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Fresh dog foods are vet-designed, super-healthy meals, custom-made for your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies… and then delivered refrigerated… direct to your door.
Compared to other pet diets, fresh dog foods are gently cooked at lower temperatures. So, they avoid the damage to delicate vitamins and nutrients during processing.1
Unlike dry kibble which contains just 10% water, fresh dog foods have a natural moisture content of about 75%… more like the healthy human food found in your home refrigerator.
On this page, we share the Dog Food Advisor’s list of the best fresh dog food brands… and show you which ones are safe for the age and breed size of your particular dog, as well as foods that suit different preferences and budgets.
We’ll also answer the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding fresh dog food.
Best Fresh Dog Food November 2024
Here are the Dog Food Advisor's best fresh dog food brands for November 2024.
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1. Best Overall Fresh Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Beef
The Farmer’s Dog is our top choice and awarded the coveted best fresh dog food crown.
Many pet parents report that their dogs experience fewer digestive issues and improved energy levels after switching to The Farmer’s Dog. (Read Huntley’s story on our Farmer’s Dog review page for a real-life example of the benefits this food offers.)
The food is also highly palatable too, making it a good option for picky eaters.
The Beef Recipe is a firm favorite, as it contains the second highest protein level in this product line of four foods. It also includes fish oil, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids to help support joint health.
The bulk of the protein comes from fresh beef and dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 39% protein, 29% fat and 24% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.
Our top pick. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- High protein levels
- Fish oil for joint health
- Highly palatable
Main Ingredients Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Bruno has never looked or felt so good. He no longer sheds and his breath is fresh and clean. His coat absolutely gleams with health. His eyes are bright and his energy level is through the roof! Thank you for making quality food at a good price point. If anyone is on the fence about trying this or making the switch, don’t be!"
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2. Best Premium Fresh Dog Food: Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries
Ollie is another fresh dog food brand highly regarded by our advisory team, which is headed up by pet nutritionist Laura Ward.
A high-quality, nutrient-rich food, Ollie is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. Many pet parents notice tangible improvements in their dogs’ health when switching to Ollie, including shinier coats and skin
The Turkey Dish is one of five recipes in the product line. It offers a lean source of protein alongside fiber-rich blueberries. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
An exceptional fresh food. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read more about the Ollie Dog Food brand.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade meat sources
- Customized meal plans
- Includes chelated minerals
Main Ingredients Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"I got Bella when she was eight weeks old, she never wanted regular dog food. She was such a picky eater and she loved varieties, so I started cooking for her but was always afraid she was not getting the nutrients her little body needed. I came across Ollie and saw it was homemade food with all the nutrients and a variety of different menus. I decided to try it and she loves it. It was a blessing for me also, in that it saved me a lot of time and stress in deciding what I should cook for her."
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3. Best Fresh Dog Food for Picky Eaters: A Pup Above Turkey Pawella
A Pup Above uses human-grade ingredients, ensuring that the food is made to the highest quality standards and free from artificial preservatives and fillers.
Turkey Pawella is one of four fresh recipes contained in our review of the A Pup Above product line. It is an exceptional limited ingredient diet and a solid option for dogs that are picky-eaters or those with suspected food intolerances.
The recipe includes a variety of superfoods such as carrots (rich in beta-carotene for vision and immune support), green peas (source of fiber and plant-based protein), spinach (contains vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin K for bone health) and pumpkin (for digestive health and a source of fiber).
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Contains superfoods
- Limited ingredient
- Human-grade
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey hearts, turkey livers, turkey gizzards, tomatoes Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove.com"Stewie and Milli love A Pup Above, they both have sensitive tummies and do so well on this food. Their tails start wagging at meal time and we can tell they are super happy and enjoy the Turkey Pawella so much."
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4. Best Affordable Fresh Dog Food: FreshPet Vital Grain Free Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg
Freshpet is widely available in grocery stores and from online retailers and is more affordable than subscription-based fresh food services, typically costing around $5-$6 a pound. It uses real meats and vegetables, with no artificial preservatives or fillers.
This Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg recipe is one of four in the Freshpet Vital Grain-Free product line. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 29% fat and 15% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
An affordable fresh food option. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Freshpet Vital Grain Free Dog Food (Pouch) range here
Things we like
- Widely available
- Affordable fresh food option
- No artificial preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, beef, salmon, pea protein Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"My sweet Bentley is 17 years old. He was overweight, his skin was itchy and patches of hair were missing. He could barely walk and didn’t have any desire for life or fun anymore. We changed his food to Freshpet Vital Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg Recipe Grain-Free Fresh Dog Food. He lost weight and his coat is pretty again. He’s spry and is back to his tail wagging! This was truly his fountain of youth!"
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5. Best Fresh Dog Food for Large Breeds: Raised Right Adult Beef
Large breed dogs need a diet that provides enough protein, healthy fats, and nutrients to support their size and maintain joint health and Raised Right Adult Beef recipe does just that.
Beef is a great source of protein, iron, and zinc, all of which are essential for a large breed’s overall health.
This 5-star rated food is one of 11 recipes in the range. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh dog foods on the market. Widest recipe selection, too. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High protein content
- Great source of iron and zinc
- Contains healthy fats
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"I have two rescues. Since I’ve been giving them Raised Right, they are now at a healthy weight & the intermittent GI problems that they were experiencing have completely disappeared. As stated, best dog food ever!!!!"
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6. Best Fresh Food for Small Breeds: PetPlate Barkin’ Beef
Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs, such as higher metabolism rates and smaller stomachs. This means when choosing the best fresh food for small breeds, you’ll want to focus on recipes that provide balanced nutrition in smaller portions.
