Fresh Dog Food for Dogs with Canine Parainfluenza Providing Nutritional Support

Parainfluenza in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

One day, a pet owner named Rachel noticed that her beloved Shih Tzu, Bella, was showing signs of respiratory distress, such as coughing and wheezing. After taking Bella to the vet, it was discovered that she was suffering from parainfluenza, a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system in dogs. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for parainfluenza in dogs, as well as ways to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Canine parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease brought on by the canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV). This parainfluenza virus is related to several other pathogens responsible for kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, a prevalent upper respiratory tract condition affecting a large number of dogs. Besides CPIV, additional pathogens like Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine distemper virus contribute to canine respiratory disease as a component of other canine illnesses.

The primary mode of transmission for canine parainfluenza virus infections is through airborne particles and direct contact with infected dogs, contaminated surfaces, or objects. Consequently, the risk of infection escalates in areas where numerous dogs gather, such as shelters, boarding kennels, or during events like shelters and canine races. The likelihood of spreading the virus among the canine population is particularly high when numbers of dogs are kept together in close quarters.

To protect your pets health, it is vital to be aware of canine parainfluenza and take preventive measures, especially when visiting locations where dogs with respiratory disease might be present.

What are the Causes of Parainfluenza Virus in Dogs?

Canine parainfluenza, a significant contributor to canine cough, is a highly contagious ribonucleic acid virus that causes respiratory infections in dogs.

This highly contagious ribonucleic acid virus primarily spreads through airborne particles when an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or barks, releasing respiratory secretions into the air.

Susceptible dogs can contract the virus by inhaling these particles, having direct contact with infected dogs, or indirectly through contaminated objects like water bowls, toys, bedding, or surfaces.

Other factors that increase the risk of contracting canine parainfluenza can vary but include close contact with infected dogs, especially in high-density environments such as kennels, shelters, or dog parks, and inadequate vaccination or weakened immune systems due to age or underlying health conditions.

In addition, the virus is usually transmitted through the air and spreads quickly, so pet owners should be vigilant.

Other viruses that can cause canine infectious respiratory disease include canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus type 2 (canine adenovirus-2), and canine coronavirus. Puppies, older adult canines, and toy breeds with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the ribonucleic virus that causes respiratory infections, such as parainfluenza. Moreover, they may be more likely to develop pneumonia due to thick secretions caused by throat irritation. Therefore, keeping your canine companion away from other dogs that may have been exposed to the virus is essential.

Symptoms of Parainfluenza in Dogs

Symptoms of canine parainfluenza can vary in intensity based on factors such as age, general health, and immune system strength. However, typical first symptoms of a canine parainfluenza infection, a respiratory illness in dogs, include the following:

• Dry cough: A persistent, hacking cough is the most characteristic symptom of parainfluenza infection, often described as a goose honk cough or a sound that seems like the dog has something caught in its throat.
• Sneezing: Infected dogs may frequently sneeze as the virus irritates their respiratory tract.
• Nasal discharge: Clear or mucoid nasal discharge can be observed as the virus affects the dogs upper respiratory system.
• Conjunctivitis: In some cases, dogs may develop redness, discharge, or swelling in the eyes due to inflammation caused by the virus.
• Fever: Some dogs may develop a mild to moderate fever as their immune system responds to the infection.
• Lethargy: Infected dogs may appear more tired or less energetic than usual due to the effects of the virus on their overall health.
• Loss of appetite: Dogs with parainfluenza may show decreased interest in food as they experience general discomfort or malaise.

The parainfluenza virus is related to canine distemper and is easily spread among dogs, increasing the risk of contracting the virus. The intensity of these symptoms may vary, and the virus infection is highly associated with canine infectious respiratory outbreaks. Infected animals, especially those with respiratory issues, can transmit the virus to others.

