For decades, the standard for feeding our dogs was simple: scoop some kibble into a bowl, add water if you felt generous, and call it a day. But things have changed. As more pet parents pay closer attention to their own diets, they’re also asking an important question: “Why shouldn’t my dog eat as well as I do?”
That shift in mindset has sparked a fresh food revolution for dogs. Today, it’s easier than ever to find meals made with whole, recognizable ingredients, gently cooked to preserve nutrients, and customized to fit a dog’s specific needs. The result? Happier pups, shinier coats, better digestion, and a noticeable boost in energy.
If you’re ready to explore this growing trend, we’ve rounded up five of the best fresh dog food brands making waves in 2025, each with its own unique strengths.
Why Pet Parents Are Choosing Fresh Food
Fresh dog food isn’t just about making meals look more appetizing. It’s about rethinking the way we nourish our pets from the ground up.
Unlike heavily processed kibble, fresh food is typically made from human-grade meats, vegetables, and grains. These meals are cooked at lower temperatures, which helps maintain natural vitamins, minerals, and flavor. Many companies also work with veterinary nutritionists to ensure that every recipe meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
The benefits go beyond the ingredient list:
- Better digestion thanks to easily digestible proteins and natural fiber.
- Improved skin and coat health from omega-rich ingredients.
- Increased energy levels from nutrient-dense recipes.
- Potential allergy relief when avoiding common filler ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat.
And perhaps most importantly, fresh food gets dogs excited about mealtime again.
5 Best Fresh Dog Food Brands
We reviewed dozens of companies, looked at ingredient sourcing, evaluated recipe variety, and considered customer feedback to narrow down our top picks. While each brand on this list meets high standards for quality and nutrition, they each bring something a little different to the table — from unmatched customization to convenient grab-and-go options.
Here are the five best fresh dog food brands leading the way.
1. Spot & Tango – Best Overall for Balanced Quality and Customization
Spot & Tango has built its reputation on one simple promise: feed dogs real food, made right. Every recipe is crafted with fresh, human-grade ingredients — think ground turkey, carrots, spinach, and quinoa — all cooked gently to lock in nutrients. There are no fillers, artificial preservatives, or mystery meat by-products.
What makes Spot & Tango stand out is its dual approach. Pet parents can choose from:
- Fresh Recipes – Gently cooked and frozen meals tailored to your dog’s profile.
- UnKibble – A shelf-stable, fresh-dried alternative with the same quality ingredients for easy storage.
Their online quiz personalizes portion sizes and recipes based on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and activity level. This means you’ll get exactly the right amount of food, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight without over- or underfeeding.
For its mix of nutritional integrity, variety, and convenience, Spot & Tango takes the top spot on our list.
2. Ollie – Best for Dogs Who Get Bored Easily
Some dogs will happily eat the same thing every day. Others? Not so much. Ollie has made variety its specialty, offering recipes like Beef with Sweet Potatoes, Chicken with Carrots, Lamb with Cranberries, and Turkey with Blueberries. Each is formulated with human-grade meats, vegetables, and superfoods for balanced nutrition.
Ollie customizes each plan based on your dog’s profile and delivers fresh, ready-to-serve meals right to your door. Their cooking method — gentle, small-batch preparation — ensures ingredients retain their flavor and nutritional value.
Another plus? Ingredient transparency. Every recipe lists each component in plain language, and Ollie avoids artificial preservatives, soy, corn, and wheat. For dogs who need variety to stay interested, Ollie keeps mealtime exciting while staying healthy.
3. The Farmer’s Dog – Best for Tailored Nutrition Plans
If your dog has allergies, weight issues, or other specific health needs, The Farmer’s Dog is a brand worth serious consideration. Their meals are designed by veterinary nutritionists, cooked fresh in USDA kitchens, and portioned according to your dog’s exact needs.
The process begins with an in-depth questionnaire about your dog’s health history, activity level, and preferences. Based on your answers, The Farmer’s Dog builds a custom meal plan with ingredients like USDA beef, carrots, kale, and chickpeas — nothing artificial, nothing unnecessary.
Meals are delivered in pre-portioned packs with your dog’s name on them, making feeding time simple and precise. It’s a thoughtful, health-first approach that gives pet parents extra peace of mind.
4. Freshpet – Best Grab-and-Go Fresh Option
Not everyone wants to sign up for a subscription service — and that’s where Freshpet comes in. Available in the refrigerated section of many grocery and pet stores, Freshpet offers a quick and affordable way to transition from kibble to fresh food.
Their meals are made with real meats, vegetables, and grains, lightly cooked to preserve flavor and nutrition. Popular options include refrigerated rolls, patties, and pre-portioned packs, making it easy to find a format your dog enjoys.
While Freshpet doesn’t offer the deep customization of online services, its accessibility and lower upfront cost make it a great choice for pet parents who want to try fresh food without a long-term commitment.
5. Sundays for Dogs – Best Air-Dried Fresh Alternative
If you want fresh-quality nutrition without the need for refrigeration, Sundays for Dogs delivers. Their recipes are 90% real meat combined with wholesome produce like pumpkin, blueberries, and kale, then air-dried at low temperatures to preserve nutrients.
The result is a shelf-stable, nutrient-dense meal with a jerky-like texture that many dogs love. It’s ideal for travel, busy households, or anyone with limited freezer space. And because Sundays skips synthetic vitamins and fillers, all nutrients come directly from the whole food ingredients themselves.
For pet parents who value nutrition, convenience, and storage flexibility, Sundays is an excellent choice.
Choosing the Right Fresh Dog Food Brand for Your Pup
Before picking a brand, ask yourself:
- What are my dog’s needs? Age, weight, breed, and health conditions should guide your choice.
- How much storage do I have? Frozen and refrigerated meals require space; air-dried or UnKibble options are more compact.
- Do I want variety or consistency? Some dogs thrive on routine, while others benefit from rotating flavors.
- What’s my budget? Fresh food is an investment, but there are options for different price ranges.
- How convenient should it be? Subscription services are hands-off, while store-bought options are good for last-minute shopping.
Fresh dog food has come a long way from being a niche option for health-obsessed pet parents. Today, it’s accessible, customizable, and proven to support better digestion, improved skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
While all five brands on this list are worth trying, Spot & Tango earns our top recommendation for its balance of ingredient quality, personalized nutrition, and flexibility. Whether you choose their Fresh Recipes or UnKibble, you’ll be giving your dog food that’s tailored to their needs and made with care.