Barkin’ Beef Entrée is one of six fresh recipes, included in our review of the PetPlate product line. It delivers meals portioned specifically for your dog’s size, weight, and activity level, making it ideal for small breed dogs that require smaller, calorie-controlled servings to maintain a healthy weight.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 22% fat and 39% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
A superior, all life stages fresh dog food. 100% free of corn, wheat or soy. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Balanced nutrition
- Portioned meals
Main Ingredients Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults (including small breeds) and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate"We purchased the Barkin' Beef as a supplement to our dog's regular hard food. The Barkin' Beef keeps her interested in the food, and has led to a more consistent appetite that ensures proper nutrition."
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7. Best Fresh Food for Puppies: The PetsTable Beef Stew with Carrots
Puppies require more calories, protein, and essential nutrients (like calcium and phosphorus) for proper growth and development compared to adult dogs, this fresh range from The Pets Table meets this requirements.
The Beef Stew with Carrots recipe is one of three fresh formulas included in our review of The Pets Table fresh product line. Stews are often easier for puppies to chew and the ingredients easily digestible for smaller stomachs.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 46.4% protein, 35.7% fat and 9.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 77%.
This food selection of human-grade food, is made fresh with no preservatives or fillers.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full The Pets Table Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Human-grade
- Soft texture
Main Ingredients Beef, chickpeas, eggs, green beans, blueberries Type Fresh Protein Percentage 46.4% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at The Pets Table"Beckham has been on the fresh plan for a little over a week. He is excited to eat his food, his energy levels are great, coat is shiny, and he has perfect #2s."
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8. Best Fresh Food for Senior Dogs: Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support
As dogs age, joint issues such as arthritis and reduced mobility become more common. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support contains nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support joint health by promoting cartilage repair and reducing inflammation, helping senior dogs stay more active and comfortable.
The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from fish oils, helps supports a healthy skin and coat too, which is especially important for senior dogs who often experience dry or itchy skin due to aging.
The vet- formulated recipe derives the bulk of its protein from pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 32.5% protein, 5% fat and estimated carbohydrates of 54.5%, this means its fat to protein ratio is 15%.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Vet-formulated
- Omega 3 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples, rice starch Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"The dogs absolutely love it!! It is so fresh and healthy for them!! They go crazy for it and absolutely no issues switching to this new food!!"
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9. Best Fresh Grain-inclusive Dog Food: Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom offers grain-inclusive fresh food options made from high-quality, whole ingredients such as brown rice. The meals are crafted to be nutritionally complete and balanced including fresh proteins and vegetables alongside grains.
Turkey Fare is one of four recipes rated in our review of the Nom Nom product line. This recipe gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note zinc gluconate and three other chelated minerals, costly nutrients typically found in better quality pet foods.
An affordable fresh option. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Chelated minerals
- Whole ingredients
- Complete & balanced
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
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10. Best Fresh Grain-free Dog Food: Open Farm Gently Cooked Harvest Chicken
Harvest Chicken is one of five grain-free formulas rated in our review of the seven recipes in the Open Farm Gently Cooked product line.
We favor this recipe as it has a low fat to protein ratio which promotes a healthy weight, supports muscle maintenance and helps reduce the risk of diet-related health conditions, particularly in overweight or senior dogs or those with pancreatitis.
The food derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37.5% protein, 29.2% fat and 25.3% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Low fat to protein ratio
- No wheat or corn
- Lean protein source
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"Love the quality and that ingredients are sourced on their website! I love knowing where my dogs’ food is coming from. Open Farm to me means open information and opening the door to real, high quality foods."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the six most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding fresh dog food.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a fresh food without getting my dog sick?
In this short video…
Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your pet’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a fresh dog food.
It’s best to switch your dog to a fresh diet gradually.
Start by mixing 20% “fresh” with 80% “old” food. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100% over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Schedule | Old Food | Fresh Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
How do fresh dog food subscription programs work?
Most fresh dog food subscription programs work the same way. First, you’ll answer a few questions about your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies, which creates a custom feeding profile for your pet.
Finally, you’ll set up a delivery schedule. And soon after that, fresh-made pet food arrives at your door, packed in dry ice.
How long does fresh dog food stay fresh?
Since fresh dog food contains no preservatives, it must be kept refrigerated or frozen.
Storage instructions vary from brand to brand. In most cases, fresh dog food can last for up to 6 months, as long as the food package remains frozen and unopened.
Once a container is defrosted, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 4 days.
Is fresh dog food good for senior dogs?
Since older dogs tend to have missing teeth and other dental problems, chewing dry food can be difficult. So, a soft, fresh dog food can help make eating much easier.
And since dogs tend to lose muscle mass as they age, most seniors benefit from the higher protein content found in most fresh dog foods.
But caloric needs can vary.
Overweight seniors require fewer calories, while underweight older pets need more.
Because fresh foods are custom designed for each dog, a pre-measured, high-protein meal can be a super-healthy option.
Is fresh-cooked dog food safe for ALL puppies?
Unfortunately, some puppy breeds have a higher risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease if they’re fed a fresh diet that contains too much calcium… while they’re still growing. This is especially true for larger breeds.1 2
Keep in mind, many large breed puppies don’t stop growing until they reach 15 to 24 months of age.3 4 5
So, if you expect your puppy to weigh over 50 pounds when they reach adulthood, be sure to choose a fresh dog food on this page that’s rated safe for large breeds.
Do all fresh dog foods meet AAFCO nutrition standards?
Sadly, many do not.
Some fresh pet foods can be found at local farmer’s markets around the country. These “micro brands” tend to be produced by smaller businesses and home hobbyists… without professional guidance.
Many fail to meet basic FDA regulations or AAFCO nutrient guidelines.
Minor brands like these are rarely tested for Salmonella and other disease-causing bacteria. Which is why we do not include any of these products on this page.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
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