Tuesday 31 January 2023
Monday 30 January 2023
Big Floofy Dog Wanders Into Live Weather Broadcast And Steals The Spotlight
When you work as a weatherman, it’s your job to “predict” what lies ahead. But one New England weatherman certainly didn’t foresee a big, fluffy dog making an appearance during his early morning weekend weather broadcast. As you may have guessed, the playful pooch stole the spotlight and gave everyone a great laugh.
And while the weatherman was initially caught off guard, he was quick to recover and even included her in the segment.
“It was early in the morning, and all I knew was that as I was doing the weather, I suddenly see a dog walking behind,” shared Josh.
While it was obvious that Josh was initially caught completely off guard by the canine’s cameo, he’s clearly a highly experienced professional who’s quite comfortable on camera. He hardly missed a beat, and, after a little laugh, he even incorporated her into the segment.
“My brain was like, Did a dog just walk behind you? I had to pause for a microsecond to make sure that’s what I had just seen,” he said.
While Josh was unaware that she was visiting that day, it turns out that Bella, the big, beautiful dog, belongs to weekend anchor Amy Covena. She was in the studio so that she could be featured in a segment about veterinarians.
Perhaps Bella was just excited for some time in the spotlight or Josh simply smelled too good to resist. Either way, Bella was ready for her close-up. Other dogs would have been losing their mind, perhaps even jumping and barking while in a new place with so many new sights and smells. But luckily, Bella the Newfoundland was cool and casual.
“I was terrified that Josh would be mad at me or that I would get in trouble at work. But Josh is a PRO. We’ve worked together for 10 years and he made her part of the forecast,” said Amy.
It turns out that the studio cast and crew weren’t the only ones who got a kick out of the charming canine. Once the cute clip started to be shared, it quickly went viral on YouTube, and now has over 858,000 views.
“Our viewers seemed to really enjoy the surprise,” said Amy.
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Animals Flee Burning Barn But One Horse Remains Trapped, Frozen In Fear
Fires are scary! They’re extremely hot, it’s hard to see, and it’s hard to breathe. So it should come as no surprise that a horse, an animal that’s naturally nervous, would be terrified.
The barn that was ablaze was completely destroyed, but not a single horse was injured. Though, it was a close call for 22-year-old Phoebe, who was stuck in her stall.
Luckily, two brave policemen didn’t hesitate to run straight inside.
It was almost 11:00 am when officers arrived on the scene. A large horse barn had caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames. All the animals were already outside except for Phoebe, who was still in her stall amidst the blaze.
“That’s where we found a very frightened Phoebe. She was in her stall and didn’t want to come out because the flames were right there,” said Officer Hanus.
Technically, the 22-year-old paint mare could have galloped to safety all on her own, but she was frozen in fear. Who can blame her? Horses are already easily spooked, so finding herself inside a burning barn rendered her completely catatonic.
But luckily, help was quick to arrive. Once the police officers heard that a horse was still inside, they immediately sprang into action and sprinted inside.
“She was definitely terrified, um, the cops were fantastic, though. They jumped right in. I saw the footage, and I was just in awe. Like, oh my God, thank God they were here,” said riding instructor Lena Obernesser.
Despite the difficulty they had in getting her to move, the officers refused to leave Phoebe’s side. But the flames were literally feet away, and they were running out of time.
Once they realized that simply pushing wasn’t going to work, they requested a rope. In the body cam footage, you can see one of the officers reach for a harness. Together one pushes, and the other pulls. But it still wasn’t working. A hay bale was on fire near the door, so Phoebe remained frozen.
It wasn’t until they had the help of a riding instructor that they were able to help Phoebe decide it was time to leave.
“I don’t know how I did it, just got behind it and tried moving her in the right direction,” explained Officer Hanus.
When you watch the footage, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. It’s no surprise that the short clip went viral, with more than a million views.
You can check-out the hair-raising, heroic rescue, below
Featured Image: YouTube
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Soldier Returns From Deployment And Nervous Dog Sniffs, Then Attacks
When a soldier left for a many-month deployment to Kuwait, her family’s German Shepherd was still a young puppy. So when she got home, Seiko the Shepherd wasn’t quite sure who was at the door. After all, dogs don’t recognize you by your looks. But once her pup was able to get a good long sniff, she knew exactly who she was.
And she couldn’t contain her excitement that she was finally home.
Some canines can’t contain themselves when you leave the room for a mere minute, never mind the excitement they must feel after you return from a year-long deployment. But when Seiko’s sister finally returned after a year away, she didn’t initially know who she was.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always expected a dog’s excitement to begin the moment they laid eyes on their long-lost loved one. But, it’s humans who recognize each other by sight. Dogs recognize their pack members more by smell and sound. The freak-out finally began when Seiko got a good whiff and heard her sister speak.
