Blue Apron. HelloFresh. Sun Basket. Home Chef. There is no shortage of services that help you make fresh homemade meals every day of the week with products delivered right to your door. Now, humans aren’t the only ones getting in on the health-food wave. Several companies now offer fresh dog food services as well.
The choice of your dog’s food is essential. It is the one thing a pet owner does that is directly responsible for a dog’s health and well-being while catering to age, health, and preferences. To ensure dog owners find the best fresh dog food delivery for their four-legged friends, we are providing this in depth guide on the major industry players. Some say these types of diets can help limit the affects of diseases like Cushing’s and others – but you should talk to your veterinarian before transitioning your pet to a fresh food diet!
These are not “reviews” like other websites – as we do not think reviewing dog food is beneficial to our readers – but more a comparison guide so you can easily see what makes each brand different. Your dog is unique – and what is good for them may not be good for another dog.
This best fresh dog food guide is focused on helping you find the best brand for your dog based on their needs and your price point. We have spent hours combing the web to see what pet owners are saying about their experiences with these brands so you can be well informed before making such a difficult decision!
Cost Analysis
I have tried to create a cost analysis for each of the fresh dog food brands so you can get an idea of the varied pricing.
Cost analysis is based on the following factores being used:
- 30-40 pound dog
- Female
- Spayed
- Medium activity level
- Pit bull breed
All numbers are estimates from each vendors website based on a 30-day supply of meals (averaging about 1 pound of food a day).
Prices are based on Turkey or Chicken options – some brands charge more for other flavors.
| BRAND | MONTHLY COST | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|
| Evermore | $327.60 | Visit Evermore |
| The Farmer’s Dog | $196.80 | Visit Farmer’s Dog |
| The Grocery Pup | $209.96 | Visit Grocery Pup |
| Ollie | $157.32 | Visit Ollie |
| Pet Plate | $192.60 | Visit Pet Plate |
| Spot & Tango | $197.70 | Visit Spot & Tango |
Fresh Dog Food Delivery Service Details
Get familiar with each of these dog food brands that focus on fresh ingredients! We have profiled each brand and took a look around the web to see what people have to say and these are the best of the best when it comes to fresh dog food. No matter which brand you try – we are confident you will not be disappointed!
Evermore Pet Food
Evermore Pet Food got its start in 2009 in Brooklyn as a way of serving their own dogs high quality and minimally processed foods – making it one of the oldest on our list. The company creates meals that support immune health via a home-cooked diet. There is also a concerted push towards humanely raised meats and organic produce.
People can select from four different recipes, including chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey. The latter two are grain-free, and all of the ingredients are from the United States. The four meal plans come with complete nutrition and ingredient profiles.
The meals come inside compact packaging that vacuum seals the food within a cardboard box. Like Grocery Pup, the defining characteristic is its sous vide cooking method. After assembling the ingredients, they are cooked gently them 165 F; warm enough to kill harmful bacteria without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
There is a lot to love about Evermore Pet Food. Their commitment to ethically sourced and high-quality food has no parallel. Pound for pound, it is one of the best fresh dog food delivery services available.
COST ANALYSIS
A medium sized dog (40 pounds) on the subscription plan would be $327.60 per month.
Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredients: Chicken, chicken hearts, eggs, organic sweet potatoes, organic carrots, chicken livers, organic kale, organic apples, organic dandelion greens, blueberries, organic parsley, organic oats, organic barley, fish oil, organic dried kelp, organic pumpkin seeds, organic alfalfa, safflower oil, eggshell calcium, zinc gluconate, copper amino acid chelate
- Nutrition: 74.1% moisture, 12.3% crude protein, 5.8% fat, 0.6% crude fiber, 1.5% ash, 5.7% carbohydrates
FEATURES
- 4 flavors including chicken, beef, lamb and turkey
- Meets AAFCO standards
- Sous-vide cooking method helps maintain nutrients
- Supports USA farmers and businesses
- Human-grade ingredients
- Organic produce and antibiotic/hormone-free meats
- Free shipping with their subscription plans
- Arrives in a seal pouched and frozen
- Sold in some retail locations in NY and CA
- Single purchase option available if you are not interested in a subscription
Free Shipping On Subscription Plans
The Farmer’s Dog
This New York-based company is responsible for some of the best human-grade dog food on the market. The brainchild of two dog lovers, The Farmer’s Dog produces natural and healthy meals for canines. That means no processing, artificial ingredients, or bland flavors. The company’s commitment to wholesome nutrition is impressive. The Farmer’s Dog uses the same caliber of meat that people eat at home.
