“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”– Josh Billings

With loyalty like that, is it any wonder that pet parents will do just about anything for their beloved canines? We'll wake up early (even on a Saturday) to take them for walks, go miles out of our way to find their favorite chew toy, and spend endless hours doing nothing but making them happy. Why? Because they are our dogs, and we love them with all our hearts.

That’s the truth of the matter, which is why it astounds me to see caring pet parents feeding their canine companions something that you’d find mixed in to make your astroturf stronger (true stuff). Fresh dog food brands take the work out of making homemade dog food and there are already many studies that have been published clearly stating that fresh dog food provides your pup with a whole slew of health benefits.

Numerous companies make fresh food for dogs, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your dog. So we’ve compiled a list of the best fresh dog food delivery services to help you make an informed decision.

Why Fresh Food for Dogs?

Unlike kibble or other dried dog foods, fresh dog food contains fewer or no preservatives. Most commercial bagged dog food brands you buy at your local pet store contain animal byproducts including carcasses, roadkill, and non-USDA-certified ingredients. In addition, many kibble brands contain chemicals that aren’t considered safe for human consumption, and should also not belong in any healthy dog food. With its low-moisture content and numerous additives, kibble can cause health issues including dehydration, hair loss, increased risk of infections, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammation.

Some owners recommend a raw diet for dogs, but this option also presents potential problems. While it’s one of the healthiest dog food diets if done correctly, it’s difficult to execute, as raw dog food spoils quickly. Along with potentially exposing your dog to danger, a raw food diet may not provide the correct nutritional balance your dog needs to stay happy and healthy.

Why Fresh Dog Food Brands Will Make Your Pooch Smile

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and the most important element in determining a dog’s health is its diet. According to researchers at Purdue University, simply supplementing fresh foods in your dog’s existing diet could help to prevent and reduce cancer cell growth by 70%-90%. Given its effectiveness at limiting one of the top ten leading causes of death in older dogs, it's no wonder that fresh dog food is loved by owners and dogs alike. In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, fresh dog food also offers several other health benefits.

Immune system boost

Fresh dog food diets include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains. Together, these foods contain all the essential nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. In particular, fruits and vegetables contain high levels of vitamins A and C, which help to boost your dog’s immune system. With this added boost, your dog may get fewer colds or infections, and will be better able to deal with any infections it does contract. Over time, this means fewer visits to your vet and more money in your pocket.

Better digestion

Another benefit of fresh dog food is its ability to improve your dog’s digestion. Unlike kibble, which contains ingredients that can irritate your dog’s digestive system, fresh dog food is designed to cause little to no digestive discomfort. This means your dog will have improved bowel movements. It also lessens the odds of your dog suffering from gastric distress. Additional improvements include fewer messes, less offensive odors, and a happier dog that isn’t constantly asking to be let outside to use the bathroom.

Softer coats

A healthy dog food diet can also improve the quality of your dog’s skin and coat. Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from skin irritation, rashes, and inflammation, which is largely due to the inferior quality of the food in their diet. Processed foods containing preservatives and chemicals can trigger adverse reactions that negatively impact the health of your dog’s skin and coat, leading to issues like eczema, psoriasis, sores, and other conditions. Fresh dog foods reduce the likelihood of such issues by providing your dog with foods high in essential fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin healthy. In addition, fresh dog food also contains high water content, which helps your dog to stay hydrated.

Better weight maintenance & longer life expectancy

Maintaining a healthy body weight for your dog is one of the best decisions you can make to guarantee your pet lives to a ripe old age. According to veterinary nutritionists, a dog that maintains a stable, healthy weight can increase its life expectancy by nearly 20%. A human-grade dog food diet can also help your dog lose or gain weight, depending on its need. In turn, this means you’ll get the chance to spend more time with your dog as it deals with fewer health issues and lives a longer, more fulfilling life.

Our Top 3 Fresh Dog Food Services

Our Top Choice

#1

9.8

Outstanding

User Engagement

Based on the past 7 days

9.9

Brand Visibility

Based on digital performance

9.6

Products & Services

Based on

editorial assessment

9.8

Learn more on how we score

Visit Site

6321 Excellent reviews on

In a Nutshell

Ollie is a pet food delivery service with healthier alternatives to the mass-produced, byproduct filled dog food you're used to. Meals offer nutrition on a whole new level, including human-grade ingredients only, nutritionally-balanced meals, and whole foods with every bite. Ollie creates visible differences quickly, like a shinier coat, more energy, and fewer food sensitivities. With free shipping and 60% off your first order, Ollie is a bargain.

