Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Brands 2024 (What Is It, Benefits & Reviews)
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Are you looking for the best gently cooked dog food for your pup? You’re not alone! There has been a growing demand for gently cooked dog food brands, also known as fresh dog food. More dog parents are turning away from highly processed kibble. And for a good reason. Lightly cooked dog food retains more nutrients and enzymes found in ingredients, providing numerous benefits for your dog’s health. But is this just a marketing fad, or is there science behind it that supports the health benefits of fresh dog food on our dogs? If you’re considering switching your dog to a gently cooked formula, read about the best companies that deliver gently cooked dog food right to your door. We also explain what makes these pre-cooked meals beneficial for your pup, research-based benefits, and everything in between. Let’s dig in!
Best Gently Cooked Dog Food — At A Glance
The Research
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Why You Should Trust Us
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We have tested and rated thousands of dog products, including gently cooked brands. Our writers, editors, research team and in-house veterinary review board spent hours analyzing these products to help you find what’s best for your dog. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.
What Is Gently Cooked Dog Food?
The term “gently cooked” refers to the method of preparing dog food by cooking the ingredients at a temperature just high enough, as required by the USDA, to kill pathogens like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella but low enough to preserve as many natural nutrients and flavors as possible.[1] Typical characteristics of gently cooked dog food include fresh human-grade ingredients, softer texture, flavorful, high nutritional value, chemical-free and no processing.
Gently Cooked Dog Food vs Kibble
The primary difference between gently cooked dog food and kibble is their cooking methods. Kibble is made by an extrusion process where typically feed-grade ingredients are blended with chemicals and then cooked under high heat and pressure.[2] Kibble is generally extruded between 130 to 160ºC (roughly 260 to 320 ºF).[3] Similarly, canned food is typically cooked at temperatures as high as 279 ºF.[4] Unfortunately, extrusion can negatively affect the nutritional profile of dog foods, making kibble inferior in terms of nutrition and health compared to gently cooked pet food.
Lightly Cooked Dog Food vs Gently Cooked
“Lightly cooked” is often used interchangeably with “gently cooked.” Both “gently cooked” and “lightly cooked” typically refer to the method and degree of cooking, aiming to minimize nutrient loss while ensuring safety. However, in some contexts, “lightly cooked” might imply a slightly shorter cooking duration or a marginally higher temperature than “gently cooked.” Nonetheless, they are essentially the same. For consistency, we’ll refer to lightly cooked dog food as “gently cooked dog food” throughout this article.
Gently Cooked Dog Food Benefits
The most common health benefits associated with gently cooked dog food include:
Gently Cooked Dog Food Research
How to Pick Gently Cooked Dog Food
Product Reviews
Jump to: The Research | Additional Info
Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Reviews
Best Overall Gently Cooked Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Offers the best overall balance of nutrients, ingredient quality, price, customer service, and flavor. Their recipes are perfect for most dogs.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced
Why we recommended it: The Farmer’s Dog wins our best overall gently cooked dog food brand because the quality of their food is outstanding. They have tested their food on humans, which speaks volumes about the quality and taste of their recipes. Your dog’s meals are gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your dog gets the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving. The Farmer’s Dog recipes are ready-to-serve and come in biodegradable pouches and eco-friendly packaging delivered to your doorstep.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmer’s Dog offers an extensive dog profile and diet customization to meet your dog’s dietary needs, calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues (i.e., allergies, cancer, and obesity) and more.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “The Farmer’s Dog offers top-notch fresh gently cooked dog food that looks homemade and exceeds AAFCO nutrition standards. Our dog tested all the recipes flavors available and he devoured them all without any digestive issues whatsoever. He is more energetic and looks healthier since making the switch.
– Anthony, Head of Product Testing
Our Video Review Experience
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Best Gently Cooked Balanced Formula
Nom Nom
Who It’s For: For those seeking the highest nutrition and ingredient quality level.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & Chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: While all the gently cooked dog food brands mentioned in this review offer balanced recipes that meet dogs’ nutritional requirements for life and function, Nom Nom has taken it a step further by developing a proprietary blend of ingredients called “NomNomNutrient Mix” to ensure meals are entirely balanced. This mix provides your dog with optimal nutrition and sets Nom Nom apart from other gently cooked dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: Nom Nom uses human-grade, restaurant-quality ingredients and is designed by a veterinarian nutritionist.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway: “Our journey with Nom Nom dog food has been incredible. From the first bite, our dog was hooked. He’s more active, alert, and his coat has never looked better. It’s clear that this isn’t just any dog food—it’s a recipe for a healthier, happier pup”
– Kassie Reid, Caninr Bible Testing Member
Our Video Review Experience
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Most Affordable Gently Cooked Dog Food
Ollie
Who It’s For: For dog parents who are on a budget but want to feed premium quality gently cooked dog food.
Why we recommended it: Ollie wins the medal for the cheapest gently cooked dog food. Ollie is not cheap, but its prices are slightly lower than those of all the companies in this review. However, the quality of their food is equally good or, in some cases, even better. Each order has a storage container and a scoop to keep your opened packages fresh. For those who want to mix fresh dog food with their dog’s current food, Ollie offers topper plans. They also have dry-gently cooked food for a cheaper alternative.
