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Looking For The Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
There’s so much stuff in our food these days that it’s hard to feel like we’re eating real food. I intentionally used the word “stuff” because that’s the best way to describe the additives, flavors, dyes, colors, and binders you’ll find in most processed food. No wonder more people are fasting intermittently – there’s nothing good to eat!
While it’s great that people are becoming more conscientious of what they eat, it’s worth asking if they’re doing the same for their dogs. Sadly, dog food is riddled with artificial ingredients too.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that certain artificial preservatives commonly used in dog food, including BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, may have negative effects on canine health. The study found that these preservatives were associated with an increased risk of cancer, allergies, and other health problems in dogs.
These ingredients are primarily found in dry dog food. While you may think the solution is to feed your dog the leftovers from your dinner, may I suggest an alternative; consider shopping from one of the best fresh dog food brands. They make real food for real dogs, which may sound like I’m downplaying them, but trust me; there’s nothing your dog will appreciate more than real food.
My list of the best fresh dog food brands will go over the prices of each brand, their ingredients, how nutritionally complete they are, how you can pick which brand is right for you, and more.
The 10 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
1. Nom Nom
Nom Nom has been around since 2015, beginning as a basic operation by Nate Phillips and Alex Jarell to make their own dog food for their dogs. They used real ingredients like ground chicken and turkey, sweet potatoes, brown rice, spinach, carrots, and fish oil for nutritionally complete meals. I’ll be honest, their dogs were probably eating better than me at the time.
The San Francisco-California brand has expanded its ingredients, and among the meal servings available are the following recipes:
- Beef Mash
- Pork Potluck
- Chicken Cuisine
- Turkey Fare
Nom Nom grants customers the freedom to customize their meals to their dog’s needs. They’ll gather information on the age, weight, activity levels, breed, dietary restrictions, and health conditions to formulate a meal plan that you can modify at any time. You can change the portion size, and modify your delivery schedule.
The size of your dog, along with how frequently they eat, will affect the cost of each meal. Meals start at $2.40/day, though, on average, meals cost between $3 and $5. Nom Nom’s website reports that huge dogs like a 170-pound English Mastiff may cost as much as $10 to feed. So, compared to some of the other best fresh dog food brands, you may be paying more with Nom Nom.
They’ve also recently relaunched their Variety Pack. For $20 your pup can sample all 4 recipes before you commit to a full subscription.
Customers say: “I’ve tried several “real food” dog food types and Nom Nom blows them all away! First, the packaging allows you to dispense the food without getting your hands messy (unlike some other makers). The food actually LOOKS LIKE the food it is (unlike the mush that other makers send out), and Sophie downs the various flavors as soon as I place them in her dish – nothing picky here, just good, nutritious food for your pet!!”
Highlights
- Personalized meal plans based on your dog’s caloric needs
- Deliver directly to customers
- 3.7/5 stars based on more than 1,200 pieces of customer feedback on Trust Pilot
- 50% off your first order
- $20 sampler pack is available for one-time purchase
- Sold at select PetSmart locations
2. The Farmers Dog
The next brand offering fresh dog food delivery is The Farmers Dog, founded by Jonathan Regev, Brett Podolsky, and J. Enrique Zambrano in 2014. They develop all their nutritional complete with unprocessed ingredients in Pennsylvania before being shipped out to customers’ doors. The Farmers Dog are all crafted under the supervision of vets to meet all nutritional requirements for dogs.
Additionally, all their food comes from USDA-approved suppliers, which further ensures their quality and safety. They quickly ship their orders within 1 to 3 business days to every state in the US besides Hawaii and Alaska.
In terms of pricing, you’d be looking at anywhere between $3 and $13 per meal based on the size of your dog and the frequency with which you receive meals. They offer discounts if you purchase in bulk, so make sure to keep everything in the fridge until it’s your dog’s suppertime.
Customers say: “Our 14-year-old could hardly get up and walk due to so much pain in her hips, after eating your food she’s now running again! I was hoping it would help her but I wasn’t expecting that big of an improvement. Good food reduced her inflammation. You truly are what you eat.”
Highlights
- All food is sourced from USDA-approved suppliers
- Deliver across the United States
- Customizable meals plans are available
3. Ollie Fresh
Ollie Fresh is named after owner Gabby Slome’s dog. Slome, alongside Randy Jimenez and Alex Douzet, created Ollie Fresh to feed their dogs fresh food that is customized to their nutritional needs and preferences. All Ollie Fresh meals are made with real meats like chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb, along with fruits, grains, and veggies. They’re free from traditional fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
What distinguishes Ollie Fresh from the other best fresh dog food brands is their baked meals. These meals use the same ingredients as their fresh meals but are slow-cooked in US kitchens in small batches. They’re great for on-the-go meals or when you need to keep things in storage that are more shelf-stable.
Ollie Fresh offers three meal plans to customers across the United States.
