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Fresh, dry and raw pet food brands checked for AAFCO complete and balanced statements, who formulates the recipes and what safety testing they describe, with the FDA's findings on raw diets.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published April 22, 2026Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
The best pet food companies make food labeled complete and balanced for your pet's life stage, say who formulates it, and are open about quality control and recalls. Ollie, JustFoodForDogs, PetPlate and The Pets Table lead for fresh dog food, while Open Farm, The Honest Kitchen and Raised Right make food for both dogs and cats. Raw brands such as We Feed Raw and BARF World carry handling risks flagged by the FDA, so talk to your vet before switching.
Our top picks
Best for personalized fresh dog food plansOllieThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Food typeFresh, delivered by subscriptionPetsDogs
Best for fresh food you can also buy in storesJust Food for DogsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Food typeFresh frozenPetsDogs
Best for frozen raw dog food with targeted formulasMaevThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Food typeFrozen raw food in bite-size piecesPetsDogs
Best for sourcing transparency across dog and cat foodOpen FarmThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Food typeKibblePetsDogs and cats
Best for limited-ingredient cooked food for dogs and catsRaised RightThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Food typeGently cooked, frozenPetsDogs and cats
This guide is for dog and cat owners comparing fresh, cooked, dry and raw food from brands that sell online, most of them by subscription. Expect to do some legwork on price: most fresh brands show a price only after you answer a quiz about your pet.
The detail that matters most is on the label. Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement that says the food is complete and balanced for your pet's life stage. After that, check who formulates the recipes, what safety testing the company describes, and whether it makes food for your species at all, since several picks sell dog food only.
Below you will find each pick's food types, label claims and published prices, a comparison of fresh, kibble and raw food, the FDA's guidance on raw diets, and tips for switching foods.
Key label check
An AAFCO complete and balanced statement for your pet's life stage11
Published fresh food price
From $1.89 per day (PetPlate, after intro discount)9
Best for personalized fresh dog food plans: OllieThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.9/5
Food type
Fresh, delivered by subscription
Pets
Dogs
AAFCO statement
Not shown on the home page
Why we picked it. Ollie builds a plan around your dog's size and activity level and adds health tracking in its app. The company says it has served more than 1 million dogs.
More details, pros and cons
Formulation
Developed with veterinary nutritionists, according to Ollie
Pros
Plans portioned for your dog
Recipes developed with veterinary nutritionists
Health check-in tracking in the app
Cons
Price shown only after the quiz
Dogs only
Needs freezer and fridge space
Zero-recall human-grade
Skip it if: You have cats, or you want to compare prices before entering your dog's details.
More about Ollie
Ollie delivers premium, vet-crafted fresh dog food customized to your pet's exact caloric needs. Featuring a flawless zero-recall safety record and human-grade ingredients, it offers outstanding long-term health benefits.
Best for fresh food you can also buy in stores: Just Food for DogsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.8/5
Food type
Fresh frozen
Pets
Dogs
AAFCO statement: Recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists as complete and balanced, according to the company
Why we picked it. JustFoodForDogs offers the widest range of formats in this guide, from fresh frozen meals to shelf-stable food and vet support diets. You can buy it online, at its own kitchens or at Petco.
More details, pros and cons
Where to buy
Online, at 12 company kitchens and at Petco
Pros
Vet support diets for specific conditions, used under your vet's direction
Fresh frozen and shelf-stable options
Sold in stores as well as online
Cons
Prices not shown on the home page
Dogs only
Fresh frozen meals need freezer space
Vet-formulated recipes
Skip it if: You need cat food; Open Farm, Raised Right and The Honest Kitchen make it.
More about Just Food for Dogs
Preparing meals in open-to-the-public kitchens, Just Food for Dogs offers daily meals, prescription diets, and DIY kits. Backed by rigorous clinical trials and board-certified nutritionists, it is an evidence-based premium choice.
Best for frozen raw dog food with targeted formulas: MaevThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.8/5
Food type
Frozen raw food in bite-size pieces
Pets
Dogs
AAFCO statement
Not shown on the product page we checked
Why we picked it. Maev sells frozen raw dog food in bite-size pieces with formulas aimed at digestion, mobility, coat and puppies. Its site blocked our guide check, so the facts here come from our Maev review, checked October 2026. The BBB rates it F with 20 complaints in three years, and orders cannot be canceled or refunded once placed.