Of course, when the reunion video was shared on YouTube, it went viral. Clips of soldiers reuniting with their pets are incredibly heartwarming to witness, and this video is so sweet and wholesome.
The video begins with Bailey wearing her uniform and standing alone at the front door. The videographer pans to the right, and we see Seiko come running down the hall. The Shepherd runs to the door but jumps and shows some hesitation. Then, she extends her nose to give Bailey a sniff, barks, and backs up. She’s confused as to who is standing at the door.
Then, once her sister speaks, and Seiko has had a few moments to get in a good sniff, she knows exactly who is standing there. Suddenly, Seiko starts covering her in puppy kisses, with her tail wagging like crazy. Seiko even jumps-up and puts her paws on Bailey’s shoulders. Her enthusiasm is evident, and she can’t stop spinning, sniffing, and kissing her long-lost sister.
Bailey is so happy to be back, and she smiles as she loves-up on, scratches, and plays with sweet Seiko. Seiko may not have recognized her sister at first, but once she did, it was so obvious that she was incredibly glad Bailey was back home. At the end of the video, she even starts running back and forth, bringing her toys!
You can check out the smile-inducing video below.
Featured Image: YouTube
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Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Comparison
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Many dog parents are making the switch to fresh dog food because it’s often healthier and more customizable than kibble. Yet, if your dog has been eating dry food their whole life, it can be a drastic change. So, you’ll need to take a lot of aspects into consideration before choosing the best fresh dog food brand for your furry friend.
Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog are two of the most popular fresh dog food brands. So, let’s take a look at how they compare in several areas to help you decide if either is a good fit for your dog.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
Fresh dog food is usually made with fresh, natural ingredients that are cooked at a lower temperature to preserve their nutrients. When you look at the dog food, you’ll see full chunks of meat and vegetables, so you’ll know exactly what’s going into your dog’s tummy. Most fresh dog food brands offer customizable plans to cater to your dog’s needs.
However, fresh ingredients mean the food has a shorter shelf life. So, the food will need to be refrigerated or frozen to keep it fresh. To ensure that your dog’s fresh food never goes bad, the brands will send the meals on a regular schedule. The formulas are often made specifically for your dog before being sent to your door.
Many pet parents haven’t tried fresh food yet because it’s pricier than kibble. Yet, the price is worth it if you consider the quality of ingredients and customization offered. Plus, many dogs prefer the flavor of fresh food over dry food. If it’s within your budget, it’s worth a try.
Overview of the Fresh Dog Food Brands
If you’re considering buying fresh dog food for your pup, Nom Nom and Farmer’s Dog are two brands you’ll likely come across. Here are the aspects we’ll compare:
- Ingredients
- Customization
- Convenience
- Variety
- Price
- Storage
- Safety
- Customer Service
Nom Nom
Nom Nom is a customizable fresh dog food brand. After filling out a questionnaire about your dog, they will formulate a personalized meal plan for your dog. The meals are shipped cold and fresh to your door, and they’re in serving-size packages. The food is gently cooked to preserve nutrients, and it’s free of filler ingredients.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog is a similar company. They also operate by asking you to fill out a series of questions so they can create a personalized meal for your dog. The food ships to your door in frozen, ready-to-serve packages on a schedule. Like Nom Nom, all the recipes are cooked at a low temperature to maintain a high nutritional value.
Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog
Now that you know a bit about each brand, let’s dive into the details of their qualities. For each category, we’ll list a winner, even though they’re close calls. One brand isn’t overall better than the other, so it’s up to you to decide which categories matter most for your dog.
Ingredients
Both brands use fresh, human-grade ingredients. The ingredient lists will give you a clear understanding of what you’re giving your dog. While the ingredient quality of both brands is similar, they use unique formulas.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom’s recipes are created in made-to-order batches. The ingredients are fresh and slow-cooked to preserve nutrients. Real meat is always listed as the first ingredient in their recipes, followed by ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and brown rice, depending on the recipe.
About 72% to 77% of the food is moisture, so around 7% to 10% is protein. Each formula uses one main protein paired with a series of vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach. The full ingredient list and guaranteed analysis are listed on Nom Nom’s website, so you will have some idea of what to expect before filling out your dog’s details.
Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog also slow-cooks made-to-order recipes from fresh ingredients. Like Nom Nom, meat is also the first ingredient listed, followed by vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli. They also focus on fiber-rich ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes.
