Would you feed your dog the equivalent of fast food every day? For decades, that’s essentially what traditional kibble has been — highly processed, low in nutrients, and full of fillers most pet owners wouldn’t knowingly choose. But thanks to a growing awareness around pet nutrition, more dog parents are making the switch to fresh dog food — and seeing real changes in their pups’ energy, digestion, and overall health.
In fact, a recent study published by the American Pet Products Association found that over 70% of dog owners who switched to a fresh food diet noticed improvements within just a few weeks — from shinier coats to fewer vet visits.
If you’re ready to explore fresh feeding but aren’t sure which brand to trust, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve highlighted five standout fresh dog food brands that go beyond the hype.
What Does “Fresh” Dog Food Really Mean?
When we say “fresh,” we’re not talking about sprinkling a few chopped carrots over kibble. True fresh dog food is made with real, whole ingredients — the kind you’d feel good about cooking for yourself. Think USDA-certified meats, fiber-rich vegetables, and clean carbs like brown rice or quinoa — all gently cooked to preserve nutrients.
What sets fresh dog food apart?
- Minimal processing: No high-heat extrusion or artificial preservatives
- Human-grade ingredients: Safe and nutritious enough for people to eat
- Better digestibility: Easier on sensitive stomachs
- Made in small batches: Often pre-portioned based on your dog’s specific needs
This approach isn’t just trendy — it’s transformative. Fresh diets have been linked to improvements in skin health, joint mobility, allergy reduction, and weight management. It’s no wonder more vets are recommending fresh diets as a first step for dogs with chronic health issues.
How We Picked the Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
Choosing the right fresh dog food brand isn’t just about pretty packaging or trendy ingredients. To create this list, we dug into the details — researching dozens of brands, analyzing customer reviews, and comparing everything from sourcing to science.
Here’s what we looked for:
- Ingredient Transparency
We prioritized brands that use real, whole, and clearly labeled ingredients — no mystery meats, by-products, or vague terms like “animal meal.” - Veterinary-Backed Formulas
All brands on this list offer recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists and meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced meals. - Customization Options
Dogs are unique — their food should be, too. We favored brands that create personalized feeding plans based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity level. - Convenience & Service
Easy-to-use online platforms, reliable delivery schedules, and strong customer support all played a role in our evaluation. - Real-World Results
From shinier coats to calmer digestion, we looked at verified testimonials and real-world case studies to see how these diets are working in everyday households.
The five brands we’ve chosen below have earned the trust of both veterinarians and thousands of happy dog parents — and we’re confident they’re the best in the game.
5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands in 2025
With so many companies claiming to offer “fresh” dog food, it can be tough to separate smart marketing from true quality. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. Whether your dog struggles with allergies, has a picky palate, or you simply want to ditch the dry kibble, these five brands stand out for their ingredient integrity, vet-approved formulations, and real-world results.
Each one offers something a little different — from personalized meal plans to shelf-stable scoops — so you can find the best fit for your dog’s lifestyle and needs. Let’s take a closer look at the top fresh dog food brands pet owners are trusting in 2025, starting with a clear industry leader.
1. Spot & Tango – Best for Ingredient Transparency & Custom Plans
Spot & Tango has emerged as one of the most trusted names in fresh dog food — and it’s easy to see why. Their entire philosophy revolves around clean, personalized nutrition that supports your dog’s long-term health, with no guesswork and no gimmicks.
What sets Spot & Tango apart is its dual product offering:
- Fresh Recipes – Refrigerated meals made with gently cooked meats, grains, and vegetables
- UnKibble – A shelf-stable, dry-format version made with the same real ingredients — no fillers, no artificial nonsense
After completing a quick pet profile online, you’ll receive a customized meal plan based on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and activity level. Meals arrive pre-portioned, so you always serve the right amount.
Why Spot & Tango stands out:
✔️ Human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted farms
✔️ Vet-formulated and AAFCO-compliant
✔️ No by-products, meat meals, or artificial preservatives
✔️ Choice of fresh or UnKibble format for maximum flexibility
✔️ Excellent option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs
For pet parents who want to feed smarter without sacrificing convenience, Spot & Tango is the gold standard.
