When Ruby, my 13-year-old dachshund, hit 21 pounds, I knew we had to make a change. That might not sound like a lot—but for a small, long-bodied dog like a dachshund, those extra pounds can mean a world of trouble. Our vet warned me:

“It’s not just about her looks. This puts strain on her spine and joints and can shorten her life.”

We tried cutting kibble portions. We tried “weight management” formulas. But Ruby was either still gaining or constantly hungry—and honestly, I didn’t feel good about what was in those bags. Then I found JustFoodForDogs.

Why Weight Is Such a Big Deal for Dachshunds

If you’ve ever loved a dachshund, you know their long backs and short legs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). When they’re overweight, the pressure on their spine skyrockets, increasing the risk of a serious or even paralyzing injury. That’s why healthy weight isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity.

But losing weight isn’t easy. Dachshunds are experts at begging, and most commercial diets fill them up with fillers or cut calories by stripping out flavor and nutrition. Ruby was always either unsatisfied or getting pudgier. I felt like I was failing her.

What Made Me Try JustFoodForDogs

I stumbled onto JustFoodForDogs after reading about how their meals are made with real, whole-food ingredients—ground pork, rice, butternut squash, green beans—not mysterious “meat meals” or filler carbs. They’re vet-formulated, cooked fresh, and backed by actual studies showing real health benefits. That last part really got me.

Even better, they have a wide variety of recipes custom tailored to different needs for different types of dogs. They have a new healthy weight recipe that is optimized for weight management. This recipe is designed specifically for dogs like Ruby—high-volume meals with fewer calories, so she could eat more while consuming less calories.

The Results: Ruby Is 17 lbs, Energetic, and Thriving at 13

Within a few weeks, I noticed a difference. Ruby was more alert, more playful, and the extra weight started coming off without hunger or stress. Over a few months, she dropped a full 4 pounds—about 20% of her body weight—safely and steadily.

Her vet was stunned. Her back was no longer tender. Her gait improved. Her labs came back perfect. And best of all, Ruby loves her food. She jumps and spins for it every mealtime.

Why I’ll Never Go Back to Kibble

Here’s what I learned

• JustFoodForDogs is made from fresh, whole-food ingredients humans can recognize.
  
• The wholesome recipes are 40% more digestible than kibble which helps keep dogs full and thriving.
  
• Their meals are balanced by veterinary nutritionists, not marketing teams.
  
• They conduct feeding trials, just like prescription diets, and publish the results.
  
• Every recipe is cooked fresh, not extruded like kibble or freeze-dried like other “fresh” wannabes.

I only wish I had started Ruby on JFFD years earlier. I truly believe this food gave me more time with her.

Ready to Help Your Dog Slim Down and Feel Better?

To get started on your dogs very own weight loss journey today, check out JustFoodForDogs recipe tailored for healthy weight! Start today and get 50% off your first order as a new customer.

When Ruby, my 13-year-old dachshund, hit 21 pounds, I knew we had to make a change. That might not sound like a lot—but for a small, long-bodied dog like a dachshund, those extra pounds can mean a world of trouble. Our vet warned me:

“It’s not just about her looks. This puts strain on her spine and joints and can shorten her life.”

We tried cutting kibble portions. We tried “weight management” formulas. But Ruby was either still gaining or constantly hungry—and honestly, I didn’t feel good about what was in those bags. Then I found JustFoodForDogs.

Why Weight Is Such a Big Deal for Dachshunds

If you’ve ever loved a dachshund, you know their long backs and short legs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). When they’re overweight, the pressure on their spine skyrockets, increasing the risk of a serious or even paralyzing injury. That’s why healthy weight isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity.

But losing weight isn’t easy. Dachshunds are experts at begging, and most commercial diets fill them up with fillers or cut calories by stripping out flavor and nutrition. Ruby was always either unsatisfied or getting pudgier. I felt like I was failing her.

What Made Me Try JustFoodForDogs

I stumbled onto JustFoodForDogs after reading about how their meals are made with real, whole-food ingredients—chicken, rice, sweet potatoes, green beans—not mysterious “meat meals” or filler carbs. They’re vet-formulated, cooked fresh, and backed by actual studies showing real health benefits. That last part really got me.

