The 12 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands Tested by Real Dogs

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Fresh dog food incorporates gently cooked ingredients like lean proteins, veggies, and whole grains. It needs to be stored in the fridge or freezer, and it’s typically highly palatable—which means it’s a prime choice for picky eaters. Fans offer anecdotal evidence of improved coat health, energy levels, and digestion.

Because of the huge proliferation of fresh dog foods on the market in recent years, it can be tricky to know where to start. The best fresh dog food for your pet will depend on both their taste preferences and health requirements. And the best fit for you will take into account the food’s shelf life, shipping cadence, and ease of serving.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of 12 fresh dog foods that cater to a range of palates, lifestyles, health needs, and budgets. If you’d like to try fresh dog food, these are good places to start.

Still not sure fresh food is a good fit? Hop down to our explainer on whether fresh food is really better than kibble, plus what to consider before feeding a fresh food diet.

Best Fresh Dog Food Subscription With Delivery: Ollie

A lot of fresh dog foods are available through subscriptions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Ollie’s subscription service stands out for its personalized approach and convenience.

During sign-up, you’ll provide details like your dog’s weight, age, breed, activity level, body composition, and any allergies. This information is used to create a customized meal plan for your dog. Ollie’s system can even adjusts the portion sizes to help your dog reach their weight-loss goals. 

Deliveries come every four weeks, and they’re insulated so they stay fresh until midnight on the day they arrive. You can change how many meals each order contains. It’s worth noting, however, that unlike other fresh plans, Ollie doesn’t allow you to buy food without subscribing.

Fresh food recipes include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork. Our canine tester went to town on this dry-ish pâté—and her human appreciated that each package provided a day’s worth of food, making portioning easy.

Key Features:

• Easy portioning with packages pre-measured to account for a day’s worth of food
• Customized meal plans that allow for a mix of flavors and fresh/dry food
• Food lasts six months in the freezer and four days in the fridge
• Subscription/delivery only

Best Fresh Dog Food Brand for Puppies: Spot & Tango

Growing puppies often have more specific nutritional requirements than adult dogs. It’s especially critical to get nutrition right for large-breed puppies, who can experience musculoskeletal issues if they receive too much of certain nutrients.

Spot & Tango features recipes formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition across all life stages, including large-breed puppies. Protein-forward recipes are expressly designated suitable for the growth of large-size dogs (expected to weigh upwards of 70 pounds as an adult).

We also like that Spot & Tango’s recipes include fish oil, which provides the omega-3 fatty acids critical for a puppy’s growth and development. Their fresh recipes are grain-inclusive and come in three flavors: turkey & red quinoa, beef & millet, and lamb & brown rice.

This food is only available through a subscription. Upon signing up, Spot & Tango will take key information about your pup to recommend a personalized portion size. These recommendations can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Key Features:

• AAFCO-compliant recipes suitable for even large-breed puppies
• Available two-week trial with refund if your dog doesn’t like the food
• Food lasts six months in the freezer and four days in the fridge
• Subscription/delivery only

Best Fresh Food for Picky Eaters: A Pup Above Bone Broth Food

Feeding a picky dog can be stressful. But we’ve found that most dogs really like fresh food. If you’re making the switch to appease a finicky eater, A Pup Above is one to consider. The brand’s recipes are simmered in bone broth, a popular meal topper for picky dogs, which offers a boost of meaty flavor that our Rover pups loved. One pet parent observed that the texture stayed moist in the fridge—thanks in large part to a layer of liquid from the broth.

A Pup Above is available as a one-time purchase or a subscription. Packages arrive frozen and thaw in your fridge. The brand offers both grain-free recipes (beef and pork) and grain-inclusive recipes (chicken and turkey), as well as variety packs and poultry-free options.

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for adult dog nutritional needs; not nutritionally complete for puppies
• Variety packs and mixes of fresh and dry options available in 3- and 7-pound batches
• Food lasts 18 months in the freezer, 14 days unopened in the fridge, and 5-7 days open in the fridge
• Subscription/delivery and single purchase options available

Best Budget Fresh Dog Food: The Pets Table

Fresh dog food tends to be expensive. For those on a stricter pet budget, The Pets Table is a good choice. This fresh food is more affordable than some of its competitors, which makes it an especially popular pick among pet parents with big dogs to feed. We also like that the brand offers an economical “half fresh” plan for pet parents who just want to use fresh food as a topper but not their dog’s entire diet. 