Parainfluenza infection is usually mild to moderate, and dogs recover with appropriate supportive care. However, young puppies, elderly dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe infections or complications, such as secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia. Therefore, if you suspect your dog is showing symptoms of parainfluenza, it is essential to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of Canine Parainfluenza Virus

Diagnosing parainfluenza in dogs involves evaluating the dogs clinical signs, obtaining a thorough patient history, and performing laboratory tests to identify the presence of the canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) or rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. This infection is usually transmitted and found in many dogs, often spread from dog to dog.

1. Clinical signs and patient history: Veterinarians will examine the dogs symptoms, such as persistent, dry, hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and potentially fever or lethargy. They will also gather information about the dogs health, vaccination status, and recent exposure to other dogs, especially in high-density environments.
2. Laboratory tests: To confirm a diagnosis of parainfluenza or rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, veterinarians may perform various laboratory tests, including:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: PCR testing is a molecular technique that detects the presence of the CPIVs genetic material in the dogs respiratory secretions, such as nasal or throat swabs. This test can provide rapid and accurate results, but availability may vary depending on the veterinary clinic or laboratory.
• Virus isolation: In some cases, veterinarians may attempt to isolate the CPIV from the dogs respiratory secretions using specialized cell cultures. This method can be time-consuming and may only be widely available in some veterinary practices.
• Serology: Blood tests can be performed to detect the presence of antibodies against the CPIV in the dogs bloodstream. A significant rise in antibody levels over time may indicate an active infection. However, this method may be less helpful in diagnosing acute diseases and may not differentiate between vaccination-induced antibodies and those produced in response to natural infection.
• Additional tests: Veterinarians may perform other tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry profile, or radiographs (X-rays), to assess the dogs overall health and rule out other potential causes of respiratory symptoms.

It is essential to note that no single test is definitive for diagnosing parainfluenza, and veterinarians often use a combination of diagnostic tools, clinical signs, and patient history to make an accurate diagnosis. Early detection and appropriate supportive care are crucial for managing the infection and ensuring a dogs recovery.

Treatment Options for Parainfluenza Virus Infection in Dogs

Treatment options may include supportive care to manage the symptoms and help the dogs immune system fight off the virus. However, since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are generally ineffective against the parainfluenza virus.

1. Supportive care: The primary goal of treatment for canine parainfluenza is to keep the dog comfortable and manage any clinical signs. This may involve providing a comfortable and quiet environment, ensuring proper hydration, and offering a well-balanced and easily digestible diet. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend using a humidifier or vaporizer to help alleviate respiratory symptoms by maintaining moist air.
2. Cough suppressants: If the dog is experiencing a persistent or severe cough, the veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants to provide relief. It is essential only to use medications the veterinarian prescribes, as some over-the-counter human cough medications can harm dogs.
3. Antibiotics: Although antibiotics are ineffective against the parainfluenza virus, they may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed. In these cases, antibiotics help prevent or treat bacterial infections, reducing the risk of complications.
4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe NSAIDs to reduce fever and inflammation, helping the dog feel more comfortable during recovery.
5. Monitoring and follow-up: It is essential to monitor the dogs condition closely and follow the veterinarians recommendations for care. If the dogs symptoms worsen or do not improve within a reasonable timeframe, a follow-up visit to the veterinarian may be necessary.

Prevention Tips for Parainfluenza in Dogs

There are several steps you can take to help prevent your dog from contracting parainfluenza:

• Vaccination: Ensure your dog receives the parainfluenza vaccination as part of their regular vaccination schedule. CPIV vaccination is typically included in the combination of vaccines given to puppies and adult dogs. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate vaccination schedule and booster shots for your dog to maintain immunity.
• Avoid high-risk environments: Limit your dogs exposure to high-density environments where the virus can spread more efficiently, such as dog parks, kennels, dog shows, or shelters, especially if your dog has not been vaccinated or has a weakened immune system.

If your dog needs to be boarded or attend a doggy daycare, choose facilities with strict hygiene protocols and vaccination requirements.

