Best Fresh Dog Food 2024: Top Picks for Optimal Canine Health

Fresh dog food has become increasingly popular in recent years, as pet owners become more conscious of the ingredients that go into their furry friend’s diet. Unlike traditional kibble, fresh dog food is made with real, whole ingredients that are minimally processed and free of artificial preservatives and fillers. This type of food can be especially beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

When it comes to choosing the best fresh dog food for your pet, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that the food is nutritionally balanced and meets your dog’s specific dietary needs. This may involve consulting with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to determine the appropriate macronutrient ratios and ingredient list.

Another important consideration is the quality and sourcing of the ingredients in the food. Look for brands that use high-quality, human-grade ingredients that are sourced from reputable suppliers. It’s also a good idea to choose foods that are free of common allergens like wheat, soy, and corn.

In our search for the best fresh dog food of 2024, we spent hours researching and testing a variety of brands and formulations. We evaluated each food based on factors like ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and palatability, to determine which options are truly the best of the best. So, whether you’re looking to switch your dog to a fresh food diet or simply want to upgrade your current brand, we’ve got you covered.

Best Fresh Dog Food

As pet owners, we all want to ensure that our furry friends are healthy and happy. One of the most important aspects of their well-being is their diet. While traditional dry dog food has been a staple for many years, fresh dog food is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous health benefits. Fresh dog food is made with high-quality, whole food ingredients that are minimally processed, ensuring that your dog gets all the nutrients they need. In this article, we have rounded up the best fresh dog food options for 2024, so you can make an informed decision about what to feed your beloved pet.

Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg -amp; Salmon Recipe for Dogs

If you’re looking for a natural and fresh meal for your furry friend, Freshpet Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal is a great option to consider. Our experience with this product has been positive overall, but there are some pros and cons to keep in mind.

Pros

• Made with real, natural ingredients
• Rich in Omega 3 -amp; 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin -amp; coat
• No meat meals or by-product meals

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain food sensitivities
• Short shelf life compared to dry food
• Higher cost compared to some other dog food options

Freshpet Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal is made with chicken, beef, egg, and salmon, as well as sweet potatoes and garden vegetables. The ingredients are gently steamed to retain their natural goodness and provide essential nutrients for your dog’s health. We appreciate that this product doesn’t contain any meat meals or by-product meals, which can be a concern with some other dog food brands.

One potential downside to keep in mind is that this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain food sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, because it’s a fresh food product, it has a shorter shelf life compared to dry dog food. Finally, it’s worth noting that this product is more expensive than some other dog food options, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the higher price point.

Overall, we recommend Freshpet Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a fresh and natural meal option. Just be aware of the potential downsides and make sure it’s the right fit for your dog’s dietary needs.

Freshpet Select Roll Small Wet Dog Chicken -amp; Turkey Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food – 3 Pack (3 / 1lb. Logs)

If you’re looking for a nutrient-dense, soft texture food for small dogs, Freshpet Select Roll Small Wet Dog Chicken -amp; Turkey Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with 100% natural beef
• No grains, gluten, soy or fillers
• Ready to serve. Pour and serve at appropriate feeding level depending on weight and age of dog

Cons

• Some customers have reported receiving spoiled food
• A few customers have complained about the high price
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture

We recently tried Freshpet Select Roll Small Wet Dog Chicken -amp; Turkey Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The food is made with 100% natural beef and contains no grains, gluten, soy, or fillers. We also appreciated the convenience of the ready-to-serve rolls, which can be easily portioned out based on your dog’s weight and age.

However, we did notice that some customers have reported receiving spoiled food, so it’s important to check the expiration date before purchasing. Additionally, the price may be a bit high for some pet owners, and some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the food.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food option for your small dog, Freshpet Select Roll Small Wet Dog Chicken -amp; Turkey Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food is worth considering. Just be sure to check for freshness and keep in mind that it may not be the right fit for all dogs.

