What Is Fresh Pet Food and Is It Actually Better? | Wirecutter

Pet owners are presented with an abundance of pet food choices, ranging from kibble and raw options to freeze-dried, grain-free, and pâté. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the newly popular “fresh pet food” delivered right to your door. These pre-cooked meals, consisting of genuine meat and vegetables, are certainly attractive but require further examination regarding their health benefits.

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Fresh pet food stands out among traditional kibble by resembling more expensive, hearty canned varieties. These products typically contain fewer, if any, preservatives and are stored in the fridge to ensure freshness for each serving. As appealing as 'fresh' sounds, the question remains: Are these diets actually healthier for our furry friends? For insights, I consulted Dr. Lindsey Bullen, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist from the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. Dr. Bullen has prior consulting experience with pet food companies, although not with any services mentioned here. To further understand the market, I also analyzed pricing for various popular fresh dog food subscription services using a hypothetical scenario involving a 70-pound, two-year-old golden retriever.

Understanding Fresh Pet Food

Brands like Freshpet have pioneered the fresh pet food sector, widely available in local pet stores' refrigeration sections. Today, numerous brands offer subscription services, allowing pet owners to create a tailored dog profile, fill out surveys, set delivery schedules, and receive freshly made meals conveniently chilled in dry ice.

Through my investigation, I identified over a dozen companies that promote fresh diets for both cats and dogs, varying in preparation methods, types of ingredients, and guidelines for storage. Dr. Bullen noted that the term 'fresh pet food' lacks a definitive meaning and primarily indicates food made with minimal or no preservatives. It may range from homemade options like boiled chicken and plain rice to commercially produced meals containing recognizable ingredients, packaged without preservatives, and frozen. The offerings we researched consist of foods that are cooked at low temperatures in a controlled environment, containing a blend of meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables, often resembling a human Thanksgiving plate.

But Does Fresh Pet Food Perform Better?

Many fresh pet food brands market their products as 'human-grade' and free from fillers, yet this doesn’t categorically prove they are healthier than conventional pet food. Fillers typically consist of grains or carbohydrates such as corn, soy, or wheat that provide important nutrients to pets. Preservatives serve to enhance shelf life, flavor, and aroma of dry pet foods, undergoing safety evaluations by the FDA or other regulatory bodies to ensure pet safety.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines 'human-grade' food as suitable for human consumption, meaning all components must be safe for human intake. Meanwhile, 'feed grade' refers to products appropriate for animal consumption. Dr. Bullen pointed out that the distinction often boils down to marketing, particularly for dogs that might scavenge through leftovers. A key example of 'feed grade' would be poultry by-product meal, comprised of poultry organs like liver or kidneys but excluding less desirable components such as feathers.

When assessing dietary choices for pets, caloric density takes precedence over marketing rhetoric. Even though fresh pet food services adjust portions for individual dogs, this is just one aspect among many. Maintaining a pet’s weight, weight gain, or loss remains vital metrics to consider. Dr. Bullen indicated that a reputable service allows for dietary adjustments according to an individual pet’s needs. Interestingly, fresh pet diets usually contain lower caloric density compared to kibble diets, akin to the caloric difference between fresh fruit and dried fruit. For instance, typical kibble ranges between 3.2 to 4.5 kilocalories per gram, while fresh diets we analyzed range from 1.2 to 4.7 kilocalories per gram. This variance arises from the moisture levels in each food type, thus following the specific feeding guidelines is crucial to prevent over or underfeeding.

Before modifying any pet’s diet, consulting your veterinarian is critical. Pets may digest food differently based on biological factors, making it essential to recognize that there isn’t a universal solution for meal planning. Dr. Bullen emphasized, “When it comes to dietary superiority, fresh pet food diets are not unequivocally better. It truly hinges on the pet's unique requirements and the tailored diet provided for that animal.”

I have compiled a list of popular fresh pet food companies for those interested in exploring this option. The highlighted selections come from Dr. Bullen’s expertise, discussions with each entity, in-depth analyses of third-party evaluations, and comparisons of each company’s pricing structures, recipes, and shipping availability. I have personally experimented with several brands for my dogs over the years, believing that the following companies offer great options for those eager to offer fresh food to their pets.

The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer’s Dog provides freshly prepared, human-grade meals that, in theory, pet owners could consume as well. The brand guarantees no 'feed-grade' ingredients are used, sourcing everything responsibly from local farms. Each meal reaches customers frozen and must be defrosted in the fridge prior to serving. For convenience, multiple servings are packed together; using a Rubbermaid TakeAlongs container can help contain any leaks while thawing.

Starting price: $2 per day ($12.96 per day for a 70-pound, 2-year-old golden retriever)
Recipes: turkey, beef, pork
Kilocalories per ounce: 1,170 kcal/kg (turkey); 1,530 kcal/kg (beef); 1,390 kcal/kg (pork)
Delivery frequency: customizable via customer service; delivers before food runs out
Ships to: 48 contiguous states
Return or guarantee policy: refunds available

Nom Nom

Nom Nom employs a veterinary nutritionist to ensure compliance with AAFCO standards during recipe development. Although Dr. Bullen hasn’t reviewed Nom Nom, the presence of a full-time nutritionist is encouraging regarding its nutritional integrity. Meals arrive frozen and must be thawed before serving, requiring ample freezer space due to individual packaging. Notably, Nom Nom includes seven bonus meals with the second order, enhancing convenience with potential delivery delays.