Our tester noted this pâté’s texture was on the runnier side, so you’ll want to store leftovers in the plastic container included in your first order. And no worries about wasting money if your dog turns their nose up—PetPlate offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you after your 2-week trial box.

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Variety packs and mixes of fresh and dry options available; note that almost all options are grain-free
• Food lasts 6 months in the freezer and 7 days unopened in the fridge
• Subscription/delivery available at cadence determined by quantity
• Part of HelloFresh Group brand

Most Convenient to Serve: Nom Nom

A common complaint with fresh food is that it’s more difficult to portion and serve than dry alternatives. If ease of serving is a priority, Nom Nom offers pre-measured packages that serve as a single meal, which means zero measuring and fewer dirty dishes. This convenience was a huge win with our Nom Nom tester, who was pleased that meals required little effort beyond opening the package. 

Nom Nom offers four fresh recipes: Beef Mash, Pork Potluck, Chicken Cuisine, and Turkey Fare. It’s available through a subscription, and you can also find it at Chewy and PetSmart.

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Sample packs and multiple recipes available with changeable delivery schedule; no dry options
• Food lasts 6 months in the freezer and 5 days unopened in the fridge
• Subscription/delivery available, as well as single purchase at Chewy or PetSmart

Best for Large Breeds: Evermore Fresh Food

Because they have slower metabolisms, large-breed dogs need fewer calories per pound of body weight than smaller breeds. Evermore’s fresh chicken and turkey recipes deliver fewer calories than the other poultry options on this list, so they’re a healthy choice if you’re trying to prevent obesity. Large dogs also face a higher risk of bone and joint issues, which Evermore addresses with antioxidants and fish oil (an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids). 

Evermore recipes are high in protein, a boon for active breeds like German Shepherds and Boxers. The brand also offers free nutritional consultations, ensuring your large dog gets the right food in the right amounts. Finally, the non-protein ingredients are fairly uniform between recipes. So if you like to offer your dog variety, their stomach shouldn’t suffer for it.

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance; not nutritionally complete for puppies
• Build orders of 8 to 32+ one-pound pouches in a mix of recipes; no dry options
• Food lasts 6 months in the freezer and 7 days unopened in the fridge
• Subscription/delivery available in 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-week increments; single order option available

Best for Small Breeds: Freshpet Vital Small Breed Chicken Recipe

Small-breed dogs can be prone to dental issues, which makes the soft texture of Freshpet’s Vital Small Breed recipe extra appealing. Developed with the nutritional needs of smaller breeds in mind, this food features bite-sized pieces that won’t overwhelm tiny jaws. Ingredients like sweet potatoes, cranberries, and carrots supply antioxidants. It also has Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coats. 

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Multiple recipes available, but no option to mix and match within a case
• Food lasts 7 days once opened in the fridge; Freshpet doesn’t recommend storing in the freezer after delivery; use by sell-by date stamped on package
• Recurring or single delivery available through retailers like Chewy in cases of 6 and 12 one-pound bags

Best Fresh Dog Food for Seniors: Freshpet Vital Benefits Joint Health & Mobility Fresh Food

Fresh food is hydrating and easy to chew—two benefits that make it a good choice for many senior dogs. 

Developed by veterinary nutritionists, this Freshpet formula is soft on aging gums and teeth. It also offers a generous 40% protein on a dry matter basis, which helps maintain your senior dog’s muscle mass. There’s glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint function and help maintain mobility. This Freshpet formula also contains prebiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coats. 

This food comes in a convenient resealable bag and must be refrigerated. If you won’t get to it right away, you can freeze Freshpet, too—but the brand notes this may alter the consistency (though not the taste) upon thawing.

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Multiple recipes available, but no option to mix and match within a case
• Food lasts 7 days once opened in the fridge; Freshpet doesn’t recommend storing in the freezer after delivery; use by sell-by date stamped on package
• Recurring or single delivery available through retailers like Chewy in cases of 6 and 12 one-pound bags

Best for Allergies: PetPlate

Food allergies in dogs are relatively rare. But when they do happen, protein sources are often the culprit. Fortunately, PetPlate offers a variety of proteins to choose from, including less common options (called “novel proteins”) like venison and lamb.

PetPlate recipes are developed by veterinary nutritionist Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN, and they meet AAFCO standards for growth and adult maintenance. The brand offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. Plus, they have a pared-down list of ingredients, which benefits dogs with sensitivities. 

