Have you been thinking about switching your dog to a fresh dog food delivery service? Commercial canned and dry dog food aren’t as healthy for your pup as you might think.
Additionally, there has already been 1 major dog food recall in 2020. There were nearly a dozen separate recalls in 2019.
Or, you might be cooking for your dog, but it’s time-consuming. Also, you aren’t sure if your dog is getting the right nutrients. Therefore, you think that fresh dog food might be a better option.
Either way, deciding which dog food delivery services are best can be tricky since there are so many to choose from. That’s why I’ve put in hours of research poring through the websites of the top competitors.
I compared features, pricing, and reviews to bring you the 7 best fresh dog food delivery companies available right now (with two honorable mentions, too).
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why we’ve included as many details as possible to help you decide which dog food delivery service is the best for you and your dog.
Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery: Quick View
Site | Service | ||
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Our top pick: NomNomNow
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View Website | ||
Pet Plate
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View Website | ||
Ollie
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View Website | ||
Spot & Tango
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View Website | ||
Grocery Pup
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View Website |
Why Order Dog Food Delivery?
Dog food delivery is new but essentially a growing preference for pet owners. So, if you are also looking forward to shifting from regular kibbles to dog food delivery, you should consider that.
In this section, we will list some major reasons why you should go for fresh dog food services.
1. They have more food options
Ordering online dog food gives you more food options to choose from. In addition, online platforms have more varieties than regular shops, and you can choose the one that best suits your purpose.
2. You can choose your ingredients
Most of these brands give you to choose from meats like turkey, beef, chicken, pork, and turkey. As a consumer, you can always choose the meat and get it mixed with other ingredients to ensure a fulfilling meal for your dog.
3. They provide better quality foods
If you feel that regular packed dog foods are proving to be insufficient for your dog, you can always choose dog food delivery partners to provide you with better quality dog foods.
4. You can get better price offers
Since dog foods are sold online, you can also check the prices of other food items. This lets you better analyze and compare the prices and get the best deal while buying these items.
What are the Benefits of Fresh Pet Food Delivery?
If you aren’t familiar with fresh dog food delivery, you might be wondering about its benefits. Also, why should you choose it over other types of foods for your dog? Here are some benefits of pet food delivery.
1. Convenience
It’s hard to beat the convenience of having your dog’s food delivered right to your door on a predictable schedule. That’s especially true when you have one or more large dogs and go through dog food quickly. No more dashing to the pet store and hauling home giant bags of kibble.
2. Health
Most commercial dog foods are the equivalent of junk food for humans. It’ll keep you alive, but it probably won’t keep you as healthy as possible.
However, if you feed your family with as many fresh ingredients as possible and try to avoid processed food, it will make sense to you that fresh dog food is just healthier than dry dog food.
Fresh dog food delivery is also healthier than homemade dog food because it’s been formulated (usually with the help of one or more veterinarians) to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
It’s tricky to give your dog exactly the right proportion of protein, veggies, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. However, fresh dog food delivery takes out all the guesswork.
3. Taste
Most dogs LOVE the taste of fresh dog food. Even the pickiest of dogs will usually scarf down fresh dog food. A dog food topper can also help encourage a picky dog to eat more of their kibble.
Additionally, for a senior dog or other picky dogs who have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight, fresh dog food delivery can be just what the vet ordered.
4. Safety
Whether it’s the risk of contamination from raw food or the worry about recalls from dry dog food, fresh dog food delivery is probably the safest way to feed your pet.
Since the food is cooked, you don’t need to worry about your dog or your family falling sick from bacteria that can be found in raw dog food.
Also, since the food is less processed, the quality control measures make fresh dog food healthier than the average dry dog food.
What to Look for in a Fresh Dog Food Delivery Company
So, how can you decide which dog food delivery service is best for you and your dog? There are several different factors to consider.
Convenience
Some fresh dog food delivery services send your dog’s food in pre-measured packaging (like Nom Nom and Pet Plate). That’s the simplest, most convenient way to feed your dog. Other companies require you to measure out a certain amount each meal and use your own container to store the leftovers between meals.
Convenience also includes delivery options like how frequently you can have orders delivered and how easy it is to pause or change shipment dates (like if you go on vacation).
