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Top 6 Fresh Dog Food Subscriptions, Ranked
A dog with a bowl of homemade dog food (Photo by Zontica on Shutterstock)
Opening a can of dog food might be convenient, but is it the healthiest choice for your pet? Probably not. Prepackaged options often contain fillers and preservatives that can compromise your dog's long-term health. On the other hand, the best fresh food subscriptions give you options that are packed with whole ingredients, offering superior nutrition, improved digestion, and a shinier coat.
Instead of spending hours cooking for your dog, consider a service that delivers fresh food right to your door. These subscription-based services are becoming increasingly popular, offering customized meals tailored to your dog's age, size, and dietary needs, making balanced nutrition easy and hassle-free. But which services give you the most value? While we haven't tried them all, we put together this list of the best fresh dog food subscriptions that experts recommend. Did we miss one that you and your pet adore? Let us know below!
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place. 1. The Farmer's Dog
The Farmer's Dog takes the crown for the best fresh dog food, thanks to high-quality ingredients, tailored meal plans, and eco-friendly packaging that fits neatly in your fridge. While all recipes are grain-free, the personalized approach, guided by veterinary nutritionists, ensures your dog's unique needs are met. Sadie Cornelius from Canine Journal shares that her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lexie, loves the food, has lost weight, and has a shinier coat.
Mas and Pas raves about this fresh food delivery program because it's a breeze to customize. The meals are USDA-certified, nutritionally balanced, and even come with your dog's name on the packets—a nice personal touch. Plus, the eco-friendly packaging and top-notch customer service make it a win all around!
The Farmer's Dog Beef Recipe is a top pick by Dog Food Advisor because it contains 39 percent protein and 29 percent fat from fresh beef. The food is naturally moist and free from feed-grade ingredients. Plus, it's great for all dog sizes and breeds.
2. Nom NomNom Nom offers fresh, pre-portioned meals crafted by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and it's a top pick according to Forbes. While it can be pricey, the brand's meals are well-balanced and highly recommended by vets like Dr. Erica Irish. With easy delivery and transparent ingredients, Nom Nom is a standout choice for your pet's nutrition.
Mas and Pas loves that each pack is perfectly portioned for one meal, eliminating the need for leftovers. The easy-peel packets are a breeze to open with no scissors needed. In addition, the compact, soft plastic pouches take up minimal freezer space, making storage a cinch!
What makes this service stand out is the money-back guarantee, the option to try a variety of sample packs before subscribing, and the flexibility to order half meals for larger dogs. Canine Journal believes it's all about finding the perfect fit for your pup without commitment. With these thoughtful options, it's no wonder it's a top pick!
3. OllieIf the goal of a fresh food diet is for your dog to lose weight, Ollie's system is a game-changer, even adjusting portion sizes to help your dog shed pounds. The canine tester at Rover.Com couldn't get enough of the dry-ish pâté, and her human loves the convenience of each package containing a full day's worth of food. It's a win-win for both pups and their owners!
Ollie's food smells so good, that even a Forbes editor was tempted to take a bite! The downsides? The meals can only be customized for calories and allergies, not all health needs. Plus, those large packages can make freezer space a challenge!
Ollie's customized scopper helps take the guesswork out of feeding your dog the perfect portion. According to Mas and Pas, reviewers rave about the food's quality, and many appreciate that Ollie offers chicken—a protein sometimes missing from other brands.
4. PetPlateDeveloped by Dr. Streeter, PetPlate offers balanced, human-grade meals with the bonus of organic treats and supplement cookies for digestion and mobility. With customizable options like Barkin' Beef and Chompin' Chicken, Forbes says the meals are a hit for dogs of all breeds and needs. All meals can be served cold or warm in microwave-safe and recyclable containers.
Want to mix and match recipes? Not a problem, according to Business Insider, which highlights PetPlate as the only fresh dog food subscription allowing that. Plus, you can order smaller portions to supplement kibble, and the detailed feeding guide makes portioning and warming a breeze.
PetPlate uses sturdy plastic tubs, making it easy to store leftovers. Just pop the lid, scoop out what you need, and seal it back up—no need to transfer leftovers to another container like with soft plastic packaging from other brands. It's a simple and convenient way to keep your dog's meals fresh, so says Mas and Pas.
5. JustFoodForDogsVeterinary nutritionists at JustFoodForDogs craft customized prescription meals tailored to your dog's medical records. While pricier than other fresh meal plans, Forbes notes that cost includes access to veterinarians for questions.
JustFoodForDogs meets all WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, employing full-time veterinary nutritionists to ensure food safety and high nutritional value. Business Insider likes that the company's use of feeding trials to prove the nutrition and digestibility of its food is rare in the fresh pet food industry.
The Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni stands out in JustFoodForDogs' lineup which includes nine fresh choices with no fillers or artificial additives. Made from fresh turkey this formula is also 100 percent free of feed-grade ingredients. Though it ships only on select days, it's a top fresh pick by Dog Food Advisor.
6. Spot and TangoIf you're not ready to give up dry kibble but want a healthier option, Forbes recommends Spot & Tango's UnKibble. Unlike traditional kibble, UnKibble is made without meat meals or powdered "mystery meats" and comes in flavors like Beef & Barley, Chicken & Brown Rice, and Cod & Salmon.
According to Mas and Pas, the UnKibble is perfect for pet parents who like the convenience of kibble but want the health benefits of fresh ingredients. Spot and Tango also offers wet meals that meet AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition across all life stages.
Rover.Com adds that Spot & Tango's fresh recipes also deliver omega-3s with fish oil, essential for your puppy's growth. These grain-inclusive options come in three mouthwatering flavors: turkey & red quinoa, beef & millet, and lamb & brown rice.
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
6 Best Dog Foods For Joint HealthExpert Consensus
A senior dog waiting to be fed in front of its bowl (Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock)
As your dog ages, those pesky joint aches can sneak up on them, just like with us. While they can't tell you what hurts, you can take steps to keep them moving comfortably. Many vets suggest adding joint-friendly foods to your dog's diet to help manage arthritis and keep those joints in tip-top shape. But remember, it takes time—weeks or even months—to see a noticeable difference. What makes dog food joint-friendly? Look for glucosamine and chondroitin to cushion joints, omega-3s to fight inflammation, and quality protein to keep muscles strong and reduce joint stress. Which brands stand out? We've sifted through the options and found the six best dog foods for joint health, recommended by experts across eight websites. Do you have a favorite that keeps your pup lively? Let us know in the comments!
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place. 1. Orijen
Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food helps your senior dog maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health. Grain-free and packed with fresh, high-protein ingredients like chicken, turkey, salmon, and herring, it's made in the USA with quality ingredients and no soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat. Trusted by experts at iHeartDogs, it's the perfect choice for your aging pup's nutrition.
You can't really go wrong with Orijen's formulations. Dog Food Advisor gives Orijen's entire line five stars, with the Senior formula standing out for its 43.2% protein, 17% fat, and 31.8% carbs. Packed with 85% quality poultry and fish, it's a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your senior dog's joints, weight, and immune health.
Canine Journal loves Orijen's Six Fish Recipe because of its omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin—perfect for keeping joints healthy. Plus, it's loaded with prebiotics and probiotics for gut and immune support. Not into grain-free? ORIJEN offers grain-inclusive options too.
2. Open Farm Grain-Free Senior Dog FoodAnother top pick is Open Farm, known for its ethical practices and top-notch ingredients. Their grain-free senior formula features turkey, chicken, and joint-boosting, green-lipped mussels. With superfoods like sweet potatoes and cranberries, Canine Journal believes this premium kibble is a standout choice for your senior dog's health.
What's more, iHeartDogs appreciates that Open Farm lets owners trace every ingredient using the lot number on the bag. The formula is packed with protein for muscle maintenance, probiotic fiber for digestion, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. It's free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
This dog food might be pricier than some, but All Things Dogs believes it's worth every penny. With ethically sourced ingredients that support cognitive function in seniors, pumpkin for digestion, coconut oil for energy and coat health, and a moisture-rich formula that promotes hydration, it's a solid investment in your pup's well-being.
3. Hill's Science Plan Healthy MobilityHill's Science has a reputation for making great dog food, and this formula is no exception. Pets24 recommends this formula to keep your pet moving with ease. Packed with Omega-3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin, it supports joint health, flexibility, and lean muscle. It also comes tailored for small, medium, or large dogs.
With chicken as the main protein and balanced calories for weight management, Dogster believes it's a solid choice for overall joint health. While it's great for dogs with joint issues, the small bag does come with a hefty price tag.
Usually, dog foods loaded with health-focused ingredients come with a high-calorie count, but Hill's Prescription Diet keeps it in check. Thanks to their careful formulation, Doggo reviewers are confident you won't have to worry about your senior dog packing on extra pounds.
4. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly JointsThis formula is iHeart Dogs approved and is designed to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA from fish oil, it helps your pup stay active easily. Plus, it's made with natural ingredients. So, you don't have to worry about fillers or artificial junk.
The editor of All Things Dogs agrees: this is more than just food; it's a recipe for keeping your dog lively. With deboned chicken at its core, it's not just about filling bellies; it's about fueling joy and mobility.
