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We Compared the Top Fresh Dog Food Delivery Companies on Ingredients, Price, and What Makes Them Special

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A person feeding fresh dog food delivery to a dog in a kitchen.
The Farmer's Dog

Updated: This article has been updated to reflect new *special offers* for readers of This Dog’s Life, along with current prices, varieties and options for 2021 and beyond.

The dog food delivery industry in heating up. Indeed, nearly 1 in 5 pet owners are getting some sort of pet food delivered to their home, according to research firm Packaged Facts.

And one area that is gaining steam is subscription services delivering fresh, homemade dog food, as many pet owners are becoming warier of bigger, traditional brands.

“The pet food industry is self-regulated, that is to say, it is primarily and loosely governed by large, multinational food companies who would like to use their waste products as pet food,” Shawn Buckley, the founder of fresh dog food company Just Food for Dogs, told This Dog’s Life for an earlier article, adding “Pet food is mostly made of horribly inadequate ‘ingredients’ that would otherwise be waste, everything from empty peanut shells to sawdust.”

Companies are seizing on the opportunity to offer customized fresh meals tailored to a dog’s need and delivered right to your door. Think: chicken, kale, butternut squash and brown rice. Food we would actually eat, hence the focus on human-grade dog ingredients.

Related: Why Investors Are Betting $2 Million On This Made-To-Order Dog Food Delivery Company

The dog food delivery companies are setting the standards high by using USDA-certified facilities, huma quality, natural ingredients, and ensuring there aren’t preservatives, artificial fillers, or flavors (or at least limit the amount). The idea is that by providing top-tier food, dogs are better off health wise. Indeed, it has been reported that dogs fed a high-quality diet have fewer ailments, shinier and softer coat, are in better mood and have more energy.

And the market for delivering this kind of fresh dog food to your door won’t be slowing down anytime soon. With the humanization of pets continuing to be strong, along with technology and data enabling owners to have more insight, dog parents are being proactive when it comes to their dog’s health. And with dog food subscription options, dog parents don’t have to worry about running out of food.

With more companies sprouting up, we compared six top fresh dog food delivery companies on the market and examined their ingredients, prices, and what really stood out to us at This Dog’s Life. Plus, all offered a special discount or promotion for our readers to try out their food.

The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer’s Dog

Description: New York City-based The Farmer’s Dog offers subscription dog food meals developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists using a proprietary algorithm to determine a custom plan for your dog. Ingredients meet USDA standards, are defined as human-grade and are sourced from local farms, reputable food suppliers, and other human food purveyors.

Meals (all meat is USDA certified): 

Turkey: USDA Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip, spinach, fish oil, TFD nutrient blend [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, choline bitartrate, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]

Beef: USDA beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver, kale, sunflower seeds, fish oil, TFD nutrient blend [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]

Chicken: USDA chicken, brussels sprout, USDA chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Pack [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]

Pork: USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower, USDA pork liver, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]

Price estimate for a normal activity level 5-year-old female dog.

(Range includes price for least expensive meal, Beef, and most expensive meal, Turkey)

15-pound dog: $27.82-$30.48/week or $3.97-$4.35/day
55-pound dog: $57.61-$65.58/week or $8.23-$9.37/day
95-pound dog: $89.50-$108.82/week or $12.79-$15.55/day

Shipping: Free

What we love about The Farmer’s Dog:  The questionnaire to determine the correct meal for your dog is not only fun and easy, but also very thorough. Besides asking your dog’s name, breed, and weight, it also asks additional information, including your dog’s body profile, eating habits, and health issues. We also love that your dog’s name is right on the packaging, and that they use eco-friendly packaging.

Plus, for those who aren’t into ordering meals at all, The Farmer’s Dog has a great DIY section that provides a delicious recipe you can make at home. All the company recommends is buying its nutritional nutrient pack to balance out the meal. (Right now, there is a waitlist.)

Doing Good: unknown

Special offer for This Dog’s Life readers: Get 50% off your first purchase.

Nom Nom

Nom Nom

Description: Nom Nom is a California-based dog food delivery company focused on providing fresh meals using human-grade ingredients. Nom Nom uses restaurant-quality proteins and vegetables that come from U.S. growers and suppliers. There are no artificial preservatives or fillers. All meals are formulated by a vet nutritionist and are individually tailored to your dog’s needs.