Variety
Have a picky dog or one with food allergies? Some fresh dog food delivery services only have 3 food varieties to choose from, with as few as one grain-free variety. Others have 4 or more flavors to choose from, all of which are grain-free.
However, for dogs who don’t have any food allergies and aren’t very picky, variety may not be as important to you.
Pricing
There are no two ways about it – feeding large dogs is expensive, and fresh dog food delivery is more expensive than other types of dog food.
Depending on the recipe, some fresh dog food companies may charge more or less than others. That price difference can add up when you have one or more large dogs you’re trying to feed.
Customization Level
Some fresh dog food services figure out portions merely based on your dog’s current weight. However, others take into account your dog’s age, energy level, goal weight, and more to get a more precise portion for your pup.
How Much Does Dog Food Delivery Cost?
As a dedicated dog parent, you want the best food solution for your dog. But the increasing cost of living and dog food can surely make you wonder about the price of dog food delivery.
Factors that affect the rate of dog food delivery
Well, the price of dog food delivery keeps changing over time. Generally speaking, the cost of fresh dog food has recently become costly. Let us look at some of the major factors responsible for the changing dog food delivery cost.
The increasing cost of raw materials
The cost of raw materials keeps on fluctuating from time to time. Besides, favorable or unfavorable weather conditions also impact the rates of raw materials.
Therefore, with an increase in the cost of raw materials, dog food delivery costs also increase.
State-imposed taxes
Governments across the globe also keep revising the tax slabs on most commodities. In most cases, this applies to dog food delivery rates as well. When a higher tax percentage is levied, these products’ cost also goes up.
Fluctuating rate of fuel
Global fuel rates keep fluctuating throughout the year. Moreover, geopolitical instability, like the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, has disrupted and impacted oil prices across the globe and affected fuel prices.
With an increase in fuel prices, such products’ transportation or delivery cost also increases, and you have to pay more for new dog food delivery services.
How much does fresh dog food delivery cost?
Actually, the cost of fresh dog food delivery primarily depends on certain factors. To begin, you must be aware that these foods have many options as ingredients, and you can choose the one you deem best for your dog.
The quantity of the food product also impacts the final rate of the food. If you order a larger quantity at a time, the pound cost decreases. On the other hand, a small quantity of fresh dog food would cost you more.
Besides, some companies also offer subscription plans. The duration of the subscription also affects the final price. The longer the duration, the lesser the dog food cost. Last, some promotional codes are offered by some companies, and if you have some, you may have to pay less.
Pet Food Delivery vs Cooking
Would you rather cook for your dog yourself? Many people enjoy making their dog’s food, so they know exactly what’s going into it.
The only tricky thing about making homemade dog food is making sure you’re giving them the right proportions of nutrients. You may unintentionally cause your dog to suffer from malnutrition if you don’t get the ingredients in the right proportions.
If you’re interested in learning how to cook for your dog, check out our article on the 10 Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Large Breed Dogs.
With fresh dog food delivery, you can rest easy knowing that your dog is getting fresh ingredients in healthy proportions.
Top Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services
It seems like there’s a new fresh pet food company every day. How can you decide which is best for you and your pup?
I’ve done a ton of research on the most popular companies out there today and picked the top 5 based on convenience, customization level, price, and customer reviews.
When getting quotes for prices, I inputted a 4-year-old neutered male Alaskan Malamute of average weight with an average activity level weighing 50, 70, or 90 pounds with no food allergies for every site (or as many of those as each site’s customization system required).
These prices may vary depending on your dog’s customization and the food flavor. We are also not responsible for rising food costs after this article is published.
Nom Nom (formerly NomNomNow)
Nom Nom tops our list for a variety of reasons. It’s one of the most affordable dog delivery services for large dogs. Additionally, since each meal comes in its own sealed bag, it’s the easiest to feed. You can get deliveries as often as once a week and as infrequently as once a month, with every other week being the most common option.
It was formulated by a leader in veterinary nutrition, Dr. Justin Shmalberg, and also offers cat recipes. That’s perfect for households with both dogs and cats. There are 4 different dog recipes, and they’re all the same price. That makes it easy and predictable to rotate your dog’s food choices without changing the price each time.