Blue Buffalo has wet and dry versions of joint health formulas, too. They also tailor different varieties to your dog's age. If you want to start your puppy on joint health food, Dogsterrecommends Blue Buffalo's Our Baby Blue Healthy Growth Turkey & Potato Recipe. This wet food is packed with protein, omega-3s, and fish oil to keep those joints oiled, though it's pricier than dry kibble.
5. Purina One Plus Joint Health
Purina is a staple in the dog food business, so it's no surprise it's on the list. All Things Dogs likes that this formula is packed with antioxidants for a strong immune system, easy-to-digest rice for gentle nutrition, and no fillers for nutrient-rich meals. It also supports a healthy heart with added vitamins and is crafted to boost your dog's energy levels.
And experts say it's a bargain. Dogster believes this is the best bang for your buck in joint health dog food. It's packed with real chicken, fish oil, and glucosamine, and supports mobility, heart health, and overall vitality. Doggo reminds you to keep an eye on portions to prevent extra pounds—especially for an older dog.
6. Royal CaninRoyal Canin's Advanced Mobility Support is a vet favorite, and for good reason. Canine Journal highlights its collagen-rich formula, which supports joint health, along with antioxidants and omega-3s. Pet parents call it a game-changer for improving mobility but note that it does require a vet's prescription.
For medium and large dogs, Dogster recommends Royal Canin Joint Care. This version does not require a prescription. It's loaded with chondroitin sulfate, collagen, and diverse protein sources to support joint health while keeping your dog engaged with their meals. The lower calorie count also helps manage weight and reduce joint stress.
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Hot Dog Brands Ranked From Worst To Best
Chicago Style, Seattle Style, covered in chili, slathered in ketchup, grilled, microwaved, boiled -- seems like there are a million ways to prepare a hot dog, and none of them are wrong. Of course, there are also tons of hot dog brands in stores, and deciding which brand to buy is important. To help alleviate the stress of picking the perfect frank, Food Republic sent me on a quest to choose the best hot dog out of 10 common national brands.
And just so you know: I considered trying a veggie dog for this list but my experience with plant-based hot dogs wasn't exactly positive. I'm not here to shame anyone who enjoys vegetarian dogs -- even Oscar Mayer is hopping on the meatless train -- but we'll save those for another list.
To secure my wiener lineup, I visited Costco, Walmart, and my local grocery store, Metro Market, a subsidiary of Roundy's Supermarkets, which is owned by Kroger. I grabbed the most standard-looking hot dog options I could find, along with a pack of Ball Park Hot Dog Buns for scale. In evaluating the franks, I quickly learned three things: The term "mechanically-separated meat" is something you simply have to stomach if you want to enjoy a wiener, resealable packages are not popular in the hot dog market, and not all franks are created equal. Read on to find out what brand is the, you know, top dog.
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Jennie-O Turkey Franksturkey hot dog in bun on plate next to package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
As the name suggests, Jennie-O and their Turkey Franks only contain one meat: Mechanically-separated turkey, along with water, and salt. The Jennie-O Turkey Franks are trying really hard to be a good hot dog but mostly failing. They're on the thicker side of the sausages I tried, which might be good if they weren't also incredibly dense. It feels like too much meat is stuffed into the casing -- although to be perfectly, well, frank ... There's not really a casing to be found.
These hot dogs have no snap, and they're rather dry. With the exception of their physical appearance, I'm not sure I'd even call them hot dogs. A "processed turkey link" would be a more apt description for what you get and the generic, unappetizing sound of that really nails the essence of the Jennie-O Turkey Frank. If you don't eat red meat, Turkey Franks might satisfy your hot dog craving, but if you can get your fix elsewhere, I suggest doing so.
Bar S Classic Jumbo Frankshot dog on plate in bun with pacage - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
Made of mechanically separated chicken, water, corn syrup, salt, and pork, the Bar S Classic Jumbo Frank is forgettable. For one thing, it's not particularly jumbo, coming in as maybe the third-largest of our hot dogs. As with the other mechanically-separated meats, the inside is soft and smooth in texture but lacks the satisfying snap of a good sausage. The flavor isn't bad -- but that's because there isn't much flavor in the first place. This feels like the kind of hot dog a parent slides in front of a notoriously picky child to get them to eat something. At best, this sausage is a vehicle for condiments; at worst, it's just plain dull.
Bar S makes several other hot dog variants, including beef, turkey, and chicken franks. If you're in a bind and need to snag a package of Bar S, try one of those because the Classic Jumbo Franks are best left on the shelf.
