Article
Best Fresh Dog Food Services in 2026
Premium fresh dog food delivery services that bring human-grade, veterinary-formulated meals to your door. We tested and compared the top services for quality, customization, and value.
Your dog deserves the same quality nutrition you feed yourself. Fresh dog food delivery services bring veterinary-formulated, human-grade meals made from whole ingredients straight to your door, customized for your dog’s unique needs and life stage.
Our team researched, compared, and analyzed the top fresh dog food delivery services, examining ingredient quality, nutritional formulation, pricing, customization options, and real customer health results. Here are the best fresh food options for keeping your dog healthy and thriving in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Best For | Price/Day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Farmer's Dog | Best Overall Fresh Food | $2-$12/day | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Ollie | Best Value Fresh Food | $1.57-$8/day | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Nom Nom | Best for Proven Health Results | $2.40-$6.50/day | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. PetPlate | Best for Recipe Variety | $1.50-$3.50/day | ★4.6/5 |
| 5. Spot & Tango | Best Hybrid Fresh/Dry Option | $1-$7/day | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. Just Food For Dogs | Best for Medical/Prescription Diets | $2-$8/day | ★4.5/5 |
| 7. The Pets Table | Best Budget Fresh Food | $1.59-$4/day | ★4.3/5 |
| 8. Open Farm | Best for High-Protein Diets | $3-$15/day | ★4.3/5 |
| 9. Raised Right | Best for Limited Ingredients | $3-$10/day | ★4.2/5 |
| 10. Freshpet | Best Retail Fresh Option | $2-$6/day | ★4.1/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
The Farmer's Dog
The Farmer's Dog leads the fresh food revolution with veterinary-formulated recipes made from human-grade ingredients. Their personalized approach considers every aspect of your dog's profile to create perfectly portioned meals that arrive frozen and ready to serve, making premium nutrition effortless.
Pros
- ✓Board-certified veterinary nutritionist formulated
- ✓Human-grade USDA ingredients, no preservatives
- ✓Highly customizable based on dog's unique profile
- ✓Price stability with no increases since COVID-19
- ✓100% recyclable, eco-friendly packaging
- ✓Perfect portions eliminate guesswork and waste
Cons
- ✗Requires significant refrigerator and freezer space
- ✗3-5x more expensive than traditional kibble
- ✗Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
Ollie
Ollie delivers exceptional value in the fresh dog food market with prices starting at just $5.44 per pound—the lowest among premium services. Their seven recipe options spanning fresh and baked formats, plus flexible half-fresh plans, make human-grade nutrition accessible at various budgets.
Pros
- ✓Most affordable fresh food at $5.44/lb
- ✓Seven different recipe options (5 fresh, 2 baked)
- ✓50% off starter box for new customers
- ✓Half-fresh plans balance nutrition and budget
- ✓Full refund guarantee on starter box
- ✓Health screening programs included
Cons
- ✗Can still exceed $180-200/month for large dogs
- ✗Limited to current seven-recipe menu
- ✗Requires refrigeration for fresh plans
Nom Nom
Nom Nom backs up premium pricing with impressive, documented health results. Their fresh-cooked-weekly meals formulated by board-certified nutritionists show measurable improvements in digestion and weight management, making them the choice for health-focused pet parents seeking proven outcomes.
Pros
- ✓Board-certified veterinary nutritionist formulation
- ✓100% of dogs show healthier stool within 3 days
- ✓80% reach healthy weight within 2 months
- ✓Supplemental plans reduce costs by 41-50%
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
- ✓Fresh-cooked weekly, not frozen
Cons
- ✗Most expensive at $5-6.50/day average
- ✗Some delivery reliability issues with OnTrack
- ✗Only 4 fresh recipe options available
PetPlate
PetPlate offers the most extensive recipe selection with eight options including unique proteins like venison and bison. Their USDA-certified kitchen preparation and human-grade ingredients deliver premium quality at competitive prices, earning perfect ratings from satisfied pet parents.