Notable Qualities and Features
- Individual portions – easiest to feed
- Recipes available for both dogs and cats
- One of the most affordable services
- 4 recipes that you can mix and match
- The website also sells beef and chicken jerky along with probiotic supplements
- Free delivery
- Free nutrition consultations
- Exceeds AAFCO standards for dog food formulation for all life stages
- Made and delivered fresh, not frozen
- 20% off your first order
Pricing (at time of writing):
All flavors are the same price.
90 lbs – $84.30 per week full plan, $42.15 per week partial plan
70 lbs – $69.30/week full plan, $39.70/week partial plan
50 lbs – $54.50/week full plan, $32.30/week partial plan
Recipe Options:
4 different varieties:
- Beef Mash
- Turkey Fare
- Chicken Chow
- Pork Potluck
Ingredients:
Beef Mash: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, fish oil, sunflower oil, vinegar, citric acid (preservative), taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide
Turkey Fare: Ground turkey, eggs, brown rice, carrots, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, fish oil, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide
Chicken Chow: Diced chicken, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, spinach, sunflower oil, dicalcium phosphate, canola oil, calcium carbonate, fish oil, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide
Pork Potluck: Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, yellow squash, brown mushrooms, kale, dicalcium phosphate, salt, fish oil, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodidel
User Reviews:
Most reviewers rave about Nom Nom, saying even the pickiest of dogs love the taste. People have commented on improvements in their dog’s weight, coat, and energy. There have been some recent reports of inconsistency with the size of the meat chunks and problems with a new type of packaging.
Bottom Line:
It’s hard to beat Nom Nom. Unless you have a dog who needs a highly specialized diet, Nom Nom would probably be the first place to start when checking out fresh dog food.
Pet Plate
With pre-proportioned containers, Pet Plate comes in a close second to Nom Nom. The biggest downside to Pet Plate is that the containers are large, unwieldy, and use a lot of plastic, so it’s not exactly great for the environment (or stacking in your fridge or freezer). One plus side is that the plastic containers are easy to heat in the microwave for pups who don’t like food cold from the fridge.
Pet Plate was formulated by Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN, who has this to say on their website: “The meals I’ve formulated for Pet Plate are nutritionally balanced and highly palatable to dogs. Most dogs respond really well to a fresh diet comprised of high-quality ingredients and vitamins and minerals. We hope your dog enjoys Pet Plate and experiences the benefits of a truly healthy diet.”
Notable Qualities and Features
- Pre-cooked meals in pre-portioned containers mean less stress and less mess
- USDA meat and fresh produce
- 4 recipes
- Money-back guarantee
- 50% off the first box
Pricing (at time of writing):
Chicken, Beef, or Turkey recipes
90 lbs – $93.95 per week full plan, $30.65 per week partial plan
70 lbs – $68.95/week full plan, $28.95/week partial plan
50 lbs – $53.95/week full plan, $19.99/week partial plan
Lamb recipe
90 lbs – $98.33/week full plan, $31.48/week partial plan
70 lbs – $72.02/week full plan, $29.53/week partial plan
50 lbs – $56.14/week full plan, $20.46/week partial plan
Recipe Options:
There are 4 varieties to choose from:
- Chompin’ Chicken
- Barkin’ Beef
- Tail-Waggin’ Turkey
- Lip Lickin’ Lamb
Ingredients:
Chompin’ Chicken: Ground chicken, sweet potatoes, chicken liver, broccoli, butternut squash, apples, natural flavor, safflower oil, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, parsley, vitamins and minerals (taurine, vitamin E, zinc oxide, ferrous fumarate, copper gluconate, sodium selenite, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, vitamin D3)
Barkin’ Beef: Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots, apples, green peas, pumpkin, dicalcium phosphate, natural flavor, safflower oil, salmon oil, calcium carbonate, salt, vitamins and minerals (taurine, vitamin E, ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, manganese gluconate, thiamine mononitrate, magnesium oxide, potassium iodide, sodium selenite, vitamin D3)
Tail-Waggin‘ Turkey: Ground turkey, brown rice, turkey liver, carrots, apples, pumpkin, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, salt, vitamins and minerals (taurine, vitamin E, zinc oxide, ferrous fumarate, copper gluconate, sodium selenite, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, vitamin D3)
Lip-Lickin’ Lamb: Ground lamb, sweet potatoes, quinoa, lamb liver, apples, broccoli, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, salmon oil, calcium carbonate, parsley, vitamins and minerals (taurine, vitamin E, choline bitartrate, zinc oxide, ferrous fumarate, sodium selenite, potassium iodide, vitamin D3)
User Reviews:
Most people rave about how Pet Plate improved their dog’s poop, skin, and coat. Most of the negative reviews were about the vast amount of wasteful packaging as well as late or incorrect deliveries (which were usually fixed by the company).