Even better, they have a wide variety of recipes custom tailored to different needs for different types of dogs. For weight management, they have higher volume recipes that are still low calorie like Fish & Sweet Potato and Venison & Squash. These recipes are designed specifically for dogs like Ruby—high-volume meals with fewer calories, so she could eat more while consuming less calories.

The Results: Ruby Is 17 lbs, Energetic, and Thriving at 13

Within a few weeks, I noticed a difference. Ruby was more alert, more playful, and the extra weight started coming off without hunger or stress. Over a few months, she dropped a full 4 pounds—about 20% of her body weight—safely and steadily.

Her vet was stunned. Her back was no longer tender. Her gait improved. Her labs came back perfect. And best of all, Ruby loves her food. She jumps and spins for it every mealtime.

Why I’ll Never Go Back to Kibble

Here’s what I learned

• JustFoodForDogs is made from fresh, whole-food ingredients humans can recognize.
  
• The wholesome recipes are 40% more digestible than kibble which helps keep dogs full and thriving.
  
• Their meals are balanced by veterinary nutritionists, not marketing teams.
  
• They conduct feeding trials, just like prescription diets, and publish the results.
  
• Every recipe is cooked fresh, not extruded like kibble or freeze-dried like other “fresh” wannabes.

I only wish I had started Ruby on JFFD years earlier. I truly believe this food gave me more time with her.

Ready to Help Your Dog Slim Down and Feel Better?

To get started just head over to their 3-minute Feeding Calculator to discover the ideal JustFoodForDogs recipe tailored to your dog’s breed, weight goals, and unique needs. Start today and get 50% off your first order as a new customer.

I’ve always wanted to feed my dog better.

The problem? I’m always on the move — camping, road tripping, weekends at the lake, trails after work — and traditional fresh dog food never fit that lifestyle.

I’d read about how much healthier fresh, human-grade food can be for dogs — and honestly, after seeing friends switch and noticing how shiny their dogs’ coats looked, how much energy they had, I wanted in. But with the kind of life I lead, I couldn’t be tied to a fridge or freezer.

So for years, I stuck with “premium” kibble, telling myself it was good enough.

Then I Found JustFresh from JustFoodForDogs — and It Solved Everything I’d Been Struggling With

Fresh, Wholesome Food I Can Toss in My Backpack

JustFresh comes in these brilliantly designed, shelf-stable pouches that don’t need refrigeration until you open them. I can throw a couple into my hiking backpack, into a tote for a weekend away, or keep them in my car’s travel bin — they’re good for months.

When it’s mealtime? Tear, pour, done. Fresh, gently cooked, real food for my dog — even if I’m in the middle of nowhere.

Why JustFresh Over Other Options?

Once I looked deeper, here’s what convinced me to stick with JustFoodForDogs:

Truly human-grade: Every ingredient is USDA-certified for human consumption — not “feed grade” scraps like most kibble or air-dried products.

Formulated by vets and nutritionists: Every recipe is designed with veterinary nutritionists to exceed AAFCO standards — and has been proven in feeding trials (which a lot of brands skip).

Nothing fake, nothing filler: No preservatives, no synthetic vitamins, no weird powders — just whole, gently cooked meat, veggies, and rice.

Open kitchens, total transparency: They actually have open-to-the-public kitchens where you can watch your dog’s food being made. How many brands can say that?

The Result? A Happier, Healthier Pup — and a Way Simpler Life for Me

Since switching, my dog’s coat looks incredible, digestion is better, and she’s way more excited for mealtime (she used to be a grazer — now she licks the bowl clean).

And for me? No more hauling big kibble bags, no more stressing about refrigeration on trips. Whether we’re in the car, at a campsite, or crashing at a friend’s place — fresh food is ready.

If you’ve wanted to try feeding fresh but thought it didn’t fit your lifestyle, JustFresh is 100% worth trying. It’s made my life easier — and my dog happier.

There Are a Few Ways to Try JustFresh

You can grab a JustFresh Variety Pack (Beef, Chicken, Turkey and Pork) here try it out for yourself — I started with that, and we’ve never looked back.

You can also get a 7-pack of any JustFresh recipe if you already know what your dog is going to love the most.

Either way you’ll get 50% off your first order! If you have an active and busy lifestyle like me give it a try, you’ll thank me later

From the moment I brought him home at 10 weeks old, I often noticed that Palpi didn’t eat much of his kibble, sniffing around for table scraps on the floor instead. That led me to research fresh dog food brands, and the top contenders quickly emerged: JustFoodForDogs and The Farmer’s Dog.