Pros
- ✓Eight total recipes with unique proteins
- ✓Starting under $3/day for small dogs
- ✓100% money-back guarantee on first order
- ✓USDA-certified human-grade ingredients
- ✓Perfect 5-star rating from Wag!
- ✓No preservatives, fillers, or artificial additives
Cons
- ✗Must freeze immediately upon delivery
- ✗Smaller portion options can be limited
- ✗Less brand recognition than top competitors
Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango innovates with UnKibble—a gently dried alternative that bridges traditional kibble and fresh food. Their low-temperature cooking preserves nutrients without high-heat processing, offering premium nutrition at various price points from their USDA-approved facility.
Pros
- ✓UnKibble offers affordable dried alternative
- ✓Ingredients cooked separately at low temperatures
- ✓14-day Happy Pup guarantee
- ✓USDA-approved kitchen in Pennsylvania
- ✓Over 120 million meals served since 2017
- ✓Flexible delivery schedule options
Cons
- ✗Cannot mix fresh and dry in same order
- ✗Mixed customer service reviews reported
- ✗Fresh plans average $7/day for larger dogs
Just Food For Dogs
Just Food For Dogs stands as the world's first pet food kitchen, offering an unmatched 25 recipes including prescription diets formulated with veterinary oversight. Their unique DIY kits, retail locations, and medical diet options provide flexibility unavailable from delivery-only competitors.
Pros
- ✓25 different recipes including prescription options
- ✓Online vet consultations for custom diets
- ✓DIY meal kits with veterinary supplements
- ✓Retail locations for immediate purchase
- ✓Delivery frequency from weekly to 12 weeks
Cons
- ✗$19.99 shipping fee on orders under minimums
- ✗Complex navigation with many options
- ✗Premium pricing on specialty therapeutic diets
The Pets Table
The Pets Table brings HelloFresh's meal delivery expertise to dogs with the most affordable fresh food option starting at just $1.59 per meal. Their four plan types including air-dried and 50% portion options make premium human-grade nutrition accessible to budget-conscious pet owners.
Pros
- ✓Most affordable fresh food at $1.59/meal
- ✓Four different plan types available
- ✓HelloFresh backing ensures quality standards
- ✓Fresh 50% portions plan reduces costs
- ✓FDA-approved facility production
Cons
- ✗Newer service launched 2023, limited track record
- ✗$10.99 shipping fee on most orders
- ✗Fewer recipes than established competitors
Open Farm
Open Farm earns veterinary recommendations with the highest protein content and ethically sourced ingredients. Their extensive options spanning freeze-dried, wet, and raw formats address specific health conditions including digestive issues, skin and coat problems, and weight management.
Pros
- ✓Veterinarian recommended for quality
- ✓Highest protein content per meal
- ✓Ethical and transparent ingredient sourcing
- ✓Multiple formats: freeze-dried, wet, raw
- ✓Specialized health formulas available
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing at $14+/day for large dogs
- ✗Not direct delivery, sold through retailers
- ✗Can be very expensive for multi-pet households
Raised Right
Raised Right focuses on whole-food nutrition with limited ingredients and low carbohydrates, making them ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Their veterinarian-formulated recipes avoid unnecessary fillers while delivering balanced nutrition from simple, transparent ingredients.
Pros
- ✓Limited ingredient recipes for sensitive dogs
- ✓Low carbohydrate formulations
- ✓Whole-food nutrition without fillers
- ✓Veterinarian and nutritionist formulated
- ✓Transparent sourcing and ingredients
Cons
- ✗Higher price point for specialty formulations
- ✗Limited recipe variety compared to competitors
- ✗May require transition period for picky eaters
Freshpet
Freshpet makes fresh dog food accessible through retail availability at major grocery and pet stores nationwide. Their fresh-refrigerated format offers convenience for pet owners who prefer immediate purchase over delivery, bringing human-grade nutrition to mainstream accessibility.