- Fresh – costs under $2 per meal
- Half Fresh – costs $1 per meal, half-sized portions for smaller dogs
- Mixed – costs less than $2 per meal; these plans offer a balance between fresh and baked meals
Customers say: “Both my dogs, Juniper and Aspen are incredibly picky eaters, sometimes taking all day to finish their breakfast. That is, until we found Ollie’s baked food. Now I have to use a slow feeder when feeding them Ollie’s because they inhale it.”
Highlights
- Offer baked meals
- Six recipes to choose from
- Can mix and match between fresh and baked meals
4. Raised Right
While we’ve never asked a dog what they think of keto, Raised Right are about the closest one of the best fresh dog food brands can get to being keto. Not only are their meals free from preservatives and flavors, but they’re also extremely low-carb. They claim their meals contain less than 2% carbs per seving without using corn, oats, yam, or wheat, all while adhering to the AAFCO’s dietary requirements for dogs.
The nutrients in their meals primarily come from organ meats, including liver and heart. Other common ingredients include carrots, cranberries, dried kelp, and blueberries. Raised Right’s prices vary depending on the size of your dog and meal frequency, but you can expect to pay between $5 and $9 per pound of food.
Customers say: “Absolutely love Raised Right. I switched over from open farm gently cooked bc of the recipes and different proteins RR offers. Having 9 rescue dogs with different health needs, it’s wonderful finding a food that most can eat. Their fur looks great and overall health seems to have improved since switching over. What I save on vet bills, makes it an easy choice!”
Highlights
- High protein, low carb meals
- Contain organ meats that are high in vitamins and minerals
- Also offer cat food
- Free shipping on full orders containing 16 bags
5. Open Farm
Since 2013, Open Farm have been a beacon in responsible pet food. Not only is all their packaging recyclable, not only are all their ingredients ethically sourced, not only can you trace their ingredients back to their original source, and not only do they also offer a wide range of options, but their food is quite good.
Open Farm provides fresh food as well as raw mix (which is comprised only of meat that’s been dry-frozen), wet food in the form of stews, and gently cooked meals. As such, you can provide your dog with variety and excitement while feeding them real food like fava beans, chicken, fish, peas, beef bones, sweet potatoes, and more.
Dry foods from Open Farm cost between $3 to $4 per pound while wet foods cost between $4 to $7 per 12 ounces.
Customers say: “I have two girls and my youngest girl has some sever allergies and this food has been a god sent. She is allergic to poultry & beef and who knows what else. I tried this food and both my girls just love it. Before Open Farm Plant Based food she really did not want to eat because all she did was itch even with allergy injections. I highly recommend this food for your fur babies.”
Highlights
- Ship to Canada and the United States
- Fully recyclable and biodegradable packaging
- Offer grain-free options
- Free shipping on all orders over $50
6. A Pup Above
It’s not often that you see dog food described as “restaurant-grade,” but that’s what makes A Pup Above one of the best fresh dog food brands. The Austin, Texas-based brand uses human-grade ingredients like chicken, turkey, pork, and beef alongside fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots. For fats, there’s coconut oil and fish oil.
What’s special about A Pup Above is that they cook all their food sous-vide in small batches, which preserves both the flavors and the nutrients. This also ensures all their food arrives to your door fresh, whether you order it once or per a subscription.
They offer dry food and wet food, with prices ranging between $9 to $14 per pound.
Customers say: “The quality of the food is above all others! My dogs devour the frozen patties in minutes. As a dog mom, I appreciate the cooking techniques, locally sourced ingredients, veterinary formulated recipes, and the ability to track all ingredients! What more could I ask for for my family members?”
Highlights
- Offer variety packs for dogs who need constantly changing diets
- Free shipping on all orders
- All food is cooked sous-vide
7. PetPlate
PetPlate is another brand that uses human-grade whole ingredients for pets. They prepare all their food as if it was going to be made for humans, then flash freeze it to preserve its quality.
Some of the available PetPlate dishes include the following:
- Chompin’ Chicken
- Barkin’ Beef
- Tail Waggin’ Turkey
- Lip Lickin’ Lamb
- Hearty Beef and Chicken
- Savory Chicken and Whitefish
- Homestyle Turkey and Sweet Potatoes
You aren’t confined to those options as PetPlate allows customers to modify their meals based on their pet’s dietary preferences, size, and activity level. All their meals are delivered pre-portioned for your dog. You can order seven dishes at once, or as many as 28 so you’re set for the month. Their subscriptions cost around $3 per meal and include free shipping.
Customers say: “My pets love the venison and lamb best. The shipping and customer service are great. I have been able to pause when needed with no problem. Very convenient and healthy for my fur babies.”
Highlights
- All food is flash-frozen to preserve flavor and freshness
- Meals are preportioned
- Can order freezer-friendly meals in bulk
8. Spot and Tango
Spot and Tango use an algorithm to determine the best fresh dog food for your specific pup. They offer a personalized quiz that measures everything from your dog’s size to their activity levels, lifestyle, allergies, age, and more to figure out how you should best feed them.
All their ingredients, including lean meats, fruits, veggies, and high-nutrient carbohydrates, are cooked freshly to deliver vet-approved meals with everything your dog needs to thrive. They also use eco-friendly packaging and source their ingredients from local farmers.
