5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands to Try
For years, the daily routine of feeding our dogs barely changed — scoop some kibble, fill the water bowl, and move on. But as more pet parents start treating their dogs like true members of the family, they’re beginning to ask an important question: “If I care about the quality of my own food, shouldn’t I care about my dog’s too?”
This shift in thinking has fueled a fresh food revolution for dogs. Instead of relying solely on dry, highly processed pellets, more owners are turning to meals made with real, recognizable ingredients — the kind you could cook in your own kitchen. These fresh diets not only look and smell more appetizing, but they can also support better digestion, shinier coats, steadier energy, and overall health.
If you’re curious about making the switch, we’ve rounded up five of the best fresh dog food brands leading the way in 2025 — each with its own unique strengths to fit different pups and lifestyles.
Why Fresh Dog Food Is Worth the Switch
“Fresh” isn’t just a marketing buzzword — it’s a completely different approach to feeding dogs. Fresh dog food brands focus on human-grade meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains, gently cooked or air-dried to lock in nutrients. Unlike kibble, which is often processed at high heat and packed with fillers, fresh meals retain more of the vitamins, minerals, and natural flavors that keep dogs thriving.
Pet parents often notice benefits like:
- Better digestion from high-quality proteins and natural fiber.
- Healthier skin and coat thanks to omega-rich ingredients.
- More balanced energy from nutrient-dense recipes.
- Fewer food-related allergies by avoiding common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
It’s not just about feeding your dog — it’s about nourishing them with the same care you’d give yourself.
5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
With so many new companies entering the fresh pet food space, finding the right fit for your dog can feel overwhelming. We researched dozens of options, evaluated ingredient sourcing, examined nutritional standards, and reviewed customer feedback to bring you our top five picks.
From fully personalized meal plans to convenient store-bought options, these are the fresh dog food brands we think are worth trying this year.
1. Spot & Tango – Best for Personalized Nutrition Plans
If you’re looking for a dog food brand that feels like it was designed just for your pup, Spot & Tango is hard to beat. Every recipe is built around fresh, human-grade ingredients — like turkey, quinoa, spinach, and blueberries — and crafted under the guidance of veterinary nutritionists to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced meals.
Spot & Tango’s process starts with a quick online quiz about your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and health goals. From there, they create a customized portion plan to make sure your pup gets exactly what they need — nothing more, nothing less.
Their menu includes Fresh Recipes, gently cooked and frozen for peak freshness, and UnKibble, a unique shelf-stable option made from the same high-quality ingredients but designed for easy pantry storage. This flexibility, combined with their emphasis on transparency, makes Spot & Tango our top pick for the best overall fresh dog food brand.
2. Ollie – Best for Flavor Variety and Rotation
Some dogs thrive on routine, but others want something new in their bowl. Ollie is made for those pups who appreciate variety. They offer a rotating menu with recipes like Beef with Sweet Potatoes, Chicken with Carrots, Turkey with Blueberries, and Lamb with Cranberries — all made from human-grade meats and fresh produce.
Each recipe is slow-cooked in small batches to preserve flavor and nutrients, then delivered fresh in pre-portioned packs. The onboarding quiz ensures meals are tailored to your dog’s specific needs, whether they’re a high-energy puppy or a senior who needs a lighter diet.
What we love most about Ollie is that you can mix and match proteins to keep mealtime interesting without sacrificing nutritional balance. It’s perfect for picky eaters or pet parents who want their dogs to enjoy a little culinary variety.
3. The Farmer’s Dog – Best for Health-Driven Customization
For pet parents who want to take a more health-focused approach to fresh feeding, The Farmer’s Dog delivers meals built around precision and transparency. Their recipes use USDA human-grade meats, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich extras like fish oil and chia seeds, all gently cooked to maintain maximum nutritional value.
The process begins with a detailed questionnaire about your dog’s health history, weight, activity level, and preferences. Using this information, The Farmer’s Dog creates a tailored meal plan that’s pre-portioned and delivered in easy-to-serve packs — each labeled with your dog’s name for a personal touch.
Their dedication to ingredient sourcing and clear labeling makes The Farmer’s Dog a trusted choice for pups with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health concerns. It’s as close as you can get to having a personal chef for your dog.
4. Freshpet – Best for Convenient In-Store Fresh Food
If you’d rather pick up your dog’s food while shopping for your own groceries, Freshpet is one of the most accessible fresh food options available. Found in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets and pet supply stores, Freshpet offers a variety of lightly cooked recipes made from real meats, vegetables, and grains.
Their products come in different formats — from sliceable rolls to bite-sized morsels — so you can find something that works for your dog’s size and preferences. Because it’s sold in stores, Freshpet doesn’t offer personalized nutrition like some subscription brands, but its ease of access and lower entry cost make it an excellent choice for pet parents who want to try fresh feeding without committing to a delivery plan.
5. Sundays for Dogs – Best Air-Dried Fresh Option
For those who love the idea of fresh ingredients but want the convenience of shelf-stable storage, Sundays for Dogs is a standout option. Their recipes are 90% meat paired with fruits, vegetables, and superfoods like blueberries, pumpkin, and kale — all gently air-dried to lock in nutrients without artificial preservatives.
The result is a crunchy, jerky-like texture that’s irresistible to many dogs. Because it doesn’t require refrigeration, Sundays is ideal for busy pet parents, frequent travelers, or anyone short on freezer space. And with no fillers or synthetic vitamins, you can trust that the nutrition is coming straight from whole food sources.
How to Pick the Right Fresh Dog Food Brand
Before you decide on a brand, think about:
- Your Dog’s Needs – Consider age, activity level, health conditions, and food sensitivities.
- Ingredient Quality – Look for human-grade meats and produce without fillers or artificial additives.
- Storage Space – Frozen and refrigerated meals require space; air-dried or UnKibble options are pantry-friendly.
- Budget – Fresh feeding is an investment, but many brands offer trial discounts to get started.
- Convenience – Decide if home delivery or in-store shopping fits your lifestyle best.
Fresh feeding has gone from niche to mainstream — and for good reason. Dogs fed fresh, nutrient-rich meals often enjoy better digestion, healthier skin and coats, and more consistent energy levels.
While all five brands on this list have something valuable to offer, Spot & Tango stands out for its balance of high-quality ingredients, tailored meal plans, and flexible options like Fresh Recipes and UnKibble. It’s a brand that works for almost every dog and every pet parent’s routine.