Pros
- ✓Available at most grocery and pet stores
- ✓Immediate purchase, no shipping wait
- ✓Fresh refrigerated, never frozen format
- ✓Competitively priced for fresh food
- ✓Wide availability and accessibility
Cons
- ✗Less customization than delivery services
- ✗Must shop regularly to maintain fresh supply
- ✗No personalized portion calculations
How We Evaluate Fresh Dog Food Services
Our comprehensive evaluation examines every critical aspect of fresh dog food services:
Ingredient Quality
We analyze sourcing and nutritional value:
- Human-grade certification: USDA-approved ingredients fit for human consumption
- Protein sources: Quality whole muscle meats without by-products or fillers
- Vegetables and grains: Whole food ingredients with nutritional benefits
- Additives: Absence of preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors
- Sourcing transparency: Origin and quality of all ingredients
Nutritional Formulation
We verify professional standards:
- Veterinary oversight: Board-certified nutritionist involvement in recipe development
- AAFCO compliance: Meets Association of American Feed Control Officials standards
- Life stage appropriateness: Suitable formulations for puppies, adults, seniors
- Special dietary needs: Options for allergies, sensitivities, health conditions
- Macronutrient balance: Proper protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratios
Customization Capabilities
We assess personalization depth:
- Profile-based customization: Consideration of age, breed, weight, activity level
- Portion accuracy: Precise serving sizes based on caloric needs
- Recipe flexibility: Ability to rotate proteins or accommodate preferences
- Plan adjustability: Full fresh, partial fresh, or topper options
- Dietary restrictions: Accommodations for allergies and sensitivities
Price and Value
We compare costs against quality delivered:
- Price per pound: Cost comparison across services
- Price per 1,000 calories: True nutritional value comparison
- Plan flexibility: Options to reduce costs while maintaining nutrition
- Shipping costs: Free delivery thresholds or additional fees
- Discounts and guarantees: Promotional offers and satisfaction guarantees
Health Results
We examine documented outcomes:
- Digestive improvements: Stool quality and consistency changes
- Weight management: Success rates for weight goals
- Coat and skin: Improvements in appearance and health
- Energy levels: Vitality and activity changes
- Long-term health: Overall wellness improvements
Benefits of Fresh Dog Food
Measurable Health Improvements
Fresh food diets consistently show dramatic health benefits:
- Digestive health: 100% of dogs show healthier stools within 3 days (Nom Nom data)
- Weight management: 80% reach healthy weight within 2 months
- Shinier coat: Noticeable improvements in fur quality within weeks
- Increased energy: More vitality, playfulness, and engagement
- Reduced allergies: Fewer sensitivities with limited, identifiable ingredients
- Better hydration: High moisture content supports kidney and urinary health
Superior Ingredient Quality
Fresh food uses ingredients you’d eat yourself:
- Human-grade standards: USDA-approved ingredients fit for human consumption
- Whole muscle meats: Real chicken, beef, turkey, pork, or lamb
- Fresh vegetables: Whole carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, not byproducts
- No preservatives: Frozen for preservation without chemical additives
- No fillers: Every ingredient serves nutritional purpose
Perfect Portion Control
Customized serving sizes eliminate guesswork:
- Calorie-precise portions: Exact amounts based on dog’s needs
- Weight management: Easier to maintain or achieve target weight
- Reduced waste: No overfeeding or measuring errors
- Consistent nutrition: Same quality and quantity every meal
Convenience
Fresh food delivery simplifies premium nutrition:
- No preparation: Pre-portioned meals ready to serve
- No shopping: Delivered on your schedule
- No research: Veterinary-formulated recipes
- Easy storage: Frozen packs store compactly
Fresh Dog Food vs. Traditional Kibble
Ingredient Processing
Fresh Food:
- Gently cooked at low temperatures to retain nutrients
- Ingredients recognizable and identifiable
- No high-heat extrusion that destroys nutrients
- Fresh or flash-frozen within hours of preparation
Kibble:
- High-temperature processing (up to 400°F) reduces nutrient availability
