Best Fresh Dog Food of 2025: Top-Rated Refrigerated, Frozen, and Subscription Meals Reviewed

Published Jun 18, 2025 Updated Sep 14, 2025
The Farmer's Dog Cost: Photo of dog anticipating The Farmer's Dog, which helps the owner consider pricing for fresh dog food
Fresh dog food is a growing category focused on real, gently cooked meals made with human-grade ingredients. These refrigerated or frozen recipes are designed to support better digestion, healthier coats, and improved energy—offering a major upgrade from traditional kibble. In this guide, we compare top fresh food brands based on ingredient quality, nutrition, convenience, and value.

Best Fresh Dog Food Custom Meal Plan

Overall Score

8.8
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced810.0
Macronutrient distribution86.5
Nutrient density49.0
Digestibility & bioavailability59.0
8.5
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats / organs88.8
Meals & legumes44.0
Artificial additives & preservatives44.0
Processing retention48.0
8.4
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing86.0
Traceability oversight45.0
Certifications / testing46.0
Transparency gaps45.0
8.8
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall / control55.0
Safety handling54.5
Scientific oversight54.5
9.3
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials54.5
Peer-reviewed studies42.0
6.5
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.52.3
User feedback2.52.2
9.0
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.52.0
Claim accuracy2.52.0
8.0
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing10.6
6.0
Made In:United States
Sourced From:United States (general regions; specific farms not disclosed)
Breed Size:All Breeds
Price Range:$$$ (Premium; customized based on dog's weight and calorie needs)
Food Form:Fresh-Cooked, Refrigerated
Special Diet:Human-Grade, Gently Cooked, No By-Products, Grain-Free Option, Vet-Formulated
The Farmer's Dog is one of the most popular fresh dog food delivery services in the U.S. and for good reason. In this farmers dog review, we look at how the company, founded by two dog dads frustrated with the lack of healthy, honest options, offers human-grade, gently cooked meals tailored to your dog's needs and delivered straight to your door.
Review and Test Results

Best Fresh Dog Food for Picky Eaters

Overall Score

8.8
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced810.0
Macronutrient distribution88.1
Nutrient density49.3
Digestibility & bioavailability58.0
8.9
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats/organs810.0
Meals & legumes48.5
Artificial additives & preservatives410.0
Processing retention49.0
9.6
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing810.0
Traceability oversight49.0
Certifications/testing48.5
Transparency gaps48.0
9.0
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control58.4
Safety handling59.2
Scientific oversight59.6
9.1
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials58.0
Peer-reviewed studies47.5
8.5
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.59.5
User feedback2.59.3
9.4
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.59.0
Claim accuracy2.59.0
9.0
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing17.5
7.5
Made In:United States
Sourced From:United States (general regions; specific farms not disclosed)
Breed Size:All Breeds
Price Range:$$$ (Premium; customized based on dog's weight and calorie needs)
Food Form:Fresh-Cooked, Refrigerated
Special Diet:Human-Grade, Gently Cooked, No By-Products, Grain-Free Option, Vet-Formulated, Single-Protein Recipes
Nom Nom delivers vet-formulated, gently cooked, human-grade dog meals, shipped chilled and pre-portioned to your dog's profile.Single-protein recipes (beef, chicken, pork, turkey, lamb) meet AAFCO standards for all life stages; probiotics and treats available.
Review and Test Results

Best Fresh Dog Food for Sensitive Dogs

Overall Score

7.9
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced89.0
Macronutrient distribution87.5
Nutrient density48.0
Digestibility & bioavailability58.0
7.8
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats/organs89.0
Meals & legumes49.0
Artificial additives & preservatives49.0
Processing retention47.5
8.5
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing89.0
Traceability oversight47.5
Certifications/testing48.0
Transparency gaps47.0
8.0
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control58.5
Safety handling58.0
Scientific oversight57.5
8.5
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials56.5
Peer-reviewed studies46.5
6.5
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.58.0
User feedback2.58.0
8.0
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.58.0
Claim accuracy2.57.0
7.5
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing16.5
6.5
Made In:United States
Sourced From:United States (proteins sourced domestically; specific farm-level details not disclosed)
Breed Size:All Breeds
Price Range:$$$ (Premium; cost varies by dog's weight, activity, and protein choice)
Food Form:Raw, Frozen
Special Diet:Raw, Grain-Free, No Legumes, No By-Products, Vet-Formulated
We Feed Raw Dog Food offers nutritionally complete frozen raw meals that are shipped cold and ready to serve—just thaw and feed. In this we feed raw dog food review, we cover how each recipe is formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist and made from high-quality muscle meat, organ meat, and fresh bone, with no grains or fillers. Available in five single-protein options (beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck), these meals are designed to support optimal digestion, healthy weight, and long-term vitality in dogs of all life stages.Founded in memory of a devoted dog lover, We Feed Raw is a family-run company with a mission to do better for dogs through proper nutrition. In addition to their frozen line, they also offer freeze-dried raw meals for added convenience, made with 85% meat and organs plus 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables. All products are responsibly sourced, minimally processed, and manufactured in the USA using a high-pressure cold-water process for food safety.
Review and Test Results

