The 10 Best Fresh Dog Food Recipes [Vet Approved]

fresh dog food recipes

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We love spoiling our pups with treats, toys, a fluffy new bed and much more, but one thing that’s more important than anything is making sure your dog is healthy dog. A healthy, nutritious diet is one of the best ways to do that, and a fresh dog food recipe delivery service offer a wide range of healthy meals for your best friend. Many even let you customize a plan based on your dog’s specific needs. 

Check out our top ten delicious and nutritious fresh dog food recipe brands that will have your pup begging for more. From hearty stews with superfoods to protein-pack meals, there’s something for every dog. Let’s get started!

The Best Fresh Dog Food Recipes At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best fresh dog food recipe brands.

You can click this link to go to the reviews, but we encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision about picking a fresh dog food recipe for your dog.

Why You Should Trust Us

What Is A Dog Fresh Dog Food Recipes?

Fresh food recipes for dogs are pretty much exactly what it sounds like, it’s dog food that’s made with fresh and, oftentimes, human-grade ingredients that are high-quality enough for humans to eat. Fresh dog food recipes do not have additives or preservatives. Fresh dog recipes are gently cooked, minimally processed and all-natural.

While many fresh dog recipe brands are on the market, some dog owners prefer to make their own fresh food recipes at home. Read our homemade dog food guide to learn more.

But, if you want a more convenient way to feed fresh dog recipes to your dogs, many fresh dog food recipe delivery companies will send you ready-to-serve dog food meals. Think of fresh dog food delivery services as balanced meals cooked by a vet nutritionist and delivered to your dog. Typically these meal plans offer more cost-effective and healthier options than traditional dog food and are more convenient than cooking the food yourself, saving you time and money.

Why Buy Fresh Dog Food Recipes?

There are several benefits to using a fresh dog food recipe, including:

  • Less risky. Trying to cook fresh recipes comes with associated risks, such as unbalanced meals, unsafe ingredients, overfeeding, etc. A fresh dog food service mitigates those risks as the meals are vet-prepared.
  • Pre-portioned and ready to serve. You don’t need to prepare anything or measure anything. Food is delivered in preportioned bags based on your dog’s calorie needs. It’s as simple as opening them up and pouring them into your pet’s bowl.
  • Save time. Save a trip to the grocery store and avoid the hassle of ingredient shopping and cooking the food yourself.
  • Better nutrition. Unlike kibble, the food is made fresh and contains no chemicals. These services personalize their meals to your dog’s specific profile, such as size, breed, activity level, health conditions, and more.
  • Better health. Balanced fresh dog food (aka, fresh dog food) has been touted to help with specific health problems, such as sensitive stomachs, allergies and dry skin.
  • Caters to dietary needs. They prepare your dog’s meals to meet your pup’s specific nutritional and health needs.
  • Convenience. The food is conveniently delivered right to your door
  • Try need recipes. A great way to introduce dogs to new recipes, especially if you have picky eaters
  • Less food waste. Food waste is a massive global problem. With a fresh meal delivery service, the ingredients can be perfectly portioned for your needs to limit dog food waste.
  • May save you money. While these services are more expensive than regular kibble, they provide better nutrition and support better health, resulting in fewer vet visits in the long run.

Fresh Dog Food Recipe Benefits

Here are some benefits associated with feeding dogs fresh food recipes.

  • Healthier digestions
  • Better skin and coat
  • Helps with food allergies
  • No additives or harmful chemicals
  • Weight management
  • Better stools
  • Cleaner teeth
  • No bad breath
  • Great for picky eaters
  • Energy levels
  • Allergies
  • And much more!

The Research On The Benefits

  • Increased lifespan. Research shows that dogs that eat fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years versus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.[1]
  • Highly processed & oxidative stress kibble. When it comes to cancer, fresh dog food removes the highly processed food from the equation, which is often linked to cancer issues in dogs. Food processing has been shown to cause free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals to be released. With fresh, you no longer have to worry about oxidative stress due to processed food.[2],[3]
  • Healthier ingredients. fresh dog food is typically lower in calories, fat, and sodium than commercial foods and higher in fiber and moisture content.
  • Exceeds nutritional standards. A study by The Farmer’s Dog showed that fresh food is superiorly balanced and exceeds the nutrition standards of traditional dog food.[4]
  • More digestible and has better nutrient absorption than kibble. A study published in Translational Animal Science (a journal published by the American Society of Animal Science) found that fresh dog food promoted lower fecal frequency, higher nutrient digestibility, and greater energy metabolization than even a seemingly nutrient-rich kibble. This means more energy is available for the same amount of food, and fewer nutrients go to waste — better supporting your dog’s growth and maintenance.[5]

What Are The Best Fresh Dog Food Recipes?