This brand doesn’t list recipe details on its website, such as potential ingredient lists and guaranteed analysis. However, other sources state that the recipes have between 73% and 77% moisture and 9% to 11% protein. Their ingredient lists are also shorter than Nom Nom’s which could be good for dogs with allergies.
Winner: Farmer’s Dog
It’s a very close call, but Farmer’s Dog wins because it’s better for sensitive dogs. Not only does it have fewer ingredients, but it avoids vegetables that don’t add as much nutritional value and could cause allergies, such as russet potatoes and peas. However, Nom Nom stands out because it has all its nutritional information easily accessible on the website while Farmer’s Dog doesn’t.
Customization
Both brands offer personalized meals for dogs, but their methods of gathering information are slightly different. Both of them require you to fill out a questionnaire before they’ll recommend the food.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom asks a lot of general questions about your dog, such as their breed, sex, age, weight, and body condition. They also ask if dogs have specific health conditions, such as joint concerns, digestive problems, and allergies. If your dog’s condition isn’t listed, they suggest you contact them. You can talk with their canine nutritionist to decide which formula is best for your dog’s needs.
Even though they ask about health conditions, they don’t have any formulas that are specifically designed to help those areas. For example, if you mark that your dog has allergies, they’ll suggest the pork recipe since its ingredients are the least likely to cause allergies rather than finding out what specific allergies your dog has.
Farmer’s Dog
Farmer’s Dog asks for a lot of the same information, plus a few extra things. They want to know your dog’s breed, sex, weight, age, body shape, activity level, current food, and whether they’re fixed or not. The extra factors can affect calorie count. They also ask about your pup’s current health conditions.
Like Nom Nom, none of the meals are specifically made to help with certain health conditions, but the brand will recommend which formula is best based on how you answer the questions. Right off the bat, they also ask you a few personal questions before getting into your dog’s details.
Winner: Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog questionnaire is more detailed than Nom Nom, making the food a little more personalized. However, that means it will also take longer to get your dog’s meal plan set up.
Convenience
Convenience is important to both these brands because they package the food, keep it cold, and ship it to your door so you don’t have to carry food home from the store.
Nom Nom
When Nom Nom’s food arrives at your door, it’s already portioned into serving sizes. So, all you have to do is open a package for each meal without doing any measuring. The packages are stored in a box with dry ice to keep the food cold until you receive it. The packaging is convenient and shows you exactly how many calories your dog is getting, but it means you have more packaging to recycle as a result.
The first portions you receive from Nom Nom will be transition meals. So, they’re smaller portions that you can mix with your dog’s old food for a week to avoid digestive problems. If your dog is already eating fresh food, you can choose to skip the transition meals. Unused food should be stored in the freezer, but it needs to be moved to the fridge 24 hours in advance to thaw.
Farmer’s Dog
This brand’s food is also packaged with dry ice to keep it cold until you receive it. Each package has the same amount of food, so you will need to portion out the food based on the brand’s instructions. Small dogs can get about eight meals out of one pack, while large dogs may only get one or two. The company packages the food like this to reduce plastic usage.
The packs are not resealable once open, but you can fold up unused portions and store them in the fridge in their biodegradable storage container. Any unopened packages can be frozen, but you’ll need to remember to thaw them 24 hours before your dog’s meal.
Winner: Nom Nom
Nom Nom is by far the better option for convenience because it has pre-portioned packages, so you won’t have to worry about measuring out your dog’s meals and making a mess.
Variety
Not all dogs have the same favorite flavors, and some dogs have allergies and sensitivities. So, having a variety of product options is a great way to ensure that every pup gets what they need.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom offers four main recipes, each with a different protein: Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Pork Potluck, and Turkey Fare. You can choose between half and full food portions depending on your dog’s needs. The company also offers a few supplements to give dogs a health boost.
Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog uses the same four meat proteins in their meals: pork, chicken, turkey, and beef. You can order full meals or choose a topper plan if you’d rather mix it with dry food. Farmer’s Dog doesn’t offer any additional treats or supplements.
Winner: Farmer’s Dog
Even though the two brands have similar meal options, Nom Nom goes a bit above and beyond by also offering supplements.
Price
Both brands are priced similarly, but the cost of meals will vary based on your dog’s weight and dietary needs. For reference, dry dog food often costs $1 to $2 per day, but prices vary based on the brand.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom meals start at $2 per day. Half meals that you can mix with your dog’s dry food will be cheaper than full meals. For full meals, small dogs are between $2 and $5 per day, medium dogs are $5 to $7 per day, and large dogs are $7 to $14 per day.
Shipping is free, and you can get your money back within 30 days of receiving the first box if you’re not satisfied.
Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog has similar prices. Their meals also start at $2 per day. Small dogs will cost $2 to $5 per day, medium dogs will cost $6 to $8 per day, and large dogs will cost $8 to $11 per day.
Shipping is free, and if you’re not satisfied with the food, you can get a full refund if you donate the food to a shelter or rescue.
Winner: Farmer’s Dog
There isn’t a huge difference in pricing for these two brands, but Farmer’s Dog has a better deal for large dogs, even though their meals for medium dogs are slightly more. Nom Nom’s meals for large dogs often surpass $10 per day, while The Farmer’s Dog rarely sells meals that cost that much.
The Farmer’s Dog also has a better policy for refunds. Customers always have an opportunity to get a refund if not satisfied, and the brand encourages shelter donations too.
Storage
Dog food can take up a lot of space, but fresh food specifically needs to go in the fridge or freezer. So, is it easy to store these brands?
Nom Nom
When you receive the food, you can put the first two meals in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. The food needs 24 hours to thaw, so when you serve a meal to your dog, you can put another meal in the fridge to prepare for the next day. You can get up to a weekly delivery for Nom Nom, so the food won’t take up too much space at a time.
Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog sends larger packages, so they may take up more space in your fridge or freezer. However, like Nom Nom, you can choose how often you’d like to receive food. One week is the most frequent delivery option.
Winner: Nom Nom
Nom Nom’s bags are smaller, making them easier to store. Since each package is also one serving, you never have to worry about storing already-opened bags.
Safety
Safety should be a priority for all dog food brands. Luckily, neither brand has had any recalls. Both brands are also safe for the environment because they use recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable packaging.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom uses ingredients sourced in the United States, and they focus on sustainable sourcing whenever possible. The food meets USDA and AAFCO standards, but it’s not cooked in USDA-certified kitchens. Nom Nom works with veterinary nutritionists to formulate the safest meals for dogs.
Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog only sources food from suppliers approved by the USDA, and their food exceeds AAFCO standards. The ingredients are then cooked in USDA-certified kitchens. They have the same standards as human food production. Farmer’s Dog also works with veterinary nutritionists when formulating recipes.
Winner: Farmer’s Dog
Both companies have similar safety standards, but Farmer’s Dog won by just a hair because they cook their food in USDA-certified kitchens.
Customer Service
Finally, customer service is an important aspect that’s often forgotten. You’ll want a brand that’s easy to get in touch with if you have any questions.
Nom Nom
Nom Nom’s communication is highly rated. According to customers, the company makes it easy to change, pause, or cancel your order. If anything is wrong with your order, they’re quick to respond and fix it. When you place an order, they send an email so you can track where it is.
When it comes to basic questions, you might not even need to contact the company. Nom Nom’s website has lots of details about its products and process, so you can learn a lot about them without needing to talk to anyone.
Farmer’s Dog
Farmer’s Dog’s customer service has more mixed reviews than Nom Nom, but most are positive. Customers have said that they’re quick to respond to issues, and they go above and beyond to make things right. Some reviews even stated that they send flowers when pets pass away.
They also have a lot of commonly asked questions on their website, but they lack details about their food formulas, so you would have to call to ask about that.
Winner: Tie
Nom Nom’s customer service has more praise from customers than The Farmer’s Dog, and they have more information on their website. Yet, both companies seem to have great communication.
Choosing the Best Fresh Dog Food
Overall, both Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog are some of the best fresh dog food companies. To decide which one is better for your dog, you’ll need to look at all the aspects mentioned above. The Farmer’s Dog won several categories while Nom Nom won others, so you’ll need to think about which areas matter most to you. No matter which one you choose, your dog will be enjoying flavorful human-grade food.
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Saturday 28 January 2023
Unloved Pit Bull Was Dumped On Freeway But It Was A Blessing
Maple, the sweetest Pittie, was dumped on a freeway. Justine, her mommy, believes she was used as a bait dog. Justine saw Maple online and submitted an application. She believed Maple was meant to be hers for a very good reason.
Justine’s beloved Pit Bull recently passed away. She had a hole in her heart and space in her home to adopt a new pup to add to her pack. Thankfully her application went through and she drove 8 hours away to meet Maple and her foster mom. When Justine arrived, she knew instantly that Maple belonged with her and Maple felt the same way!
When Maple came home with Justine, she was severely underweight. Justine worked hard to get Maple as healthy as possible… and she now weighs 60 pounds! Maple loves her doggy siblings, especially when they go on adventures together.
Meet Maple in the video below! Her story is a reminder of how important it is to adopt– and NEVER shop! So many deserving animals need forever homes and they’re waiting for loving people just like you!