JustFoodForDogs Fresh Dog Food Topper Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a high-quality, fresh dog food topper, the JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Variety Pack is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients for optimal nutrient absorption
• Proven to be 40% more digestible than kibble for better digestion and overall health
• Shelf-stable packaging means the food can be stored unopened for up to two years, making it perfect for traveling

Cons

• More expensive than traditional kibble or canned dog food
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
• Transitioning to a whole-food diet can take time and patience

We recently tried this product with our own dogs and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. Our dogs seemed to enjoy the taste and we noticed improvements in their digestion, energy levels, and coat health.

One thing to keep in mind is that transitioning to a whole-food diet can take time and patience, so be prepared to follow the recommended guidelines for introducing the food gradually. Also, while the shelf-stable packaging is convenient for travel, it does come at a higher price point than traditional dog food options.

Overall, we would recommend the JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Variety Pack to any dog owner looking for a high-quality, fresh dog food topper that delivers on both taste and nutrition.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula

If you’re looking for a reliable and nutritious dry puppy food for your large breed puppy, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Formulated to support an appropriate growth rate for large breed puppies
• Glucosamine supports developing joints and cartilage
• DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development

Cons

• May not be suitable for puppies with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• Expensive compared to other puppy food options

We recently tried this food for our large breed puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional value it provided. The high-quality protein, with real chicken as the first ingredient, helped maintain our pup’s active lifestyle, while the nutrient-rich formula supported his overall health and development.

One of the standout features of this food is the inclusion of glucosamine, which helps support developing joints and cartilage in large breed puppies. Additionally, the DHA from omega-rich fish oil helped nourish our pup’s brain and vision development.

While our puppy seemed to enjoy the taste of this food, we did notice that it was more expensive than some other puppy food options on the market. Additionally, if your puppy has certain dietary restrictions, this food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula for anyone looking for a reliable and nutritious dry puppy food for their large breed puppy.

Weruva Meals ‘n More Natural Wet Dog Food, Paw Lickin’ Chicken Plus Skin -amp; Coat Health, 3.5oz Cup (Pack of 12) Paw Lickin’ Chicken Skin -amp; Coat Health 0.29 Ounce (Pack of 12)

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious wet dog food option, Weruva Meals ‘n More Natural Wet Dog Food is a great choice. We highly recommend it for its all-natural ingredients and added skin and coat benefits.

Pros

• The Paw Lickin’ Chicken recipe is a popular choice for dogs and features boneless, skinless, white-meat chicken with quinoa, flaxseed, and pumpkin.
• All natural and grain, gluten, and carrageenan-free with no wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• Feeding wet food daily provides healthy hydration, high-quality protein, and the variety dogs love.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price may be higher compared to other wet dog food options.
• The cups may be smaller than expected for larger dogs.

Weruva Meals ‘n More Natural Wet Dog Food is a great choice for pet parents who want to give their dogs high-quality, all-natural food. The Paw Lickin’ Chicken recipe is a favorite among dogs and the added quinoa, flaxseed, and pumpkin provide extra skin and coat benefits. We appreciate that this wet dog food is grain, gluten, and carrageenan-free with no wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

If you’re looking to switch up your dog’s diet and provide them with a healthy and delicious alternative to dry kibble, Weruva Meals ‘n More Natural Wet Dog Food is a great option. Feeding wet food daily provides healthy hydration, high-quality protein, and the variety dogs love. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food and the price may be higher compared to other wet dog food options. Additionally, the cups may be smaller than expected for larger dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend Weruva Meals ‘n More Natural Wet Dog Food for pet parents looking for a high-quality, all-natural wet dog food option that provides added skin and coat benefits.

Real Mesa Soft -amp; Chewy Lamb Recipe Dog Treats

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious option for your furry friend, Real Mesa Soft -amp; Chewy Lamb Recipe Dog Treats are worth considering.

Pros

• Made with high-quality lamb as the first ingredient
• Soft and chewy texture that is gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums
• Convenient 4 oz size that is perfect for on-the-go rewards

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the lamb flavor
• The treats may be too soft for some dogs who prefer harder treats
• The package size may be too small for those with larger dogs

We recently tried these treats with our own dogs and were impressed with the quality and taste. The lamb flavor was a hit with our pups and we appreciated that it was the first ingredient. The soft and chewy texture made it easy for our older dog to enjoy and didn’t cause any issues for our younger dog’s teeth. The 4 oz size was perfect for carrying in our pocket on walks and using as a quick reward.