• Hygiene and sanitation: Practice good hygiene by regularly cleaning and disinfecting your dogs food and water bowls, toys, bedding, and living spaces. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling other dogs, especially if they show signs of respiratory illness, before interacting with your dog.
• Quarantine sick dogs: If your dog is diagnosed with parainfluenza or another contagious respiratory infection, follow your veterinarians advice on quarantining your dog to prevent the spread of the virus to other dogs. This may involve isolating your dog from other pets and avoiding contact with unfamiliar dogs until they fully recover.
• Monitor your dogs health: Keep an eye on your dogs health and be vigilant for any signs of respiratory illness, such as coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge. If you notice any symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Following these preventive measures and working closely with your veterinarian can reduce your dogs risk of contracting parainfluenza and help maintain its overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery: Our Dogs Tested & Here Are Their Favorites

If youre looking for whole-food ingredients without additives and preservatives for your pups diet, fresh dog food could be the perfect solution especially if you and your dog arent fans of the usual overly processed dry kibble.

Our experts give you our recommendations for the best companies to get fresh dog food delivered right to your door. It saves you the hassle of preparing food from scratch while ensuring that your dog gets all the nutrients he needs (which is a major concern with homemade dog food).

Best Fresh Dog Food

All of the companies we review here use fresh ingredients with no fillers or preservatives andmeet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements for a complete and balanced diet.

Many fresh dog foods qualify as human grade, meaning the company uses only ingredients that are fit for human consumption and the dog food is manufactured, handled, and packaged according to the same federal regulations that apply to human food processing.

Many of our recommendations include grain-free dog food. While the FDA has not found a significantlink between grain-free dog food and cardio health, its wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet. You might also consider using a fresh, grain-free food as a topper on grain-inclusive kibble to add more nutrients.

How do these services work? With many of these companies, you fill out a dog profile on their website, which they use to customize the ingredients and portions for your pups specific dietary needs.

Weve based our rankings and reviews on several factors, including the quality of ingredients, the level of customization for your dogs specific needs, company reputation, customer service, customer reviews, packaging, pricing, and more.

Winner: The Farmers Dog Review

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We think The Farmers Dog comes out on top for the best overall fresh dog food. What gives this subscription service the edge over such tough competition? A combination of high-quality ingredients, an extensive dog profile including most dogs possible dog health issues, excellent customer service, and eco-friendly packaging thats not too bulky for easy storage in your fridge or freezer. The only downside is that they dont offer any grain-inclusive recipes.

Key Features

• Recipes created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
• Meal plans are allgrain-freeand customized to each dogs life stage, breed size, unique qualities, health goals, and lifestyle
• Meals are human-grade, slow-cooked in USDA-approved kitchens, and flash-frozen (flash-freezing is a process where fresh foods are frozen faster at lower temperatures to better preserve nutrients and prevent ice crystals from forming)
• You can adjust the recipes and quantity of packs in each shipment
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Thin, pre-portioned packages fit well in freezer
• Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Breed, age, activity level, weight, body shape, ideal weight, and 20+ different health issues (allergies, gluten or grain insensitivity, ear infections, digestive issues, etc.).

All of The Farmers Dog recipes are grain-free.

Example Of Ingredients (Turkey Recipe)

USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip, spinach, salmon oil, TFD nutrient blend (tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, 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)

Our Personal Experience With The Farmers Dog

Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lexie LOVES The Farmers Dog! She gobbles it down fast and has had much more consistent bowel movements since switching. Shes also lost weight and maintained a much healthier weight since switching from kibble (and her coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy).

Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Parent

Price

Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code is needed;just usethis link,and the discount will be applied. You can also visit ourdedicated The Farmers Dog coupons page.

Full Review Of The Farmers Dog

Runner-Up: Ollie Review

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Another high-quality subscription service, Ollie gets excellent reviews for their human-grade dog food and customer service. With Ollie, you can order fresh meals (full or half portions) or choose a mix of their fresh and newly introduced dry food, which is gently baked using high-quality, human-grade, and whole-food ingredients.

Unlike our other top winners, Ollies food takes a bit of measuring for each meal instead of having individual meal packs, but its quality is just as high as The Farmers Dog. However, Ollie only considers allergies in your dogs profile and no other health concerns.

