Best Fresh Food for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Dogs are not just pets, they are family members. As such, we want to make sure that they are getting the best possible nutrition. While dry kibble is a common choice for many dog owners, fresh food is becoming increasingly popular. Fresh food can provide dogs with a range of benefits, from better digestion to shinier coats.

When it comes to fresh food for dogs, there are a lot of options to choose from. Some people opt for a raw food diet, while others prefer cooked food. Regardless of the type of fresh food you choose, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. Look for high-quality proteins and vegetables that are free from preservatives and artificial additives.

One critical thing to consider when choosing fresh food for your dog is their specific dietary needs. Some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, while others may require a specific balance of nutrients. It’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best fresh food for your dog.

At the end of the day, we all want our dogs to be healthy and happy. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best fresh food options for dogs and what to consider when choosing the right one for your furry friend.

Best Fresh Food for Dogs

As dog owners, we know that our furry friends deserve the best nutrition possible. While it can be tempting to rely on dry kibble, incorporating fresh food into your dog’s diet can provide a range of health benefits. From improved digestion to increased energy, fresh food can help keep your dog feeling their best. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best fresh food options for dogs on Amazon.

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs

If you’re looking for a fresh and all-natural dog food for your furry friend, Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Crafted with premium, fresh ingredients
• Gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free options
• Great for wellness, picky, or senior dogs

Cons

• More expensive than some other options
• Texture can be too soupy for some dogs
• Some customers report issues with packaging

Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is made with human-grade ingredients and is entirely sourced and made in the USA. It’s a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies since it’s gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free.

The pouches are generously sized at 9 ounces and are triple the size of typical dog food toppers. This makes them perfect for use as a supplemental meal, a mixer with dry food, or as a healthy treat. They’re also great for travel or on-the-go lifestyles since they don’t require refrigeration until after opening.

One downside to this product is that it’s more expensive than some other options on the market. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the texture being too soupy for their dogs, and there have been a few complaints about packaging problems.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food that’s made with premium ingredients, Crafted by Humans Loved by Dogs is an excellent choice.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef – Grain Free, Made in USA, Non-GMO -amp; Vet Recommended – High Protein Limited Ingredient Full-Feed – for All Breeds -amp; Ages – 2.5oz Trial Bag Beef 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food that’s both healthy and delicious, then the Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef is definitely worth a try. This grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe is made with 96% beef and a blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy joints and hips. Plus, it’s entirely free from fillers and preservatives, making it a great choice for pet parents who want to feed their dogs only the best.

Pros

• Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Slowly oven roasted for maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor.
• Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef.
• Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food options.
• Crumbles easily.
• Limited flavor options.

We’ve been using this dog food for a few weeks now, and our furry friend absolutely loves it. The air-drying process gives it a unique texture that’s both crunchy and satisfying, and the real beef flavor is definitely a hit. We also appreciate that it’s made with all-natural ingredients and free from fillers and preservatives.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is on the expensive side compared to other options. However, we feel that the quality and nutritional value make it worth the investment. Another minor downside is that the food can crumble easily, which can be a bit messy. Lastly, there aren’t many flavor options available, so if your dog is a picky eater, this might not be the best choice.

Overall, we highly recommend the Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef. It’s a high-quality, nutritious option that’s made with only the best ingredients, and our furry friend can’t get enough of it.

JustFoodForDogs Fresh Dog Food Topper Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a fresh and healthy food topper for your furry friend, JustFoodForDogs Fresh Dog Food Topper Variety Pack is a great option.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade whole foods
• Proven to be healthy with improved digestion, skin, coat, energy, and weight management
• Shelf-stable and easy to store

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food toppers
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture

We recently tried JustFoodForDogs Fresh Dog Food Topper Variety Pack for our beloved pooch and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fact that it’s made with 100% human-grade whole foods gave us peace of mind that we were giving our dog the best possible nutrition.

We noticed that our dog’s digestion improved after just a few days of using this as a food topper. His coat also looked shinier and healthier. We appreciated that this variety pack can be used as a full meal or as a food topper, making it versatile for different feeding situations.

The innovative Tetra Pak packaging also made it easy to store and travel with. However, we did find the price to be quite steep compared to other dog food toppers on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and healthy dog food topper, JustFoodForDogs Fresh Dog Food Topper Variety Pack is definitely worth considering.

Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that is specifically tailored to small adult dogs, Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food may be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Made with real, fresh de-boned meats and fish for protein, omega 3s -amp; 6s, and a delicious taste
• Crafted with balanced protein -amp; fat to help maintain a healthy weight, probiotics -amp; fiber-rich pumpkin to support good digestion, and parsley -amp; peppermint to help freshen your little dog’s breath
• Cooked only once at the lowest possible temperature to preserve precious nutrients and rich natural flavor

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other dog food brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We recently tried Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food for our small dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and texture of the kibble, and we noticed an improvement in his digestion and overall health after switching to this food.