Bottom Line:
If you don’t mind washing and reusing the plastic containers for your own personal storage use, Pet Plate is another great option among fresh dog food delivery companies. If a constant supply of plastic containers feels like a crime against the environment, though, you’re better off going with another company on our list.
Ollie
Unlike the above two dog food delivery services, Ollie doesn’t come in pre-portioned servings. However, they do include a portion scoop, making it better than some other companies on our list.
Ollie’s top selling point is that they are one of the most customizable fresh dog food delivery service brands. They tailor your dog’s meal plan based on their age, breed, activity level, allergies, and ideal weight to figure out exactly how many calories per day your dog needs, while some companies go based on your dog’s weight alone.
Notable Qualities and Features
- Comes with a portion scoop
- High-quality meat sourced from family-run farms in the US and Australia
- Vet-formulated
- Free shipping
- Grain-free, including rice
- Food arrives frozen in recyclable boxes with compostable liners
- 20% off first order
- 1% of revenue is donated to rescue organization partners, including the Sato Project
Pricing (at time of writing):
Lamb recipe
90 lbs – $78.98 per week full plan, $30.50 per week partial plan
70 lbs – $78.98/week full plan, $25.89/week partial plan
(Yes, the price is the same for both 90 and 70 pounds. I triple checked, and I don’t know why it’s the case.)
50 lbs – $59.30/week full plan, $19.54/week partial plan
Beef recipe
90 lbs – $69.90/week full plan, $26.99/week partial plan
70 lbs – $69.90/week full plan, $22.91/week partial plan
50 lbs – $52.47/week full plan, $17.29/week partial plan
Chicken recipe
90 lbs – $72.69/week full plan, $28.78/week partial plan
70 lbs – $72.69/week full plan, $23.83/week partial plan
50 lbs – $64.18/week full plan, $17.99/week partial plan
Turkey recipe
90 lbs – $80.38/week full plan, $30.95/week partial plan
70 lbs – $80.38/week full plan, $26.35/week partial plan
50 lbs – $60.34/week full plan, $19.89/week partial plan
Recipe Options:
You can choose between full and partial feeding plans.
The 4 food varieties, from least to most expensive, are:
- Beef
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Turkey
Ingredients:
Turkey: 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 powder, thiamin HCL, potassium iodate
Beef: Beef, beef heart, sweet potato, peas, potato, beef kidney, carrot, beef liver, spinach, chia seed, dicalcium phosphate, blueberries, fish oil (preserved with tocopherols), iodized salt, zinc gluconate, rosemary, vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), potassium iodide
Chicken: Chicken, chicken gizzard, carrots, peas, chicken liver, rice, chia seeds, spinach, potatoes, whole dried eggs, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, blueberries, fish oil, Iodized salt, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, rosemary, copper gluconate, vitamin e, potassium Iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Lamb: Lamb, lamb liver, butternut squash, kale, chickpeas, cranberries, potato flakes, chia seeds, dicalcium phosphate, iodized salt, calcium carbonate, zinc gluconate, taurine, vitamin E, iron sulfate, pantothenic acid, potassium iodate, manganese gluconate, thiamin HCL, folic acid
User Reviews:
Sadly, I could not find any user reviews, but Ollie was highly rated by several other review websites.
Bottom Line:
Ollie has a lot of variation in their pricing based on the flavor. However, they’re otherwise a great choice in the fresh dog food delivery space, especially since they’re more customizable than many other companies, and they also donate a portion of their sales.
