Is Fresh Dog Food Worth It? 5 Benefits Fido Will Thank You For

Quick Summary

• Compared to dry commercial kibble, canines prefer the variety and taste offered by fresh dog food. Experts also believe that fresh food gives many health benefits to dogs including improved skin and coat, smaller poop, and more energy.
• Because of its high-quality ingredients and zero harmful additives in the cooking process, fresh dog food remains one of the healthier options.
• Some of the downsides of fresh dog foods include longer preparation time, shorter shelf life, and expensive costs. There are some ways, however, that can resolve these issues.

Just by the facts the dogs love fresh meals more than kibble and that they enjoy more health benefits from them are enough reasons to say that fresh dog food is worth it. In this article, I’m going to discuss with you even more reasons why this could be the one for your pup as well.

The market has been flooded with various types of dog food, including kibble, raw, freeze-dried, and grain-free options. Several options abound for dogs, and it can be overwhelming for dog owners who are not sure about fresh pet food. Unlike the typical kibble dog food, fresh pet food appears chunky and raw, as it does not have preservatives.

It must also be kept in the fridge to maintain freshness between the servings. There is also minimal processing involved especially with the best fresh dog food. It may be common for other dog food types to be processed, which in turn changes the shape and texture of the food. That is why sweet potatoes or beef can be turned into pellets. However, the additives and chemicals included can harm the dogs in the long run.

Benefits of Fresh Dog Food

It is healthy

Fresh dog food is significantly appealing because of the health advantages to be gained rather than anything else. It is because of the fewer preservatives in the fresh ingredients and final product. These additives are harmful chemicals created to extend dog food’s shelf life.

They may keep the food from spoiling; however, when a dog’s diet has more chemicals, its body will need more work for it to detoxify the agent from its body. If these elements accumulate, it can cause inflammation, which is the root cause of many illnesses.

Quality control

Fresh dog food platforms are also formulated to meet the Association of American Feed Control Official guidelines [1]. That means they meet the standards for quality dog food, ensuring they give all the nutrients your dog would need to survive.

Did you know that most of the best dog food delivery service platforms today have a team of veterinary specialists on hand that test every batch that goes to the customers. Nom Nom dog food is one of these brands that ensures your dog’s food meets the set regulations and there are no recalls in the process.

Visual appeal

Traditional pet food is neat and easily packaged, but it is not necessarily palatable to dogs. Many fresh dog foods, though, are human-grade and particularly appetizing for dogs. They include a healthy mixture of both fresh fruits and animal protein. As they are not as highly processed, they look more natural and healthy. The dog also enjoys eating these foods, which makes feeding time an enjoyable experience. Interested to see how two popular brands compare when it comes to the food’s appearance? One review by The Pampered Pup shows pet parents how Spot and Tango vs Nom Nom fresh dog food brands compare in terms of appearance by putting the food side by side. There, you will appreciate the visual appeal of these brands.

High-quality ingredients and cooking

The ingredients used to make fresh dog food are usually sourced from the best farms in the country. Fresh dog food producers like The Farmer’s Dog make sure these farms are not the type to use GMOs or harmful fertilizers when growing vegetables and livestock to make human-grade dog food.

They also have board certified veterinary nutritionist on hand to test the ingredients before they are cooked to make the dog food. Even the cooking process comes into consideration for fresh pet dog food platforms.

Commercial kibble is furnace cooked to burn off the pathogens and shrink the food into pebbles. The trouble is that it also ends up destroying the nutrients in the process, creating the need to spray them with chemicals. Fresh dog food platforms, though, have a slow cooking approach, so the nutrients are not destroyed in the process.

Convenience

A lot of fresh dog food brands facilitate delivery directly to your door. That saves you a trip to the local pet store or pickup point. Fresh foods are not only convenient but fast. They also offer customization of the meals. Some criteria for ordering include weight, age, breed, and particular health issues. These are considered so you can create a meal plan that is in your dog’s best interests. The packaging is also temperature controlled and specially designed to keep the dog foods as fresh as possible.

Is There a Potential for Sickness in Dogs

Most fresh dog food brands claim they have not attained claims of injury because of their products during the past few years. However, I must warn you that there are still risks associated with fresh dog food and raw dog food preparations such as bacteria like salmonella and e.coli. If a homemade dog food is not done properly, it could be at risk for pathogens. If a dog contracts salmonella, it may lead to reduced appetite, lethargy, and vomiting.

Some infected animals may be carriers as well but may alternatively spread the infection to other dogs or people. People who handle food that has salmonella may get sick quickly, and those with immunocompromised systems can get much sicker—so be careful when you make your own dog food. Hence the need for contamination-free dog food. The great thing with fresh dog brands is they verify the dog food to ensure your pets do not suffer from food poisoning. It is noted that very few fresh food platforms have been issued recalls for the products because of poisoning.

FAQs

Can you mix fresh food with kibble?

Studies show some fresh raw food can be mixed with kibble. It is also much better health-wise compared to solely using kibble. Alternatively, an entirely fresh food diet is one of the best things you can do for your pet. It is also the ideal most pet parents should strive for.

What do vets say about fresh dog food?

Most experts approve fresh dog food feeding because of the many health benefits it gives to dogs. When it comes to raw dog food however, American Veterinary Medical Association is opposed to the unregulated feeding. Though most pet food companies meet the regulations given by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, they are adequate for consumption. Dog owners should always seek approved sources for raw food.

How much does Freshpet dog food cost?

It depends on the type; platforms like Freshpet sell their dog food as rolls. A 6-pound roll of Freshpet rolled dog food may cost about $12. A large dog would go through a pound of food per day.