- Ingredients ground and mixed before extrusion
- Often requires nutrient supplementation after processing
- Long shelf life through preservatives
Moisture Content
Fresh Food:
- 60-70% moisture content aids hydration and digestion
- More palatable for picky eaters
- Easier to digest and absorb nutrients
Kibble:
- 10% moisture requires additional water intake
- Can be less palatable
- May sit heavily in stomach
Nutritional Quality
Fresh Food:
- Whole muscle meats as primary protein
- Whole vegetables provide natural nutrients
- No by-products or meat meals
- Human-grade ingredients
Kibble:
- Quality varies widely by brand
- May contain meat meals or by-products
- Often includes fillers like corn or wheat
- Ranges from low to high quality
Cost Comparison
Fresh Food:
- Small dogs: $40-90/month
- Medium dogs: $120-180/month
- Large dogs: $250-500/month
Kibble:
- Small dogs: $15-30/month
- Medium dogs: $30-60/month
- Large dogs: $60-120/month
Cost Management Strategies
Half-Fresh Plans
Many services offer hybrid approaches:
- 50% fresh food: Mix with current kibble for balanced cost
- Topper plans: Add nutrition boost to regular food
- Transition tool: Gradually increase fresh food percentage
- Budget solution: Get benefits at reduced cost (41-50% savings)
Price Per Calorie Comparison
Understanding true value beyond price per pound:
- Ollie: $8.53 per 1,000 calories (most affordable)
- PetPlate: $10.42 per 1,000 calories
- The Farmer’s Dog: $10.88 per 1,000 calories
- Spot & Tango: $15.58 per 1,000 calories
Maximize Savings
Smart strategies to reduce costs:
- Take advantage of starter discounts: 50% off first boxes
- Use supplemental plans: Half portions save significantly
- Choose auto-delivery: Lock in subscription discounts
- Select optimal frequency: Longer intervals may offer savings
- Compare per-calorie costs: Don’t just look at per-pound pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fresh dog food really better than kibble?
For most dogs, yes. Fresh food provides human-grade ingredients, better nutrient retention through gentle cooking, higher moisture content, and no preservatives. Studies show measurable improvements in digestion, weight, coat quality, and energy within weeks.
How much does fresh dog food cost per month?
Costs vary by dog size: small dogs (10-20 lbs) average $40-90/month, medium dogs (30-50 lbs) run $120-180/month, and large dogs (70+ lbs) cost $250-500/month. Half-fresh plans reduce costs by 41-50%.
Do I need to refrigerate or freeze fresh dog food?
Yes. Fresh dog food arrives frozen and should be stored in your freezer. Move portions to the refrigerator 24-48 hours before serving to thaw. Thawed food stays fresh in the refrigerator for 4-7 days depending on the service.
Can I mix fresh dog food with kibble?
Absolutely. Many services specifically offer “topper” or “half fresh” plans designed to supplement kibble. Start with 25% fresh food mixed with 75% kibble, gradually increasing if desired. This balances nutrition benefits with budget.
How long does it take to see health improvements?
Most dogs show digestive improvements within 3 days. Coat quality improves within 2-4 weeks. Weight management results typically appear within 2 months with proper portions.
Is fresh dog food safe for puppies and senior dogs?
Yes. Most fresh dog food services offer recipes formulated for all life stages, meeting AAFCO standards. Some provide specific formulations optimized for puppies or seniors with appropriate nutrient profiles.
What if my dog has food allergies?
Fresh dog food excels for allergies because ingredients are limited and identifiable. Choose single-protein recipes and exclude common allergens. Most services allow you to specify restrictions during customization.
How do I transition my dog to fresh food?
Gradually transition over 7-10 days. Start with 25% fresh food mixed with 75% current food. Every 2-3 days, increase fresh food by 25% until fully transitioned. This prevents digestive upset.
Can fresh dog food help with weight loss?
Yes. Precise portion control and high-quality protein support healthy weight loss. Nom Nom reports 80% of dogs reach target weight within 2 months on their customized portions.
How long does fresh dog food last?
Frozen fresh dog food lasts 6-9 months in the freezer. Once thawed and refrigerated, it stays fresh for 4-7 days. Always follow the specific service’s storage guidelines.