After a thorough comparison, JustFoodForDogs emerged as the clear winner for Palpi and me. Here’s why:

Paw-sitively Transparent: Just Food For Dogs Lets You See What’s Cookin’

Transparency is a non-negotiable when it comes to what I feed Palpi, and JustFoodForDogs is the clear winner.

JustFoodForDogs lists every ingredient in their recipes on both the packaging and their website. Each ingredient is human-grade and comes with detailed explanations of its benefits for your dog’s health. It’s like a masterclass in canine nutrition right at your fingertips. They even share their recipes so you can make their food from scratch…if you are that ambitious. I am not. 

What’s more, you can visit one of their retail kitchens and watch fresh meals being prepared live by their team. These are public demonstrations of their commitment to quality. From cutting carrots to chopping potatoes to cooking meat, each step happens right before your eyes.

The Farmer’s Dog website is tough to navigate. It’s difficult to find any detailed nutritional or ingredient information about specific recipes on their website unless you subscribe to their food. Pricing is hard to determine unless you take a quiz. Also, they don’t have retail locations where you can watch the food being made.

Convenience Unleashed: JustFoodForDogs Leads the Pack

Convenience is another area where JustFoodForDogs stands out. They provide multiple options for purchasing, including online orders delivered to your doorstep and physical retail locations. My first box arrived in just three days, and now I restock at the nearby store when needed. Pro tip: bookmark their store locator to find a location near you.

Just Food For Dogs also offers both frozen and pantry-friendly meals, so you can choose what works best for you. I normally feed Palpi the frozen meals, but I also use their new JustFresh line. These are perfect for travel. They come in compact, resealable pouches that only require refrigeration after opening. I also appreciate that with JustFoodForDogs, you can buy a single pack of food in store – a helpful option if you want to try out a new recipe without committing to it right away.

While I appreciate how the Farmer’s Dog food is conveniently packaged, and stamped with Palpi’s name, the overall experience is a bit more challenging. The Farmer’s Dog doesn’t offer shelf-stable meal options. You can’t see how much the food costs unless you go through their quiz and even then, you need to subscribe if you want to try it. Also, the Farmer’s Dog doesn’t sell its food in stores, so there’s no option to pick up a few packages locally if your online order runs out. This left me feeling stressed – glued to my phone and checking shipping notifications to make sure Palpi wouldn’t go hungry. 

Fetch the Facts: #1 Vet-Recommended Fresh Dog Food Brand

Just Food For Dogs is the original human-grade fresh dog food. With over a decade of science-backed trials, JustFoodForDogs takes canine nutrition seriously. Their findings are readily available on their website, no registration required. As the pioneers of human-grade fresh dog food, they’ve earned the distinction of being the #1 vet-recommended fresh dog food brand, with recipes crafted by a dedicated team of veterinary nutritionists.

By contrast, although The Farmer’s Dog recipes are reviewed by board-certified nutritionists, the website provides limited access to supporting data. When you attempt to learn more about the science behind their food, you are required to register for access to their Vet Team portal. As I’m not a veterinarian, I didn’t feel comfortable doing so. This lack of accessibility was frustrating and didn’t inspire my confidence.

A Feast of Proteins for the Furry Foodie

The last and most important reason to me is Palpi. When he sees me open the fridge, he runs outside and does zoomies up and down the side yard, barking at the neighborhood to let them know that he is getting his meal. He cleans his bowl every time, burping in my face after to thank me. His personal favorites are the Beef & Russet Potato, Fish & Sweet Potato, and Venison & Squash Recipes.

Variety For Every Kind of Dog

I appreciate that JustFoodForDogs offers a wide variety and range of proteins. They offer diets that support sensitive stomachs, healthy weight, and joint & skin health, along with veterinarian-prescribed meals and custom-formulated meals for dogs with specific needs. It’s reassuring to know that no matter Palpi’s needs, JustFoodForDogs will be there for him. For example, when Palpi’s allergies flare up, I make sure to feed him the Fish and Venison recipes.

By comparison, The Farmer’s Dog proteins are limited to chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. I like variety in the meals I choose for myself and want the same for my Palpi.

My verdict: These are the reasons that I have chosen Just Food for Dogs for my Palpi. You should give them a try while you can still get 50% off your first box. I have a feeling you will be equally satisfied!