Key Features

• Recipes developed by veterinary nutritionists
• All meals are human-grade and contain no soy, corn, or wheat
• Beef, chicken, and turkey sourced from reputable suppliers in the U.S., and lamb sourced from the U.D., Australia, and New Zealand
• 100% money-back guarantee on your starter box
• Comes with a personalized plan to transition your dog to their diet
• Food comes frozen and requires thawing in fridge for 24 hours before use
• Packs arent portioned for individual meals, but they include a measuring scoop and a plastic container to store unused food for later use
• Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Breed, age, weight, ideal weight, body shape, activity level, and food allergies or intolerances

• Fresh Beef with Sweet Potatoes (grain-free)
• Fresh Chicken with Carrots
• Fresh Turkey with Blueberries
• Fresh Lamb with Cranberries
• Fresh Pork with Apples
• Baked Chicken with Carrots
• Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes

Example Of Ingredients (Fresh Beef Recipe)

Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, beef livers, chickpeas, spinach, tricalcium phosphate, salmon oil, salt, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), and potassium iodide

Our Personal Experience With Ollie

Our dogs love Ollies fresh food and gobble it right up! However, we found it a bit messier and slightly wasteful experience compared to what weve experienced with competitive products that come in individual servings or ships in plastic containers that you serve directly from. All of that said, the food quality is very high, and the price really cannot be beat.

Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent

Price

• Full Fresh plans start at: $3.14/day
• Mixed Fresh & Baked plans start at: $2.72/day
• Half Fresh plans start at: $1/meal
• Free shipping

Our readers can get50% off their first box.Usethis linkto take advantage of this offer(no discount code needed).

Full Review Of Ollie

Third Place: Nom Nom Review

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Nom Nom is another excellent subscription service for top-quality, fresh dog food delivered to your door. Compared to The Farmers Dog, Nom Noms food isnt human-grade, they dont take as many health issues into account in their dog profile, and theyre more expensive.

But Nom Nom offers a grain-inclusive recipe and also stands out for its money-back guarantee, the ability to order a variety sample pack before committing to a subscription, and the option of ordering half meals for larger dogs. The main reason Nom Nom comes in third place is due to some customer complaints about meal packaging and delayed deliveries.

Key Features

• Recipes created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
• Full money-back guarantee if you dont see a difference in your pet after 30 days
• Sample variety pack available without subscription
• Option of choosing half meals for dogs weighing 40 or more pounds (a great way to save money by mixing in fresh food with your pups current food)
• Boxes, meal packs, and insulating liners are all either recyclable or made from recycled materials
• Vacuum-sealed, single-meal portion packaging
• Access to pet nutritionists via live chat, phone, and email
• Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Breed, age, weight, body size, and health concerns (food allergies, sensitive stomach, dry or flaky coat, arthritis or joint pain), and if hes a picky eater

• Beef Mash (grain-free)
• Chicken Cuisine (grain-free)
• Pork Potluck (grain-free)
• Turkey Fare

Example Of Ingredients (Turkey Recipe)

Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, citric acid, vinegar, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, salt, water sufficient for processing, fish oil, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, iron amino acid chelate, taurine, natural flavor, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplement

Our Personal Experience With Nom Nom

I switched my dog, Tiny, to the Nom Nom fresh diet from his commercial kibble food. He loved it and ate every bite as soon as I put it in his bowl. After a couple of weeks on the Nom Nom diet, I noticed he was vomiting far less than he had been before and was much less gassy. A win for both me and my pup!

Sally Jones, Mixed Breed Parent

Price

• Plans start at $2.40/day
• For $20, you can get a sample pack to try out their food before subscribing
• Free shipping
• Multi-pet discounts

Our readers have access to save50% off your first order of Nom Nom;no promo code needed. Usethis linkto get started!

Full Review Of Nom Nom

More Top Fresh Dog Food Options

Although these companies didnt make it into our top picks, theyre certainly worth considering for your budget and your dogs specific needs. The fresh dog food market is very competitive these days, so you may find your best fit with one of these companies.

