Being a dog mom to my fluffy corgi, Palpi, is one of the most rewarding titles I proudly carry, and his health is a top priority. Between challenging him physically with “sniff-aris” and beachside fetch, stimulating his mind with treat puzzles, and showering him with love and cuddles, I strive to ensure he wants for nothing.
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!