Hey dog lovers, do you see how we check our own food? That same care is now extended to our dogs, a real game changer for them. We are shifting from dry kibble to fresh whole foods now. This is not just a quick trend; the numbers are clear. Sales of fresh dog food have gone up by 86.5% since 2021.
This shows that owners are searching for the best fresh dog food out there. They believe that less processed food helps dogs live longer and healthier lives. It provides them with meals that feel more natural and offer top nutrition. You might ask, what is the magic of this fresh food anyway? It has a lot of moisture and ingredients that pups can digest easily.
It usually comes cold or frozen, locking in vital nutrition. Want to see the top companies in this field? Let’s look at some great choices. They could wonderfully upgrade your dog’s bowl.
1. **Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food**: First is Portland Pet Food Company. This option impresses us very much. The brand indeed sets a high standard. Every single ingredient is of human grade. Also, it is all crafted here in the USA.
They package it in convenient pouches that are ready to eat. No thawing or adding water is needed for this one. Feel good knowing that 5% of profits helps local animal shelters. This company truly has a big heart for pets. Purity truly makes this food stand out.
You won’t find any preservatives or artificial flavors in these meals. Your dog gets something as clean as if you made it yourself. They use USDA-certified meats such as turkey and beef. These meats are easy for pups to digest. It is a fantastic choice for finicky eaters.
Dogs with sensitive tummies or senior dogs also benefit. They even offer grain-free options for those with sensitivities. The versatility here is a major plus. The pouches are lightweight and don’t need to be refrigerated before opening. This makes them perfect for trips or hikes.
It works great as a meal supplement or a tasty treat. Mixing it with dry food is also a good idea. It might not be ideal for dogs with specific allergies. It could be more costly than kibble sometimes. Quality, packaging, and charity efforts have earned it a top spot.
Product on Amazon: Portland Pet Food Company Mixed Fresh Dog Food Pouches Variety Pack – Human-Grade, Gluten-Free Wet Pet Meal Topper Mix-Ins & Meals – Small & Large Breed Puppy & Senior Dogs – Made in The USA – 8 Pack
Brand: CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS
Binding: Target Product Group: Pet Products
Price: 51.95 USD
Features:
1. EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOR: We believe in simple, real nutrition that your dog will adore. Each multipack includes 8 fresh dog food pouches: 2 Rosie’s Beef N’ Rice, 2 Tuxedo’s Chicken & Yams, 2 Grandma Ada’s Turkey & Yams, and 2 Hopkin’s Pork N’ Potato.
2. NO HIDDEN INGREDIENTS: We’re all about transparency and promise 11 or fewer ingredients in each pouch! All limited ingredient recipes are precisely detailed on the dog food topper packaging. 100% sourced and made in the USA.
3. FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS: Suitable for small, medium, large dogs, and puppies, our dog food toppers for picky eaters are easily digestible and nutrient dense. Give a big boost to their bowl!
4. FRESH DOG FOOD MADE EASY: No freezing, no refrigeration, no thawing. Our shelf-stable, limited-ingredient dog food toppers and meals serve fresh from the pouch. Microwave-safe packaging lets you easily warm it for particularly picky dogs.
5. FLEXIBLE WAYS TO SERVE: Use it your way! Works as a meal, combined with dry food as a mixer, or as a wet dog food topper for those with a more selective palate. Incorporate fresh, human grade nutrition into your dog’s diet on your terms.
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2. **Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food (Chicken)**: Next, we see Freshpet and its chicken recipe. This food provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. It comes in a convenient bag for you. It is packed with goodness and real chicken.
100% natural US farm-raised chicken is the number one ingredient. Beyond protein, this food contains rich vegetables. Crafted in the USA, it contains no preservatives. Also, it never contains any filler ingredients. It always steers clear of meat or by-product meals.
It needs refrigeration, as fresh food often does. Parents report that their dogs experience noticeable energy boosts. Improvements are also seen in their coats. Choosing this supports your dog’s health journey. It is great for adult dogs of all sizes.
They all need high-quality fresh meal options. One thing to note is the need for refrigeration. Another thing to remember is its shorter shelf life once opened. Focusing on natural elements brings positive results. It is strong in prioritizing your friend’s health.