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Variety packs and mixes of fresh and baked dry options available
• Food lasts 12 months in the freezer and 5 days once thawed in the fridge
• Weekly subscription available through PetPlate, or single delivery available through retailers like Chewy in 6 packs of 12-oz containers

Best Fresh Food Brand for Special Dietary Needs: JustFoodForDogs

Sometimes health considerations prompt the switch to fresh food. JustFoodForDogs offers several prescription diets, including renal (kidney), hepatic (liver), and metabolic support. The fresh food brand also carries formulas for sensitive stomachs and joint & skin support. And for dogs with appetite issues, there’s a critical care formula that delivers extra calories and nutrients. They even offer fish- and plant-based recipes. 

Most recipes are available in two versions: fresh frozen and shelf-stable “pantry fresh.” With limited ingredients and a single protein source, these recipes work well for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. 

JustFoodForDogs is available as a one-time purchase or through a subscription. You can also find it at Chewy or Petco. 

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages
• Variety packs and mixes of fresh and dry options available, as well as customized dog food to meet specific health requirements
• Food lasts 18 months in the freezer, 5-7 days thawed in the fridge, and 3-5 days opened
• Fresh food available for autoship or one-time purchase in a range of box sizes

Best Grain-Free Fresh Dog Food: Raised Right

While grain allergies are rare in dogs, they can be a real headache for affected pups and their guardians. All Raised Right formulas are grain-free. They also have a single animal protein and under 10 ingredients, which makes them a solid choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

Our human tester appreciated the simplicity of the ingredients and human-grade standards, and our canine tester enjoyed the taste and coarse pâté texture. Recipes are shipped frozen and must be thawed in the fridge for 12-24 hours before serving. Raised Right is available as a subscription, or you can find it at some local pet supply stores.

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards, some for adult dogs and some for growth stage (puppies)
• Variety packs and mixes of fresh options available; no dry options
• Food lasts until use-by date in the freezer and 6 days thawed in the fridge
• Fresh food available by subscription or for one-time purchase in a range of box sizes

Most Fresh Food Brand for Transparent Ingredient Sourcing: Open Farm

If you’d like to know where the ingredients in your dog’s food come from, Open Farm is a standout choice. The company makes it easy for consumers to trace the source of every ingredient in their foods. On their website, just enter the lot code found on your package. For example, in Open Farm’s Fresh Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, the chicken comes from family farms in California, carrots hail from Michigan, and Kale is sourced from Ecuador. 

Key Features:

• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages (with some specific formulas for puppies, including large-breed puppies)
• Variety packs and mixes of fresh and dry options available
• Food lasts until use-by date in the freezer and 5 days thawed in the fridge
• Fresh food available for autoship (5% discount) or one-time purchase in a range of box sizes

Is Fresh Food Really Better Than Kibble?

The short answer is it can be—but it depends on both the dog and your goals for your dog’s feeding and nutrition.

Fresh food tends to be a good choice for pet parents who want highly palatable foods—that means strong-smelling, extra tasty fare to tempt picky eaters.

It’s also often a good choice for dogs with allergies who need limited-ingredient foods, since many fresh recipes prioritize short ingredient lists. Some dogs on special diets eat fresh food since it can be easier to find customized foods with higher protein or lower fat.

But fresh food isn’t inherently healthier than kibble for every dog. Most experts agree: as long as you’re feeding an AAFCO-approved diet from a quality brand, dry foods can be a healthy choice that meets the nutritional needs of many dogs.

Dog vs Human Reviews

A lot of fresh dog foods are “human-grade,” meaning that the ingredients have been manufactured and packed in accordance with federal safety standards for human food. We gave some the ultimate test: dogs and their humans trying each option out. Check out our video to see the reactions.

How To Transition to Fresh Dog Food

Any time you change your dog’s diet, it’s a good idea to go slowly. Transition them to the new food a little at a time, starting with 25% and working your way up to 100% over the course of a week. Be sure to talk to your vet, who can help guide you on any special needs your pet might have on a new diet. If you regularly hire a pet sitter or board your dog outside your home, you’ll also want to inform them of your dog’s change in diet.

A couple of other important considerations:

1. Fresh dog food usually needs refrigeration—make sure you have adequate space to hold a week’s worth of food in your fridge or freezer.
2. Consider whether you intend to feed your dog an entirely fresh-food diet or just supplement their traditional food, which will determine what plan you sign up for and how frequently you need food delivered.

How We Chose

The fresh foods featured here were selected based on our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized foods with appealing textures, balanced nutrient levels, and quality protein sources. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• An Expert Guide on How To Read a Dog Food Label
• How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
• Is a Raw Diet Good For Dogs? Raw Food Explained