Vienna Beef Jumbo Beef Frankshot dog on bun next to label - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
This might come as a shock, but beef is the first ingredient in these dogs, followed by water, salt, sugar, dextrose, mustard, flavorings and colorings, garlic juice, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. As will become evident the further down this list you venture, beef hotdogs tend to be superior. Still, I was left wanting more from Vienna Beef's Jumbo Beef Franks. However, they do live up to their jumbo billing: These are some thick hot dogs.
But this needs to be said: They're slimy straight out of the package. Most hot dogs are packaged in water to keep them moist, but Vienna Beef Franks are coated in a gooey, white substance. I'm not sure what it is, and I can't say I noticed it on the cooked dog, but it is an unsettling beginning to what I'd hoped would be a harmonious relationship. The casing on these franks is too thick, and rather than providing that elusive snap, it's chewy. The flavor is fine, a tad salty, but I couldn't get past the fact that I spent more time chewing the casing than enjoying the meat.
Ballpark Bun Size Frankshot dog on bun with package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
At some point in human history, the length of hot dogs and the buns they call home diverged. What was once a consistent match has been reduced to a Goldilocks conundrum of hot dogs that are often too big (or too small) for their corresponding buns. But fear not, numerous brands, including Ballpark, offer franks that are just right for their carby, and sometimes toasted, companions. I purchased Ballpark Buns to accompany my hot dogs, so this was truly a perfect fit.
Mechanically-separated chicken, pork, water, corn syrup, and potassium lactate are the main ingredients in Ballpark's Bun Size Franks. (For the sake of space, I've only included the main ingredients in every entry, excluding the ingredients that make up less than 2% of anything.)
These dogs fall into the category of fine but not memorable. The inner texture is almost silky smooth, and the casing is there only to contain what's inside, not to add to or detract from the experience one way or another. Neither too salty nor too bland, if someone handed me a Ballpark Frank, I wouldn't complain, but I also wouldn't go out of my way to grab seconds.
Nathan's Beef Frankshot dog on plate with package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
Cards on the table, I didn't eat 10 hot dogs in one sitting. That's a lot of franks. Of course, 10 is hardly a drop in the bucket for the participants of the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. For the superhuman eaters who participate every year, their plates are piled high with Nathan's Beef Franks. With beef and water as the first two ingredients on the list, these dogs feel less processed than their "mechanically-separated" counterparts and are by far the juiciest wieners I sampled.
Despite an underwhelming snap, the flavors are solid, making Nathan's a respectable (but unexciting) hot dog. Visually, Nathan's Franks are almost identical to the Oscar Mayer Wieners, putting them on the smaller side of the hot dog hierarchy, which makes a lot of sense. Joey Chestnut put down 73 of these wieners in his record-setting 2013 performance, and that's impressive -- but these are no jumbo dogs. If you're looking to add a little extra something to your Nathan's, make it Coney Island style with a healthy topping of chili, onions, and mustard.
Sugardale Hot Dogshot dog on plate with package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
Believe it or not, these are the only sausages on this list with the words "hot dog" actually in the name. Sugardale Hot Dogs contain mechanically-separated chicken, water, pork, corn syrup, modified food starch, and salt. These franks are on the thicker side and fit a standard bun perfectly.
I'm happy to report that I finally found a hot dog that delivered a bit of snap when I took a bite. The casing that provides the snap is thicker than Ballpark or Nathan's but without the chewiness of Vienna Beef.
Inside, the classic soft, smooth texture of mechanically-separated meat is hard to miss. For anyone taking notes, mechanically-separated meat is not ground meat. The USDA defines it as a "poultry food product produced by high-pressure machinery that separates bone from poultry skeletal muscle tissue and other edible tissue by first crushing the bone and then forcing bone and tissue through a sieve or a similar screening device." The final product is, "a blend of soft tissue with a paste-like consistency and a cake-batter form."
Oscar Mayer Classic Wienershot dog on plate next to package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
A staple of American cuisine for more than 100 years, the Oscar Mayer red-and-yellow branding is the first I think of when I hear the words "hot dog." Housed in an easy-open package, Oscar Mayer's Classic Wiener is the most standard-looking hot dog on the market. It's comprised of mechanically-separated chicken, mechanically-separated turkey, pork, water, and corn syrup. Not only do these wieners look like hot dogs, they embody the taste I imagine when I think of a hot dog. It's silky smooth inside, with a savoriness that calls for a bit of ketchup -- or, in my case, a lot of ketchup -- to bring some sweetness. I grilled my hot dogs for this test, but the Oscar Mayer wiener practically begs to be heated in a microwave and slid before a grinning eight-year-old.