Grocery Pup
While most other fresh dog food delivery services cook their food in big batches, Grocery Pup is unique because they use sous-vide cooking. That’s where the ingredients are vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag and cooked in water at a relatively low temperature (160 degrees F) for more than an hour. This is a high enough temperature to kill pathogens, but low enough not to destroy all the nutrients in the food.
It locks all the juices from the meat and other ingredients in the bag. That makes Grocery Pup possibly the tastiest food on our list. The bag that the food cooks in is placed in another bag before being shipped to you, which means there is less chance for contamination. The food never leaves the bag it’s cooked in and isn’t exposed to the air or other contaminants.
All of Grocery Pup’s foods come in 1-pound frozen bricks, with either 3 or 5 bricks per package. It’s up to you to thaw out a brick and measure out how much your pup needs, then package and store the leftovers. Fortunately, you can thaw out a brick for 30 minutes in water, just in case you forget to thaw it out the night before you need to serve it.
Notable Qualities and Features
- Cooked sous-vide to retain more flavor and nutrition and reduce contamination risks
- A la carte options allow you to try Grocery Pup before signing up for a membership
- Non-GMO, human-grade ingredients, pesticide-free veggies
- Each recipe was created by a vet nutritionist to ensure they’re healthy, delicious, and nutritionally balanced
- Money-back guarantee
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Sous-vide cooking retains 20-40% more nutrients than traditional cooking
Pricing (at time of writing):
71-80 lbs – $99.50 per week full plan, $49.75 per week partial plan
60-70 lbs – $89.98/week full plan, $44.99/week partial plan
51-59 lbs – $75.50/week full plan, $37.75/week partial plan
Recipe Options:
You can choose between full and partial meal plans. There is also an a la carte option to try the food before signing up for a monthly subscription service.
The 3 flavors are:
- Texas Beef Stew
- Turkey Pawella
- Porky’s Luau
Ingredients:
Texas Beef Stew: Ground Beef, Beef Liver, Green Peas, Tomato, Russet Potatoes. Carrots, Non-GMO Canola Oil, MonocaIcium Phosphate. Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Copper Sulfate. Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Turkey Pawella: Ground Turkey, Turkey Liver, Tomatoes, Carrots, Green Peas, Rice, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement
Porky’s Luau: Ground Pork, Pork Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Pineapple, 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.
User Reviews:
Most users raved about how much their dog loved the flavor of Grocery Pup, with comments about how it also improved their dog’s energy or stomach issues. The few complaints were primarily about the packaging.
Bottom Line:
We love that Grocery Pup uses sous-vide cooking, even though they don’t offer single-serving packaging. The opportunity to try each flavor a la carte without needing to sign up for a subscription service first is a great offering that the other companies don’t have. Dogs love the flavor and seem to do well on it.
Be sure to check out our full Grocery Pup Review.
Spot & Tango
Unlike some of their competitors, Spot & Tango uses locally-sourced ingredients “from local farmers and suppliers who share our values.” The meals are made fresh in New York just days before being shipped, so the food is as fresh as possible when it arrives at your door.
Spot & Tango is one of the only companies that includes eco-conscious packaging, which is a plus. On the downside, they only have 3 recipes to choose from.
Notable Qualities and Features
- Human-grade, all-natural ingredients
- Cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to maximize nutrient availability, flavor, and food safety
- No artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers
- Meals are shipped in eco-conscious, environmentally friendly boxes made from 100% recycled paper and insulated with green cell foam, a biodegradable material made from cornstarch
- Created by a team of experts, including veterinarians, food scientists, and animal nutritionists
- Recipes are formulated to meet key vitamin and mineral requirements as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
- Antibiotic and hormone-free meats; nutritionally dense, leafy green spinach; and gluten-free red quinoa seeds are some of the superfood ingredients
- Risk-free money-back trial
- 50% off the first two weeks
Pricing (at time of writing):
Turkey & Red Quinoa
90 lbs – $99.89 per week full plan, $39.87 per week partial plan
70 lbs – $81.64/week full plan, $34.93/week partial plan
50 lbs – $59.24/week full plan, $27.55/week partial plan
Beef Millet
90 lbs – $107.41/week full plan, $42.88/week partial plan
70 lbs – $87.78/week full plan, $37.56/week partial plan
50 lbs – $63.70/week full plan, $29.63/week partial plan
Lamb & Brown Rice
90 lbs – $152.53/week full plan, $60.88/week partial plan
70 lbs – $124.65/week full plan, $48.82/week partial plan
50 lbs – $90.45/week full plan, $38.52/week partial plan
Recipe Options:
The 3 flavors are:
- Turkey & Red Quinoa
- Beef & Millet
- Lamb & Brown Rice
Ingredients:
Turkey & Red Quinoa: Turkey, Red Quinoa, Apple, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Eggs, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals
Beef & Millet: Beef, Millet, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals
Lamb & Brown Rice: Lamb, Brown Rice, Blueberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals
User Reviews:
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any user reviews, but Spot & Tango ranked well on other review sites.