More details, pros and cons
BBB
F, not accredited; 20 complaints in the last 3 years
Pros
Published bag prices with a subscription discount
Targeted formulas for digestion, mobility, coat and puppies
Ships frozen on dry ice
Cons
BBB rating F with 20 complaints in three years
No cancellations or refunds once an order is placed
If the food is raw, the FDA warns of Salmonella and Listeria risks
Prep-free raw cubes
Skip it if: You want a brand whose details you can confirm up front; Raised Right and PetPlate publish more.
More about Maev
Maev revolutionizes raw feeding with flash-frozen, bite-sized cubes that require absolutely no thawing. Featuring human-grade proteins and superfoods, it provides all the benefits of raw food with unmatched convenience.
Best for sourcing transparency across dog and cat food: Open FarmThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.8/5
Food type
Kibble
Pets
Dogs and cats
AAFCO statement
Not shown on the home page
Why we picked it. Open Farm makes nearly every format for both dogs and cats, traces its ingredients, and lists third-party animal welfare and seafood certifications.
More details, pros and cons
Certifications: Certified Humane, B Corp, Global Animal Partnership, MSC, ASC, OceanWise
Pros
Dog and cat food in every major format
Third-party welfare and sustainability certifications
Sold online and in stores
Cons
Premium prices for kibble
AAFCO statements must be checked product by product
Free shipping only on orders over $50
Fully traceable ingredients
Skip it if: You want a single fresh food subscription built around one pet.
More about Open Farm
Open Farm is celebrated for its full ingredient traceability and commitment to animal welfare. From freeze-dried raw to dry kibble, every product utilizes humanely raised meats and highly sustainable packaging.
Best for limited-ingredient cooked food for dogs and cats: Raised RightThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.8/5
Food type
Gently cooked, frozen
Pets
Dogs and cats
AAFCO statement
Many recipes meet AAFCO complete and balanced requirements
Why we picked it. Each Raised Right recipe uses 10 ingredients or fewer and a single animal protein, and the company says it tests every batch for pathogens before release. Recipes were developed with veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and Steve Brown.
More details, pros and cons
Safety testing: Every batch tested for E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella before shipping, according to the company
Pros
Limited ingredients and a single protein
Batch pathogen testing with hold and release
Recipes for dogs and cats
Cons
Not every recipe is labeled complete and balanced
Prices not shown on the home page
Needs freezer storage
Under 2% carbs
Skip it if: You want a feeding plan portioned for you; Ollie and PetPlate personalize portions.
More about Raised Right
Raised Right offers lightly cooked, human-grade meals formulated with less than 2% carbohydrates. With a strict hold-and-release lab testing protocol, this zero-recall brand is perfect for dogs needing minimal starches.
These companies didn't make our top 5, but may still fit your situation.
Freshpet4.2
Found in grocery store refrigerators, Freshpet provides gently cooked, meat-first meals. It bridges the gap between commercial kibble and premium subscription services, offering great convenience and high palatability.
A pioneer in fresh pet food, The Farmer's Dog portions human-grade, gently cooked meals specifically to your dog's profile. With a flawless safety record, it significantly boosts energy and digestion.
We compared food formats, which pets each company serves, whether the company states its food is complete and balanced under AAFCO standards, who formulates the recipes, quality and safety testing claims, guarantees and published prices. Product details come from each company's official site as checked in October 2026; where a site did not publish a detail, or did not load, we say so. Label and safety guidance comes from AAFCO and the FDA. This guide is not veterinary advice, so ask your vet about your pet's diet. Read our full methodology.
How to choose a pet food company
Look for the nutritional adequacy statement. AAFCO says a label should state that the food is complete and balanced for a life stage, either by formulation to AAFCO nutrient profiles or by feeding trials.
Match the life stage. Growth, adult maintenance and all life stages have different nutrient needs. Puppies and kittens need food labeled for growth or all life stages.
Ask who formulates the food. Several brands here say they work with veterinary nutritionists or animal nutritionists.
Ask about quality control. Raised Right, for example, says it tests every batch for pathogens before release.
Check recalls. Search the FDA’s pet food recall list for the brand before you buy.
Fresh vs. kibble vs. raw
Type
Storage
Typical cost
Watch for
Fresh cooked
Fridge and freezer
Higher; PetPlate lists from $1.89 per day
Freezer space, subscription terms
Kibble and clusters
Pantry
Lower per calorie
Check the AAFCO statement per bag
Air-dried and freeze-dried
Pantry
Often high per pound
Some are toppers, not full meals
Raw (frozen)
Freezer
Varies
FDA warns of Salmonella and Listeria risk
What the FDA says about raw pet food
An FDA study found raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated than other types, with 15 of 196 samples positive for Salmonella and 32 for Listeria monocytogenes. People who handle raw food, and people who live with pets that eat it, can be exposed.