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Friday 27 January 2023
Little Boy Terrified Of Dogs Is Adopted Into A Family That Already Has One
Holly adopted a beautiful little boy named Marcelo, who was terrified of dogs. He screamed if a dog came near him. The problem was: the family already included Mini, a senior Chihuahua. Mini was instantly interested in her new human brother (even during bath time!)
Mini was determined to win Marcelo over and did so in the smartest way. She gave the boy space to trust her but never relented. She’d follow him around in a gentle pursuit and when she was finally able to approach Marcelo closely, she graced him with a loving kiss. The boy was absolutely delighted!
Where Marcelo goes, Mini follows. When Marcelo got sick, the pup didn’t leave his side for a minute. She was so worried about him. Mini’s unwavering love helped Marcelo acclimate to his new family and also taught him that dogs are the best!
Marcelo loves playtime because Mini is always included. She loves to chill with Marcelo on the hammock, go with him on car rides, and read books with her adorable brother. The two are inseparable! Thank you, Mini, for teaching Marcelo that dogs are special, just like he is! Check them out together in the video below!
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Thursday 26 January 2023
Community Steps Up To Save A Dog And Change A Homeless Mother’s Fate
When a mom and her two kids fell on hard times and found themselves homeless, she felt like she had no other option but to give up their beloved dog, Lilo. After a good Samaritan found Lilo all alone and took her to the shelter, they made a plea to the public to try and reunite Lilo with her loving family.
Then, many people in their community offered to donate dog food, so this family could stay together.
When a good Samaritan found Lilo wandering around with a heart-wrenching note clipped to her collar and her leash still attached, they decided that the best thing to do would be to bring her to the McKamey Animal Center.
The note read: “My name is Lilo. Please love me. My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with 2 kids. She tried her best but can’t get help. I cost too much for her. She really loves me and I’m a great dog and love to be loved on. Please don’t abuse me. Please keep my name.”
Perhaps she was embarrassed, couldn’t get to the shelter in person, or wasn’t aware that there were resources that could help. But luckily, The McKamey Animal Center knew that what mattered most now was finding Lilo’s mom and getting their family back together.
They could have simply rehomed her. They could have kept the note and never showed a single soul. But instead, they addressed the underlying issue with incredible compassion and understood that Lilo missed her mom and deserved the opportunity to find her humans. So, they made a post on their Facebook page addressing Lilo’s mom.
Not only did sweet Lilo find her way to the rescue, but the rescue did everything they could to find her Mom and connect her with the help she needed! Plus, the community came together to support one of their own. What started out as something soul-crushing truly turned around to be something incredibly heartwarming.
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10 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands in 2023
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What we feed our dogs can have a big impact on their overall health. There are hundreds of brands out there, but many pet parents are wary of the processed ingredients used in them. Have you ever considered making homemade food for your dog but didn’t have enough time or knowledge to do it? If so, the best fresh dog food brands might be for you.
Fresh dog food is a great way to give your dog a balanced diet with human-grade ingredients, but how do you know which brand is the best for your pup? Let’s take a look at the qualities of fresh dog food along with some popular brands.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
Fresh dog food usually refers to pet food that’s made with natural ingredients cooked at a lower temperature to preserve the nutrients. Thus, it doesn’t contain the additives and preservatives that are often in kibble.
Most fresh dog food brands will make a custom formula for your dog based on their lifestyle, and it’ll get delivered right to your door. Most formulas are made from scratch shortly before shipping, hence why it’s called “fresh” food.
Some dog parents are hesitant to try fresh dog food because it can be pricier than processed dry or wet food, but it makes up for it because of the quality ingredients and the personalization.
Pros and Cons of Fresh Dog Food
Every type of dog food has its advantages and disadvantages. These pros and cons might help you decide if fresh dog food is right for you.
Pros
- Customizable – Fresh dog food brands usually personalize meals to fit your dog’s needs. This will ensure that your dog gets proper portions and nutrients while avoiding sensitivities.
- Fresh Ingredients – The ingredients are fresh, natural, and minimally processed, giving your dog the maximum nutrients possible. You’ll know exactly what ingredients are going into your dog’s tummy.
- Good for Picky Eaters – Fresh food is more flavorful than kibble, making it appealing even for picky pups.
- Delivered to Your Door – Most brands deliver their fresh food right to your door on a set schedule, so you don’t have to carry home heavy dog food bags anymore.
Cons
- Pricey – Fresh food tends to be more expensive than kibble, so it might not be ideal for pet parents on a budget.
- Short Shelf Life – Since fresh food doesn’t have as many preservatives as kibble, it doesn’t last as long. It usually needs to be refrigerated or frozen to stay fresh. So, it will need to be delivered more frequently than other types of food would.