Meal Choices (all meat is USDA Certified):  

Beef Mash: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, fish oil, natural flavor, sunflower oil, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide.

Chicken Cuisine: Diced chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, sunflower oil, canola oil, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, fish oil, natural flavor, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide.

Turkey Fare: Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, fish oil, natural flavor, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide

Pork Potluck: Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale, brown mushrooms, dicalcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, fish oil, natural flavor, vinegar, citric acid, taurine, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide.

Price estimate for a normal activity 5-year-old female dog.

Related: Check Out Our Verdict for Dog Food Delivery Company NomNomNow

(Prices are all the same for all varieties.)

15-pound dog: $29.39/week or $4.20/day
55-pound dog: $54.55/week or $7.79/day
95-pound dog: $94.30/week or $13.47/day

Shipping: Free

What we love about Nom Nom: We love that that there is a vet nutritionist on board to ensure the meals are balanced, including its nutrition blend added to each meal. If you can’t decide which recipe is best for your dog, you can order a sample pack — no subscription required. Or when you place an order, you can choose to have the meals rotated or pay $5 to add multiple recipes to each delivery. If you want to mix the fresh dog food with your kibble, Nom Nom allows you to order half packs, but the price is a bit more expensive. For dog parents who want to see how Nom Nom stacks up to their current dog food, the company has a comparison calculator, featuring top dog food kibble brands. And for those who also have a cat in their household, Nom Nom offers fresh cat food.

Doing good: If you adopt a dog from one of their shelter partners, they will donate $50 back to the organization and give you a special deal on your first few dog food purchases.

Special offer for This Dog’s Life readers: Get 50% of your first order

Just Food for Dogs

Just Food for Dogs

Description: Having been around since 2010, Just Food for Dogs is the oldest company on our list. Based out of Los Angeles, the company not only provides homemade dog delivery plans, but also has several kitchens around California, allowing people to watch their food being made and receive additional education about Just Food for Dogs and dog food in general. The company also has a partnership with Petco and Pet Food Express.

Its team includes a number of vets and the company’s research and diets have been published in scientific journals. Also, the team teaches a number of nutrition courses at veterinarian clinics and universities. Lastly, Just Food for Dogs provide custom prescription diets to suit an individual dog’s needs.

Meals (all meat is USDA Certified):  

Chicken & White Rice: USDA Certified Chicken Thigh, Long Grain White Rice, Spinach, Carrots, Apples, USDA Certified Chicken Gizzards, USDA Certified Chicken Liver, Premium EPA/DHA Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Natural Calcium, Sodium Chloride, Choline Bitartrate, Natural Kelp (for iodine), Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, Vitamin E (as a-tocopherol succinate), Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate, Copper Bisglycinate Chelate, Vitamin B3 (as cholecalciferol), Vitamin B5 (as calcium d-pantothenate), Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)

Fish & Sweet Potato: Wild Caught Pacific Cod, Sweet Potatoes, Russet Potatoes, Green Beans, Broccoli, Safflower Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Natural Calcium, Sodium Chloride, Choline Bitartrate, Vitamin E (as a-tocopherol succinate), Zinc Oxide, Iron Glycinate Chelate, Vitamin B5 (as calcium d-pantothenate), Copper Citrate, Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol), Riboflavin, Manganese Citrate, Natural Kelp (for iodine), D-Biotiin, Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)

Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni: USDA Certified Ground Turkey, Whole Wheat Macaroni, Broccoli, Zucchini, USDA Certified Turkey Liver, Carrots, Cranberries, Premium EPA/DHA Natural Calcium, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Bitartrate, Sodium Chloride, Vitamin E (as a-tocopheral succinate), Taurine, Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Bisglycinate Chelate, Riboflavin, Natural Kelp (for iodine), Manganese Gluconate Dihydrate, Vitamin B1 (as thiamine mononitrate), Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol), Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)

Beef & Russet Potato: USDA Certified Lean Ground Beef, Russet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, USDA Certified Beef Liver, Green Peas, Apples, Safflower Oil, Premium EPA/DHA Natural Calcium, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, Taurine, Zinc Oxide, Natural Kelp (for iodine), Vitamin E (as a-tocopherol succinate), Manganese Bisglicisnate Chelate, Riboflavin, D-Biotin, Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol), Vitamin B1 (as thiamine hydrochloride), Selenium