If you feed raw, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after handling it, clean and disinfect bowls and surfaces, keep it away from human food, and don’t let your pet lick your face after meals. Talk to your vet before switching, especially if anyone at home is very young, older, pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
How much premium pet food costs
Most fresh brands show a price only after a quiz about your pet. Of the companies we checked, PetPlate published starting prices (from $1.89 per day for its full fresh plan and $0.79 per day for baked, after an intro discount), Open Farm listed products from $7.99 to $53.88, and BARF World listed items from $11.97 to $152, as listed October 2026.
To keep costs down, use fresh food as a topper over kibble, choose a half-portion plan, and compare cost per day rather than cost per box.
Switching foods and when to talk to your vet
Change food gradually over about a week, mixing a little more of the new food into the old each day. Talk to your veterinarian before switching if your pet has a medical condition, is pregnant or nursing, is a puppy or kitten, or is losing or gaining weight unexpectedly. Use vet support and therapeutic diets only under veterinary direction.
Other pet brands we reviewed
Dr. Marty Pets sells Nature’s Blend, a freeze-dried raw dog food from Golden Pet Brands (formerly Golden Hippo). A bag lists at $59.95 and drops to $30.95 when you create a free account, and the brand’s own product page does not publish the bag size, a feeding chart, a guaranteed analysis or an AAFCO statement, which is why it is not in the ranked picks above. The company is BBB accredited with an A+ since 2018, scores 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot across 4,709 reviews, and we found no FDA recall for the brand. The 90-day money-back guarantee requires a return authorization number first, and you pay return shipping. Read our Dr. Marty Pets review before you buy a multi-bag bundle.
Basepaws is a cat DNA test, not a food, so it is not ranked here: the Zoetis-owned kit ($159 list, $103.99 on sale in October 2026) screens 64 genetic health markers and oral health, with results 4 to 6 weeks after the lab receives your swab. Basepaws says itself that it is not designed to identify breed, and the BBB rates it D+. See our Basepaws review if you want health flags to discuss with your vet.
Terms to know
AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials, which publishes the nutrient profiles and feeding trial protocols used on US pet food labels.
Nutritional adequacy statement
The line on a label that says whether a food is complete and balanced, and for which life stage.
All life stages
A food that meets nutrient levels for growth, reproduction and adult maintenance.
Feeding trial
An AAFCO protocol in which animals eat the food to show that it is complete and balanced.
Fresh cooked
Gently cooked food shipped refrigerated or frozen.
Freeze-dried raw
Raw food with moisture removed by freezing, stored at room temperature.
Topper
Food added on top of a main diet, not meant to be fed alone.
Frequently asked questions
What does complete and balanced mean on pet food?
It means the food contains all required nutrients in the right proportions for a stated life stage, based on AAFCO nutrient profiles or AAFCO feeding trials. Foods labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding are not meant to be the only diet.
Is fresh dog food better than kibble?
Neither is automatically better. What matters most is that the food is complete and balanced for your pet's life stage and suits your pet's health. Ask your vet if you are unsure which fits.
Is raw pet food safe?
The FDA warns that raw pet food carries a higher risk of Salmonella and Listeria for pets and the people who handle it. If you choose raw, follow strict handling steps and talk to your vet first.
Which of these companies make cat food?
Open Farm, Raised Right, The Honest Kitchen and BARF World list cat products. Ollie, JustFoodForDogs, The Pets Table, We Feed Raw and PetPlate focus on dogs.
How do I check if a pet food has been recalled?
Search the FDA's animal and veterinary recalls list by brand name. You can also report a problem with a pet food to the FDA.
How much does fresh dog food cost?
It depends on your dog's size and plan. PetPlate lists plans from $1.89 per day after an intro discount, while most other fresh brands show prices only after a quiz.
What does human grade mean?
Brands use the term to say their ingredients and production meet standards for human food. Ask the company where its food is made and how it backs up the claim.
How do I switch my pet to a new food?
Mix the new food into the old over about 7 days, increasing the share each day. Call your vet if your pet vomits, has diarrhea or refuses to eat.
Should I ask my vet before changing brands?
Yes, especially for puppies, kittens, seniors, pregnant pets or pets with medical conditions. Your vet can help you choose a life stage and calorie level.
Sources (27)
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