However, we did notice that some dogs may not enjoy the lamb flavor and may prefer other options from Real Mesa’s line of dog treats. Additionally, the treats may be too soft for dogs who prefer harder treats. Lastly, the 4 oz package size may be too small for those with larger dogs who go through treats quickly.

Overall, we recommend giving Real Mesa Soft -amp; Chewy Lamb Recipe Dog Treats a try if you’re looking for a high-quality, tasty treat for your furry friend.

Nature’s Logic Dog Food Canine Meal Feast, Duck -amp; Salmon Duck 25 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that’s free from synthetic vitamins and minerals, Nature’s Logic Canine Duck -amp; Salmon Meal Feast is a great choice. We highly recommend this product for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.

Pros

• The recipe delivers complete nutrition with no synthetic vitamins or minerals.
• The protein content is high, with 38% of protein coming from premium meat sources.
• The recipe is free from peas, potatoes, corn, wheat, rice, and soy, making it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities.

Cons

• The price point is higher than some other dog food brands on the market.
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this particular recipe.
• The bag size may be too large for some dog owners.

We were impressed with the quality of ingredients in this dog food. It contains no synthetic vitamins or minerals, which means that your dog is getting all of their nutrition from wholesome, natural sources. The protein content is also high, with 38% of protein coming from premium meat sources. We appreciate that the recipe is free from peas, potatoes, corn, wheat, rice, and soy, making it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities.

One thing to note is that the price point for this dog food is higher than some other brands on the market. However, we believe that the quality of ingredients justifies the higher cost. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this particular recipe, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Logic Canine Duck -amp; Salmon Meal Feast for dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that’s free from synthetic vitamins and minerals. It’s a great option for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.

CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Cat Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free cat food that’s perfect for sensitive cats, CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Cat Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Crafted with real chicken and other wholesome ingredients that are easily recognizable, making it perfect for cats with sensitive stomachs.
• Contains antioxidants and probiotics that support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals that support healthy joints, skin, and coat.
• Made by a company that’s committed to creating a world of sustainable goodness for pets and the planet, with responsibly sourced proteins and regeneratively farmed ingredients.

Cons

• The smell can be strong and overpowering, which may be a turn-off for some cats and their owners.
• Some cats may not like the taste or texture of the food, which can make it difficult to switch to this brand.
• The price point is higher than some other cat food brands, which may not be feasible for all pet owners.

We recently tried CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Cat Food for our cat, who has a sensitive stomach and is prone to vomiting. We were pleased to find that the food didn’t cause any digestive issues and our cat seemed to enjoy the taste.

One of the things we appreciated about this brand was the limited number of ingredients, which made it easy to identify what our cat was eating. We also liked that the food contained antioxidants and probiotics, which we believe are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

While the smell of the food was strong, it didn’t bother us too much and we were happy to see that the ingredients were responsibly sourced and regeneratively farmed. Overall, we would recommend CANIDAE Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Cat Food to other cat owners who are looking for a high-quality, grain-free cat food that’s perfect for sensitive cats.

Freshpet Healthy -amp; Natural Dog Food, Fresh Chicken Recipe, 5.5lb

If you’re looking for fresh and healthy dog food, the Freshpet Healthy -amp; Natural Dog Food, Fresh Chicken Recipe, 5.5lb is an excellent option to consider. We’ve tried it out, and here’s what we think:

Pros

• Made of real, fresh ingredients
• Gently cooked at lower temperatures to retain essential nutrients
• Refrigerated for freshness

Cons

• Only available in one size
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Can be more expensive than other dog food options

We love the fact that this dog food is made of real, fresh ingredients. It’s reassuring to know that our furry friend is getting the best possible nutrition. The food is also gently cooked at lower temperatures to retain essential nutrients, which is important for maintaining our dog’s health. Plus, the food is refrigerated for freshness, so we don’t have to worry about it going bad.

