5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands for Happy, Healthy Dogs

If you ask most dog owners what their pup means to them, the answer is simple: they’re family. And when it comes to family, nutrition matters. For decades, feeding dogs was all about convenience — scoop some kibble, pour some water, and you were done. But now, more and more pet parents are realizing that convenience shouldn’t come at the expense of quality.

Enter fresh dog food — meals made from real, whole ingredients, often prepared in small batches and tailored to each dog’s needs. It’s a movement that’s transforming mealtime from a routine task into an act of care, with visible benefits like shinier coats, better digestion, and more energy.

In this guide, we’ll spotlight five of the best fresh dog food brands in 2025 — brands that are raising the bar on what we should expect when we feed our furry family members.

The Benefits of Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in how we think about feeding our pets. Unlike kibble, which is cooked at extremely high temperatures and often contains fillers, fresh food starts with human-grade meats, vegetables, and grains and is prepared in a way that keeps nutrients intact.

Here’s why so many dog owners are making the switch:

• Better Digestibility – Fresh, minimally processed ingredients are easier on the stomach and support healthy gut function.

• Visible Health Improvements – Expect glossier coats, clearer eyes, and more consistent energy levels.

• Tailored Nutrition – Many brands create portion sizes based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity level.

• Cleaner Ingredient Lists – No mystery meat meals, artificial preservatives, or cheap fillers.

It’s a simple change with benefits that can make a big difference in your dog’s long-term health and happiness.

5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands in 2025

With fresh dog food becoming more popular, the market is full of new options. That’s why we evaluated dozens of brands based on ingredient sourcing, nutritional standards, variety, customization, and convenience to bring you our top picks.

Whether you want a fully personalized subscription, an option you can pick up at the grocery store, or a shelf-stable fresh alternative, these five brands offer something for every dog and every lifestyle.

1. Spot & Tango – Best for Personalized, All-Natural Meals

Spot & Tango has become a go-to for pet parents who want fresh food that’s as thoughtful as it is nutritious. Every recipe is made with whole, human-grade ingredients like turkey, spinach, carrots, and quinoa — no fillers, no artificial preservatives, and no unpronounceable additives.

One of their biggest strengths is personalization. After a quick online quiz about your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level, Spot & Tango creates a custom portion plan so your pup gets exactly what they need.

Pet parents can choose from two main options:

• Fresh Recipes – Gently cooked and frozen meals to lock in nutrients.

• UnKibble – A unique, shelf-stable fresh food alternative that’s easy to store but still made from premium ingredients.

For its blend of transparency, quality, and flexibility, Spot & Tango easily earns the top spot on our list.

2. Ollie – Best for Dogs Who Enjoy a Variety of Flavors

If your dog’s a foodie at heart, Ollie offers the kind of variety that keeps mealtime exciting. Their menu includes delicious options like Beef with Sweet Potatoes, Lamb with Cranberries, Turkey with Blueberries, and Chicken with Carrots — all made with fresh, human-grade meats and vegetables.

Ollie slow-cooks its meals in small batches to preserve natural flavor and nutrition, then delivers them fresh in pre-portioned packs. They also customize feeding plans so your pup’s portions are just right, whether you’ve got a growing puppy or a low-energy senior.

For dogs that get bored with the same meal every day, Ollie’s rotation of flavors makes it easy to switch things up without compromising on nutrition.

3. Sundays for Dogs – Best Air-Dried Fresh Alternative

If freezer space is limited or you need something travel-friendly, Sundays for Dogs offers a smart alternative to refrigerated meals. Their recipes are 90% real meat combined with fresh fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, blueberries, and kale — all air-dried at low temperatures to preserve nutrients naturally.

The result is a crunchy, nutrient-dense meal that’s shelf-stable but still made entirely from whole-food ingredients. With no fillers, synthetic vitamins, or artificial preservatives, Sundays delivers the quality of fresh food with the convenience of dry feeding.

4. The Farmer’s Dog – Best for Health-Focused Custom Plans

When your dog’s diet needs to do more than just fill their belly, The Farmer’s Dog is a standout. Their recipes are designed by veterinary nutritionists and made with USDA human-grade meats, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich extras like fish oil and chia seeds.

The process starts with a detailed questionnaire about your dog’s health, activity level, and dietary needs. Based on that info, The Farmer’s Dog creates a custom meal plan that’s pre-portioned and ready to serve.

It’s especially popular among pet parents whose dogs have allergies, sensitivities, or weight management needs — and their transparency about ingredient sourcing makes them a brand you can feel confident about.

5. Freshpet – Best Fresh Food Available in Stores

For pet parents who prefer to shop in person, Freshpet is one of the most widely available fresh dog food brands in the U.S. You’ll find it in the refrigerated section of many grocery and pet supply stores, making it a quick and accessible upgrade from kibble.

Freshpet’s recipes feature real meats, vegetables, and grains, gently cooked to maintain nutritional value and natural flavor. They offer several formats — from sliceable rolls to bite-sized morsels — so you can choose the style that works best for your dog.

While it doesn’t offer the deep customization of a subscription-based service, Freshpet’s convenience and affordability make it a great option for those who want to test the waters with fresh feeding.

How to Choose the Right Fresh Dog Food for Your Pup

Before deciding on a brand, consider these key factors:

• Your Dog’s Needs – Age, activity level, weight, and any health concerns should guide your choice.

• Storage Space – Frozen and refrigerated meals require space; air-dried or UnKibble options are pantry-friendly.

• Ingredient Quality – Look for human-grade meats, fresh produce, and no fillers or by-products.

• Budget – Fresh food is an investment, but trial plans can help you find the right fit before committing.

• Convenience – Delivery subscriptions save time, while in-store options are great for last-minute shopping.

Fresh feeding isn’t just about giving your dog tastier meals — it’s about fueling their health, energy, and happiness for years to come. All five brands on this list are excellent choices, but Spot & Tango stands out for its combination of premium ingredients, tailored meal plans, and flexible options like Fresh Recipes and UnKibble.

If you’re ready to see the difference fresh food can make, start with Spot & Tango’s personalized plan and watch your pup thrive.