As any pet parent knows, our furry four-legged babies are part of the family.
And as someone who is particular about what I put on my plate, I have equally strong opinions about what I feed Tidley, my Pomeranian.
Since Tidley can’t shop for herself, I recently grabbed two popular dog food brands for a little comparison: JustFoodForDogs and Freshpet.
Here's how they stacked up against each other in a tail-wagging showdown:
Convenience: Ready When You Are
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
I’m all about convenience but not at the expense of quality. I loved that both these brands offered ready-to-eat options filled with fresh ingredients for my girl.
But only one brand was totally suited for my sometimes-nomadic lifestyle.
JustFoodForDogs goes above and beyond with options for every need, offering both frozen and shelf-stable products. Their frozen meals make it easy to get into a defrosting rhythm—I just take one package from the fridge for Tidley's meal and move another from the freezer to the fridge to thaw for the next day.
But what really sets them apart is their shelf-stable option, JustFresh, which I can store in the pantry and refrigerate after opening. It even comes in a convenient resealable pouch, making it perfect for travel. Unlike other fresh dog foods that require constant refrigeration, JustFresh is easy to bring along on our adventures without needing a cooler. It’s a win for convenience on the go and at home!
FreshPet requires refrigeration—not ideal for when we hit the road on one of our adventures, but great for immediate gratification at home. 🤦🏼♀️
Ingredient Quality: A Feast Fit for a Queen (or a Very Pampered Pooch!)
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
When choosing dog food, it’s important to understand the difference between human-grade and feed-grade. Human-grade dog food meets strict standards for sourcing, preparation, and processing, adhering to regulations set for human consumption. In contrast, feed-grade dog food is produced according to animal feed standards, which are less stringent.
JustFoodForDogs’s meals emphasize a commitment to 100% human-grade ingredients, using real meats along with fresh fruits and vegetables—essentially, what you'd find in a wholesome home-cooked meal. With JustFoodForDogs, you can see whole foods like meat and vegetables in their natural form, which adds to the appeal and quality.
Many of Freshpet’s meals, on the other hand, use feed-grade ingredients, as well as other ingredients that are not found in most home kitchens such as natural flavors, carrageenan, and cassia gum. Turns out, these types of ingredients are pretty common in pet foods and many ultra-processed human foods. While I recognize these ingredients are safe, I’m just not comfortable keeping something in my fridge that doesn’t meet the same standards that I follow for the foods I eat.
When I read the ingredient "carrageenan" on Freshpet’s label, I honestly couldn’t even pronounce it at first. It’s not an ingredient I keep in my pantry, but it is one that is found in many ultra-processed human foods.
And I don’t know about you, but I like to know exactly what I’m feeding my dog—especially when it's something I can’t easily say or recognize. After a quick search, I learned it’s a thickening agent. I couldn’t help but wonder why it's included in something marketed as "fresh" and "natural."
I’m always cautious about what goes into my dog’s food, and I prefer to feed Tidley food that contains ingredients that I cook with and use every day in the foods I prepare for myself. Since I consider Tidley a part of the family, I feel good choosing JustFoodForDogs for her meals.
Brand Integrity: Transparent and Science-Backed
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Nutrition isn’t just about filling the belly but actually nourishing the body. Both brands adhere to the National Research Council's guidelines and are tested through AAFCO feeding trials. However, JustFoodForDogs has a rigorous approach. They’ve been conducting feeding trials and studies for over a decade, proving their food’s benefits. This dedication to scientific validation is one of the reasons I feel comfortable feeding their products to Tidley.
JustFoodForDogs ensures that their frozen products hit the essential nutrition categories for dogs. They include human-grade proteins that support overall health & vitality, energy-dense fats that promote energy and skin health, and whole-food carbohydrates with fiber that support digestion. Their commitment to science-backed formulations gives me confidence in the food I am giving Tidley.
JustFoodForDogs takes transparency even further with their open kitchens, where you can watch each recipe being freshly prepared and cooked. It's reassuring to see the process up close and know exactly what’s going into my dog's meals. On the other hand, I couldn't find any information online about where FreshPet is made or if they offer tours of their facility.
Final Verdict: JustFoodForDogs Takes the Bone!
After looking at both JustFoodForDogs and Freshpet, it’s clear which one I view as leading the pack. Not only does JustFoodForDogs bring buffet-worthy variety, but it also offers freshness, convenience, and evidence-based nutritional integrity with their frozen products.
While the $167.99 price of the fresh frozen variety pack (with six different recipes) made me pause at first, I now see it as a worthwhile investment in Tidley’s health, especially with the 50% off first-time auto-ship discount (making it only $84). If you’re less interested in variety and prefer a shelf-stable option, their JustFresh 7-pack of chicken is only $49, or $24.50 with the 50% off first-time auto-ship discount.
For any pet parent looking to upgrade their dog’s diet, I highly recommend giving JustFoodForDogs a try. Their website offers an easy ‘Get Started’ feeding calculator where you can answer a few questions, and they’ll recommend the best products for your dog.