Here are our top picks for the best fresh dog food recipes this year.

Our ranking and reviews are based on several factors, including the quality of ingredients, the level of customization for your dog’s specific needs, company reputation, customer service, customer reviews, packaging, pricing, and more.

We’ve also ranked our winners based on different categories in which they excel to help you pick the best food that fits your dog’s unique needs.


Best Overall The Farmer’s Dog

Our rating: 4.9

The Farmer’s Dog is one of the most popular fresh dog food recipe companies, and for a good reason. They use high-quality, fresh ingredients sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards. You can customize your pup’s meals to their specific needs, whether for allergies, weight management, or a picky eater. Recipes are preportioned to your dog’s weight, breed, and activity level and delivered directly to your door. 

And since the food is cooked fresh, it’s highly nutritious and flavorful. Plus, there are no preservatives or fillers. The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent option for dogs of all shapes and sizes. A vet nutritionist formulates their recipes, and they never use feed-grade ingredients. With over 200+ million meals delivered, it’s the best all-around fresh dog food recipe.

Our readers have access to save 50% off their first The Farmer’s Dog order. No code is needed, just use this link, and the discount will be applied.


Best Balanced Fresh Dog Food Recipes Nom Nom

Our rating: 4.8

Nom Nom wins the title for best balanced, fresh dog food because every recipe from Nom Nom includes their proprietary Nutrient Mix, a high-end custom mixture of vitamins and minerals. On top of this, their recipes are prepared with restaurant-quality ingredients, and all the meals cater to individual dogs’ weight, age, breed, and overall body condition.

Nom Nom is a fresh dog food manufacturer that delivers fresh dog food to your door. Meals can be ordered on a subscription basis or as you go. Nom Nom offers several recipes, which will be customized based on your dog’s nutritional needs and any health problems he may have. Although Nom Nom meals are somewhat expensive, many owners are willing to pay a premium for such high-quality food.

Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom. Just use this link to get your dog’s gently cooked recipe.


Most Affordable Fresh Dog Food Recipe Ollie

Our rating: 4.5

As the most affordable option on our list, Ollie is an excellent choice for budget-conscious dog parents. You can expect to pay about $4 per day for small- to medium-sized dogs, making it one of the most affordable fresh dog food recipes. And, with no commitment required, you can cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

Ollie offers a variety of meal plans to meet your dog’s individual needs, and you can choose how often you want the food delivered (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). All their recipes are made with fresh, whole ingredients and free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and other harmful additives.

Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Ollie order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!


Best Premium Fresh Dog Food Recipes Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

open farms homemade dog food

If you’re looking for a premium fresh dog food recipe option for your dog, Open Farm is a great choice. All of their ingredients are certified sustainable and ethically sourced from family-run farms. They also use minimal packaging to reduce their environmental impact. And their ingredients are all human-grade, so you can feel good about what your dog is eating. Open Farm’s meals are not customizable based on your dog’s specific needs.

Although many companies’ sustainability and climate programs are empty words, Open Farm appears to be quite serious about its environmental responsibilities. They have a 10-year roadmap for reducing their carbon footprint, with science-backed targets and pledges to reduce their emissions by 42% over the next ten years to meet the 1.5-degree Celsius goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Our readers have access to 20% off their first Open Farm order. Just use the coupon code CANINE20 at checkout. Click this link to get your dog’s first fresh meal.


Best Fresh Dog Food Flavor Variety PetPlate

Our rating: 4.9

While all the brands on our list offer 3 to 4 flavors, PetPlate stands out for the widest selection of options, with up to 6 flavors. No matter your pup’s taste preferences, you’re sure to find a meal they’ll love from PetPlate. PetPlate offers six delicious fresh dog food recipes. These include the following flavor: beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, venison, and pork. We love PetPlate’s packaging. The food container can easily be sealed back when you don’t need the whole thing. Plus, it doesn’t take up excessive space in your fridge or freezer. 

PetPlate appeared on Shark Tank in 2016, and while they didn’t receive funding, they landed in homes across the country. They’ve become one of the most popular fresh dog food recipe services. The company was started in response to a need for a healthier pet food alternative.

Our readers get 30% off your first box of PetPlate + a 50% discount on treats! Just use this link to get started!