A Pup Above Review

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A Pup Above offers four human-grade fresh recipes that include non-GMO veggies, fruit, bone broth, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can make a one-time purchase or subscribe and save 10%. And they have a sample pack you can try out first to see which recipes your dog prefers. While their ingredients and cooking method are top-notch, they dont customize their food for any health issues or weight loss goals.

Key Features

• Sous vide cooking method to preserve nutrients (slow-cooked in a vacuum-sealed, BPA-free bag in a 180 water bath)
• Ingredients are non-GMO and pesticide-free
• Meals made in USDA-approved kitchens in Texas (U.S.)
• You can look up the source of every ingredient for your foods lot number on their website
• Bags arent pre-portioned you have to figure out how much to give your pup
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Can request a free, pre-paid TerraCycle envelope to help you recycle the plastic packaging
• 1% of revenues are donated to White Buffalo Land Trust to restore the health of our soil, water, and climate

Dog Profile Includes

A Pup Above doesnt offer customizable fresh dog food.

• Texas Beef Stew (grain-free)
• Chicka Chicka Bow Wow
• Porkys Luau (grain-free)
• Turkey Pawella

Example Of Ingredients (Pork Recipe)

Ground pork, pork liver, sweet potatoes, pork bone broth, green beans, pineapple, turmeric, thyme, parsley, minerals [dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite] and vitamin D3 and E supplements

Price

• Starts at $79.98 (3 lbs)
• Free shipping

Full A Pup Above Review

Chi Dog Review

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Lesser-known Chi Dog takes a unique approach to fresh dog food its based on the Eastern Medicine philosophy that food is the first medicine. Each of their five recipes (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) are designed to address specific imbalances in a dogs health, whether suffering from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis or experiencing common issues like obesity, digestive problems, allergies, or anxiety.

You can search to find the right recipe fit based on your dogs health concern(s) or browse the recipes each one lists the imbalances it addresses, characteristics of a healthy balance, Chinese medicine indications, ingredients, and more. Chi Dog gets great customer reviews for the quality of food and customer service.

Key Features

• Human-grade recipes developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
• All meals include lightly cooked whole foods made in USDA-certified kitchens
• Each recipe is designed to help with specific health concerns, e.g., the Wood diet (chicken) addresses picky appetites, sensitive stomachs, liver support, ligament injuries, and seizures
• Eco-friendly shipping boxes lined with green cell foam, which is sustainable and biodegradable
• Sample packs available for one-time purchase
• Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Breed, age, weight, body type, activity level (each recipe is designed to aid with special health concerns, so you can browse the recipes to find one that best fits your pups health issues)

• Wood Diet (Chicken and Eggs)
• Fire Diet (Turkey and Millet)
• Earth Diet (Eggs and Tofu)
• Metal Diet (Beef and White Potatoes)
• Water Diet (Pork and Barley)

Example Of Ingredients (Earth Diet Recipe)

Eggs, tofu, sweet potatoes, spinach, green peas, mushrooms, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, magnesium proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast], choline chloride, taurine, vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement]

Price

• Plans start at $3.30/day
• Sample packs are $73.95 for five 13.8-ounce trays
• Free shipping

Looking for a Chi Dog promo code?Click herefor the best deal we could find.

Freshpet Review

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Freshpet is a popular manufacturer of fresh, non-GMO, human-grade dog food that you can find inselect grocery stores and third-party websites.The food is minimally processed, gently steamed at low temperatures, and vacuum-sealed to preserve nutrients and freshness. They offer grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes as well as special formulas for joint health/mobility and digestive health.

Freshpet differs from several other companies we review here because they dont personalize or customize your dogs fresh food. All food is pre-packaged, no matter your dogs size or needs, so you have to portion the food yourself. However, its easier on your wallet compared to many other fresh dog food options.

