Best Fresh Dog Food customer reviews

What are the best fresh foods to feed dogs?

Feeding your dog fresh, whole foods can provide essential nutrients and improve its overall health. Here’s a list of the best fresh dog foods, their benefits, and approximate prices. Prices may vary depending on your location.

1. Lean Meats (Cooked, Unseasoned)

Examples: Chicken, turkey, lean beef, lamb.

• Benefits: High in protein for muscle development and energy.
• Preparation: Remove bones and fat, and cook thoroughly without seasoning.
• Approximate price (per kg):
  • Chicken: $3–$5
  • Turkey: $6–$8
  • Lean beef: $8–$12

2. Fish (Cooked and Deboned)

Examples: Salmon, sardines, white fish.

• Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, coat, and joints.
• Preparation: Cook fully, and remove bones. Avoid raw fish to prevent parasites.
• Approximate price (per kg):
  • Salmon: $10–$15
  • Sardines: $5–$7

3. Eggs

• Benefits: Excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
• Preparation: Serve cooked (boiled, scrambled). Avoid raw eggs.
• Approximate price (per dozen): $2–$4

4. Vegetables (Cooked or Steamed)

Examples: Carrots, green beans, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes.

• Benefits: Low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Preparation: Cook or steam to aid digestion; avoid seasoning.
• Approximate price (per kg):
  • Carrots: $1–$2
  • Sweet potatoes: $2–$3
  • Green beans: $2–$4

5. Fruits (In Moderation)

Examples: Apples (seedless), blueberries, watermelon (seedless), and bananas.

• Benefits: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.
• Preparation: Remove seeds, cores, and rinds. Serve in small portions.
• Approximate price (per kg):
  • Apples: $2–$3
  • Blueberries: $4–$6

6. Whole Grains (Cooked)

Examples: Brown rice, quinoa, oats.

• Benefits: Good source of carbohydrates and fiber for energy.
• Preparation: Cook thoroughly.
• Approximate price (per kg):
  • Brown rice: $2–$3
  • Quinoa: $6–$10

7. Dairy (For Dogs Tolerant to Lactose)

Examples: Plain yogurt, cottage cheese.

• Benefits: Provides calcium and probiotics for digestive health.
• Preparation: Serve plain, without added sugar or flavoring.
• Approximate price (per kg):
  • Plain yogurt: $2–$5
  • Cottage cheese: $4–$6

Foods to Avoid

• Grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, avocados, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones are toxic to dogs.

Key Tips for Feeding Fresh Foods

1. Balance the Diet: Ensure meals include protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and fiber.
2. Introduce Gradually: Introduce new foods slowly to prevent digestive issues.
3. Portion Control: Avoid overfeeding; consult a vet to determine appropriate serving sizes.
4. Consult a Veterinarian: Ensure your dog’s diet meets their specific nutritional needs.

Would you like assistance creating a specific meal plan or locating fresh food sources for your dog?

What are the top 5 healthiest dog foods?

Here are five of the top healthiest dog foods recommended by veterinarians and pet nutrition experts. These options are known for their high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and suitability for a wide range of breeds and life stages. Prices may vary depending on your location and retailer.

1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe

• Why it’s healthy: Made with high-quality protein from real chicken, this food supports lean muscle maintenance. It includes easily digestible ingredients like barley and a mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Life stage: Adult dogs.
• Key benefits:
  • Supports digestive health.
  • Promotes a healthy immune system.
• Approximate price: $50–$65 for a 30-lb bag.

2. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula

• Why it’s healthy: Combines high-protein chicken with rice and fortified probiotics for digestive and immune health. Includes tender shredded pieces for texture variety.
• Life stage: Adult dogs.
• Key benefits:
  • Supports healthy digestion.
  • High protein-to-fat ratio for energy.
• Approximate price: $55–$70 for a 35-lb bag.

3. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Breed Adult

• Why it’s healthy: Specifically designed for large breeds, this formula supports joint and bone health while maintaining lean muscle mass. It also promotes digestive health with a fiber blend.
• Life stage: Large breed adult dogs.
• Key benefits:
  • Tailored for large breed needs.
  • High in fiber for healthy digestion.
• Approximate price: $60–$75 for a 30-lb bag.

4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original

• Why it’s healthy: Packed with premium protein from turkey and chicken, it’s a grain-free option that includes antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids for overall health.
• Life stage: Adult dogs.
• Key benefits:
  • High protein for active dogs.
  • Supports a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Approximate price: $65–$80 for a 26-lb bag.

5. Orijen Original Dog Food

• Why it’s healthy: Made with 85% animal ingredients, including fresh or raw free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish, Orijen provides biologically appropriate nutrition.
• Life stage: All life stages.
• Key benefits:
  • Rich in animal protein for optimal energy.
  • Free of artificial additives or fillers.
• Approximate price: $90–$110 for a 25-lb bag.

Tips for Choosing Healthy Dog Food

1. Read the Ingredients: Look for high-quality proteins as the first ingredient and avoid artificial fillers, colors, or preservatives.
2. Consider Your Dog’s Needs: Choose a food tailored to your dog’s size, breed, and life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
3. Check for AAFCO Certification: Ensure the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
4. Consult Your Vet: For specific health concerns (e.g., allergies, weight issues), consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

Would you like help finding these options in your area or creating a feeding plan for your dog?

Is it better for dogs to eat fresh food?