Best Fresh Dog Food Recipe For Picky Eaters Spot & Tango

Our rating: 4.9

Spot & Tango is the best fresh dog food delivery service if you have a picky dog eater at home. They specialize in limited-ingredient recipes tailored to each dog’s needs. All their ingredients are locally sourced and organic, so you can be sure your pup is getting the highest quality meals possible. And, if your pup isn’t a fan of their food, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

They offer one of the simplest ingredient lists. Unlike other pet foods with strange-sounding ingredients, they use only a handful of ingredients, such as turkey, carrots, and quinoa, making it an excellent alternative for picky eater dogs or dogs with food sensitivity.

The recipes at Spot & Tango go above and beyond expectations. Vets approve of their formulas, which animal nutritionists developed. Their kitchens are USDA-certified, and the Association approves recipes of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

Our readers have access to save 20% off their first order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!


Highest Protein Fresh Dog Food Recipe A Pup Above

Our rating: 4.6

If you want dog meals that are high in protein and low in carbs, A Pup Above should be the best fresh dog food delivery with the highest protein count per recipe out of the pack. This makes their recipes perfect for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight and want to build healthier lean muscle, skin and joints. It’s also great for dogs who need a lot of energy but need to stay lean, such as working or hunting dogs. According to their site, they offer 72% more protein than competitors.

The company sources its ingredients from local farms and businesses, so you can be sure your pup is getting the freshest and most nutritious food possible. A Pup Above also offers a variety of meal plans to fit your dog’s needs so that you can find the perfect one for them.

Our readers have access to save 25% off their first A Pup Above order when using the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started.


Best Custom Fresh Dog Food Recipe Just Food For Dogs

Our rating: 4.5

JustFoodForDogs offers completely balanced daily meals for healthy pets and customized feeding plans incorporating whole foods and supplement blends. They can formulate a very specific diet to address various canine health issues. If your dog is required to eat a specific diet due to a health condition, this company can formulate your dog’s diet based on your pet’s medical records (bloodwork) and prior consultation with you and your vet.

We named them our best option for custom health diets because they specialize in formulating custom feeding plans to address various canine and feline health issues. Just Food For Dogs has an entire team of over 14 board-certified veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists. You can even visit one of their kitchens to watch them make it.

Our readers have access to the best deal we can find. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!


Best Health-Specific Fresh Dog Food Recipe Chi Dog

Our rating: 4.3

Chi Dog takes a unique approach to feeding fresh dog recipes to dogs. Their food it’s based on the Eastern Medicine principle “Food Is Medicine.”

They cook unprocessed food with no preservatives (though supplemented with Vitamin E), and that has been lightly cooked. Chi Dog was founded by Dr. Susan Bohrer (integrative veterinarian) and Dr. Rick Berg (veterinarian) to benefit pet parents from all the nutritional therapies offered by Eastern Medicine.  They have developed five different recipes (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) that are designed to address specific imbalances in a dog’s health, whether it is suffering from diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis or experiencing common problems like obesity, digestive issues, allergies, and anxiety.

Currently, they support 16 dog health conditions. Simply browse and select your dog’s health concern, and they will recommend a custom recipe based on your selection.

Our readers have access to the best deal we could find at Chi Dog. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!


Best For Farmed Sourced Raised Right Pets

Our rating: 4.4

Pet food company, Raised Right has a century-old farming and ranching heritage. Raised Right Pets is the best option if you’re looking for a fresh dog food recipe that sources its ingredients from local farms. They’ve taken the family’s experience and values from the pasture to your pet’s bowl, and the Raised Right brand was born. All their ingredients are fresh and natural, and they offer a variety of recipes to suit every pup’s needs. Plus, their meals are affordable and can be delivered to your door.

Here is the best deal we could find at Raised Right. No code is needed, use this link, and the discount will be applied!

How to Make Fresh Dog Food Recipes

Watch this quick video to learn how to make your own gently cooked dog food at home.

Should I Feed Fresh Dog Food Recipes To My Dog?

While dogs can survive on traditional dry or canned dog food (much like we could technically survive on a lifetime of pizza and junk food), putting your dog on a fresh food recipe diet can have vast health benefits. Fresh dog food is more highly digestible than dry kibble and other more processed diets, which is just one of the many benefits.

Here at Canine Bible, we have tried several different brands with our dogs over the years, and we think the companies we mention above are great options for anyone interested in feeding their dog fresh pet recipes. Just remember to consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.


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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

[1] Lippert & Sapy [2] Lyka [3] Hardvard [4] The Farmer’s Dog [5] Translational Animal Science

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.


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