- Needs to be Refrigerated – The food needs to stay cold to stay fresh, so it could be an inconvenience for storing during travel.
Want to keep the convenience of kibble but have all the benefits of high-quality food? See our list of the 9 Best Dry Dog Foods.
What to Look For
Looking closely at the features of each dog food brand can help you narrow down your choices. So, here are a few aspects to choose from when selecting the best fresh dog food delivery.
Ingredients
Ingredients are important in any dog food. Many dogs have favorite flavors or ingredients they’re allergic to. So, by examining the ingredients listed, you can decide if the food is something that will be safe and interesting for your dog. Luckily, many of the best fresh dog food brands offer customizable meal plans to make sure the ingredients cater to your dog’s needs.
Customizable
For many pet parents, having personalized meals is important. If the meals are catered to your dog’s needs, they’re more likely to be beneficial. Plus, customizable meals help many dog parents feel at ease knowing exactly what’s going into the food. If this aspect is important to you, choose a fresh dog food brand that offers custom meal plans.
Price
It’s no secret that fresh dog food can be pricy, but some options cost more than others. The more customizable the food is, the more expensive it will likely be. Food that’s shipped to your door may also cost more than fresh food sold at stores. If you’re on a budget, you may need to consider the prices closely when making your decision. Usually, the higher prices have better quality, but more affordable options can still provide health benefits.
Delivery
Fresh pet food usually offers delivery options, so the food can be shipped frozen right to your door. Delivery is more convenient than picking food up at a store, but it may also cost more. So, decide if delivery is a priority to you when selecting a brand.
Contact
Finally, the company’s customer service is an aspect that shouldn’t be ignored. If you have questions about the company or concerns about your order, it should be easy to reach out to them and get help. The best fresh dog food companies are usually happy to send you a new order if something goes wrong. Check the company’s reviews to see how other people rated their communication.
Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
Now that you know what to expect when buying fresh dog food, let’s take a look at some options. Here are ten of the best fresh dog food brands that can help keep your furry friend healthy.
1. Ollie
Ollie’s subscription food is catered to your pup’s nutritional needs. New customers will fill out a quiz about their dog so Ollie can send them a starter box with personalized food based on their dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Then, customers can get their dog’s food delivered to them on a set schedule. The food arrives frozen, so pet parents can let it thaw when it’s time to feed it to their pups.
The food comes with feeding instructions that are both detailed and easy to understand. Ollie has beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb proteins available. They also have treats and supplements that can be purchased by members and delivered alongside their fresh meals.
The food is always made in small batches at USDA kitchens using human-grade ingredients. Ollie’s protein-packed recipes are carefully crafted with whole foods and slow-cooked for maximum nutrition and flavor. When recommending a meal plan, Ollie’s team will take crucial aspects into account, such as weight goals and allergies.
Benefits:
- Personalized for your dog
- Ships on a set schedule – you can choose how often you want food deliveries
- Formulated by a canine nutritionist
- Comes with a scoop and puptainer to help you portion and store meals
- Uses human-grade ingredients
- Made in USDA kitchens
- Comes with detailed feeding instructions
- Ollie’s subscription food is catered to your pup’s needs. New customers will fill out a quiz about their dog so Ollie can send them a starter box with personalized food. Then, customers can get their dog’s food delivered to them on a set schedule. The food arrives frozen, so pet parents can let it thaw when it’s time to feed it to their pups.
2. Nom Nom
Nom Nom has the easiest system to use. The meals are portioned in compact vacuum-sealed bags, so all you have to do is open the packaging and pour the meal into your pup’s bowl. Their meals can include beef, chicken, pork, or turkey.
You’ll start by telling Nom Nom about your dog. Then, they’ll formulate meals that cater to your dog’s needs. They’ll regularly ship the fresh food to your door while keeping it cold until you use it.
The recipes only use natural ingredients like meat and vegetables. The food is packed with essential nutrients and no filler ingredients. Nom Nom uses a colorful blend of only human-grade ingredients that are USDA-certified.
Benefits:
- Personalized for your dog
- Servings are individually packaged
- Recipes are formulated by a veterinarian and nutritionist
- Ingredients are natural and human-grade
- Food is delivered to your door and kept cold
3. Raised Right
Raised Right only sells fresh, human-grade dog and cat food. The food is slow-cooked on low heat, so it can hold its moisture and nutrients while still meeting all the required health and safety standards. For dogs, they sell beef, turkey, chicken, or pork as the primary protein. The recipes are designed by vets and canine nutritionists, and they have limited ingredients to make them a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This brand doesn’t sell any already-made formulas, but instead, they create a custom meal plan based on your dog’s needs. The questionnaire isn’t as thorough as it is for other personalized fresh food brands. The frozen food is shipped to your door. You’ll need to defrost it overnight and scoop out your pup’s portion to serve their meal. If you don’t want to serve only this food to your dog, you can set up a meal plan that allows you to mix the fresh food with your dog’s dry food.