What sets it apart from competitors: All the batches are also tested for quality control and passed through a metal detector to scan for foreign materials.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “In my experience, Ollie stands out in the fresh dog food category for its affordability and value in nutrition and convenience. Since transitioning to Ollie, my dog’s energy, coat shine, and overall health have notably improved. The exceptional quality is evident, the visible pieces of vegetables and meats attest to the food’s freshness. Their recipes resembled “gently cooked” food (i.e., I could see the peas, carrots, etc.) and smelled pleasant.”
– Canine Bible, Testing Team
Get 50% OFF your first Ollie order with Canine Bible’s link.
Best Organic Gently Cooked Dog Food
Raised Right
Who It’s For: A clean, organic, gently cooked option for those seeking an organic option with farm-fresh ingredients.
Why we recommended it: Pet food company Raised Right has a century-old farming and ranching heritage and uses farm-fresh ingredients in its recipes. Raised Right wins our top pick for best organic gently cooked dog food because its ingredients are responsibly sourced, free of antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives, from farms that uphold high animal welfare standards and sustainable farming practices throughout the United States.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raised Right doesn’t use unnecessary high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat. Their recipes also have roughly double the amount of protein than other gently cooked brands.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway — “Gently cooked dog food has been a game-changer for our little one. Not only does he lick his bowl clean every time, but we’ve also noticed how vibrant and playful he’s become. It’s comforting to know that as he grows, he’s fueled by the best nutrition.”
– Victoria Windsor, Canine Bible Testing Member
Our Video Review Experience
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Best Sustainable Gently Cooked Dog Food
Open Farm
Who It’s For: This brand is excellent for dog parents seeking gently cooked food made with premium, sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients.
Why we recommended it: Open Farm Gently Cooked dog food takes the medal for best sustainable dog food made with gently cooked premium ingredients that are ethically sourced and sustainable. Open Farm only uses humanly raised, hormone-free meats raised without antibiotics on a vegetarian diet with no animal by-products in feed. Their recipes also include non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
What sets it apart from competitors: The company focuses more on the ethical treatment of animals. Everything in every Open Farm bag is only sourced from third-party verified family farms that employ humane farming practices (ethical farms, fisheries, and producers). Each ingredient can be traced back to its origin.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway: “Open Farm has truly redefined dog food quality. Every time I serve it, I’m reassured by their commitment to premium nutrition, ethical sourcing, humane treatment, sustainability, and transparency. Personally vetting many brands, I found Open Farm’s ingredient sourcing, by far the best out of all brands we’ve reviewed here. Their dedication to only using top-tier proteins like grass-fed beef and pasture-raised lamb sets them apart. As a pet parent, I value their sustainable and ethical approach, and my dog Lilo clearly enjoys every bite. This is the kind of pet food I’m proud to choose.”
– Anna Jones, Canine Bible Testing Associate
Our Video Review Experience
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Best Limited-Ingredient Gently Cooked Dog Food
Spot & Tango
Who It’s For: If your dog is picky about texture, flavor, and ingredients in his food, this is the perfect choice for you. Also, it is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.
Recipes: Beef & millet, turkey & quinoa, lamb & brown rice
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life Stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: Spot & Tango is our top pick for the best limited-ingredient, gently cooked dog food. It offers a simple ingredient list. All recipes have 12 or fewer ingredients, making them great for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or picky eaters.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike other pet foods with strange-sounding ingredients, its recipes use limited ingredients such as turkey, carrots, and quinoa, making it an excellent alternative for picky-eater dogs or dogs with food sensitivities.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “Choosing Spot & Tango was a game-changer for our dog’s diet. The organic, limited ingredient recipes ensure he’s getting only the best, without any unnecessary fillers. Every meal feels like a gourmet treat, and we have peace of mind knowing we’re giving him the finest gently cooked nutrition.”
– Canine Bible, Testing Team
Get 20% OFF your first Spot & Tango order with Canine Bible’s link.
Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Senior Dogs
Just Food For Dogs
Who It’s For: Great for senior dog parents who want to provide optimal nutrition and dietary support for their senior canines.
Recipes: Over 20+ recipes
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life Stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) offers a wide selection of gently cooked dog food recipes. However, their senior food recipes are the best in this category. PantryFresh combines fresh, gently cooked ingredients, convenience, and a mouth-watering taste.
What sets it apart from competitors: Recipes are designed to support healthy aging and stay healthy and active in their golden years.
Key Features
Highest Protein Gently Cooked Dog Food
A Pup Above
Who It’s For: Perfect for highly active dogs that require high protein levels to support their activities. It is also ideal for those who want a lean diet to maintain muscle and optimal weight.
Recipes: Beef stew, chicken, porky’s luau, turkey pawella
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life Stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: A Pup Above takes the number one spot for the best gently cooked dog food recipe with the highest protein count. According to their site, they offer 50% more protein than competitors. This makes their recipes perfect for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight and want to build healthier lean muscle, skin and joints.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike competitors in this category, A Pup Above uses a unique cooking method known as Sous Vide. Sous Vide cooking is a culinary technique that involves cooking food in a controlled water bath at precise and consistent temperatures, which helps retain the ingredients’ maximum nutrition, texture, and natural flavor.