It also includes whole ingredients like carrots, chickpeas, lentils, kale and more to preserve nutritional integrity.
When selecting your dog’s meal plan, The Farmer’s Dog uses an algorithm to walk them through the process. Based on insights from certified veterinary nutritionists, you’ll receive recommendations based on the dog’s breed, weight, health, activity level, and eating habits. For instance, if a dog is an inactive senior, The Farmer’s Dog algorithm will account for that.
The meals come in three primary options: turkey and parsnips, beef and lentils, and pork and sweet potatoes. Dog owners have the choice between full meals, half meals that mix with kibble, or toppers. Each shipment arrives in an eco-friendly container with clearly labeled and measured packaging.
The Farmer’s Dog is one of the best fresh dog food delivery services, bar none. As a result, it has earned more than 60,000 followers on Facebook and coverage on the Today television news program as well as in the magazines Fast Company, Forbes, and Vogue. It also has a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating on Google Reviews.
COST ANALYSIS
A medium sized dog (35 pounds) on the subscription plan would be $196.80 for 30 days.
FEATURES
- 3 flavors: turkey, beef and pork
- Human grade
- USDA kitchens
- Veterinarian nutritionists partnered to help create recipes
- Meets AAFCO standards
- BPA free packaging
- Insulation that keeps food cold is biodegradable and can be composted
- Refunds if your dog does not love it
- Pre-made and ready to feed in portion sized packages
- Over 1,300 5 star reviews on Google
DEAL: 20% OFF FIRST ORDER
Grocery Pup
Every fresh dog food service has to do something that stands out from the competition.
Grocery Pup does that with sous vide cooking, which optimizes the flavor and nutrition profile of their meals. The low and slow cooking method ensures rich and nutrient-dense meals every time.
The sous vide method cooks the food at 160 F, which is hot enough to kill pathogens, but cool enough to retain nutrients. Each meal comes in a pouch that customers can easily store in the freezer. When it comes to meal options, you can select between Turkey Pawella, Texas Beef Stew, Porky’s Luau, or a sample pack.
The bags, which come in two and four-packs, do not include GMOs veggies, gluten, soy, antibiotics, or hormones. Everything comes from a USDA human-grade food facility and has AAFCO Adult Dog Nutrient Profile formulation.
Each 3 pound bag comes with 3 (1) pound patties.
This Austin-based company is relatively new to the industry, though it has earned recognition in Reader’s Digest, Woof Whiskers, and People. Time will tell whether that is because of the quality of the food or because of the unique sous-vide method. Additionally, the company offers new customers 30 percent off on their first order.
Turkey Pawella Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Turkey Liver, Tomatoes, Carrots, Green Peas, Rice, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamins D3 and E.
- Nutrition: 12.32% crude protein, 5.86% crude fat, 0.5% crude fiber, 72.8% moisture, 543 calories per patty
COST ANALYSIS
A medium sized dog (40 pounds) on the subscription plan would be $209.96 for 30 days.
FEATURES
- Available in 4 flavors: Beef Stew, Turkey Pawella, Porky’s Luau, Chicka Chicka Bow Wow
- BPA free bags are used to package the food
- Sous-vide cooking retains important nutrients
- Fewer toxins because of their cooking process
- Guarantee if your pup does not like the food
- Available in some retail locations
- Relationship with TerraCycle so you can recycle their pouches
- Made in USDA inspected facility
- Transparent in how they source their foods
Every Order Ships Free
Ollie
Ollie is another New York-based fresh dog food service using veterinarian formulated recipes, as well as an algorithm to make smarter meals. This three-person company offers vibrant recipes and quality ingredients based on a dog’s needs. Customers simply create a profile for their pup and Ollie helps them design their custom plan.
