Why dog food brands matter

The food your dog eats plays an important role in their overall well-being. Many pet owners find that a diet tailored to their pet’s unique needs—whether based on age, breed, or health conditions—can help support digestion, energy levels, and even their coat’s appearance. While the impact of better nutrition varies for each pet, it may also contribute to long-term wellness and happiness.

Our reviews provide more information about the brands we trust to meet these standards and go the extra mile to create the best food for pets. Learn about each brand’s fresh meals, dry food, variety of recipes, pricing details, customization options, and delivery flexibility, along with side-by-side comparisons of similar brands, to help you find the right match for your pet’s needs.

How we compare the best fresh dog food

At FindPetFood.com, we do the research so you don’t have to. These are just some of the questiosn we ask when comparing the best fresh dog food brands:

• Are the recipes made with high-quality ingredients that promote better health?


• Can meals be customized?


• What do other pet owners say about the brand’s products and services?


• Is the food easy to order with reliable delivery?


• Is there an option to try the food before making a long-term commitment, and are refunds available?


• How does the cost compare to similar dog food brands, and is it reasonable for the quality offered?

What to look for in the best fresh dog food

1. Find high-quality dog food brands

Start by reviewing product labels and ingredient lists when searching for high-quality dog food brands. Look for key phrases such as "human-grade" or "premium meat," which typically indicate ingredients that meet higher safety and sourcing standards. Some brands may include “mystery meats,” which can refer to low-grade by-products like cartilage, gristle, bones, and other unidentifiable parts.

Phrases like "no fillers, artificial flavors, or added colors" show the food avoids unnecessary additives such as corn, soy, or artificial ingredients often used to bulk up volume without contributing real nutritional value. A label indicating "high protein" suggests the food is rich in essential nutrients needed for muscle maintenance and energy. Lower-quality foods may rely on incomplete protein sources, such as plant-based ingredients, which can lead to deficiencies and affect a pet’s overall health.

Also, look for "complete" or "balanced nutrition" to ensure the food meets all essential dietary requirements, and phrases like "vet-designed" or "formulated by pet nutritionists," which imply that the recipes were developed with professional guidance to reduce the need for extra vitamins or supplements.

2. Choose a diet designed for your pet

Next, consider choosing a diet designed for your specific pet. Age is a key factor—make sure the food is appropriate for puppies, adults, or senior pets. Health conditions should also be taken into account, especially if your pet has issues like a sensitive stomach or needs joint support. Some foods are designed for specific breeds, whether small, medium, or large, and others are created for pets with allergies, offering hypoallergenic or grain-free recipes.

You may also want to consider whether cooked or raw dog food works better for your pet, as well as their energy or calorie requirements—does the food provide enough energy for an active dog or is it suitable for a more sedentary pet?

3. Pick a plan that fits their lifestyle, and yours

Finally, pick a plan that fits both your pet’s lifestyle and your own. Subscription-based fresh dog food delivery plans are available and often begin with a short online quiz to determine your pet’s ideal meal plan. These services provide food customized to meet specific needs and deliver it according to your feeding preferences.

Fresh food plans typically include meals made with whole ingredients, delivered frozen and thawed in the fridge for convenient portion control. Dry kibble plans are a more traditional and cost-effective option that offers easy storage and serving. Some owners prefer combination plans, mixing both fresh and dry food depending on their dog’s dietary requirements. Half fresh plans offer smaller portions of fresh food that can be blended with current meals—a great way to introduce higher-quality food without committing to a full fresh-only diet.

Fresh dog food delivery vs. dry pet food

Potential benefits of fresh food for dogs

Improved digestion – Pets with sensitive stomachs may respond well to foods designed to be easier to digest.

Healthier skin and coat – Nutrient-rich meals might support skin health and a shinier coat.

Increased energy – Balanced nutrition could help promote a more active lifestyle.

Weight management – Portion-controlled meals tailored to specific dietary needs may assist in maintaining a healthy weight.

Long-term health – Providing better food could potentially lower future veterinary costs by promoting overall wellness.

While every pet is different, many pet owners find that better nutrition plays an important role in supporting their pet’s health and happiness.

Best dog food brands reviews →