With all the textures, varieties, and flavors of dog food out there, it can be overwhelming to try and find the right food for your dog. Fresh dog food is one of the newest ways to feed your best friend and there are many brands offering their version of fresh. Here’s a detailed look at what fresh dog food is (and isn’t), if there are any benefits to feeding fresh dog food, and how to know if it’s right for your pup.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
Defining fresh dog food can be a little subjective, as it might mean different things to different people. However, there are some common characteristics:
- It usually needs to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer to stay fresh
- It's typically cooked, rather than raw (we'll explore why that's important a bit later)
- You can often see fruits and vegetables in the mix
While the ingredients and how it’s made can vary from brand to brand, the best way to find out which fresh food is ideal for your dog is to learn which ingredients are beneficial based on your dog’s age and size, and to look for those ingredients on the label of the dog food package.
What is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food is much easier to define: it’s made with meat in its crude (uncooked) form and has not been exposed to any heat. Every ingredient is also unprocessed in raw dog food, and everything is either frozen or freeze-dried.
Raw dog food may have ground up bone, organs, and fruits or vegetables, but that can vary by brand.
To Feed or Not To Feed Fresh
Feeding fresh dog food comes down to your preferences and your pet’s taste buds. If the brand and type of dog food is a complete and balanced meal and provides the nutrients your dog needs, then you’ve made the right decision for your best friend.
It might be all about what your pup likes best. Does your dog love whatever you put in front of them, or do they seem bored with the same type of food after a while? Or think of it another way: What does your dog do when you change the texture of their food or add a topper to their bowl (if you’ve tried either)? If your dog loves when you surprise them at mealtime, feeding fresh dog food, or mixing it in with their current food, might be their new favorite meal.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to fresh dog food either. You can add fresh food as a topper, or mix it in with their dry food, just make sure you’re feeding the right portions of both. Changing up their routine can make mealtime fun for both of you and will keep your dog guessing what’s in their bowl.
The Benefits of Feeding Fresh Dog Food
Whether there are benefits to feeding fresh dog food or not really depends on what you’re looking for and what your dog needs. If your dog could use more hydration, fresh food, just like wet dog food, naturally contains more moisture than dry dog food, which can help support healthy digestion and hydration.
Not all fresh dog foods are created equal, so it’s important to check the label to ensure you’re feeding the best high-quality ingredients and the right amount for your pup. Remember, your pal’s needs depend on their age, breed, activity level, and overall health.
Switching to Fresh Dog Food
If you’re thinking about switching to fresh dog food, it’s recommended to talk with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. While fresh dog food meets U.S. pet food regulations and is safe for healthy dogs, it’s always wise to get their thoughts since they know your dog and can recommend a personalized diet.
Learn how to transition from your dog’s current food to fresh food, how long it might take, and what could happen if you transition too quickly.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to picking or switching your pet’s food. If you think fresh dog food is right for your pup, check the label to ensure you’re feeding the best high-quality ingredients and the right amount based on their age and size to keep them satisfied, happy, and thriving for years to come.