2. Ollie – Best for Meal Variety & Picky Eaters
If your dog tends to get bored or snubs their bowl, Ollie might be your best bet. This brand is all about flavorful, fresh meals made with premium proteins and vibrant produce, designed to keep even the pickiest pups excited about mealtime.
Ollie offers a variety of recipes, including:
- Beef with sweet potatoes and peas
- Turkey with pumpkin and blueberries
- Chicken with carrots and spinach
- Lamb with kale and chickpeas
Each meal is gently cooked, vacuum-sealed for freshness, and custom-portioned based on your dog’s nutritional needs. You’ll also receive clear instructions and storage tips — perfect for busy households.
Why Ollie is a top choice:
✔️ Diverse recipe lineup to prevent mealtime boredom
✔️ All recipes made in U.S. facilities
✔️ No soy, corn, or artificial additives
✔️ Great for dogs with texture or taste preferences
✔️ Flexible subscriptions and pause/cancel options
Ollie’s combination of flavor, freshness, and flexibility has earned it a loyal following — and plenty of tail wags.
3. The Farmer’s Dog – Best for Vet-Directed Custom Meals
When your dog has unique health needs — from allergies to weight management — you want a food brand that’s as focused on science as it is on flavor. The Farmer’s Dog checks both boxes, offering fresh, human-grade meals that are built on veterinary nutrition principles.
Here’s how it works:
You fill out a detailed questionnaire about your dog’s age, breed, body condition, medical issues, and activity level. Based on that, The Farmer’s Dog crafts a custom meal plan, portioned for your dog’s exact caloric needs.
Meals are shipped frozen and labeled by day, making feeding simple and mistake-proof.
Why it works for sensitive or high-need dogs:
✔️ Vet-formulated recipes using USDA meats and real veggies
✔️ Tailored plans for dogs with food sensitivities or chronic issues
✔️ Clear labeling and no-fuss daily portions
✔️ Fully recyclable packaging and eco-friendly practices
While it’s one of the more premium options, many dog parents swear by it for tackling digestive problems, weight issues, and skin conditions.
4. Freshpet – Best for In-Store Convenience
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a subscription or want something you can grab locally, Freshpet is the most accessible fresh dog food brand on the market. Found in the refrigerated section of major grocery stores, Freshpet offers gently cooked meals made with real meat and veggies, without the long list of synthetic additives often found in kibble.
It’s a great entry point for fresh feeding — especially if you’re on a budget or want to test the waters before switching fully to a subscription-based service.
Why Freshpet is worth a try:
✔️ Easily available in-store nationwide
✔️ No subscription required
✔️ Real ingredients like chicken, beef, carrots, and brown rice
✔️ A more affordable way to try fresh dog food
While it may not offer the same level of customization or ingredient traceability as brands like Spot & Tango or Ollie, Freshpet is a major step up from kibble and an easy, accessible way to improve your dog’s diet.
5. Sundays for Dogs – Best Shelf-Stable Fresh Alternative
Craving the benefits of fresh food without needing fridge or freezer space? Sundays for Dogs offers an innovative solution with its air-dried, shelf-stable meals that blend the convenience of kibble with the nutritional quality of fresh food.
Made with over 90% meat, plus fresh fruits and veggies, Sundays’ recipes are gently dehydrated to preserve nutrients — no high-heat processing, synthetic flavors, or artificial preservatives.
Why Sundays is a smart pick for busy pet parents:
✔️ Shelf-stable — no refrigeration needed
✔️ High meat content (over 90%)
✔️ Dogs love the jerky-like texture
✔️ Scoop-and-serve convenience, ideal for travel or limited storage
It’s especially great for dog owners who want to feed cleaner without overhauling their entire routine. Sundays proves that fresh-style feeding can still be practical.
Why Fresh Dog Food Is More Than a Trend
Feeding fresh dog food isn’t just a lifestyle choice — it’s a long-term investment in your dog’s health. From improved digestion to healthier skin, more energy, and even better behavior, countless pet parents have seen the difference that real, whole-food nutrition can make.
And among all the options, Spot & Tango continues to lead the pack with its transparent sourcing, personalized meal plans, and vet-backed formulas. Whether you choose their Fresh Recipes or UnKibble, you’re giving your dog food that’s designed to support a longer, healthier life.
