Best Fresh Cat Food

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.

1: Tran QD and others, Effects of extrusion processing on nutrients in dry pet food, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 88:1487–1493 (2008)

2: Lauten SD, Nutritional Risks to Large Breed Dogs: From Weaning to the Geriatric Years, Vet Clin Small Anim 36 (2006) 1345–1359.

3: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, “What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?“

4: IAMS: How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Food

5: Royal Canine: When does my puppy become an adult dog?

6: Purina: When to Switch to Adult Dog Food?