Ollie makes it easy to ensure proper nutrition for any canine based on weight, age, breed, health, and allergies. It delivers meals on a regular and flexible schedule along with a feeding guide. There are also introductory offers of 50 percent off the first shipment with bonus probiotics included, as well as 20 percent off their first two boxes, once becoming a customer.
The company goes above and beyond to explain the process and significance of each ingredient. There is a section on its website dedicated to nutritional properties. For instance, chia seeds are prevalent for their omega-3 fatty acids, while basil is a natural flavor enhancer. There are also treats available, such as turkey strips, beef strips, chicken strips, and sweet potato slices.
The simple and effective approach to healthy eating makes Ollie of the best fresh dog food delivery companies. It has the second largest social media presence and has received national attention from Vogue, Good Morning America, Today, Forbes, Business Insider, and Martha Stewart. Meals start at $3 per day and come with a 100 percent money guarantee.
COST ANALYSIS
A medium sized dog (35 pounds) subscription plan would be $157.32 for 30 days
Turkey Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredients: Turkey breast, turkey liver, kale, carrots, lentils, blueberries, coconut oil, pumpkin, chia seeds, dicalcium phosphate, iodized salt, zinc gluconate, cod liver oil, iron sulfate, manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, copper gluconate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine hydrochloride, potassium iodate
- Nutrition: 7% fat, 72% moisture, 11% Protein, 2% Fiber, 1,390 kcal ME/kg.
FEATURES
- 4 flavors: beed, chicken, turkey, lamb
- Human grade foods
- No soy, corn or wheat
- Minimal processing to preserve nutrients
20% off your first box
Pet Plate
Most people are probably familiar with Pet Plate because of its appearance on Shark Tank. While founder and owner Renaldo Webb was not able to make a deal, it has not stopped him from carving out an enviable spot in the fresh dog food industry. Today, his company offers human-grade meals that were formulated by a certified veterinary nutritionist.
Owners can select from four meals, including chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. Each recipe features a medley of vegetables from broccoli to butternut squash, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. People can also inspect the label to see the nutritional information and key benefits.
If owners have a picky dog, Pet Plate lets them select specific meals, or they can simply order the variety pack. The variety back not only includes complete meals but also toppers for those pups that need acclimating to their new diet. Plus, if customers are not satisfied for any reason, the company offers a money-back guarantee. Pet Plate makes a concerted effort to improve the overall health of pets. It eliminates artificial ingredients and fillers while minimizing the chances of overfeeding. That way, dogs can receive the nutritious meals they need to have energy all day. Webb has managed to parlay his success into appearance in Forbes, Woof Whiskers, NBC, and The Wall Street Journal. As a result, Pet Plates has managed to create the most substantial social media presence outside of The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie. Additionally, people that check out Pet Plates today will get 25 percent off their first purchase.
COST ANALYSIS
I entered a pit bull weighing 35 pounds and is 6 years old with a fairly active lifestyle and received a plan that is $192.60 a month.
Chompin’ Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredients: Turkey breast, turkey liver, kale, carrots, lentils, blueberries, coconut oil, pumpkin, chia seeds, dicalcium phosphate, iodized salt, zinc gluconate, cod liver oil, iron sulfate, manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, copper gluconate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine hydrochloride, potassium iodate
- Nutrition: 7% fat, 72% moisture, 11% Protein, 2% Fiber, 1,390 kcal ME/kg.
