If you’re pondering whether dry kibble or fresh food is better for your dog, you’re not alone. I’m constantly researching the best ways to keep my 55-pound Sheepadoodle, Lucy, healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Having had four dogs over my lifetime, I can honestly say that Lucy is the best pup I’ve ever had (and met, but I could be biased). She’s so exceptional that I’m not sure how I could ever bring another dog into my life because she has set the bar so high.

Since cloning her is out of my budget, my goal is to do everything I can to ensure she stays with me for as long as possible. That’s why I decided to try JustFoodForDogs, to see if fresh food was worth the hype.

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Most vets recommend doing science-backed research on anything before feeding it to your dog. That is why kibble such as Royal Canin (what I have been feeding my dog for years) contains the necessary nutrients to help them live a long and healthy life. Whether your dog is a small breed or large breed dog looking for the right diet, we have researched vet-approved recommendations for you.

However, we also need to consider the preservatives placed in these products because no matter how good those ingredients may be, the preservatives are certainly not. Not to mention, your dog may be bored eating the same kibble day in and day out.

JustFoodForDogs has conducted a seminal year-long feeding trial, finding that its fresh food is 40% more digestible than kibble.

According to Dr. Vincent Michels, DVM, at JustFoodForDogs, “We have conducted studies in partnership with academic researchers that have shown that our products are more digestible than kibble, which leads to an advantage in nutrient delivery compared to an extruded dry diet. This is likely due to a combination of the way we cook our foods and the quality of the ingredients that we incorporate into our diets.”

After just a few days of incorporating this food into my dog’s diet, I found her stool changed from hard black poop to a lovely soft yet firm brown turd (as it should be).

Lucy was given a two-week supply of Fish & Sweet Potato recipe to help trim her from 55 pounds to 50 pounds, where her vet requested she land. She was shockingly fit and trimmed down within two weeks with a lean, healthy-looking body. I was beyond amazed. She also enjoyed her food way more and started sitting next to her dog dish immediately after waking me up.

With dry food, mycotoxin, a toxic substance produced by fungi, may be found in grain-inclusive kibble. Often, vets who recommend grain-free diets are not trying to avoid the grain, but the risk of mycotoxins that may be present in low-quality grain that may be used in some dog foods. So when you see noodles in recipes like Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni at JustFoodforDogs, know that this recipe is made with high-quality grain.

Dry kibble often contains the insoluble fiber cellulose, a low-grade filler commonly used in animal feed. This ingredient has no nutritional value, and is almost entirely indigestible for dogs, but is used to expand the food in their stomach, making them feel full. Hence, a cheaper, more affordable option.

At JustFoodForDogs, the kitchen only makes one recipe daily and sanitizes thoroughly to ensure no crossover between its foods, especially for dogs with specific allergies. Each batch is gently cooked to ensure the nutrients aren’t cooked out and flash-frozen, allowing it to hold a shelf life of one year without preservatives. Now, that’s extremely impressive.

What if you’re traveling or camping and can’t freeze your ingredients? JustFoodForDogs has thought of everything, creating Pantry Fresh to serve immediately after breaking the seal. What does that mean to you? It offers the same nutrition value at a lower cost and doesn’t require freezer space — a major bonus when you only have two freezer drawers (cough guilty).

Can’t afford fresh food? DIY Homemade packets are available with the proper nutrients needed, along with a recipe to create the food right in your kitchen. Perhaps a little more elbow grease, but it is a way to help keep your pup alive much longer. JustFoodForDogs has been proven to support immune system health backed by university-led feeding trials.

Check out the range of products provided to find the perfect match for you, from treats, supplements, custom diets, and more. Plus, you get free shipping on frozen orders over $99 and non-frozen orders over $99.

If you’re new to fresh whole-food feeding and unsure which recipe your dog might prefer, why not sample a variety? The Sampler Variety Pack includes six fresh frozen daily recipes that offer diverse protein sources for balanced nutrition.

This starter pack is perfect for picky eaters and suitable for all breed types, containing no preservatives. It can be used as a complete meal or as a dog food topper to make it a little more affordable while still getting quality nutrition.

Help pets thrive with the Pantry Fresh Variety Pack, which offers a range of nutritious meals made from human-grade ingredients. This pack features an assortment of recipes designed to provide the benefits of a fresh, whole-food diet.

Packaged in innovative Tetra Pak containers, these meals are free from preservatives and can be stored unopened on the shelf for up to two years from the date of manufacture. This makes it a convenient option for providing a fresh diet for your dog while on the go.

This Chicken & White Rice Recipe is a top choice for dogs and is highly favored. With the Do It Yourself Nutrient Blend, you can now prepare this balanced meal at home. The gluten-free recipe includes fresh chicken thighs, white rice, spinach, carrots, apples, chicken gizzards, and chicken liver.

Cooking for dogs is simplified with a provided recipe, shopping guide, and nutrient blend. This meal is ideal for growing puppies, adult dogs, and those with dietary restrictions. It’s made from 100% human-grade ingredients and contains no additives or hormones.

Yes, JustFoodForDogs conducted a comprehensive year-long feeding trial to evaluate their fresh food. Carey Tischler, President of JustFoodForDogs, noted, “While most industry studies conclude at six months, we extended our trial for a full year — twice as long as the standard duration required by AAFCO.” They are committed to advancing pet nutrition, though lifetime trials remain a future possibility.

Dr. Michels explained earlier that their studies showed that their “products are more digestible than kibble, which leads to an advantage in nutrient delivery compared to an extruded dry diet.” This is attributed to both the cooking methods and high-quality ingredients used in their fresh food.

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While fresh food can be cost-prohibitive to some, mixing fresh food with kibble can still offer benefits. However, we recommend discussing your pet’s needs with your veterinarian to find the best balance. For those on a budget, JustFoodForDogs offers affordable DIY kits to make fresh dog food at home.

Evaluate how the food affects your dog’s health and digestion and look for human-grade ingredients. For example, after switching to JustFoodForDogs, Lucy’s stool improved significantly, and she experienced notable weight management and increased enjoyment of her meals.

For more information on JustFoodForDogs products, including treats and supplements, visit its website and consult your veterinarian.

This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer,” for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma’s byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.