Related: See the Dog Kitchen Where Jane Lynch and Barbara Streisand Buy Food for Their Pups

Lamb & Brown Rice: USDA Certified Lean Ground Lamb, Long Grain Brown Rice, Spinach, Cauliflower, Carrots, USDA Certified Lamb Liver, Blueberries, Safflower Oil, Premium EPA/DHA Natural Calcium, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, L-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Natural Kelp (for iodine), Sodium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E (as a-tocopherol succinate), Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate, Zinc Oxide, Selenium Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin D3 (as colecalciferol), Riboflavin

Venison & Squash: USDA Certified Ground Venison, Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Cranberries, Safflower Oil, Premium EPA/DHA Natural Calcium, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Bitartrate, Sodium Chloride, Vitamin E (as a-tocopheral succinate), Taurine, Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Bisglycinate Chelate, Riboflavin, Natural Kelp (for iodine), Manganese Gluconate Dihydrate, Vitamin B1 (as thiamine mononitrate), Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol), Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)

(Plus, additional seasonal meals and ones for specialty vet diets)

Price estimate for a normal-activity level 5-year-old female dog.

(Range includes price for least expensive meal, Turkey and Whole Wheat Marconi, and a more expensive meal, Fish and Sweet Potato)

15-pound dog: $18.27-$31.57/week or $2.61-$4.51/day
55-pound dog: $39.20-83.44/week or $5.61-$11.92/day
95-pound dog:
$53.13-$129.85/week or $7.59-$18.55 /day

Shipping: It ships free if you do a subscription. For those who just want one meal delivered (no subscription), it is a $10 flat fee.

What we love about Just Food for Dogs: Out of all the brands, this dog food delivery company has the most options, with six recipes. It not only makes dog food for the regular pup but also offers specialty prescription diets for pets suffering from certain conditions, like renal problems and metabolic issues. Plus, it has an extensive DIY section to help those who want to cook their own food but need the vitamins and minerals to balance the diet. Added bonus: the feeding calculator helps determine the exact quantity needed for every weight. Also, the open kitchen is definitely a plus if you are in California, as you can not only ask a lot of questions, but you can actually see the food being made. Lastly, because they have been around so long, the research put into the diets is extensive.

Doing good: unknown

Special offer for This Dog’s Life readers: Save 20% off your first order

Related: The First Dog Food Drive-Thru Serves Up ‘Bowwow Bowls’ for Pups

PetPlate

PetPlate

Description: Based in New York City, PetPlate was started by a consultant in the pet food industry. After seeing what goes into dog food, Renaldo Webb decided to create meals that never have any by-products, rendered meats, artificial anything, or preservatives.

Meals (all meat are USDA Certified): 

Tail Waggin Turkey: Ground turkey, brown rice, turkey liver, carrots, green beans, apples, pumpkin, red bell peppers, wild rice, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, salt, minerals (ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, riboflavin [vitamin B2], pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative), choline bitartrate, taurine.

Barkin’ Beef: Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots, apples, peas, pumpkin, dicalcium phosphate, natural flavor, safflower oil, calcium carbonate, salmon oil, minerals (ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, manganese gluconate, magnesium oxide, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), mixed tocopherols (preservative), taurine, salt.

Chompin Chicken: Ground chicken, sweet potatoes, chicken liver, green beans, lentils, apples, dicalcium phosphate, safflower oil, natural flavor, ground flax seed, calcium carbonate, salmon oil, salt, minerals (ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, riboflavin [vitamin B2], pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), potassium chloride, mixed tocopherols (preservative), taurine.

Lip Licken’ Lamb: Ground lamb, sweet potatoes, apples, lamb liver, quinoa, broccoli, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, salmon oil, minerals (ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, manganese gluconate, magnesium oxide, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], thiamine mononitrate [Vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), mixed tocopherols (preservative), taurine, parsley.

Shipping: Free

Price estimate for a normal-activity level 5-year-old female dog.