Bottom Line:
If you’re especially concerned about the environment, Spot & Tango may be the best way to go. With their eco-friendly packaging and close relationships with their supplying farms, they seem to be the company most concerned with the future of the planet in addition to your dog’s health and wellness.
Additional Fresh Food Delivery Services For Dogs
Two more fresh dog food brands have entered our list that have gained quite the reputation and following: The Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs. Let’s learn more about these two fresh dog food delivery companies.
The Farmer’s Dog
Unlike many of the other dog food delivery services on our list, The Farmer’s Dog never freezes their food. It arrives fresh to your door, not frozen, within a few days of being cooked. The food is made from human-grade ingredients in USDA kitchens and sent in pre-proportioned packaging based on your dog’s nutritional needs.
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Always fresh, never frozen
- Comes in pre-proportioned packaging
- Eco-friendly packaging
- 3 recipes
Pricing (at time of writing):
Full plans only
90 lbs – $88.43/week (turkey only), $69.80/week (beef only), $86.72/week (pork only), $86.39/week (all 3 flavors)
70 lbs – $70.35/week (turkey only), $66.88/week (beef only), $68.71/week (pork only), $68.53/week (all 3 flavors)
50 lbs – $59.00/week (turkey only), $51.43/week (beef only), $57.77/week (pork only), $52.73 /week (all 3 flavors)
Recipe Options:
The Farmer’s Dog offers 3 recipes: turkey, beef, and pork.
Ingredients:
Turkey: USDA Turkey, parsnips, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, spinach, fish oil, Vitamins & Minerals [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]
Beef: USDA Beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver, water, kale, sunflower seeds, fish oil, Vitamins & Minerals [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]
Pork: USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower, USDA pork liver, fish oil, Vitamins & Minerals [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]
User Reviews:
There are hardly any complaints to be found about this food. Most owners report that their dogs “LOVE” it, even picky dogs. Owners report their dogs losing weight and gaining energy.
Bottom Line:
Unless (like one reviewer) your dog is allergic to turkey, beef, and pork, The Farmer’s Dog is a great option for your pup.
Just Food For Dogs
Just Food For Dogs had their food independently tested. In a study over the course of a year, dogs were deemed healthy throughout and many dogs saw changes in their bloodwork indicating an improved immune system. That alone tells you this food is unlike any other for your dog.
Beyond that, Just Food For Dogs offers 7 regular fresh frozen recipes, 4 pantry fresh varieties, 6 DIY Kits with recipes and nutrient blends, 8 prescription diets, and even custom diets for dogs with complicated health issues. Additionally, they sell treats and supplements.