Key Features

• Contains 100% farm-raised poultry, beef, and fish
• Fruits and vegetables are locally sourced in the U.S.
• No fillers, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
• Kitchens are registered with APHIS and the FDA and USDA-certified
• Company has excellent eco-friendly practices (uses renewable energy, rainwater capture, etc.)
• Can request a free, pre-paid TerraCycle envelope to help you recycle the plastic packaging
• Company makes charitable contributions to rescues, shelters, and animal welfare organizations

Dog Profile Includes

Freshpet doesnt offer personalized fresh dog food.

• Chicken
• Beef
• Turkey
• Beef & Lamb
• Chicken & Turkey
• Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg
• Salmon & Ocean Whitefish

Example Of Ingredients (Vital Fresh Cuts Chicken)

Chicken, sweet potato, carrots, pea protein, pea fiber, ground oats, natural flavors, green beans, cranberries, vinegar, carrageenan, cassia gum, salt, potassium chloride, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), vitamins (choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin, calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid), fish oil, and spinach

Price

Here are some of their most popular products and pricing you can find on Chewy. You can sign up for auto-shipping with Chewy and save 5%.

• Chicken Vital Cuts Recipe (1.5-lb bag, 4 per case): $59.92
• Chicken Vital Recipe (1.75-lb bag, 4 per case): $47.96
• View all options

Full FreshPet Review

JustFoodForDogs Review

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One of the first fresh dog food companies, JustFoodForDogs offers 10 fresh-frozen recipes (and several variety packs) that contain whole, human-grade foods and locally sourced produce. You can search their site by recipes or specific health needs. They also offer several vet-prescribed fresh formulas for renal, hepatic, metabolic, and critical care support.

JFFD has a feeding calculator (similar to a profile on other sites). It asks you about your dogs breed, age, weight, body shape, and activity level.However, JustFoodForDogs doesnt personalize the food for specific health concerns (unless you pay a hefty $250 formulation fee). You can make a one-time purchase or sign up for auto-shipping and save 5%.

Key Features

• Several recipes are grain-free and gluten-free
• Year-long research feeding trials determined that their meals improved immune health
• Nutrition team can formulate a custom diet based on your dogs medical records (requires a one-time $250 fee)
• Also offers PantryFresh food, vet-prescribed custom food, treats, nutrient blends, and supplements
• Can save 40% off your first order and 5% on recurring orders by signing up for auto-shipping
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Nutrition consultants available by phone and live chat
• They also offer fresh food for cats
• Company is active in ongoing research into the benefits of fresh dog food
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

JustFoodForDogs only offers personalized fresh dog food for a $250 formulation fee. Their fresh food recipes have a feeding calculator that helps you figure out how much food to buy and how much to feed your dog each day based on his age, weight, and activity level.

• Chicken & White Rice
• Beef & Russet Potato
• Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni
• Fish & Sweet Potato
• Venison & Squash
• Lamb & Brown Rice
• Tofu & Quinoa
• Large Breed Support (Beef & Brown Rice)
• Joint & Skin Support (Pork & Quinoa)
• Balanced Remedy For Sensitive Stomachs (Turkey & White Rice)

Example Of Ingredients (Venison & Squash Recipe)

Ground venison, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberries, safflower oil, Icelandic premium fish oil, and JFFDnutrient blend [calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, choline bitartrate, salt, vitamin E supplement, taurine, magnesium amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, manganese amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), and vitamin B12 supplement]

Price

• Plans start at $1.36/day
• Free shipping for auto-shipping
• Packs at Chewy start at: $72.03 (18-oz pouch, case of 7)

Looking for a JustFoodForDogs promo code?Click here for the best deal we could find.

Full JustFoodForDogs Review

Open Farm Gently Cooked Recipe Review

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Open Farms gently cooked recipes stand out from its competitors for its dedication to ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. All of its fresh dog food formulas include human-grade, whole-food ingredients, which are blended, portioned into BPA-free packages, and then sous vide. They dont personalize your pups meals, but they do have a handy feeding guideline chart on their website. And you can feel good about supporting our planet and the humane treatment of animals.

