You’ve seen or heard about fresh dog food, but perhaps you aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for your pup. Lots of brands are making it, which might make your decision even harder. Here’s a little more about fresh food and how you can incorporate it into your dog’s diet.
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
- 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.
Mix Up Mealtime By Feeding Both Fresh and Dry Dog Food
If you’re uncertain about going all in on fresh, mixing fresh and dry dog food might be just what your dog wants. Pairing the two can make mealtime more exciting for your pal by blending different textures, smells, and flavors.
You can add fresh dog food as a topper, or mix it in with their dry food; just make sure you’re feeding the right portions of both. BLUE Love Made Fresh, natural refrigerated dog food, makes for a great topper or solo meal — see what it’s all about and if it’s the right fit for your dog.
It might come down to 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)?
Of course, every dog is unique. If your best friend has health conditions, food sensitivities, or specific dietary needs, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian before making changes to their meals (even if you’re mixing foods).
Benefits Of Mixing Fresh and Dry Dog Food
Adding fresh dog food to dry dog food isn’t about replacement — it’s about creating a new bowl for your buddy while sticking to a routine you already know works.
Extra hydration:
Like wet dog food, fresh food naturally contains more moisture than dry dog food, which can help support healthy digestion and hydration.
Keeps mealtime interesting:
Switching between fresh and dry dog food, or serving them together, adds variety that can help keep your pup engaged at every meal.
Flexible feeding:
Fresh food can be served as a meal, mixed in, or used as a topper — giving you flexibility come mealtime.
When combined, fresh dog food and dry dog food create meals that bring balance, variety, and joy in every bowl.
How to Transition To New Dog Food
Mixing fresh dog food with dry dog food is simple, but transitioning slowly is key to avoiding tummy trouble. Before getting started, make sure to refer to the feeding guidelines on each package of your dog’s food to be sure you’re feeding the right portions so you don’t exceed their daily caloric intake.
- Start small: Begin with a small scoop of fresh food in your dog’s bowl and see how they respond.
- Adjust gradually: Over about 14-21 days, slowly increase the fresh portion while reducing dry dog food until you find the right balance.
- Monitor portions: Since fresh recipes can be more calorie-dense, follow the feeding guidelines on the package and adjust your pup’s dry dog food accordingly.
- Check their cues: Keep an eye on your dog’s stool, appetite, and energy. If anything seems off, ease up on the fresh food for a bit before trying again.
Should I Switch to Fresh Dog Food?
Feeding fresh dog food comes down to your preferences, or 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.
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.
