10 Fresh Dog Foods Evaluated & Compared

The Pets Table Dog Food Review

By Carl Uy Reviewed by Petful Veterinary Team Published Jul 22, 2025 Updated Sep 30, 2025
the pets table dog food review
7.4 Overall Score
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced87.5
Macronutrient distribution88.0
Nutrient density47.5
Digestibility & bioavailability58.0
7.8
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats & organs88.0
Meals & legumes46.5
Artificial additives & preservatives48.0
Processing retention47.0
7.4
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing88.0
Traceability oversight47.0
Certifications/testing46.5
Transparency gaps46.5
7.2
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control58.0
Safety handling57.5
Scientific oversight57.0
7.5
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials57.0
Peer-reviewed studies46.5
6.8
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.58.0
User feedback2.57.5
7.8
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.57.5
Claim accuracy2.57.0
7.3
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing16.5
6.5
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Made In:USA
Sourced From:Human-grade meats & produce
Breed Size:All breeds
Price Range:$$ - $$$ (mid to premium)
Food Form:Fresh, Air-Dried
Special Diet:Vet-developed; no artificial additives
The Pets Table delivers customizable, vet-developed meal plans using human-grade, AAFCO-compliant ingredients. With flexible options including Fresh, Air-Dried, Mixed, and 50% Fresh Portions, it suits picky eaters and budget-minded owners alike. Developed with a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist and made in the USA, The Pets Table emphasizes clean ingredients, gut health support, and convenience—backed by a risk-free 2-week trial.

Our Verdict

The Pets Table Dog Food Review

7.4Overall Score
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced87.5
Macronutrient distribution88.0
Nutrient density47.5
Digestibility & bioavailability58.0
7.8
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats & organs88.0
Meals & legumes46.5
Artificial additives & preservatives48.0
Processing retention47.0
7.4
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing88.0
Traceability oversight47.0
Certifications/testing46.5
Transparency gaps46.5
7.2
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall/control58.0
Safety handling57.5
Scientific oversight57.0
7.5
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials57.0
Peer-reviewed studies46.5
6.8
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.58.0
User feedback2.57.5
7.8
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.57.5
Claim accuracy2.57.0
7.3
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing16.5
6.5

The Pets Table stands out as one of the more accessible fresh dog food services, offering both fresh-cooked and air-dried meals at price points below many competitors. With recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists, USDA-inspected kitchens, and human-grade ingredients, it provides a strong balance of nutritional adequacy and convenience. Its flexible feeding plans - including full fresh, mixed feeding, and 50% fresh portions - make it appealing for pet parents who want healthier meals without committing to the highest subscription costs. Where The Pets Table excels is in its clean ingredient lists, portion control, and above-average palatability, giving most dogs a positive feeding experience. However, transparency is still developing: sourcing details remain high-level, feeding trials are not documented, and sustainability commitments are limited. Overall, it is a solid choice for pet owners seeking better nutrition at a more budget-friendly price, but it trails the most established fresh food brands in scientific validation and eco-initiatives.

Pros
  • Recipes developed with veterinary nutritionist oversight
  • Human-grade meats and vegetables with no artificial additives
  • Flexible feeding plans (fresh, air-dried, mixed, 50% fresh)
  • Competitive pricing compared to most fresh dog food brands
  • Generally strong palatability and acceptance among dogs
Cons
  • No documented AAFCO feeding trials or peer-reviewed studies
  • Ingredient sourcing transparency is limited beyond USDA approval
  • Packaging not fully eco-friendly; limited sustainability disclosures
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Change Log

Updated Aug 12, 2025: Initial The Pets Table Food product review published on Petful by Carl Uy.
Updated May 20, 2025: Wuffes Advanced Hip & Joint Support review updated with performance insights, and competitive context. Research and editorial coordination by Carl Uy, in consultation with Carol Bryant.

Score Components

Nutrition

7.8
Macronutrient Distribution
35%
Protein
16%
Fat
30%
Carbohydrates
The Pets Table's meals are formulated to meet AAFCO standards and developed with veterinary nutritionists. With fresh and air-dried formats, the brand offers balanced options that fit a range of dogs, though calorie density may require mindful portioning for less active pets.
  • AAFCO complete & balanced: Recipes are formulated to AAFCO standards and marketed as complete and balanced for appropriate life stages.
  • Macronutrient distribution: Fresh recipes trend toward moderate protein (~30-36% DM), balanced fat (~16-18% DM), and moderate carbs (~30-35% DM). Air-dried options skew higher in protein and fat with lower carbs, making them more calorie dense.
  • Nutrient density: Fresh-cooked meals are moderate in calories per ounce, while air-dried formulas are higher; portion control is important for weight-prone or sedentary dogs.
  • Digestibility & bioavailability: Human-grade ingredients and gentle processing support digestibility; air-dried retains nutrients better than typical extruded kibble.
This profile offers solid nutritional value for most adult dogs. Monitor calories with air-dried recipes and adjust portions to activity level; consult your veterinarian for specific needs.