Transparency is important to this brand. On their website, they have a map that shows you where each ingredient is sourced from. Each batch goes through strict lab safety testing before being shipped to customers, and the food is always prepared in USDA-certified kitchens.
Benefits:
- Personalized food for your dog
- Shipped to your door
- Made in USDA-certified kitchens
- Website shows a map of where all ingredients are sourced from
- Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
4. A Pup Above
A Pup Above sells dry dog food, but they’re best known for their fresh dog food. You can also buy combos of the dry and fresh food. This brand doesn’t provide a personalized service like some of the other brands, but you can save money if you get a subscription. The food is delivered in frozen packages to your door, but a few stores also sell it.
This brand uses sous vide cooking, which means “under vacuum” in French. The food is vacuum sealed and cooked at a precise temperature to preserve the flavor and nutrients. When you receive the food, you can let it thaw in the fridge overnight before your dog’s next meal.
The fresh food options come in beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. You’ll determine how many patties to give your dog based on your dog’s weight. All the formulas are created by a veterinary nutritionist, and they’re only ideal for adult dogs, not puppies.
Benefits:
- Sous vide cooking
- Shipped to your door and available in some stores
- Crafted by a veterinary nutritionist
- Only made with human-grade ingredients
- Made in a USDA-approved kitchen
If you have a young pup at home, check out our 10 Best Puppy Dog Foods list.
5. Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango sells two types of food: traditional fresh food and Unkibble. Unkibble is a more affordable fresh food option that resembles kibble, but only uses fresh, whole ingredients. Unkibble has recipes with fish, beef, and chicken, while the traditional fresh food comes with turkey, beef, or lamb.
Both types of fresh food are personalized based on your dog’s needs before they’re sent to you. All you need to do is fill out a questionnaire about your dog, and the brand will create a personalized meal plan. Both types of food use human-grade ingredients, and they’re formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
Once you set up a meal plan for your dog, you can get the food shipped to your door. The fresh food arrives frozen, and the Unkibble is a unique type of fresh food that’s dry. The slim packaging of the traditional fresh food comes in serving sizes, so it’s clear how much you need to feed your dog per meal. You’ll find whole ingredients in the dog food.
Benefits:
- Has two types of fresh food: traditional recipes and Unkibble
- Ships to your door in slim packaging
- Personalized for your dog
- Formulated by vets and animal nutritionists
- Made with human-grade ingredients
6. Open Farm
Open Farm is a pet food brand with a variety of products, including dry food, wet food, freeze-dried raw food, treats, supplements, and toppers. Yet, they also have a “gently cooked” dog food option, which is one of the best fresh dog foods. The Gently Cooked dog food is slow-cooked to preserve the nutrients of its human-grade ingredients.
This brand has four fresh dog food recipes: beef, chicken, turkey, and surf & turf. The recyclable food packaging is transparent, so you can see the variety of ingredients before you open the package. The lot code on the packaging traces every ingredient to its source, so you’ll know exactly what your dog is consuming. All the meat comes from humanely-raised animals.
You can get the food shipped to your door, or you can find it in select stores. It’s shipped frozen to preserve the freshness. Open Farm doesn’t provide customizable plans like some of the other brands, but you can fill out a quick questionnaire on the website to calculate a custom serving size for your pup. The company focuses on sustainability by making an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
Benefits:
- Ships to your door and is offered at select stores
- Uses human-grade ingredients
- Has recyclable packaging
- All ingredients can be traced to their source
- Calculates your dog’s custom serving size for you
7. The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog is another fresh food subscription service that will ship right to your door. The brand works with vet nutritionists to build a plan for your dog based on the information you provide. They can ship to the 48 contiguous states on a continuous schedule.
The food arrives at your door frozen in ready-to-serve, biodegradable packages. The feeding and storing instructions are easy to follow, and they have your dog’s name on them, so you know you’re getting their special meal.
All the ingredients used in these meals are human-grade, and the meals are made in a USDA-approved kitchen in the United States. This brand has turkey, beef, chicken, and pork formulas, all of which are made with no fillers or preservatives. And now, The Farmer’s Dog is offering 50% off your first box so you can try it yourself!