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Features

• 60% OFF first box
• Made with human-grade ingredients
• Vet-formulated & personalized meals
• 100% Satisfied or money-back guarantee
• Flexible, regular delivery schedule

Most Popular Products

Pros

• Vet-formulated, personalized meals for your dog
• Human-grade ingredients, freshly cooked recipes
• Free two-day shipping

Cons

• No a la carte ordering
• Only available for dogs

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Read Review

6321 Excellent reviews on

#2

9.4

Excellent

User Engagement

Based on the past 7 days

9.0

Brand Visibility

Based on digital performance

9.7

Products & Services

Based on

editorial assessment

9.8

Learn more on how we score

Visit Site

1206 Excellent reviews on

In a Nutshell

Founded by two dog-lovers, The Farmer's Dog was launched to give pet parents a better alternative to the highly-processed, unappetizing, and wholly unnatural dog food options that were on the market at the time. Today, The Farmer's Dog offers human-grade meals that are nutritionally balanced for dogs. So, they're delicious and nutritious, giving your dogs the best of all worlds. The Farmer's Dog meals are made fresh and delivered to your door.

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Features

• 60% OFF your first box
• Personalized meal plans for your dog's needs
• Gently cooked fresh food
• Formulated by board-certified nutritionists
• Pause or cancel anytime

Most Popular Products

Pros

• Only real foods, human-grade
• USDA-kitchens for safety and quality
• Meals are all AAFCO, vet-approved

Cons

• Limited selection of recipes
• Packages can’t be resealed

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Read Review

1206 Excellent reviews on

#3

8.6

Very Good

User Engagement

Based on the past 7 days

8.8

Brand Visibility

Based on digital performance

8.9

Products & Services

Based on

editorial assessment

7.6

Learn more on how we score

Visit Site

1097 Excellent reviews on

In a Nutshell

The Pets Table is a good choice for pet parents who want a personalized meal plan to keep their dog healthy without breaking the bank. It ships to all 48 contiguous US states and features a 100% money-back guarantee. The food is made with high-quality ingredients, full of vitamins and minerals, and doesn’t have any fillers. There are several meals to choose from, and vets review and approve all recipes.

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Features

• 50% OFF your first box + 20% OFF second
• Human-grade fresh & air-dried options
• On-staff Board Certified Vet Nutritionist®

Most Popular Products

Pros

• Food made with high-quality ingredients
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• No fillers in the food
• Several food options and plans to choose from

Cons

• No raw food options
• No treats, supplements, or additional products

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Read Review

1097 Excellent reviews on

How We Chose the Best Dog Food Delivery Services

To determine our choices for the best fresh dog food delivery services, we examined multiple variables that go into making the best healthy dog food company. First off, we took a look at the food options that each service offers to its customers, giving higher scores to services that provide a wide variety of meal options for dogs. After taking a look at the menu, we considered whether or not a company offered ways for customers to customize their orders, with extra points given for a la carte options. The availability of specialty diets also factored into our decision, as some dogs do better on certain diets over others. Our review of each company’s food ended with a quality inspection to determine if its food is truly human grade, and if its meals are formulated or approved by a vet.

We also evaluated aspects of each service outside the merits of their product, such as price. Selling the healthiest dog food is great, but if no one can afford your product, then you won’t rank highly in our review. The best fresh dog food companies find a way to balance quality and price so that you can afford delicious, healthy dog food without breaking the bank. Furthermore, we tested how quickly and well each company’s customer service team responded to questions. After all, you want to know that the company you choose takes care of its customers and is responsive to issues so that you get the best service possible.

Pricing And Special Offers

In our estimation, the best fresh dog food delivery company is the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. As well as assessing the price of each delivery, weigh available discounts and exclusive offers. For example, Ollie offers 60% off your first box and free 2-day delivery, which grants you initial savings and reduced shipping costs. On the other hand, Spot & Tango gives you 50% off your first order along with free shipping.

Before Trying Fresh Dog Food

Before you try a fresh dog food diet with your dog, do the necessary research to ensure you’re doing it correctly and safely. Human-grade dog foods contain higher water content than kibble, which means kibble delivers more calories per ounce of food. This can lead you to either underfeed or overfeed your dog if you don’t properly measure the serving sizes. If you wish to avoid this mistake, be sure to carefully read the feeding guidelines for your fresh dog food delivery service.

In addition, before you make any changes to your dog’s diet, you’ll first want to speak with your vet. By examining your dog’s health history, your vet can provide you with additional insight to help you make the right decision. Healthcare is bio-individual, and no healthy dog food is going to be the best option for every dog. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose the option that poses the most health advantages and least risk for your dog.

Bottom Line

Fresh dog food provides a number of advantages over kibble or raw food diets. A personalized diet of fresh food for dogs can boost your pet’s immune system, improve digestion, enrich its coat, stabilize weight management, and help it live a long and happy life. Any one of our top three fresh dog food delivery services may be the best one for you. Before making a decision, take the time to compare prices, reviews, and food options available with each service. Finally, always read food labels carefully and consult a veterinarian before making a drastic change to your dog’s diet.

More Pet Delivery Services

If you’re interested in learning more about fresh dog food for puppies, check out the different companies making fresh puppy food. These businesses make healthy dog food specially formulated for puppies and young dogs, which ensures that your puppy gets everything it needs to grow big and strong.

As an added bonus, you could consider trying a pet subscription box for your dog. Joining a pet subscription box service is a great way to periodically provide your dog with fun, unique treats and toys. A subscription box also takes the guesswork out of deciding what toys and treats to get your dog, and allows you to focus on the important things like spending time with your favorite pup.