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Wide variety of diets to choose from
- Prescription and custom diets are available
- Available in some stores and vet clinics
- Lightly cooked, then immediately frozen
Pricing (at time of writing):
There are far too many flavors to provide prices for all of them. However, here are a few sample price estimates (each food has different calorie amounts and your dog will require different amounts based on the food):
90-lb-dog:
Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni for Dogs (fresh frozen) $78.58/week
Beef & Russet Potato for Dogs (fresh frozen) $99.58/week
Venison & Squash for Dogs (fresh frozen) $297.15/week
Pantry Fresh Chicken & White Rice $116.55/week
Pantry Fresh Lamb & Brown Rice for Dogs $139.88
50-lb-dog:
Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni for Dogs (fresh frozen) $52.38/week
Beef & Russet Potato for Dogs (fresh frozen) $65.44
Venison & Squash for Dogs (fresh frozen) $148.58
Pantry Fresh Chicken & White Rice $69.93
Pantry Fresh Lamb & Brown Rice for Dogs $83.93
Recipe Options:
Here’s a list of all the different recipes Just Food For Dogs offers:
Fresh Frozen flavors:
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Beef & Russet Potato
- Chicken & White Rice
- Fish & Sweet Potato
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni
- Venison & Squash
Pantry Fresh flavors:
- Beef & Russet Potato
- Chicken & White Rice
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni
Just Support (prescription) flavors:
- Balanced Remedy
- Critical Care Support
- Derm Support Fish
- Hepatic Support Low Fat
- Joint & Skin Support
- Metabolic Support Low Fat
- Renal Support Low Protein
- Renal Support Moderate Protein
DIY Nutrient Blend Flavors:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Fish
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Venison
Ingredients:
We don’t have room to list the ingredients for every recipe, but here are ingredients from a few recipes to give you a general idea of the ingredient quality.
Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni for Dogs (fresh frozen): USDA Certified Ground Turkey, USDA Certified Turkey Liver, Whole Wheat Macaroni, Carrots, Zucchini, Broccoli, Cranberries, Omega Plus Fish Oil, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Blend.
Venison & Squash for Dogs (fresh frozen): Ground Venison, Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Cranberries, Safflower Oil, Omega Plus Fish Oil, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Blend
Pantry Fresh Beef & Russet Potato for Dogs: USDA Certified Ground Beef, USDA Certified Beef Heart, Russet Potato, Carrots, Sweet Potato, Green Beans, Safflower oil, Egg Whites, Apples, Green Peas, Potato Starch, Cod Liver Oil, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Blend
Derm Support Fish Diet for Dogs (prescription): Wild Caught Salmon, Alaskan Pacific Wild Caught Cod, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca, Sunflower oil, Flaxseed Oil, JustFoodForDogs Nutrient Blend
Hepatic Support Low Fat Diet for Dogs (prescription): Alaskan Pacific Wild Caught Cod, Eggs, Sweet Potatoes, Long Grain White Rice (Enriched), Broccoli, Zucchini, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Omega Plus Fish Oil, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Blend
User Reviews:
Not every dog likes every flavor. However, most people had good things to say about this fresh dog food, especially the prescription diets. Most of the taste complaints seem to be the pantry-fresh varieties rather than the fresh frozen varieties.
Bottom Line:
Just Food For Dogs has by far the most variety of any of the fresh food delivery services for dogs. It’s also the only one with scientific studies backing it up.
The rare odd dog may not like one or two flavors, but this is generally a great choice for most dogs. Ordering is complicated because it’s entirely based on how many calories your dog needs, so the amount of food you need to buy can vary greatly depending on the flavor.
Switching Your Dog’s Food
You may already know that abruptly switching your dog from one food to another can upset their stomach. This may be especially true when you’re switching your dog from kibble to fresh dog food delivery.
It’s best to start by mixing a little bit of the new food in with a lot of your dog’s old food. Each day, gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food you give your dog.
Most of the companies on this list offer partial-plan options, which can be a great way to slowly transition your dog from kibble to fresh dog food.
Does My Dog Need Raw Food?
As a pet owner, you must have noticed that your dog loves raw foods, especially meats. They love chewing on raw meat, veggies, and fruits. While you are relieved that your pup likes the food, does your dog need raw food?
While you may like the idea of feeding raw and fresh food to your dog, it is not a great option, and you should avoid it.
As long as raw food is limited to veggies like kale and celery, it is fine. Even your dog’s favorite fruit won’t harm it, but raw meat or meat products are dangerous. So let’s learn more about raw food’s suitability for your dog.
Pros of raw food:
Raw food has some benefits for sure. Some dog parents believe that raw foods are fresher and better for dogs. In addition, the nutrients and vitamins are natural in most cases, which is also better for dogs.