One of the things we appreciate about this dog food is that it is made with real, fresh de-boned meats and fish, rather than by-product or meat meals. This ensures that our dog is getting high-quality protein and essential nutrients for optimal health and vitality.

Another great feature of this dog food is the addition of probiotics and fiber-rich pumpkin, which help to support good digestion and a healthy gut. We also appreciate the inclusion of parsley and peppermint, which help to freshen our dog’s breath and promote good oral health.

Overall, we would highly recommend Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious dog food that is specifically tailored to small adult dogs. While it may be a bit pricey compared to other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food make it well worth the investment.

Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food

If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with natural ingredients and carefully crafted to support your dog’s health, then you should definitely consider Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food.

Pros

• Made with real meat and fish for protein and a delicious taste.
• Contains natural superfoods to support healthy immune system function.
• Carefully crafted by expert pet nutritionists to provide balanced nutrition for every stage of life.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• Contains pumpkin which may not be suitable for all dogs.

We recently tried Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food for our adult dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. The first thing we noticed was the real meat and fish that were included in the recipe, which gave the food a delicious taste that our dog loved.

We also appreciated the fact that the food was made with natural superfoods like blueberries and pomegranate, which helped to support our dog’s immune system function and overall health. And because the food was carefully crafted by expert pet nutritionists, we felt confident that our dog was getting the balanced nutrition he needed at every stage of life.

While we did find the food to be a bit expensive compared to other dog food brands, we felt that the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food made it worth the investment. We did notice that some dogs may not like the taste of the food, but our dog seemed to enjoy it just fine.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food to any dog owner who wants to provide their furry friend with a high-quality, nutritious diet that supports their overall health and well-being.

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food for pet owners who prioritize their dog’s health and well-being.

Pros

• The humanely raised meat is sourced from audited high-welfare family farms without growth hormones.
• The recipe includes wholesome ancient grains and fresh locally sourced produce without antibiotics, GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
• The blend of gluten-free grains such as steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds is designed for nutrient-rich wellness using omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamins, and fiber.

Cons

• The smell of the food might be off-putting to some owners.
• Some dogs might not like the taste of the food.
• The price is higher compared to other dog foods on the market.

We were impressed with the quality of ingredients used in Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food. The humanely raised meat and the wholesome ancient grains make for a well-balanced meal for our furry friend. We appreciated the transparency of the company in providing the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag.

Our dog enjoyed the food, although we did notice that the smell was not as pleasant compared to other dog foods. However, this did not deter our dog from eating the food. We also noticed that the price was higher compared to other dog foods on the market, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a wholesome and nutritious meal.

Nature’s Recipe Original Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 24 lb Bag

We highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Original Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 24 lb Bag for dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with a nutritious and delicious meal.

Pros

• Real lamb as the #1 ingredient supports strong muscles.
• Nutrient-dense whole grains, such as rice, oatmeal, and barley, contain fiber to help support healthy digestion.
• No added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• Some customers reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues after eating this food.
• The kibble size may be too big for small dogs.

Nature’s Recipe Original Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 24 lb Bag is a natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that provides adult dogs with the nutrition they need to live their life to the fullest. The lamb and rice recipe features real, protein-rich lamb as the #1 ingredient to help support strong muscles. The nutrient-dense whole grains, such as rice, oatmeal, and barley, contain fiber to help support healthy digestion. And because Nature’s Recipe believes that every ingredient counts, this wholesome dog food is made with no added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

We found that our dogs loved the taste of this food and always cleaned their bowls. We also appreciated that the kibble size was not too small nor too big, making it easy for our dogs to eat. However, some customers reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues after eating this food, so it may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of this food.

In conclusion, Nature’s Recipe Original Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 24 lb Bag is a great choice for dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with a natural and nutritious meal. However, as with any dog food, it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction and adjust their diet as necessary.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin

If you’re looking for a highly digestible dog food that promotes optimal digestive health and nourishes your dog’s skin and coat, then Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin is a great option.

Pros

• Promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
• Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption -amp; easier stool pick-up
• Packed with vitamin E -amp; Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Expensive compared to other dog food options
• Contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies

We recently tried Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin for our dog who has a sensitive stomach and skin issues. We were pleased to find that this dog food is highly digestible, and our dog had no issues with digestion or stool pick-up. Additionally, we noticed an improvement in our dog’s coat and skin health after feeding him this dog food for a few weeks.