Ingredients

7.4
The Pets Table emphasizes clean, human-grade ingredients with fresh meats and vegetables. The formulas avoid artificial additives and preservatives and come in fresh-cooked and air-dried formats. Ingredient quality is generally strong, though reliance on legumes in some recipes and nutrient losses from processing warrant minor deductions.
  • Whole meats & organs: Named meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb lead the recipes, with organ meats included for natural micronutrients.
  • Meals & legumes: Some air-dried formulas include legumes or pea protein, which can inflate reported protein and merit moderation.
  • Artificial additives & preservatives: No synthetic colors or artificial preservatives are called out; preservation relies on formulation and processing.
  • Processing retention: Fresh-cooked meals retain more nutrients than extruded kibble; air-dried is moderately processed with better retention than extrusion.
Overall, The Pets Table reflects a whole-food approach with named meats and minimal additives. Minor deductions stem from legume use and processing impacts, but ingredient quality remains a clear strength.

Sourcing

7.2
The Pets Table highlights human-grade meats and vegetables prepared in USDA-inspected kitchens. While animal proteins are clearly named, details about geographic origins and third-party certifications are limited compared to the most transparent fresh-food brands.
  • Named sourcing: Recipes specify named meats like chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb alongside whole produce.
  • Traceability oversight: Prepared in USDA-inspected kitchens, but supplier audits and farm-level traceability are not fully described.
  • Certifications/testing: No clear mention of third-party certifications such as SQF, organic, or non-GMO.
  • Transparency gaps: Ingredient origin details remain high level without specific regional or farm identifiers.
Overall, sourcing practices align with human-grade standards but would benefit from deeper transparency, audit details, and recognized certifications.

Safety

7.5
The Pets Table shows a solid safety posture with USDA-inspected kitchens and veterinary nutritionist involvement. The brand has no known recalls to date, and formats (frozen fresh and air-dried) help limit spoilage and contamination risk. Public details on third-party audits and expanded in-house testing are limited, which tempers the top-end score.
  • Recall/control: No recalls reported; production under USDA oversight adds process safeguards.
  • Safety handling: Portioned meals shipped frozen or as air-dried to preserve quality and reduce handling risks.
  • Scientific oversight: Formulated with veterinary nutritionist input; limited disclosure on broader QC testing programs.
Overall, safety practices are above mass-market norms, but more transparency on audits and testing would strengthen confidence further.

Feeding Trials

6.8
The Pets Table emphasizes veterinary nutritionist development and AAFCO compliance, but it does not publicly document formal AAFCO feeding trials or peer-reviewed studies. This is common among newer fresh-food brands, yet it caps the scientific support score versus brands with published trials.
  • AAFCO trials: Recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles; no evidence of full AAFCO feeding trials shared.
  • Peer-reviewed studies: No independent clinical studies published specific to The Pets Table; adequacy relies on formulation rather than demonstrated feeding results.
Overall, the absence of documented trials limits top-end credibility, though board-certified veterinary nutritionist formulation provides baseline assurance.

Taste

7.8
The Pets Table's recipes center on high-quality meats and whole-food ingredients, supporting strong natural taste appeal. Fresh-cooked meals are widely accepted, while air-dried options intensify flavor. Most dogs respond enthusiastically, though a few picky eaters may prefer certain proteins over others.
  • Flavor formulation: Real meats and organ meats deliver robust natural flavor without artificial coatings.
  • User feedback: Reviews indicate generally strong acceptance, with occasional variability tied to protein preferences.
Overall, The Pets Table performs well on taste, offering appealing, minimally processed recipes that most dogs enjoy.

Labeling

7.3
The Pets Table's packaging and website materials are generally clear, with guaranteed analysis, AAFCO statements, and practical feeding guidance. Marketing language leans on human-grade and vet-developed claims; these are typical for the category but could be documented more explicitly.
  • Nutritional info: Guaranteed analysis and AAFCO complete & balanced statements are presented; feeding guides and calorie info help with portioning, though per-recipe kcal clarity could be stronger.
  • Claim accuracy: Human-grade, vet-developed, and gut-health claims align with the products, but public documentation and references are limited in places.
Overall, labeling is above average for clarity and practicality, with room to improve claim substantiation and per-recipe calorie transparency.

Sustainability

6.5
The Pets Table notes some sustainability considerations via portion-controlled meals and recyclable shipping materials, but public details on eco-focused sourcing or packaging programs are limited. Frozen and air-dried formats ship in recyclable boxes with insulation; however, meal pouches are not described as biodegradable or compostable.
  • Sustainable sourcing: No explicit environmental certifications or supplier standards are detailed.
  • Packaging practices: Recyclable cardboard and insulation are used for shipping; limited information on pouch recyclability.
Overall, there is baseline sustainability awareness in packaging, but clearer goals, certifications, and supply-chain transparency would strengthen this area.