Key Features
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway: “I recently tried A Pup Above for my dog, drawn by their commitment to ingredient safety, transparency, and sustainable practices. Their protein-rich, low-carb meals made from gently cooked ingredients and cooked sous-vide with bone broth immediately became my dog’s favorite. The visible health benefits and my dog’s eager anticipation at meal times assured me that A Pup Above is a top-notch choice for pet owners who value both health and taste.”
– Anthony, Head of Product Testing
Our Video Review Experience
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Gently Cooked Canned Dog Food
Pet Plate
Who It’s For: For those who want the convenience of easy storage, serving, and avoiding doing extra dishes. Pet Plate plastic container can easily be sealed back and stored within your fridge or freezer for later, saving you time and trouble.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork, lamb, venison & chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: All ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: PetPlate is our favorite gently cooked canned dog food due to its versatile plastic container. Pet Plate meals come in pre-portioned, easy-to-serve microwavable plastic containers, which you can use as a bowl if needed. PetPlate appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank in 2016; since then, they’ve become one of the most popular gently cooked fresh dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: PetPlate is designed to be highly convenient to store and use. The food container can easily be sealed back and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use.
Key Features
Get 61% off your PetPlate order. Just use this link to get started!
Bulk Gently Cooked Dog Food
Evermore Pet Food
Who It’s For: Perfect for buying gently cooked dog food in bulk.
Key Features
Gently Cooked Dog Food For Health Issues
Chi Dog
Who It’s For: Ideal for health-specific dietary needs.
Key Features
Other Mentions
Additional Information
Jump to: The Research | Product Reviews
How to Serve Gently Cooked Dog Food
Gently cooked recipes are easy to serve. This makes them great for those switching to this type of dog food.
Here’s how to serve most foods:
Always check the food manufacturer’s guidelines.
How to Make Gently Cooked Dog Food
Watch this quick video to learn how to make gently cooked dog food at home.
Gently Cooked Dog Food vs Raw
Gently cooked dog food is sometimes seen as a middle ground between commercial kibble and raw diets. While raw diets have their proponents, they also come with risks related to bacterial contamination. Gently cooked diets aim to provide the benefits of raw food (like higher nutrient content) without the associated risks.
However, commercially available raw dog food companies have addressed all these safety concerns, so you can safely feed Fido a raw diet. A raw diet can lead to a shinier coat, increased energy levels, cleaner teeth, healthier skin, and smaller stools.
Both diets are nutritionally equal. When choosing between raw or gently cooked dog meals, consult your vet and pick what works best for your dog.
| Characteristics | Gently Cooked | Raw |
|---|---|---|
| Processed | No | No |
| Human-grade | Yes | Yes |
| Preservative-free | Yes | Yes |
| Nutritionally balanced | Yes | Yes |
| High bio-availability | Yes | Yes |
| Fresh ingredients | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | No | No |
| Health benefits | Yes | Yes |
| Unknown ingredients | No | No |
The Bottom Line & Alternatives
Is gently cooked dog food the best option for your pup? It depends on their individual needs and preferences. Gentle cooking may be the right choice if you’re looking for a more natural diet that provides optimal nutrition. Dog food cooked at low temperatures typically retains the most nutrients, so it may be a wise choice for your dog. But remember to talk to your vet before you make the switch. Every dog is unique and requires a unique diet.
There are also commercially available vegan food diets, or you can make your own. Home-cooked dog food recipes can be a good option if you ensure your dog’s meals are balanced.
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Sources
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.
- Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2020). Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart. United States Department of Agriculture.
- Alvarenga, I. C., Keller, L. C., Waldy, C., & Aldrich, C. G. (2021). Extrusion Processing Modifications of a Dog Kibble at Large Scale Alter Levels of Starch Available to Animal Enzymatic Digestion. PubMed Central (PMC).
- Vietnamese Overseas Scholarship Program. (2008). Effects on Dry Canine Diets.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014, August 26). Guide to Inspections of Low Acid Canned Food 37.
- Acquistucci, R. (2011). Effects of drying temperature and time of a canine diet extruded with a 4 or 8 mm die on physical and nutritional quality indicators. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 165(3–4).
- Clarkston Consulting. (2021). 2021 pet food trends. Clarkston Consulting.
- De Godoy, M. R. C., Kerr, K. R., & Fahey, G. C. (2018). Apparent total-tract macronutrient digestibility, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota of adult dogs fed extruded, mildly cooked, and raw diets. J Anim Sci, 96(9), 3670–3683.
- Chavez, O., Pettey, L. A., Sandelin, B. A., & Tegzes, J. T. (2014). Effects of fresh prepared, whole food canine maintenance diets on clinically measurable blood parameters in healthy dogs. J Anim Physiol a Anim Nutr.
- Geary, E. L., Oba, P. M., Applegate, C. C., Clark, L. V., Fields, C. J., & Swanson, K. S. (2022). Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci, 100(10), skac265.
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