Product on Amazon: FreshPet Healthy & Natural Dog Food, Fresh Certified Humanely Raised Chicken Recipe, 5.5 lb
Brand: Freshpet
Binding: Target Product Group: Grocery
Price: 60.99 USD
Features:
1. Sustainably made with humanely raised chicken
2. Certified to Global Animal Partnership standards by EarthClaims, LLC. Made with 85% Chicken & Egg
3. No Grains, Gluten, Soy or Fillers. No Rendered By-Products or Meat Meals.
4. We Support Local Farmers. Made in the USA in our Eco-Friendly Kitchens
5. Complete & Balanced for Small, Medium & Large Adult Dogs. Keep Refrigerated & Use Within 7 Days of Opening
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3. **Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food (Beef)**: Freshpet shows up here again for us. This time, it is in the beef roll format. It is a fantastic way to change up mealtime. Prioritizing high-quality ingredients is key. They always focus squarely on pet health.
As pick number 3, it uses US farm-raised beef. This beef takes the leading spot here. Just like chicken, it also contains rich vegetables. This ensures a balanced diet for them. It is good that it is free from preservatives or fillers.
Keeping it refrigerated shows a commitment to peak freshness. Owners who have switched have seen visible positive differences. Their pets’ energy levels also look better. The overall sense of well-being improves significantly. The convenience factor is also helpful.
It is easy to use and store in your fridge. You must use it within seven days once opened for freshness. Peace of mind comes from knowing that no meat meals are used. This complete and balanced nutrition suits small dogs. Medium and large adult dogs can also eat this.
It covers a wide range of needs well. This is one superior USA-made solution. It surely meets strict quality control standards.
4. **Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food**: Get ready to spoil your small dog. Blue Buffalo Delights brings gourmet right to their bowl. Flavors like Filet Mignon sound fancy. They come in a hearty gravy, adding texture.
It is specifically for adult small breeds. It understands their unique energy needs well. Real beef is always the number one ingredient. This diet is both delicious and balanced for them. You will not find any chicken by-products inside.
Corn, wheat, or soy are not found in it either. This aligns with the desire for cleaner ingredients. The variety pack comes in small cups. These 3.5 oz cups are of a convenient size. They are perfectly portioned for little dogs.
Or you can use them for multiple servings each day. The wholesome ingredients greatly help overall health. This includes digestive health and muscle care, all without losing the delicious taste. You can easily mix these into dry food.
Serve them as a full meal or an indulgent treat. Many owners see their dogs getting more excited. They observe improvements in their dogs’ coats after switching. It seems that specially made food makes a difference.
Product on Amazon: Freshpet Healthy & Natural Food for Small Dogs/Breeds, Fresh Grain Free Chicken Recipe, 1lb
Brand: Freshpet
Binding: Target Product Group: Pet Products
Price: 10 USD
Features:
1. Made in the USA
2. Nutritionally Developed for Small Dogs
3. Natural Farm Raised Chicken, Veggies & Fruit
4. Gently Steam Cooked to Retain Essential Nutrients
5. Proven to Support Healthy Digestion in Small Dogs
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5. **Freshpet Select Multi Protein Recipe Dog Food**: Support for strong muscles matters greatly. Vibrant energy levels might be on your list. Freshpet Select Multi Protein might fit perfectly. This recipe uses a blend of proteins.
They source proteins from natural chicken, beef, and salmon. It tackles the task of providing a nutritious meal well. It truly caters to your dog’s dietary needs. Powerful proteins mix with rich vegetables too. Sweet potatoes are included for health benefits.
This helps ensure a balanced diet with every bite. A big plus is that there are no preservatives or fillers. It aims to replicate the diet that wild dogs ate. This is actually a pretty cool feature. Owners often worry about ingredient quality these days.
Freshpet addresses this worry directly. They exclude meat meals entirely. This signals a commitment to homemade goodness. They also add Omega 3 and 6 fats. These greatly help with healthy skin and a shiny coat.
They help solve dryness or shedding issues. Made in the USA and kept cold, you can slice the stick to serve it easily. You must use it within seven days once opened. This keeps maximum freshness for your pet.
Product on Amazon: Freshpet Dog Food, Multi-Protein Complete Meal, Chicken, Beef, Egg and Salmon Recipe, 3Lb
Brand: Freshpet
Binding: Target Product Group: Pet Products
Price: 25.99 USD
Features:
1. Made in USA
2. 100% Natural Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Eggs
3. High Protein Recipe, Real Meat is the #1 ingredient
4. Rich in Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids to Support Healthy Skin & Coat
5. No Preservatives or Fillers
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6. **Freshpet Nature’s Fresh Dog Food, Chicken Recipe**: Looking for locally sourced, high-quality food? FreshPet Nature’s Fresh Chicken recipe could help. This fully cooked meal uses 85% chicken and eggs. It provides a very protein-rich diet.
This harks back to what our ancestors might have eaten. This recipe proudly skips grains and gluten. Soy and fillers are also absent. It is a great choice for dogs of all sizes. Tiny pups from 1 month old can eat it.