Most Widely Available Fresh Dog Food

Overall Score

7.5
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced88.0
Macronutrient distribution86.0
Nutrient density43.0
Digestibility & bioavailability53.0
8.0
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats & organs88.0
Meals & legumes43.0
Artificial additives & preservatives44.0
Processing retention43.0
9.0
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing87.0
Traceability oversight43.0
Certifications/testing43.0
Transparency gaps42.0
7.5
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control54.0
Safety handling54.0
Scientific oversight53.0
7.3
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO feeding trials52.0
Peer-reviewed studies40.0
2.0
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.52.0
User feedback2.52.0
8.0
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.52.0
Claim accuracy2.52.0
8.0
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing10.5
5.0
Made In:United States (company-owned kitchens in Pennsylvania and Texas)
Sourced From:Animal proteins from USDA-inspected suppliers; produce primarily U.S.-sourced (brand does not publish full farm-level sourcing)
Breed Size:All breeds (with small- and large-breed formulas)
Price Range:$$-$$$ (varies by recipe, pack size, retailer)
Food Form:Refrigerated fresh-cooked rolls, bagged shredded/roasted meals, tubs/cups; fresh treats
Special Diet:Fresh-cooked (not raw), refrigerate-only, grain-free and grain-inclusive options, no artificial preservatives, no rendered meals, vet-nutritionist-guided formulations
Freshpet makes refrigerated dog food with real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Gently steam-cooked, vet-designed, and kept fresh in the fridge.
Review and Test Results

Notable Mentions

Raised Right: Lightly cooked, human-grade meals with limited ingredients and vet-formulated recipes. Ideal for sensitive dogs. A Pup Above: Sous-vide or air-dried meals made with human-grade meats and bone broth. Traceable, clean, and highly palatable. PetPlate: Fresh-cooked, vet-designed meals delivered via subscription. Personalized plans with USDA-certified, human-grade ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze fresh pet dog food?

Yes, most fresh dog food can be frozen to preserve freshness until you’re ready to serve it.

Do veterinarians recommend fresh dog food?

Many veterinarians recommend fresh dog food, especially when it’s formulated to meet AAFCO standards and tailored to a dog’s needs.

What is fresh dog food made of?

Fresh dog food is typically made from human-grade meats, vegetables, and whole food ingredients with minimal processing.

Change Log

Updated May 26, 2025: Initial review of the best dog probiotics published on Petful by Carl Uy.
ProductOverall ScoreTasteSafetyLabelingSourcing NutritionIngredientsFeeding TrialsSustainabilityPrice
8.89.09.38.08.88.58.46.56.0$$$ (Premium; customized based on dog's weight and calorie needs)
8.89.49.19.09.08.99.68.57.5$$$ (Premium; customized based on dog's weight and calorie needs)
8.48.99.59.19.08.69.61.69.0$$$ (Premium; varies by recipe, portion size, and subscription plan)
8.08.28.38.18.08.08.46.36.8$$$ (Subscription based, varies by dog size, recipe, delivery frequency)
7.98.08.57.58.07.88.56.56.5$$$ (Premium; cost varies by dog's weight, activity, and protein choice)
7.98.38.38.28.27.88.06.37.5$$$
7.98.07.48.08.07.88.08.27.5$$$
7.67.58.07.57.57.87.86.86.5$$$
7.58.07.38.07.58.09.02.05.0$$-$$$ (varies by recipe, pack size, retailer)
7.47.87.57.37.27.87.46.86.5$$ - $$$ (mid to premium)