5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands Ranked for Quality & Nutrition (2025 Update)

Fresh dog food is transforming the way pet parents think about feeding their pups. Instead of settling for dry kibble filled with fillers, more dog owners are choosing meals that look and smell like real food. The reason? Fresh dog food offers better digestibility, shinier coats, and overall improved wellness. With countless options now on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 fresh dog food brands in 2025 to help you make the best choice.

Why Pet Owners Are Ditching Kibble for Fresh Food

• Gone are the days of blindly scooping dry food into a bowl. Today’s pet parents want transparency and top-tier nutrition. Fresh dog food answers that demand with:

• Whole, recognizable ingredients like chicken, turkey, carrots, and brown rice

• Zero artificial preservatives, by-products, or mystery fillers

• Vet-formulated recipes tailored for all ages and health conditions

• Better palatability—even for picky eaters

• Customizable plans based on breed, weight, and activity level

What Makes a Fresh Dog Food Brand Stand Out?

Not all fresh dog foods are created equal. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

• Human-grade meats and USDA-approved produce

• Customized meal plans designed for your pup’s individual needs

• Total ingredient transparency with full sourcing info

• Convenient packaging and delivery options

• Input from veterinary nutrition experts

#1 – Ollie: Vet-Formulated Recipes with Real Ingredients

Website: myollie.com

Overview: Ollie is a top-tier brand in the fresh dog food world. Each recipe is crafted with input from vets and made with human-grade ingredients to support lifelong health.

What’s in Ollie Dog Food?

Each meal includes:

• Proteins: Turkey, beef, chicken, or lamb

• Veggies: Sweet potatoes, peas, spinach, carrots

• Superfoods: Chia seeds, fish oil

• Supplements: Vitamins, minerals, cod liver oil

Meals arrive fresh-frozen in easy-to-store packaging.

Pros & Cons of Ollie

#2 – Spot & Tango: Fresh and Unkibble Options for Every Dog

Website: spotandtango.com

Overview: Spot & Tango offers two ways to feed your dog fresh: fully cooked meals or “Unkibble,” a shelf-stable, air-dried version with the same high standards.

How Spot & Tango Is Different

• Offers both Fresh Recipes and Unkibble (air-dried, shelf-stable).

• Includes unique ingredients like apple cider vinegar and millet.

• Personalized feeding plans based on an online questionnaire.

Spot & Tango Pros & Cons

#3 – The Farmer’s Dog: Human-Grade Dog Food Made Simple

Website: thefarmersdog.com

Overview: A pioneer in the fresh dog food movement, The Farmer’s Dog delivers pre-portioned, vet-approved meals using high-quality, real food.

Ingredient Profile of The Farmer’s Dog

• Proteins: Turkey, pork, beef

• Veggies: Green beans, kale, chickpeas

• Oils: Fish oil, sunflower oil

• Vet-approved recipes for all life stages

The Farmer’s Dog Pros & Cons

#4 – FreshPet: Convenient Retail-Ready Fresh Meals

Website: freshpet.com

Overview: FreshPet is widely available in grocery stores, making it an easy way to dip your toe into the world of fresh feeding—no subscription required.

FreshPet Food Varieties

• Available in rolls, pouches, and single-serve containers

• Offers grain-free and grain-inclusive options

• Real meat is the first ingredient in every recipe

Pros & Cons of FreshPet

#5 – Just Food For Dogs: Prescription & Custom Diets

Website: justfoodfordogs.com

Overview: Ideal for dogs with unique health needs, Just Food For Dogs provides prescription diets, custom plans, and even DIY kits—all backed by veterinary science.

What Makes Just Food For Dogs Unique

• Offers DIY kits and Rx diets prescribed by veterinarians.

• Open kitchens in retail locations.

• Focuses on scientific research and peer-reviewed studies.

Pros & Cons of Just Food For Dogs

How to Choose the Best Fresh Dog Food Brand for Your Pup

The best fresh food brand for your dog depends on several factors:

• Age, size, and activity level

• Dietary sensitivities or allergies

• Behavioral quirks (like picky eating)

• Any medical conditions

• Your budget and freezer space

When in doubt, start with a trial and talk to your veterinarian for guidance.

FAQs About Fresh Dog Food

1. Is fresh dog food better than kibble?

Yes—fresh meals often use real, whole ingredients and avoid the preservatives and fillers common in kibble.

2.  Will it help with digestion?

Most likely. Many pet parents notice more regular bowel movements, less gas, and improved appetite.

3. Can puppies eat fresh food?

Yes, if the recipe is designed for growing pups. Many brands offer puppy-specific formulations.

4. How long does fresh food last?

Frozen meals can stay good for up to 6 months. Refrigerated versions typically last 5–7 days once opened.

5. Do I need to ask my vet before switching?

Always a smart idea—especially for dogs with medical issues or dietary restrictions.

6. Can I make fresh dog food myself?

You can, but hitting the right nutrient balance is hard. Brands like Just Food For Dogs offer vet-guided DIY kits if you want to try.

Final Thoughts: Which Fresh Dog Food Brand is Best?

Whether you want ultimate customization (Ollie), convenience (FreshPet), or a science-backed diet (Just Food For Dogs), there’s a fresh dog food option that fits your lifestyle and your pup’s needs. Making the switch to fresh might be one of the best investments in your dog’s long-term health and happiness.