Large adult dogs can eat it too. They always use humanely raised chicken. This shows superior quality and care. It is clearly a dedication to animal welfare standards. Something good to feel about when eating.
A neat feature is how the food is prepared. FreshPet steams ingredients carefully. This effectively locks in vital nutrients. Nutrients can sometimes be lost otherwise. This gentle method helps with better digestion in pets.
It well supports their overall health. It is good that it is stored in a resealable pouch. It requires refrigeration after opening. Use it within 7 days to keep it fresh. Supporting local farmers adds another layer of trust.
It is a plus that it is made in eco-friendly kitchens. This happens across the USA for pet food. This adds more trust for conscientious owners.
Product on Amazon: FreshPet Nature’s Fresh Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Slice & Serve Roll, 2 lb
Brand: Freshpet
Binding: Target Product Group: Grocery
Price: 26.9 USD
Features:
1. Verified non GMO
2. Animal Welfare Certified Enriched Environment/Certified to Global Animal Partnership standards by EarthClaims, LLc or IMI Global, Inc. Made in the USA, No Ingredients from China.
3. Certified Humanely Raised & Vegetarian-Fed Chicken. No Antibiotics or Added Growth Hormones.
4. Whole Grains to Support Digestive Health. No Rendered By-Products or Meat Meals.
5. Complete & Balanced for Small, Medium & Large Adult Dogs. Keep Refrigerated & Use Within 7 Days of Opening.
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7. **JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Dog Food**: Last is JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Dog Food. This is included in this section of the review. Specifically, the Beef & Russet Potato variety. This brand pioneered the fresh dog food category.
It is even used in research trials today, which shows its serious commitment to canine health. It is now a top vet-recommended brand. This speaks volumes about its quality and effectiveness. It is human-grade food, not just dog food.
It can be a complete meal or an enticing topper too. It is good for picky eaters who have trouble with kibble. The gentle cooking preserves nutrients well, making it incredibly digestible for dogs. It is reported to be 40% more digestible than standard kibble.
Better digestion leads to health benefits, such as shinier coats and healthier skin. Better digestion also contributes to weight management. Owners often share stories of dogs showing more energy. Their dogs always get genuinely excited for mealtime.
This is a big win for any pet parent at home. It is made with whole foods for better nutrient absorption. It is a high-calorie diet option for active dogs and also good for those needing help gaining weight. Initially, you do need freezer space for storage.
It can last up to a year when frozen. It may have fewer flavor options than other brands, but its quality, digestibility, and vet trust make it a good choice. It is easily a standout choice for careful pet parents.
Okay, we are back to diving into fresh food for our dogs. We have already looked at seven great brands that are shaking things up. Now it is time for another good option on our list.
Product on Amazon: JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Dog Food Sampler Human Grade Variety Box, Complete Meal or Topper, 18 oz (Pack of 7)
Brand: JustFoodForDogs
Binding: Target Product Group: Pet Products
Price: 83.99 USD
Features:
1. FRESH DOG FOOD STARTER PACK: New to fresh dog food? Try our sampler variety pack! It comes with 6 different nutritious recipes for your dog to try.
2. 100% HUMAN GRADE DOG FOOD: All JustFoodForDogs meals are made with fresh whole foods that are gently cooked for optimal nutrient absorption.
3. PROVEN HEALTHY: Our food is 40% more digestible than kibble. Pet parents have seen improvements in their dog’s health, including better digestion, healthier skin & shinier coat, increased energy, easier weight management, and more excitement at mealtime.
4. DOG FOOD TOPPER FOR PICKY EATERS: This frozen fresh dog food can be used as a full meal or dog food topper for picky eaters.
5. #1 VET-RECOMMENDED FRESH DOG FOOD BRAND: We pioneered the fresh dog food category and are the only fresh dog food brand used in clinical research trials.
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8. **Freshpet Balanced Nutrition Chicken Recipe**: If knowing where your food comes from is important, then this one might tick all the boxes. This recipe is made with certified humanely raised chicken. It is also vegetarian-fed, which is pretty neat. This food contains good things like peas, carrots, and brown rice too. It makes a complete meal for adult dogs of any size.
This dedication to using fresh ingredients without GMOs sets a high standard. They never use antibiotics or added growth hormones. It is more than just avoiding bad stuff in pet food. The focus on brown rice helps support digestion. That is a big win for our pups.
Plus, they skip the yucky rendered by-products or meat meals entirely. Those are often found in typical pet foods. It comes in a pouch that you can close again. Bite-size pieces make serving quite simple indeed. This helps keep the fresh flavor locked in. It balances what dogs need with the taste they crave.