Key Features

• All of their pet food is formulated and produced by a team of animal nutrition, animal science, and food manufacturing experts
• Every batch of Open Farms food istested by an independent third-party lab
• Produce is fresh, locally sourced, and non-GMO
• Also offers a huge variety of all-natural kibble and freeze-dried dog food, stews, treats, supplements, and cat food
• Company is entirely transparent about all ingredients on its website
• Manufacturing facility is regularly audited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the American Institute of Baking (AIB International), and Certified Humane toensure strict food safety practices
• Partners withTerraCyclefor packaging recycling
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Open Farm doesnt offer personalized fresh dog food.

Menu Options

All of Open Farms gently-cooked fresh recipes are grain-free.

• Grass-Fed Beef
• Harvest Chicken
• Homestead Turkey
• Surf & Turf
• Puppy Recipe

Example Of Ingredients (Surf & Turf Recipe)

Beef, carrots, kale, apples, salmon, beef liver, butternut squash, pumpkin, water, flaxseed, coconut oil, sunflower oil, tricalcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, chia seeds, chicory root, vitamin A, B12, D3, and E supplements, D-calcium pantothenate, mononitrate riboflavin, folic acid, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid chelates, selenium yeast, dried kelp, turmeric, and cinnamon

Price

Open Farms offers 5% off all orders if you sign up for auto-shipping.

• Starts at: $89.99 (8-lb box)
• Free shipping over $50

Full Review Of Open Farm

PetPlate Review

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PetPlate made an appearance on Shark Tank back in 2016, and while they didnt get a nod for funding, the company found its way into homes across the U.S. Their subscription-based, human-grade fresh food is top quality and competitively priced. They offer more fresh recipes to choose from and a 25% topper plan. They also offer full FreshBakedchicken and beef recipes and aFreshCombo option, which is a 50-50 mix of fresh and baked food

However, their dog profile only takes food sensitivities into account and no other health issues. And the food comes in large plastic containers rather than individually packaged servings. While theyre recyclable, they take up a ton of freezer space.

Key Features

• Recipes developed by veterinary nutritionists
• 4 subscription options
• Meals cooked in USDA-approved kitchens and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients
• All packaging is BPA-free and recyclable
• Bulky plastic containers take up a lot of freezer space
• Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
• Has organic, grain-free dog treats and four supplements for anxiety and digestive, joint, and skin health
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Breed, age, weight, ideal weight, activity level, food sensitivities, wellness goals (e.g., healthy digestion, increased performance, easy mobility, etc.)

• Fresh Beef
• Fresh Chicken (grain-free)
• Fresh Turkey
• Fresh Lamb
• Fresh Pork
• Fresh Venison
• Baked Beef
• Baked Chicken (grain-free)

Example Of Ingredients (Lamb Recipe)

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, and parsley

Price

• Topper plans start at $1.30/day
• Full plans start at $3.32/day
• FreshCombo plans start at $2.74/day
• Free shipping
• View all options

Get50% off your first box and a free bag of treats. No promo code is needed; just usethis linkto take advantage of this offer.

Full Review Of PetPlate

Raised Right Review

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Raised Right is a family-owned company specializing in high-protein, limited-ingredient, human-grade fresh dog food containing carefully selected whole foods with low carbohydrate content. While healthy dogs can benefit from their unique formulas, Raised Right is an excellent option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. They have several recipes to choose from, and each contains only one protein source.

Key Features

• Recipes formulated by well-known veterinarian Karen Becker, DVM, and pet food formulation expert Steve Brown
• All essential nutrients in their adult formulas come from whole foods without the addition of any synthetic vitamins or minerals (and they meet AAFCO guidelines)
• Lightly cooked in a USDA-inspected human-grade facility
• Every batch is lab safety tested for pathogens such as e-coli, listeria, and salmonella
• Also offers fresh, human-grade cat food and treats
• Plastic-neutral certified and uses compostable linersand recyclable shipping boxes
• Partners with Carbonfund.org to offset their carbon emissions through reforestation and forest preservation
• Received the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition from the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal

Dog Profile Includes

Raised Right doesnt personalize food, but they have a handy dog food calculator, which includes your dogs weight, activity level, and whether he needs to lose, maintain, or gain weight.