They’re among the most affordable fresh dog food companies, with some of their meals costing as little as $1.
Customers say: “I opened the bag and it smelled so good , first time ever I wanted to eat it ! Had my vet take a look and got the the thumbs up and mostly got the thumbs up from my new pup JJ! The service is incredible , the staff amazing and all around I’ve had a great experience which I can’t say about all dog food companies . I think you should give them a try but when you open the bag you’re gonna wanna eat it yourself . So good !”
Highlights
- Two-week trial period offered
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- 4.6/5 stars based on more than 310 pieces of customer feedback on Trust Pilot
9. FreshPet
Not only are FreshPet among the best fresh dog food brands, but they were also one of the first as they established themselves way back in 2006. They now offer fresh meals with directions on how to serve them to your dog and how to freeze them for a later date. All their meals contain lean proteins, fruits, and veggies with enough fiber to maintain a healthy digestive system. They steam cook all their meals too, which is another method of keeping nutrients intact.
While you can purchase from their stock, you can also customize a meal to suit your pet’s preferences and needs. What’s common among all FreshPet meals is that they’re incredibly high in protein and prebiotic fiber. A monthly subscription costs between $90 and $400 per month, depending on the size of your dog.
Customers say: “My French bulldog, Leo, had environmental and food allergies that were leading to rashes and gastrointestinal issues for over a year. I researched raw food diets and decided to try him on FreshPet food. Since transitioning to your food, he hasn’t had problems with either. We even buy the turkey treats, he loves them! We are so grateful we found your product. Thank you!”
Highlights
- Custom meal plans available
- Dried and fresh foods
- Can be found in PetCo stores near you
- Subscriptions are delivered right to the door of customers
10. JustFoodForDogs
The final brand today is JustFoodForDogs, who earn their place among the best fresh dog food brands for the sheer variety of meals they provide. They offer freshly frozen meals that can be eaten daily, fresh meals stored in shelf-stabled packaging, treats, vet-prescribed meals, and custom meals.
You can stop into one of their retail locations across the US to have a vet or staff member help you develop an ideal meal plan. Each ingredient has this same level of care as they’re all human-grade, ethically-sourced whole foods like meats, veggies, and fruits.
Finally, JustFoodForDogs is one of the most affordable fresh dog food brands since they can feed small dogs for as little as $2 per day.
Customers say: “We have seen a huge change in our dog since switching to this food. She’s more lively, not as shy around strangers, and likes to play more. The shipping was perfect, without even a bit of thaw.”
Highlights
- In-person consultations available with their staff
- Among the less expensive brands
- Variety of fresh food formats
How To Shop From The Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
Now that you know what I consider the best fresh dog food brands, it’s time for you to decide which one is best for you. Here are the five factors you should look out for when shopping.
Quality of Ingredients
Most of the brands here feature similar ingredient profiles, boasting human-grade, non-GMO ingredients from local sources. Check which brand works with farmers close to you to ensure you get the best ingredients.
Nutritional Balance
Dogs have different nutritional needs than humans. It’s vital that your fresh dog food delivers all the macronutrients and micronutrients your dog needs, meaning you can’t just rely on feeding it bones and carrots.
Brand Reception
It’s easy for certain brands to market themselves with pictures of cute dogs and appetizing kibble. However, looking through customer reviews will tell you more about a company than their website. Look at what customers said about a brand’s shipping, their price model, their ingredients, and how their dogs reacted to the food.
Packaging and Storage
Some fresh food arrives thawed and thus must be eaten quickly, while others come in shelf-stable or freezer-friendly packaging. The latter two are obviously better if you have the space, and you should designate a section of your pantry or fridge just for fresh dog food.
Price
The best fresh dog food price comparison you can do is by looking at how much each brand charges per pound since some brands ship in bulk while others ship in smaller packages.
FAQ
What is the best fresh food to feed to your dog?
You’ll want to stick with lean meats, beans, carrots, organs like liver and heart, leafy greens like kale, cranberries, and oats, as these are the best fresh foods for dogs.
What is the number one healthiest dog food?
Honestly, any of the best fresh dog food brands offers what may be the number one healthiest dog food for your pet. Since every dog is different, you must consider individual variables like size, breed, and age to determine what your dog needs. Ultimately, what’s healthiest for them differs from what’s healthiest for another dog.
What is the best dog food recommended by vets?
Fresh dog food will always be recommended by vets before canned dog food, but if you are looking for canned food, Royal Canin is the brand that most vets recommend.
Is fresh cooked food better for dogs?
Fresh cooked food offers a variety of textures and flavors as well as the ability to control ingredients to fit your dog’s needs. It’s superior to kibble if only the meals are nutritionally complete.
Do dogs live longer on a fresh food diet?
There isn’t any hard evidence to suggest that dogs live longer on a fresh food diet. However, this is a broad question, and specific fresh food diets are superior if they are nutritionally complete and meet your dog’s individual needs.
Final Thoughts
You are in no way limited with your choice of the best fresh dog food brands. Each brand I’ve listed is more than capable of serving your dog delicious and nutritious meals, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
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