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As an Empty Nester, This Is My Favorite Hack for Spoiling My Dog With Fresh, Healthy Meals

Cynthia Mckinley
ByCynthia MckinleyOct 1, 2025In Partnership With Just Food for Dogs

I never realized just how profound a dog's companionship could be until I became an empty nester. Ellie Mae brings warmth and meaning to my everyday life, filling my home with love and a sense of purpose. She’s always there to welcome me with a wagging tail and her beloved toy—my loyal sidekick and the one family member who will always stay. These days, I finally have the time and space to nurture the bond we share, and it’s the most rewarding part of my life.

For a while, I never thought twice about what I was feeding her. Kibble was easy, so I stuck with it. But as I’ve started caring more about the little choices that make a big difference, I realized fresh, real food isn’t just for us, it’s for our dogs too. 

That’s what led me to JustFoodForDogs’ human-grade, gently cooked meals, and it has completely changed how I feed my pup.

I Thought Fresh Dog Food Would Be Complicated. It’s Actually Easy.

The food comes in easy to open packages and they have an easy 3 minute quiz on their website that calculates exactly how much to feed your dog for you.

They also have an amazing preservative free shelf-stable option called JustFresh. It's perfect if you want convenience, forget to thaw your dogs food, or travel with your dog. I keep both on hand for to make healthy meals for my dog easy no matter what my plans are.

Only the Best Ingredients for My Only Child

One of the things I’ve learned in this stage of life is that quality matters, and the same goes for what I feed my dog. 

JustFresh meals are made with human-grade meats and fresh produce, gently cooked in open kitchens. There are no fillers, by-products, or anything artificial. 

It’s health disguised as a treat. When you think about the years you have together ahead, it feels good to invest in their health.

When I scoop her food, I can see the rice, vegetables, and real pieces of chicken or beef. After years of doing what was easiest, it feels good to give her what she was meant to eat.

The Health Changes Speak for Themselves

The difference in my dog since switching to JustFoodforDogs has been incredible. Her coat has become shinier, she has more energy on our walks, and her digestion is better than it has been in years. At her last check-up, the vet even commented on her healthy weight. I know it’s not just random. 

JustFoodForDogs is the most science-backed dog food and the number one veterinarian-recommended fresh food. Knowing that makes me confident that I am not just treating her, I am taking real steps to help her live a long, happy life.

Delivered Right to My Door

The JustFresh Home-Cooked Variety Pack is priced at $105 for 14 pouches (12 oz each), and shipping is fast and reliable. (But right now, you can get it for 50% off your first autoship order!)

For me, that convenience is huge. I don’t have to think about running out or making a special trip. It just shows up at my door, ready to go. At first, I wondered if the price was too much, but when I look at the quality of the ingredients, the improvements in my dog’s health, and the joy it brings to both of us, it feels completely worth it.

Mealtime Feels Like a Celebration

What I love most about this change is how it’s transformed a simple daily routine into something joyful. My dog gets so excited when she sees me pull out a pouch of JustFresh, and I can’t help but laugh at her little happy dance. With my son grown and out building his own life, she’s the one who fills my days with companionship and love. Giving her real food isn’t about spoiling her. It’s about giving her what her body was meant to have.

Since switching to JustFoodForDogs JustFresh, I’ve seen a real difference—and I wouldn’t go back. Life looks a little different these days with an emptier house, but sharing this stage with my dog brings a quiet kind of joy. Prioritizing quality in how I care for her feels like the most honest way to show love.