However, there are a few downsides to this product. It’s only available in one size, which may not be suitable for all dog owners. Some dogs may also not like the taste of the food, so it’s essential to introduce it gradually. Finally, the Freshpet Healthy -amp; Natural Dog Food, Fresh Chicken Recipe, 5.5lb can be more expensive than other dog food options, which may not be ideal for those on a budget.

Overall, we highly recommend the Freshpet Healthy -amp; Natural Dog Food, Fresh Chicken Recipe, 5.5lb for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with fresh and healthy food. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality dog food that’s made with real ingredients and is gentle on their dog’s digestive system.

JustFoodForDogs Puppy Frozen Fresh Dog Food Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a fresh dog food option for your growing puppy, the JustFoodForDogs Puppy Frozen Fresh Dog Food Variety Pack might be worth considering.

Pros

• As a 100% human-grade dog food, you can trust that your puppy is getting high-quality, nutritious meals.
• The food is designed to be 40% more digestible than kibble, which may lead to better digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, and easier weight management.
• The pack includes a variety of recipes, giving your puppy a chance to try different flavors and textures.

Cons

• The food is on the pricier side compared to traditional kibble options.
• Some pet owners may find it inconvenient to have to defrost the food before feeding it to their puppy.
• The feeding instructions can be a bit confusing, as they are based on the puppy’s weight and age.

We’ve tried the JustFoodForDogs Puppy Frozen Fresh Dog Food Variety Pack with our own puppy and have found that he enjoys the different flavors and textures. The food is easy to prepare – simply defrost and serve. We’ve also noticed that our puppy’s coat is looking shinier and healthier since we switched to this food.

One thing to keep in mind is that the food is more expensive than traditional kibble options. However, we believe that the high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits are worth the added cost.

Overall, we would recommend the JustFoodForDogs Puppy Frozen Fresh Dog Food Variety Pack to pet owners who are looking for a fresh, nutritious food option for their growing puppy.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying fresh dog food, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you are getting the best product for your furry friend. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Ingredients

The first thing to look at when choosing fresh dog food is the ingredients list. Make sure the food contains high-quality, whole-food ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Nutritional Value

In addition to high-quality ingredients, it’s important to consider the nutritional value of the food. Look for foods that provide a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to meet your dog’s specific needs. You may also want to consider foods that are formulated for specific life stages or health concerns.

Preparation and Storage

Fresh dog food requires proper preparation and storage to ensure it stays fresh and safe for your dog to eat. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing and storing the food, and always check the expiration date before feeding it to your dog.

Price

Fresh dog food can be more expensive than traditional kibble, so it’s important to consider the price when making your decision. Look for foods that fit within your budget while still providing high-quality ingredients and nutritional value.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best fresh dog food for your furry friend and provide them with a healthy, balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated fresh dog food brands for 2024 according to consumer reports?

Based on consumer reports, the top-rated fresh dog food brands for 2024 are Ollie, Nom Nom, and The Farmer’s Dog. These brands use human-grade ingredients and offer customized meal plans for your furry friend.

Which fresh dog food options are considered best for large breed dogs this year?

For large breed dogs, it’s important to choose a fresh dog food that is high in protein and low in fat. Some of the best options for large breed dogs this year include Spot -amp; Tango, Pet Plate, and Just Food For Dogs.

How do I find the most cost-effective fresh dog food on the market?

To find the most cost-effective fresh dog food on the market, consider purchasing in bulk or signing up for a subscription service. Some brands also offer discounts for first-time customers or for referring friends.

What are the health benefits of feeding my dog fresh food, and what should I look for?

Feeding your dog fresh food can provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and increased energy levels. When choosing a fresh dog food, look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and avoid fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Which fresh dog food delivery services offer the best value and nutrition?

Several fresh dog food delivery services offer both value and nutrition, including Ollie, Nom Nom, and The Farmer’s Dog. These brands use fresh, human-grade ingredients and offer customized meal plans for your dog’s specific needs.

How does Freshpet compare to other fresh dog food brands in terms of processing?

Freshpet uses a unique cooking process that involves pasteurizing their food to eliminate harmful bacteria while retaining nutrients. This sets them apart from other fresh dog food brands that may use high-pressure processing or other methods that can compromise the nutritional value of the food.