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Q: Is Freshpet as “good” as delivery subscriptions?

Freshpet focuses on being highly accessible — fresh, refrigerated food you can buy locally, often at a lower daily cost than custom subscriptions. Delivery brands like The Farmer’s Dog and JustFoodForDogs lean more into personalization and direct shipping. Which is better depends on your dog, budget, and convenience needs.

Freshpet vs The Farmer’s Dog vs JustFoodForDogs

We compared how these fresh dog food brands handle ingredients, convenience, storage, cost, and vet formulation. Our pick: Freshpet for the best overall balance of fresh ingredients, easy in-store availability, and recipe variety — without locking you into a subscription.

Always talk to your veterinarian before making big changes to your pet’s diet — especially if they have health conditions.

At a glance

Freshpet

Best overall

Top pick for fresh, gently cooked dog (and cat) food you can grab in the fridge at your local store — no subscription, no defrosting, just slice, scoop, and serve.

Refrigerated rolls, patties, and bagged meals made with fresh meat and visible veggies
Sold in-store at many grocers & pet retailers — easy to try without a long-term plan
Vet-formulated recipes for different breeds, sizes, and life stages

Get Freshpet

The Farmer’s Dog

Best personalized subscription

Direct-to-consumer fresh dog food made with human-grade ingredients, pre-portioned for your dog and shipped frozen or chilled on a schedule.

Human-grade, gently cooked recipes delivered to your door on a subscription
Personalized plans based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level
Dog-only; higher price point than typical store-bought fresh food

Explore The Farmer’s Dog

JustFoodForDogs

Best vet-driven variety

Fresh frozen and pantry-friendly meals crafted by veterinary nutritionists, with daily diets plus specialized formulas for specific health needs.

Open kitchens and human-grade ingredients, backed by feeding trials and research
Daily meals plus targeted recipes (e.g., renal, hepatic, metabolic support) available through vets and online
Typically requires freezer or pantry space and more prep than grab-and-serve rolls

See JustFoodForDogs

What to compare	Freshpet	The Farmer’s Dog	JustFoodForDogs
Primary strength	Best overall: fresh food + in-store convenience + variety	Fully personalized, human-grade subscription for dogs	Vet-driven recipes with broad daily & therapeutic options
Food format & storage	Refrigerated rolls, patties, and bags in store fridges; keep in your fridge, no thawing needed	Individually packed, pre-portioned meals delivered frozen or chilled; store in fridge/freezer	Fresh frozen and pantry-friendly meals; many diets need freezing and defrosting before serving
How you buy	Grab-and-go from refrigerators at grocery, mass, and pet stores; no subscription required	Online direct-to-consumer subscription (with some occasional promos and trials)	Online orders, vet clinics, and select pet stores with open kitchens or freezer sections; optional autoship
Species & recipe range	Dog and cat recipes across multiple lines (Select, Vital, Nature’s Fresh, etc.)	Dog-only recipes focused on a smaller set of high-quality menus	Primarily dog recipes with broad daily and veterinary-support formulas; limited cat options
Ingredient philosophy	Fresh, gently cooked meals with real meat and veggies you can see; no need for artificial preservatives thanks to refrigeration	100% human-grade ingredients, gently cooked; meets USDA standards for human consumption	Human-grade ingredients crafted in open kitchens; recipes backed by veterinary research and feeding trials
Customization & portioning	Feeding guidelines by weight and life stage; you choose recipes and adjust portions with your vet’s guidance	Highly personalized feeding plans tailored to your dog’s profile, pre-portioned in each pack	Recipe selector for goals (skin, joints, weight, digestion, etc.); some diets require vet authorization and guidance
Convenience	Very high: pick up while shopping, store in the fridge, slice or scoop; no waiting for deliveries	High once set up: food arrives at your door, but you must plan around delivery windows and freezer space	High for serious planners and pets with conditions; slightly more effort to manage different diets and storage
Cost positioning	Generally more affordable per day than most made-to-order delivery services, with flexible portion control	Premium pricing; you’re paying for personalization, human-grade sourcing, and direct home delivery	Premium pricing; research-backed formulas, some prescription-style diets, and vet involvement increase cost
Cat food options	Yes: fresh refrigerated cat recipes in many stores	No dedicated cat meals	Limited or emerging cat offerings; dog is the primary focus
Best for	Pet parents who want fresh, refrigerated food they can buy locally, with options for both dogs and cats	Dog owners who want a custom, human-grade meal plan delivered on autopilot	Owners working closely with a vet, or managing specific health conditions with targeted nutrition

Editorial stance: Want the most balanced mix of fresh ingredients, convenience, and value? Choose Freshpet. Prefer a fully personalized, dog-only subscription with human-grade meals? Start with The Farmer’s Dog. Need open-kitchen transparency and therapeutic recipes guided by your veterinarian? Pick JustFoodForDogs.

Pick by use-case

Best all-round fresh food

Freshpet is ideal if you want to upgrade from kibble to refrigerated, gently cooked meals you can buy at your local store — with options for both dogs and cats and no subscription required.

Get Freshpet

Best personalized plan

The Farmer’s Dog is great if you want a custom, human-grade meal plan shipped to your door in pre-portioned packs based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

See The Farmer’s Dog

Best vet-guided diets

JustFoodForDogs is a strong fit for dogs who need more targeted recipes — like joint, skin, renal, or weight-support diets — created and studied by veterinary nutrition teams.

See JustFoodForDogs

FAQ

What counts as “fresh” dog food?

“Fresh” dog food usually means minimally processed meals made with real meats, veggies, and other whole ingredients, gently cooked instead of extruded like kibble. Some options are refrigerated (like Freshpet), others are shipped frozen or as pantry-stable cartons and pouches. All three brands aim to feel more like a home-cooked meal than dry kibble.

Is Freshpet as “good” as delivery subscriptions?

They’re built for slightly different jobs. Freshpet focuses on being highly accessible — fresh, refrigerated food you can buy locally, often at a lower daily cost than custom subscriptions. Delivery brands like The Farmer’s Dog and JustFoodForDogs lean more into personalization and direct shipping. Which is “better” depends on your dog, budget, and how much convenience you want.

Do I still need to talk to my vet?

Yes. Fresh food can be a great upgrade, but every dog is different. If your pet has allergies, GI issues, kidney or liver disease, or is on medication, a veterinarian (ideally with nutrition training) should help you choose and transition foods. Brands like JustFoodForDogs even have specific veterinary diets that usually require vet guidance.

How do I switch my dog to Freshpet or other fresh food?

Most experts recommend a slow transition over 5–10 days: start by mixing a small amount of the new food into your dog’s current diet, then gradually increase the fresh portion while reducing the old food. Watch for changes in stool, energy, or behavior, and slow down the transition or call your vet if anything seems off. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with health conditions may need an even slower approach.

Is this veterinary or nutrition advice?

No. This page is for general information and comparison only. It doesn’t replace a diagnosis, feeding plan, or individualized advice from your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Always work with a professional before making major changes to your pet’s diet — especially for pets with medical issues.