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 don’t blame Tidley, my Pomeranian, for having her own strong opinions about food. My girl knows what she likes!
Since Tidley can’t shop for herself, I recently grabbed three popular dog food brands for a little test: Just Food For Dogs, Freshpet, and Ollie. Here's how they stacked up against each other in a tail-wagging showdown:
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 all three 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.
However, Just Food For Dogs takes it up a notch with their frozen dog food. It's incredibly easy to get into the rhythm of defrosting. I simply take one package out from my fridge to feed Tidley and move another from the freezer to the fridge to thaw for the next day!
Freshpet requires constant 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 King (or a Very Pampered Pooch!)
Winner: Just Food For Dogs and Ollie
I’ve gotta say—I was very impressed by the ingredients these premium pet foods boasted. Just Food For Dogs and Ollie both promise meals composed of 100% human-grade ingredients, mirroring what you’d find in a wholesome home-cooked meal. We're talking real meats (not leftover by-products) with fresh fruits and vegetables.
On the other hand, Freshpet is considered “feed grade” by the FDA, meaning it’s only considered safe for animals to eat and not fit for human consumption under USDA guidelines. Its manufacturing process is not nearly as regulated, so the quality isn’t great. I’m not too sure I’d like to store this stuff in the fridge with my food.
Nutritional Integrity: Science-Backed, Tidley-Approved
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Nutrition isn’t just about filling the belly but actually nourishing the body. While all three brands adhere to the National Research Council's guidelines and are tested through AAFCO feeding trials, Just Food For Dogs takes it several steps further with a year-long trial using 30 dogs that was even presented at a conference.
Just Food For Dogs ensures that their frozen products hit the essential nutrition categories for dogs. They include high-quality proteins for tissue repair and maintenance, energy-dense fats for energy and skin health, whole-food carbohydrates with fiber for energy and digestion, minerals & vitamins for body functions, and water for hydration.
Freshpet isn’t nearly as fresh as the name suggests, since they use a super-processed meat slurry with preservatives, removing most of the nutrition in their meals. Definitely not what I want to feed Tidley
Taste: Tail-Wagging Test
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
You might think all dog food tastes the same to our furry friends, but Tidley begs to differ. Regular ol’ kibble? She’d rather stage a hunger strike!
While all three brands received a vigorous tail wag of approval, Just Food For Dogs was the favorite when I gave her all three options. Luckily, with their variety pack, it’s easy to try all six of the recipes to find Tidley’s current favorite: the beef and russet potato meal.
Final Verdict: Just Food For Dogs Takes the Bone!
After trying Just Food For Dogs, Freshpet, and Ollie, it’s clear which one leads the pack. Not only does Just Food For Dogs bring buffet-worthy variety that Tidley loves, but it also offers unmatched freshness, convenience, and evidence-based nutritional integrity with their frozen products.
While the $167.99 price of the small fresh frozen variety pack (with six different recipes) made me pause at first, I now see it as a worthwhile investment in my dog’s health, especially with the 50% off first-time auto-ship discount (making it only $84.00)