Ingredients Composition

ComponentApprox. PercentageRole in Formula
USDA meats & organs~50-55%Primary protein source; essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
Fresh vegetables & fruits~20-30%Fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for immune and digestive health
Legumes or starches (recipe-dependent)~10-20%Digestible carbohydrates for energy; includes peas, lentils, or potatoes
Added vitamins & mineralsTrace amountsFortification ensures AAFCO-compliant complete and balanced nutrition

Differences

As highlighted in our The Pets Table dog food review, the brand offers a personalized meal subscription service built around vet-developed, human-grade recipes. Designed to suit a variety of pet parent preferences and budgets, its plans include four distinct formats each crafted to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages. Available formats and recipes include:
  • Fresh Plan: Delivered frozen and made with real meats, vegetables, and superfoods. Recipes include Chicken Casserole with Green Beans, Beef Stew with Carrots, Pork Stew with Butternut Squash, and more.
  • Air-Dried Plan: Gently cooked at low heat and shelf-stable, this is a healthier alternative to kibble. Includes options like Chicken & Sweet Potato, Salmon & Whitefish with Pumpkin, and Beef & Berries.
  • Mixed Plan: The most popular plan, offering a 50/50 calorie split between Fresh and Air-Dried meals. It combines variety and convenience with balanced nutrition.
  • Half-Fresh Plan: A more affordable option delivering 50% of your dog’s caloric needs in Fresh meals intended to be mixed with your existing food.
Additional options:
  • Add-ons: Treats and supplements, including Belly Bites for gut health, Happy Bites Chicken treats, and vet-formulated soft chews for hip & joint or digestion.
  • Meal Customization: Customers take a quiz to personalize meal plans based on their dog’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary needs.
All plans are available via recurring subscription, with an optional 2-week trial box and a 100% money-back guarantee. Products are shipped direct-to-consumer and manufactured in the USA.

Competitors

We Feed Raw: Balanced raw meals made with whole meat, organ, and bone ideal for pet parents seeking a biologically appropriate, minimally processed diet with added safety via HPP. Nom Nom: Board‑certified veterinary nutritionist-designed fresh meals, gently cooked and pre-portioned, ideal for sensitive or picky eaters Freshpet: Refrigerated, steam-cooked fresh food made in the USA with visible high‑quality proteins and vegetables, available in stores for convenient non-subscription feeding

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is The Pets Table?

Meals start at approximately $1.59 per meal for Air-Dried plans and $2.70 per meal for Fresh plans, with pricing depending on your dog’s size and selected plan.

Who owns The Pets Table?

The Pets Table is owned by HelloFresh, a global meal kit delivery company.

Is The Pets Table a good dog food?

Yes, The Pets Table is considered a high-quality dog food, made with human-grade ingredients, developed with veterinary nutritionists, and formulated to meet AAFCO standards.

How do I cancel my Pets Table subscription?

You can cancel your subscription by logging into your account at thepetstable.com, navigating to your account settings, and selecting “Cancel Subscription” before your next order processes.

Feeding Instructions

These tables provide general daily feeding estimates for The Pets Table. Portions vary depending on recipe type (Fresh vs. Air-Dried), calorie density, and your dog's age, weight, and activity level. Always check your personalized feeding plan and product packaging for the most accurate guidance.
Weight (lbs)Fresh (cups/day)*Air-Dried (cups/day)*
5 - 101/4 - 2/3 cup1/8 - 1/3 cup
11 - 202/3 - 1 1/4 cups1/3 - 2/3 cup
21 - 401 1/4 - 2 1/4 cups2/3 - 1 1/3 cups
41 - 602 1/4 - 3 1/4 cups1 1/3 - 2 cups
61 - 803 1/4 - 4 cups2 - 2 2/3 cups
81 - 1004 - 5 cups2 2/3 - 3 1/3 cups
*Estimates are based on average calorie density of The Pets Table Fresh and Air-Dried recipes. Divide into two meals per day. Adjust portions according to body condition, activity level, and veterinary guidance.

Feeding Guidelines

Transition Guide for The Pets Table
  • Start gradually: Mix The Pets Table meals with your dog's current food over the first week.
  • Increase the portion of The Pets Table every 2-3 days until reaching 100% by the end of the first week.
  • The brand also offers a 2-week trial box to ease the transition and monitor acceptance.
Handling & Storage Tips: Fresh meals can be kept frozen for up to 6 months or refrigerated for up to 7 days; thaw in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours before serving. Air-Dried meals are shelf-stable for up to 6 months when stored sealed in a cool, dry place. Always wash hands, utensils, and bowls after handling pet food.
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