systematic feeding trials and digestibility studies to validate the health benefits of their fresh, whole-food diets. These trials, conducted with major universities, show that fresh diets promote better immune function and overall health compared to traditional pet foods ​(JustFoodForDogs).