Maybe it's because my first foray into hot dogs came via Oscar Mayer, or perhaps the brand has really nailed the true essence of the frankfurter, but regardless of how it got there, the Oscar Mayer Classic Wiener is the epitome of a hot dog. However, it's not the most flavorful, juiciest, or substantial -- so while I respect a classic, there are better options.
Hebrew National Beef Frankshot dog on plate in front of package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
The type of meat used in a hot dog is important when it comes to creating the flavor. This may seem obvious, but there's a stark difference between an all-beef frank and a sausage comprising multiple kinds of meat. Hebrew National Beef Franks are the former and are tied for the shortest ingredient deck of anything on our list: Kosher beef and water. That's it. No additives, no extra flavorings, just meat and water (and 2% or less of other ingredients) and the taste reflects it. These franks are juicy and have a great internal texture. Once again, the casing leaves something to be desired, but it's not chewy, so that's a plus. Hebrew National Franks are long and thin, giving them a distinct look compared especially to the numerous jumbo dogs on the list.
In order for meat to be labeled Kosher, it must be butchered in accordance with Jewish dietary law. Only certain cuts of meat are allowed to be used which, in the case of cattle, come from the front half of the animal. Numerous other requirements, from what the animal eats to the slaughter and preparation of the meat, also define Kosher meats, and for Hebrew National, 100% Kosher is key. The result is a juicy hot dog that lands in my top three.
Ambassador Old Fashioned Wienershot dog on plate in bun with package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
Pork is often the second or third meat listed in the ingredients, but Ambassador flipped the script by making pork the centerpiece of their wieners. Joining pork is water, beef, and dextrose in a neat and tidy ingredient deck.
The first bite is what catapulted the Ambassador Wiener up my rankings. There was a distinct snap, almost a crunch, to the hot dog's casing, and from there, the unique taste of the dog sprung forth. Across the board, the beef hot dogs I sampled were saltier than their chicken and turkey-based counterparts. The Ambassador's pork-forward frank perfectly straddles the middle ground between the two. It's juicy and flavorful with a texture inside that's smoother than beef, but more meaty than mechanically-separated poultry. It's also lighter in color than any of the others, giving it a look, taste, and feel more akin to a kielbasa than a more traditional wiener. In a world full of beef and poultry-based dogs, the Ambassador went pork first and is all the better for it.
Kirkland Beef Dinner Frankshot dog in bun on package - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
While some pictures are worth a thousand words, this one is worth at least six: This is a huge hot dog. Made famous by Costco's food court, where you can snag one for just $1.50, this is one of two Kirkland-branded hot dogs. I chose to review the Beef Dinner Franks because they're a bit different from the other test subjects thanks to their size and notoriety. Plus, they're sold in a 14-pack, rather than the 36-count that the Kirkland Beef Hot Dogs come in -- and I already have more than 70 hot dogs in my fridge; I did not need an additional 22.
Kirkland Franks are made of beef, water, dextrose, salt, spices, sodium lactate, garlic, sodium diacetate, sodium erythorbate, paprika and extractive, and sodium nitrite. Kirkland Beef Dinner Franks check all of the boxes. They're juicy, provide a lovely snap as you take a bite, and are oozing with flavor. If there's anything to complain about, it's that they're on the saltier side of beef franks, but thanks to their sheer size, it's hard to imagine eating more than two at most in a sitting.
Methodology And Overall Impressionvariety of hot dogs on grill - Sam Zwick/Food Republic
There are so many different flavors, styles, and variations of hot dogs that anyone willing to put in the work is sure to find one that fits their preference. For this tasting, I picked up hot dogs from Walmart, Costco, and Metro Market. I took photos of the hot dogs straight out of the packaging before grilling one of each and sampling them in a random order. Taste, texture, consistency, and appearance were all factors in my rankings.
I experienced this taste test through two lenses: adult preferences and childhood memories. For the most part, I gravitated toward the beef and pork franks because they came with a richer flavor profile and a more meaty bite. However, the mechanically-separated poultry dogs came with a dollop of nostalgia that had my mind playing a little tug-of-war.
Which made for the better hot dog? Ultimately, it's all about what you're looking for. I like to think of a true hot dog as something closer to Oscar Mayer's Classic Wiener than the Kirkland Beef Dinner Franks -- but while the former is more of a traditional hot dog, the latter simply has more flavor, something that is key as an adult but was less important in my youth. Adult hot dog or kid hot dog, whatever you choose, there really is no wrong answer as long as it's what you enjoy.
Something of note: Not a single hot dog package was resealable. Consider this my plea to all hot dog manufacturers: For the love of the dog, please give us a zip-lock feature -- it would make life so much easier.
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