Menu Options

• Original Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Turkey Adult Recipes
• Adult Pumpkin Pat Recipes: Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Turkey,
• Puppy Growth Recipes: Beef, Chicken, or Turkey

Example Of Ingredients (Original Turkey Adult Recipe)

Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries, organic spearmint, cod liver oil, egg shell powder, flaxseed oil, and organic dried kelp

Price

You can make a one-time purchase (minimum of 16 x 1-lb bags) or subscribe for auto-shipping.

• Full meals start at (for 5-lb dog): $1.97/day
• Sample pack (4 x 1-lb bags): $53.95 + $9.99 shipping

Full Review Of Raised Right

Spot & Tango Review

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Another subscription-based service, Spot & Tango offers three fresh and four shelf-stable recipes (called UnKibble) that are all made with human-grade, whole-food ingredients. They take a lot of health concerns into account when customizing both types of food. Spot & Tango is another great option for fresh meals, and they offer a topper plan you can mix in with your pups current food to save some money. Their UnKibble is an excellent solution if you want high-quality fresh dog food but dont have storage space in your freezer.

Key Features

• All recipes developed by a certified vet nutritionist
• Ingredients are sourced from local farms and human food suppliers
• Food manufactured in USDA-certified facilities
• Fresh recipes are flash-frozen to preserve nutritional value
• All fresh and Unkibble recipes are non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain no wheat, corn, or soy
• Shelf-stable UnKibble dry dog food is made from human-grade meats and fresh starches, veggies, and fruits that are dehydrated under low temperatures to preserve nutrients
• Slim, single-portion packaging fits well in freezer
• Risk-free 2-week trial theyll give you a full refund if your dog doesnt like it
• Can cancel, pause, or change your subscription at any time
• Add-on, single-ingredient treats available: sweet potato, chicken, or bison bites
• Made in the USA

Dog Profile Includes

Breed, age, body shape, weight, activity level, and 20+ health concerns (allergies, arthritis, digestive issues, diabetes, etc.)

• Fresh Meals:
  • Beef & Millet (grain-free)
  • Turkey & Quinoa
  • Lamb & Brown Rice
• Unkibble:
  • Beef & Barley
  • Chicken & Brown Rice
  • Cod & Salmon (grain-free)
  • Turkey & Sweet Potato

Example Of Fresh Meal Ingredients (Lamb Recipe)

Lamb, brown rice, spinach, carrots, peas, blueberries, eggs, parsley, apple cider vinegar, safflower oil, vegetable stock, calcium phosphate, salt, calcium carbonate, magnesium, kelp, potassium, vitamin E, zinc, iron, manganese, vitamin D3, copper, selenium, folic acid, iodine, and vitamin B12

Price

• UnKibble plans start at $1/day
• Fresh plans start at $2/day
• Free shipping
• View all options

Looking for a Spot & Tango promo code? Visit our dedicatedSpot & Tango coupon page to check out the latest offer and save.

Full Review Of Spot & Tango

How To Transition Your Dogs Food

No matter what type of food youre feeding your dog (kibble, canned, fresh, raw, etc.), switching to a new food type and even a new brand takes some time and consideration. Dogs tummies are notoriously sensitive, so we have a handy guide on how to slowly introduce new food to your dog to help minimize transitional digestive issues.

Consider Fresh Fruits For Dog Treats

If youre into the healthiest food options for your pup, why not consider replacing regular dog treats with fresh fruit? This video tells you which fruits are safe and the recommended serving sizes. Learn more about which human foods are dos and donts to give to dogs.

Are You Looking For Other Types Of Dog Food?

All of the fresh dog food companies we review here offer at-home delivery. But if youre looking for dog food delivery for all-natural or brand-name kibble, check out our comprehensive reviews of the best dog food delivery services. We also have reviews of the best raw dog food if thats an alternative youre considering for your pup.

Our Methodology

We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:

• Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
• Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
• Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
• Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
• Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
• Reading hundreds of customer reviews
• Staying informed on every dog food recall
• Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
• Keeping on top of pet food trends

Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.