Benefits:
- Has eco-friendly packaging
- Personalized for your dog
- Vet nutritionists help formulate the meals
- Only made with human-grade ingredients
- Food is delivered to your door frozen
- Made in USDA-approved kitchens
8. PetPlate
PetPlate is another fresh dog food delivery brand that personalizes your pup’s meals. You can share some characteristics about your dog, and they will craft a meal that’s healthy and appealing to them. The meals are always made with human-grade ingredients in a USDA kitchen. The food is flash-frozen before shipping to lock in the freshness.
Pet parents can choose a full meal plan or a topper plan. The meals may include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, or venison as the animal protein. Customers can also build their own packs of supplements and organic treats if they choose.
All the meals are shipped in recyclable containers that have resealable lids, making it easy to save extra food for later. The feeding guidelines for the personalized meals are printed on the containers.
Benefits:
- Comes in recyclable containers
- Personalized for your dog
- Uses human-grade ingredients
- Flash-frozen and shipped to your door
- Made in a USDA kitchen
9. JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs is one of the best fresh dog food companies for variety. They offer many unique recipes, including options for dogs with special needs, like puppies, large breed dogs, dogs with sensitive skin, and dogs that need to lose weight. They can also create a custom diet for your dog if you do a free consultation.
Some other products include treats, supplements, and food for cats. All products are designed by canine nutritionists. The food is made in a kitchen that’s open to the public, so curious pet parents can visit the facility to see how the food is made. In each recipe, you can see a colorful assortment of healthy ingredients, including meat and vegetables. So, you’ll never have to wonder what’s going into your dog’s tummy.
These meals may use chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, venison, or fish as the animal protein source. The food is shipped to your door frozen in a thermal bag with ice. They come with informational pamphlets to help you successfully serve and transition the new food. If you want the food on a regular schedule, you can set up Autoship and choose how often you want dog food to arrive at your door. A few stores sell this food in person as well.
Benefits:
- Can choose from recipes or get personalized meals
- Designed by canine nutritionists
- Shipped to your door as often as you choose (or offered at some stores)
- Made in open-to-the-public kitchens
- Made with human-grade ingredients and no preservatives
- Offers full box shipping as an environmentally-conscious option
10. Evermore
Evermore has four recipes dog parents can choose from: chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. These meals are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs because they don’t include common allergens, such as corn, soy, and potatoes. The beef comes from grass-fed cows, and the chicken and turkey are free-range.
This food comes in compact packaging that includes slim cardboard boxes and vacuum-sealed bags of food inside. The food is shipped frozen, and large cases can be shipped on a subscription basis. Select retailers in the United States also offer this food in-store. The serving sizes are listed on the box.
Evermore crafts its recipes using “a rainbow array of color” as a way to include a variety of ingredients that have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Evermore is a smaller business compared to some of the other fresh dog food brands, and they partner with local rescues to provide food to foster dogs.
Benefits:
- Compact packaging
- Ships to your door and is available at some stores
- Good for sensitive dogs
- Donates food to foster dogs
- Sources ingredients from humane and sustainable operations
How to Transition Your Dog’s Food
When you switch your dog to a drastically different diet, there’s a chance they could get sick. So, if you switch your dog from kibble to fresh food, their tummy may not react well. Even though fresh dog food uses healthy human-grade ingredients, it’s drastically different than your dog’s dry food. Thus, you’ll need to carefully transition them to the new food to avoid digestive problems.
Many of the brands have information on how to transition the food on their website, and their customer service teams may be willing to give you advice too. But here’s a general schedule you can follow when transitioning your dog to a new diet:
- Days 1 and 2: 80% old food, 20% new food
- Days 3 and 4: 60% old food, 40% new food
- Days 5 and 6: 40% old food, 60% new food
- Days 7 and 8: 20% old food, 80% new food
- Day 9: 100% new food
This is a more cautious schedule, but the more gradual the transition is, the less likely your dog will react negatively. You can adjust this schedule based on your dog’s needs. If your dog is more sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. On the other hand, if your dog rarely has digestion problems, the process doesn’t have to be as slow. It all depends on your furry friend’s specific needs.
Choosing the Best Fresh Dog Food
The best fresh dog food will be different for every dog. Look at the benefits of all the brands mentioned above to help you decide which one will be the healthiest and most appealing for your pup.
Fresh dog food is great for your furry friend because it has natural ingredients you can feel comfortable giving your pup. Many brands will make the process even easier by shipping customized meals right to your door.
If you’ve been thinking about improving your dog’s diet, consider switching them to a fresh dog food brand to reap the health, taste, and convenience benefits. If fresh dog food isn’t right for you and your, check out our review of the Best Dogs Food here.
Related: Best Dehydrated Dog Foods of 2022
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