Now that we have checked out this top fresh food option, let us zoom out. We will talk about the amazing overall benefits for your dog. It is not just a trend anymore. There are real perks to ditching processed food for fresher options. Think of it like upgrading their health game from the inside. Who wouldn’t want that for their furry baby anyway?
One big advantage is the Enhanced Nutritional Value from fresh dog food. These meals often meet human nutritional needs. They use high-quality ingredients such as lean meats and nutrient-dense organ meats. We are talking about foods that meet or exceed AAFCO minimums for protein and fat. It gives your dog a superfood boost with each bowl. They get optimal nutrients for energy levels and vitality too. Big sales jumps since 2021 show that owners get this idea. Less processed food contributes to longer, healthier lives for pups.
Besides hitting nutrient targets, fresh food options are super convenient. This is especially true from popular subscription services. These services often tailor meals for your dog’s life stage. They consider puppy energy or senior needs. It takes the guesswork out of getting a balanced diet for them. It arrives right at your door, making it easy. Choosing these foods is a real investment in their long-term health.
Improved Digestion is another huge win for team fresh. This is a total game-changer for dogs. It helps especially for ones with sensitive tummies sometimes. Fresh dog food usually has no preservatives at all. It is processed very little, which helps. This makes it easier for a dog’s system to absorb nutrients. This means fewer upset stomachs generally. There is also less gas and healthier potty breaks as well. Good nutrient absorption means dogs benefit from ingredients fully.
The best fresh dog food companies really focus on helpful ingredients. They work with a dog’s digestion process. Copying a more natural diet promotes regular bowel movements. It helps avoid common digestive problems too. Those can bother dogs on heavily processed kibble greatly. Switching to fresh food supports their digestion easily. It makes mealtime much more comfortable for them and you. Giving bodies food that is easy to use matters.
And let’s not forget the shine factor either! Better Coat Quality is a benefit people report often. This makes perfect sense when you think about it. Feeding high-quality proteins and healthy fats helps. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids nourish skin and fur from the inside. Essential vitamins and minerals from real food do too. This internal boost leads to dramatic improvements overall. You can see reduced shedding for certain. A noticeably shinier, healthier-looking coat often results.
A coat that is vibrant shows good health generally. Owners who switch their dogs share stories. Their dog’s coat transforms for sure. This is true whether they seek budget-friendly delivery or big breed options. Every meal provides balanced nutrition formulated for dogs. This makes their outer appearance as radiant as their inner health. Quality food truly makes a visible difference always.
So, what should you look for in fresh dog food when you are ready? Experts suggest focusing on high-quality, whole-food ingredients instead. Look for real meat, vegetables, and fruits. It is the kind of food you would feel good eating yourself. Crucially, it must be free from fillers and additives. No weird dyes or preservatives should be present either. Checking protein sources and ensuring overall nutritional balance is key. It needs to meet AAFCO standards effectively. This supports your dog’s well-being over time.
It is also worth considering how fresh dog food can protect your dog’s health broadly. These foods are minimally processed generally. Their natural nutrients stay in their purest form. This means your dog’s body can use them more effectively. Easier digestion means less stress on their system too. This potentially reduces risks of digestive issues later on. It is about giving foundational nutrition for everything your dog does. This includes running outside or sleeping on the couch.
The convenience of fresh dog food delivery has helped its popularity grow faster. Imagine skipping the pet food aisle entirely. Perfect portions arrive at your door on a schedule you set. These services use subscription models for flexibility. You can customize based on your dog’s needs. Age, breed, activity level matter greatly. Allergies or weight goals are factored in. Food is packed carefully, often with dry ice included. This keeps it fresh during its trip. It is a modern solution for feeding top-tier nutrition easily.
It is important to recognize why choosing quality food for your dog is important. It is more than just feeding them daily. You are investing in their health and longer life too. A diet of nutritious meals helps prevent health issues. It helps maintain a healthy weight and supports organs. It keeps their immune system strong as well. Quality food gives the essential building blocks bodies need to thrive. This ensures they have energy to live their best lives by your side. For as long as possible is the goal.
Finally, if you still wonder how you can ensure the fresh pet food you choose is the absolute best for your dog, ask the pros! Consulting a vet nutritionist is a great idea. Your trusted veterinarian can help too. They consider unique factors about your dog specifically. Age, breed traits, how active they are matter. Any dietary needs or sensitivities are important. Personalized guidance ensures you pick food tailored to them. This sets them up for optimal health and happiness in their lives.
Ultimately, moving towards fresh dog food shows how deeply we care. It is about choosing transparency, quality, and health benefits that you can see. Giving your dog fresh meals is an impactful way to show love. It supports their adventures and well-being every day.
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