(Range includes price for a less expensive meal, Chompin Chicken, and most expensive meal, Lip Licken’ Lamb)

15-pound dog: $46.47-$47.84/week or $4.43-$4.56/day
55-pound dog: $64.95.95-$67.61/week or $9.28-$9.66/day
95-pound dog: $79.45-$82.95/week or $11.35-$11.85/day

What we love about PetPlate: At PetPlate, they let you combine different meals in your box, which is great if you have a picky eater. The dog food delivery company also offers toppers for those who can’t go all in. We love that the money-back guarantee is front and center, letting people if their pup doesn’t like it, there won’t be any hassles. The dog food delivery company is eco-friendly, too.

Doing good: Unknown

Special offer for This Dog’s Life readers: Get 35% off your first purchase

Ollie

Ollie

Description: Started in New York City, Ollie’s food is vet-formulated using a unique algorithm that takes into account various factors including age, breed, and weight. The dog food delivery company uses human-grade meat, vegetables and fruit, along with added nutrients to deliver a high-quality meal.

Meals (all meat is USDA Certified): 

Turkey: Turkey breast, turkey liver, kale, lentils, carrots, coconut oil, blueberries, pumpkin, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, iodized salt, calcium carbonate, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, iron sulfate, choline bitartrate, manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, copper gluconate, vitamin E supplement, thiamin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodate

Beef:  Beef, peas, sweet potato, potato, carrot, beef kidney, beef liver, spinach, blueberries, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, iodized salt, fish oil, zinc gluconate, rosemary, vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), potassium iodide

Chicken: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver, potatoes, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, whole dried eggs, fish oil, blueberries, chia seeds, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, rosemary, copper gluconate, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Related: New Custom Dog Food Startup Ollie Throws Party to Celebrate Launch and $4.4 Million in Funding

Lamb: Lamb, lamb liver, butternut squash, kale, chickpeas, cranberries, potato, chia seeds, dicalcium phosphate, iodized salt, calcium carbonate, zinc gluconate, taurine, vitamin E supplement, iron sulfate, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), potassium iodate, manganese gluconate, thiamine hydrochloride, folic acid

Shipping: Free

Price estimate for a normal-activity level 5-year-old female dog.

(All are priced the same)

15-pound dog: $31.70/week or $4.52/day
55-pound dog: $50.00/week or $7.14/day
95-pound dog: $59.00/week or $8.42/day

What we love about Ollie:  We love that that there is a vet nutritionist on board, and they provide a transition plan to help slowly introduce the new dog food. Also, really like how flexible the dog food plan is, allowing you to choose up to four recipes for your pup’s plan. Plus, if you have a bigger dog, the price is a lot less expensive compared to other brands. We dig that the packaging is eco-friendly and that Ollie gives you a reusable container and scoop to keep food fresh while making storing it easy.

Doing good: Donates 1% of its revenue to shelters and rescues.

Special offer for This Dog’s Life readers: Get 60% off your first box

Spot & Tango

Spot & Tango

Description: Based in New York City, Spot & Tango provides fresh dog food delivery, featuring three recipes that are formulated by a vet, personalized, and conveniently delivered to your door. It is also the only brand that has expanded its offerings to also include dry dog food, or its “Unkibble.”

Meals (all meat is USDA Certified):  

Turkey & Red Quinoa: Turkey, Red Quinoa, Apple, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Eggs, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals

Beef & Millet: Beef, Millet, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals

Lamb & Brown Rice: Lamb, Brown Rice, Blueberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals

Price estimate for a normal-activity level 5-year-old female dog.

(Range includes price for least expensive meal, Turkey & Red Quinoa, and most expensive meal, Lamb & Brown Rice)

15-pound dog: $ $27.55 -$ $38.52/week or $2.61-$4.51/day
55-pound dog: $ $70.96-$108.35 /week or $5.61-$11.92/day
95-pound dog:
$ $102.42-$156.38/week or $7.59-$18.55 /day

What we love about Spot & Tango: We really loved the sign-up process; not only is Spot & Tango thorough, asking all the right information, but it was fun and engaging. For those dog parents who are unsure of what recipe to choose, they, like others, let you choose multiple recipes to try out. Plus, Spot & Tango gives you the option to just have a topper plan, so you can mix the food into your kibble. Lastly, for those who aren’t into fresh dog food, the company has its “Unkibble,” a dry food option using human-grade ingredients.  

Doing good: unknown

Special offer for This Dog’s Life readers: 20% off first purchase

(We may receive a small commission for the special offers)

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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