Yes, feeding dogs fresh food can have significant benefits compared to traditional commercial dog foods. However, it’s essential to ensure their fresh diet is properly balanced and meets all of their nutritional needs. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of fresh food for dogs:

Benefits of Fresh Food for Dogs

1. Improved Nutritional Quality
   • Fresh food often contains higher-quality ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and whole grains, compared to some commercial kibble.
   • It’s less processed, retaining more nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants.
2. Better Digestibility
   • Fresh food can be easier for dogs to digest, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. It often results in smaller, firmer stools.
3. Healthier Skin and Coat
   • The natural oils in fresh ingredients, like omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseed, can improve skin health and make coats shinier.
4. Increased Energy Levels
   • High-quality, nutrient-dense food provides more energy, especially for active dogs.
5. Weight Management
   • Fresh food can be portioned and tailored to a dog’s specific needs, making it easier to control their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
6. Fewer Additives and Preservatives
   • Fresh diets are less likely to contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which can cause allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
7. Customizable for Specific Needs
   • Fresh food diets can be customized for dogs with allergies, medical conditions, or specific dietary restrictions.

Challenges of Feeding Fresh Food

1. Nutritional Balance
   • Dogs require a precise balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Home-prepared fresh meals can lack these if not properly planned.
   • Solution: Consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure meals are balanced or use commercially available fresh food brands designed for dogs.
2. Time-Consuming
   • Preparing fresh meals at home can be labor-intensive and requires commitment.
3. Higher Cost
   • Fresh food, especially commercially prepared options, tends to be more expensive than traditional kibble.
4. Shorter Shelf Life
   • Fresh food needs to be refrigerated and consumed quickly, which can be inconvenient for some pet owners.
5. Risk of Unsafe Foods
   • Some fresh foods that are safe for humans are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate.
   • Solution: Educate yourself on dog-safe ingredients.

Is Fresh Food Always Better?

Fresh food can be better, but it depends on the individual dog and its needs. While fresh diets can improve health and vitality, some dogs thrive on high-quality kibble or canned food. The most important factors are:

• Nutritional balance.
• The quality of the ingredients.
• The dog’s specific health, age, and activity level.

Options for Feeding Fresh Food

1. Home-Cooked Meals
   • If you prepare meals at home, ensure they are nutritionally balanced. Work with a vet or pet nutritionist for recipes.
2. Commercial Fresh Food Brands
   • Brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and Nom Nom provide pre-packaged fresh meals tailored to your dog’s needs. These are convenient and nutritionally balanced.
3. Combination Diet
   • Some owners feed a mix of fresh food and high-quality kibble to provide variety and convenience.

Best Fresh Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Beef

The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe

The Farmer’s Dog is one of the leading fresh dog food brands, known for its human-grade ingredients and customized meal plans tailored to your dog’s specific needs. The Beef Recipe is one of their most popular and nutritionally balanced options.

Key Features of The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe

1. Human-Grade Ingredients
   • Made with fresh, high-quality, human-grade beef as the primary ingredient.
   • Includes nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, as well as spinach for added vitamins.
2. Balanced Nutrition
   • The formula meets AAFCO standards for all life stages, ensuring a complete and balanced diet for puppies, adults, and seniors.
   • Includes fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat and reduce inflammation.
3. Customizable Meal Plans
   • The Farmer’s Dog creates a feeding plan based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and health goals.
4. Pre-Portioned & Convenient
   • Meals are delivered fresh to your doorstep in vacuum-sealed packages, pre-portioned to your dog’s daily caloric needs.
5. No Artificial Preservatives or Fillers
   • Free of artificial ingredients, fillers, and by-products often found in commercial kibble.

Ingredients

• Beef: A high-quality protein source that supports muscle maintenance.
• Sweet Potatoes: A healthy carbohydrate source that provides fiber and vitamins.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants.
• Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins A, C, and K.
• Fish Oil: Supplies omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Nutritional Breakdown

• Crude Protein: 11.5% (minimum)
• Crude Fat: 8.5% (minimum)
• Moisture: 72.5% (maximum)
• Calories: Approximately 154 kcal per 100g

Price

• Prices for The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe vary depending on your dog’s size and caloric needs.
• Typical cost:
  • Small dogs: $2–$4 per day.
  • Medium dogs: $6–$8 per day.
  • Large dogs: $10–$12+ per day.

Benefits

1. Improved Digestion: Fresh ingredients and high moisture content make it easier to digest compared to dry kibble.
2. Increased Energy Levels: Nutrient-dense meals provide consistent energy for active dogs.
3. Shinier Coat: Omega-3 fatty acids improve coat quality and reduce shedding.
4. Weight Management: Portion control helps maintain a healthy weight.
5. Better Overall Health: Fresh food reduces the risk of allergies, obesity, and certain chronic conditions.

How to Get Started

1. Sign Up on The Farmer’s Dog Website
   • Enter your dog’s details (age, breed, weight, activity level, and dietary preferences).
2. Receive a Customized Plan
   • The Farmer’s Dog will calculate your dog’s daily caloric needs and suggest a feeding plan.
3. Free Delivery
   • Meals are shipped directly to your home on a regular schedule.

Conclusion

The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe is an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a fresh, high-quality, and nutritionally balanced diet for their dogs. While it’s more expensive than traditional kibble, the health benefits and convenience make it worth the investment.

Would you like help signing up for The Farmer’s Dog or exploring alternative fresh food brands?