Starting price: $3 per day ($9.69 per day for a 70-pound, 2-year-old golden retriever)
Recipes: turkey, chicken, beef, pork
Kilocalories per kg: 1,479 kcal/kg (turkey); 1,255 kcal/kg (chicken); 1,239 kcal/kg (beef); 1,246 kcal/kg (pork)
Delivery frequency: every two weeks or every four weeks
Ships to: 48 contiguous states
Return or guarantee policy: no returns, but there’s a money-back guarantee.

Ollie

Ollie recipes adhere to AAFCO guidelines, sourcing meats from the US and Australia. Meals are delivered frozen; while unopened packs last up to 14 days in the refrigerator, they can be frozen and thawed as required. Depending on feeding guidelines, packages may contain multiple servings; any opened portions should be refrigerated until consumed. Ollie provides storage containers and a scoop with orders to keep opened products fresh.

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Starting price: less than $2 per day ($10.63 per day for a 70-pound, 2-year-old golden retriever)
Recipes: turkey, chicken, beef, lamb
Kilocalories per kg: 1,390 kcal/kg (turkey); 1,298 kcal/kg (chicken); 1,540 kcal/kg (beef); 1,804 kcal/kg (lamb)
Delivery frequency: customizable, from every two weeks to every eight weeks
Ships to: 48 contiguous states
Return or guarantee policy: offers a 100% money-back guarantee as stated on their homepage

Spot & Tango

Spot & Tango markets both fresh kibble (UnKibble) and fresh food. Their fresh options encompass 'human-grade' ingredients including meats, vegetables, grains, and fruits, free from additives and preservatives. Fresh kibble undergoes a low-temperature vacuum cooking process, resembling standard dog kibble and should be stored in a cool, dark spot, consumed within three to four weeks post-opening. Fresh food arrives as pre-portioned packages, requiring freezing upon receipt.

Starting price: $7 per week ($11.66 per day for a 70-pound, 2-year-old golden retriever)
Recipes: turkey (fresh), beef (fresh), lamb (fresh), chicken (kibble), beef (kibble), duck (kibble)
Kilocalories per kg: 1,437 kcal/kg (turkey, fresh); 1,420 kcal/kg (beef, fresh); 1,345 kcal/kg (lamb, fresh); 3,921 kcal/kg (chicken, kibble); 4,749 kcal/kg (beef, kibble); 4,368 kcal/kg (duck, kibble)
Delivery frequency: fresh food every two weeks, fresh kibble every four weeks, with complimentary two-day shipping
Ships to: 48 contiguous states
Return or guarantee policy: offers a money-back guarantee

References

1. Dr. Lindsey Bullen, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas, interview, May 18, 2. Alex Jarrell, co-founder of Nom Nom, interview, April 9, 3. Russell Breuer, founder of Spot & Tango, interview, April 9, 4. Jonathan Regev, co-founder and CEO, The Farmer’s Dog, interview, April 9, 5. Evan Woods, head of Growth, Ollie, interview, April 16,

Recently, I spoke with a dog parent whose dog showcased a radiant coat, strong build, and overall vigor. Upon asking about their chosen pet food, she appeared shy but eventually confessed to feeding her pet a budget-friendly option sourced from the grocery aisle. It was my pleasure to assure her, “That's wonderful! This is a fantastic choice for your pup!” Many pet owners associate higher costs with better quality and may feel guilty about selecting economical options. However, it's important to know that numerous quality, nutritious diets are accessible at grocery stores.

Especially in challenging economic circumstances, being aware of affordable yet nutritious options at local supermarkets can be an asset. It’s vital not to feel remorseful about budget-friendly selections. Cost does not always correlate with better nutritional standards and quality.

However, not all grocery store products (or those at upscale shops) are suitable choices. Wherever you procure your pet's food, confirming it's manufactured by a company with solid nutritional expertise and rigorous quality checks is essential. Additionally, even among a single manufacturer, numerous products may warrant consideration. Should you opt for puppy or kitten formulations? (Yes, if under 12 months.) What about different breeds, or senior diets? The landscape of choices can prove daunting. Thus, following these guidelines may help you find the best food for your pet.

Guidelines for Identifying Quality Pet Foods at Supermarkets:

1. Engage your veterinarian: Your vet can recommend suitable brands and specific formulations across various budget ranges.
2. Consider medical needs: If your pet has health issues, consultation becomes even more crucial. Alternatives to prescribed therapeutic diets may exist at grocery stores, but always discuss changes with your vet, as it may pose risks.
3. Investigate labels: Review the nutritional adequacy statements to ensure the product aligns with your pet's life stage. Despite frequently being printed in small font on the label's side or rear, locating this information is beneficial for comprehending vital factors.
4. Evaluate costs: Assessing the expense of a given diet extends beyond the packaging price alone. Utilize our Pet Food Cost Calculator to facilitate objective cost comparisons among different formulations.
5. Manufacturer evaluation: Good quality ingredients are necessary, yet other determinants are equally vital. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has formulated recommendations to guide pet food selection, which includes verifying whether the manufacturer employs qualified in-house nutritionists, owns manufacturing plants, and adheres to strict quality assurance processes. The Pet Nutrition Alliance’s 'Dare to Ask' tool provides comparative manufacturer information based on WSAVA standards, enabling you to make informed decisions beyond marketing gimmicks.

By following this guidance, you can discover excellent grocery store options for pet food, allowing you to economize while ensuring your pet enjoys a nourishing and healthy diet.

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