FEATURES
- Meets AAFCO standards
- Human grade foods
- No artificial products
- Made in a USDA facility
- Veterinarian consulted on the formulation for the meals
- Clean bowl guarantee – if your dog does not love it they will refund you first box
25% Off First Box Of Meals + Free Shipping
Spot & Tango
Spot and Tango is one of the newest companies to enter the market. While it does not have a lot of social media clout yet, they have made a significant splash in the industry. CNET, The Daily Beast, Techweek, and Buyers Guide have all featured the company’s products.
Spot and Tango offers human-grade dog food with personalized plans and convenient delivery. That includes meals formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, including fresh meats and vegetables and no artificial ingredients. Currently, pet owners can select from three meal options, including turkey and red quinoa, lamb and brown rice, and beef and millet. You can find the right meal for your pooch after filling out a few questions.
Spot and Tango will then recommend a meal plan and show the ingredients with prices ranging from $3.39 to $5.17 per meal.
For instance, the turkey and red quinoa recipe includes:
- Apples
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Peas
- Eggs
- Parsley
- Apple cider vinegar
- Safflower oil
- Vegetable stock
- Vitamins and minerals
Each recipe includes only 10-12 simple ingredients, which is ideal in the case of allergies. Similar to The Farmer’s Dog, the food comes in a vacuum-sealed bag with pre-portioned amounts. That way, owners can serve their four-legged friend without measuring or scooping ingredients. Additionally, first-timers can save 20 percent on their first order.
COST ANALYSIS
A medium sized dog (35 pounds) on the turkey subscription plan would be $197.70 for 30 days.
Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredients: Turkey, Red Quinoa, Apple, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Eggs, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals
- Nutrition: 68.5% moisture, 13.69% crude protein, 5.8% fat, 1.44% crude fiber, 326 Kcal per 8 ounce pack
FEATURES
- Risk free trial – money back if your dog does not love it
- Personalized plans based on each dog’s unique needs
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Locally sourced suppliers
- Cooked in USDA certified kitchens
- Human grade good
- Meets AAFCO standards
- Arrives in frozen seals packs that can last up to 6-months
20% Off First Order + Free Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AAFCO?
AAFCO isThe Association of American Feed Control Officials and in order for a dog food to be “certified” they must be meet the nutritional standards of the AAFCO.
Is Fresh Dog Food Good for My Dog?
Yes, yes, one thousand times yes. Fresh food ensures dogs get the complete range of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need. The food comes at peak freshness, too, so canines can get the most flavorful meal possible.
The importance of freshness is essential because of what it is not: processed. While some processes, such as baking and canning, are harmless, other methods can alter food’s structure for the sake of preservation. Additionally, the best ingredients in the world are not nearly as beneficial when they’re cooked into a hard kibble or high-heat cooked in a can.
How Can I Get My Dog Used to Fresh Dog Food?
A majority of the time, owners do not need to acclimate their pets to fresh dog food. For starters, dogs are omnivorous and rarely discriminate when eating. Second, the products are rich in flavor and texture, so curious noses will gravitate towards the new meals.
That said, owners might want to gradually switch their four-legged friend over to a fresh dog food subscription. Slowly replacing the old meals with more and more fresh dog food gives pets time to acclimate. This switch can also prevent any anxiety or digestive issues.
Can I Just Make My Own Dog Food to Save Money?
Pet owners who make their own dog food will cut their costs in half.
Plus, they will have complete control over the vitamins, minerals, and supplements in their dog’s diet.
However, it is worth noting that people should have an understanding of canine nutrition before selecting this option. Dog’s have more nutritional requirements than humans and consistently need high-quality proteins and calcium sources.
Furthermore, there are plenty of foods that are toxic to dogs, but not humans. These include, but are not limited to, coffee, raisins, tea, chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes, garlic, and several essential oils. People who want to learn more about healthy homemade dog food recipes can click here, though there is no shame in saving time by just purchasing it from a dog food service.
Useful Resources
I always love to share other resources to help you do your research and make informed decisions for your pet. Below are a few links to discussions about various fresh pet foods so you can see some discussions that are happening and what others say about the different brands.
Reddit: Do you Fee Your Pup Ollie, The Farmers Dog, Pet Plate etc.?