Besides, they have more energy, which is better for your dog in the long run. Your dog will also need less food, giving it less chance of becoming overweight. Last, raw dog foods result in healthier coats and stronger teeth in your dog.
Cons of raw food
The biggest disadvantage of raw food is the presence of pathogens in them. Once ingested, these foods can cause serious problems in your dog and even prove fatal to your dog. In certain cases, these pathogens find their way through and affect humans.
Salmonella is a common pathogen that can be present in raw foods, and if ingested, it can reach your dog’s intestinal tract and cause acute inflammation. This is a serious condition and needs medical assistance.
FAQs
Some of the best fresh dog food delivery are Pet Plate, Spot & Tango, Ollie, NomNomNow, and Grocery Pup.
All of these brands offer the best fresh food solution for your dog. But, of course, you can always choose from the list of fresh ingredients and have the best food for your canine friend.
The cost of fresh dog food depends on certain factors. The main factors are the packet’s size and the ingredients you choose for the food. These foods have a lot of choices, like beef, turkey, and pork, and the meat you choose directly affects the food cost.
For instance, if you are choosing Spot & Tango, 90 pounds of fresh dog food with red quinoa and turnkey would cost around USD 100, and the same amount of food with beef in it would cost around USD 108.
Yes, certain fresh dog food delivery services are considered to be better than the Farmer’s dog brand. For instance, NomNomNow (known as NomNom these days) is better in some aspects.
When compared to the Farmer’s dog, it is more affordable. Besides, they use fresh and top-grade ingredients to prepare the food for your dog, which it punctually delivers to your door. They also have a reputation for providing flawless customer service.
Freshpet dog food can be more expensive, which they charge for fresh ingredients. You may also have to store the dog food rolls next to your food in the refrigerator, which can spread aromas from the dog food to yours.
If your dog likes to eat small portions at regular intervals, Freshpet products might not be the best option, as you need to store them in the fridge after a while.
Last, since they don’t deliver the food to your doorstep, you will have to step out to purchase it every time.
Not really. Freshpet is a high-protein premium quality dog food that is preferred all across the globe. Recently, they recalled one of their food products as they suspected salmonella contamination in it.
But according to credible sources (including the company’s report), they didn’t receive any confirmation about their food product making dogs ill.
Yes, most dog owners believe that for their furry friend, fresh food is better than kibble. Fresh food is far more controllable and is more wholesome. In addition, you can decide what ingredients you want to add to your dog’s meal.
Besides, you can consult an animal nutritionist or a veterinarian and provide them with your dog’s health conditions. Then, they can provide you with the best food solution for your dog.
No. Most vets are not in favor of feeding fresh and raw foods to your dogs. They believe that one should not give any protein source to your dog that has not been processed properly to kill pathogens.
Otherwise, these pathogens can cause serious illnesses in dogs, which can sometimes be transmitted to humans. This can have sincere implications for both the pet and its owners.
Some healthiest food items you should feed your dog are oats, eggs, peas, salmon, corn, meat products, mushrooms, coconut, apples, carrots, watermelon, and mushrooms. Besides, broth from bones, peanut butter, and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and goat milk are also beneficial for your dog.
While some of these food items aids in digestion, heals guts, improve liver health, and reduce inflammation, others reduce joint pains, strengthen bones, improve the coat and the eyesight of your dog, and support brain functions
Final Words
Hopefully, we’ve helped you pick out one or two top contenders for the best fresh dog food delivery services that will work the best for you and your pup. Fresh dog food is a great way to feed your dog a healthy diet without taking the time to cook up massive batches of food at home, and fresh dog food delivery services are arguably the most convenient way to feed your dog.
Resources
[wpdatatable id=67]Jennifer Nelson is a passionate dog lover and pet care professional based in Denver, Colorado. With over 12 years of experience as a pet groomer, Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the health and well-being of dogs.
She is an accomplished pet care professional and writer who truly embodies the spirit of a dog lover. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to the dog community make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the care and wellbeing of these wonderful animals.
Jennifer’s writing style is warm, engaging, and informative, and her articles are always well-researched and backed by her extensive professional experience. Her goal is to provide readers with valuable insights and advice on all aspects of dog care, from feeding and grooming to exercise and health.