One downside is that this dog food contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies. Additionally, it is more expensive compared to other dog food options. However, we believe that the benefits it provides to our dog’s health make it worth the extra cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin issues.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s packed with protein and nutrients, then the I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The first ingredient is pasture-raised lamb and bison, which means your dog is getting a high-quality source of protein.
• This dog food is packed with 30% protein, which is 25% more than BLUE Buffalo Life Protection—Adult.
• The pre and probiotics in this dog food help to promote healthy digestion and ensure your pet’s gut is in tip-top shape.

Cons

• This dog food may be more expensive than some other brands on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We’ve been using the I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re really impressed with the results. Our dog seems to love the taste of the food, and we’ve noticed that he has more energy and seems healthier overall.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s made with high-quality ingredients. The first ingredient is pasture-raised lamb and bison, which means your dog is getting a great source of protein. Plus, this dog food is packed with 30% protein, which is 25% more than BLUE Buffalo Life Protection—Adult.

Another thing we love about this dog food is that it’s free of grains and fillers. There’s no corn, wheat, rice, soy, or oats in sight, which means your dog is getting a diet that’s free of unnecessary ingredients. Plus, the pre and probiotics in this dog food help to promote healthy digestion and ensure your pet’s gut is in tip-top shape.

Overall, we think the I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s packed with protein and nutrients. While it may be more expensive than some other brands on the market, we think it’s well worth the investment for the health and well-being of your furry friend.

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

If you’re looking for fresh food for your furry friend, Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg -amp; Salmon Recipe for Dogs might be worth considering.

Pros

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

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
• Only available in a 1.75 lb bag

We’ve tried Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg -amp; Salmon Recipe for Dogs with our pups, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The natural chicken, beef, and salmon provide a good source of protein, while the sweet potatoes and garden vegetables add some extra nutrients. We also noticed an improvement in our dogs’ skin and coat after feeding them this food for a few weeks.

However, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste of this food. It’s a bit on the pricey side compared to other dog foods, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. It’s also only available in a 1.75 lb bag, so you may need to purchase multiple bags if you have a larger dog.

Overall, we think that Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg -amp; Salmon Recipe for Dogs is a great option for pet owners who want to feed their dogs fresh, natural food. If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s rich in nutrients and made with real ingredients, this might be the perfect choice for you.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying fresh food for your dog, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose the best product. Here are some features to look for:

Quality Ingredients

The first and most important thing to consider when choosing fresh food for your dog is the quality of the ingredients. Look for products that use high-quality, whole-food ingredients, with a focus on animal protein sources. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Nutritional Value

The next thing to consider is the nutritional value of the food. Look for products that contain a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, with a focus on whole-food sources. Check the labels for information on the percentage of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as the vitamin and mineral content.

Product Safety

It’s important to choose fresh food products that are safe for your dog to consume. Look for products that are made in facilities that follow strict safety protocols and have been tested for contaminants. Check the labels for information on the source of the ingredients and any certifications the product may have.

Product Variety

Dogs, like humans, enjoy variety in their diet. Look for fresh food products that offer a variety of protein sources, such as chicken, beef, and fish, as well as different types of fruits and vegetables. This will help ensure that your dog gets a well-rounded diet and doesn’t get bored with their food.

By considering these features, you can choose the best fresh food products for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fresh foods provide the most balanced diet for dogs?

When it comes to providing a balanced diet for dogs, fresh food options like lean meats, vegetables, and fruits are excellent choices. These foods offer a wide range of nutrients that can help keep your dog healthy and happy. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog’s diet is properly balanced and meets their individual nutritional needs.

What are the top-rated fresh dog food brands according to experts?

There are several fresh dog food brands that are highly recommended by experts, including The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom, and Ollie. These brands use high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of recipes to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. It’s important to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian to determine which brand and recipe is best for your dog.

Is there a consensus among veterinarians on the best fresh dog food?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, many veterinarians agree that fresh food options can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual dog based on their age, breed, and health status.

How do fresh dog food costs compare across different brands?

The cost of fresh dog food can vary greatly depending on the brand and recipe. Generally, fresh dog food can be more expensive than traditional dry kibble, but many pet owners believe that the health benefits are worth the extra cost. It’s important to compare prices and ingredients to determine which brand and recipe fits your budget and your dog’s nutritional needs.

What are the benefits of feeding dogs fresh food over dry kibble?

Fresh food options like lean meats, vegetables, and fruits offer a wide range of nutrients that can help keep your dog healthy and happy. Fresh food can also be easier to digest and may help reduce the risk of certain health issues like obesity and diabetes. Additionally, many dogs find fresh food more appealing and may be more likely to eat it than traditional dry kibble.

Are there any risks associated with feeding dogs a fresh-food only diet?

While fresh food can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, it’s important to ensure that their diet is properly balanced and meets their individual nutritional needs. Feeding a fresh-food only diet without proper guidance from a veterinarian can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual dog.