I’m big on a whole-food lifestyle, so it only made sense to extend that to my dog, Duke—a small Standard Poodle with a sensitive stomach and a serious side-eye for kibble. Like many poodles, he struggles with GI issues, and I’ve learned his picky eating is usually tied to how the food makes him feel. He’ll eat something for a few days, then refuse it altogether.
I’ve tried everything: boutique kibble brands, vet-recommended formulas, even DIY recipes. So when I spotted Rachael Ray Nutrish’s “fresh” line at the store, I figured it was worth a shot. A week later, I discovered JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) and ordered a trial of their Just Fresh line.
Here’s how they stacked up:
For high-quality, human-grade ingredients… JFFD
I’m the kind of dog mom who reads labels like it’s my job, and the difference in ingredient quality was clear from the start.
Nutrish might look fresh with its bits of dehydrated peas and carrots, but it’s still ultraprocessed kibble made with feed-grade ingredients—materials deemed safe for animals, but not up to human food standards. That can mean lower-quality meat byproducts and scraps that wouldn’t pass USDA inspection. Add in vague terms like “natural flavor” and mystery gums, and I had questions.
JustFoodForDogs was the opposite. Their Just Fresh Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni recipe listed every ingredient clearly: turkey, whole wheat pasta, carrots, zucchini, cranberries. It’s lightly cooked in small batches, and it honestly felt more like something I’d make myself.
For better poops and pup-like energy… JFFD
This is the category that made me a JFFD loyalist.
After about a week on Nutrish, Duke’s stools were inconsistent—some days fine, other days loose. I chalked it up to transition, but things never fully stabilized. His energy was fine, but I didn’t notice any major changes in his coat or overall vibe. And true to form, Duke started getting bored with it by day six—he’d sniff his bowl and walk away.
Within days of JustFoodForDogs’ Just Fresh Turkey recipe, his digestion improved significantly. His poops were healthier, he seemed more playful, and his coat? Shiny, fluffy, and way less itchy. I later learned that JFFD works with veterinary nutritionists to create their meals, and it shows. I felt confident feeding him something that’s been clinically tested and vet-formulated.
For variety and custom options… JFFD
I’m a huge fan of meal rotation—for myself and my pup—so I loved that JustFoodForDogs offers multiple fresh recipes, including ones tailored to sensitive digestion, skin issues, and even weight management.
Nutrish has a much smaller selection, and while they do offer a couple of different formulas, it doesn’t feel nearly as flexible or personalized.
For a picky eater like Duke, variety is key. He tends to lose interest fast, so being able to switch things up without upsetting his stomach is a huge win.
For the better value… JFFD
Let’s talk cost—because yes, JustFoodForDogs is a bit pricier per serving than Nutrish. But here’s the thing: the value is in what you don’t have to pay for later.
With Nutrish, Duke’s stomach issues never really improved, and I’ll end up spending more on vet visits, supplements, and probiotics to patch things up. Plus, I was constantly tossing half-full bags when he’d lose interest—money down the drain.
With JFFD’s Just Fresh line, his digestion balanced out naturally, and I didn’t need to buy anything extra.
Final Verdict: JustFoodForDogs Wins—By a Long Shot
If you’re looking for true fresh food that supports digestion, has zero mystery ingredients, and genuinely improves your dog’s health, JustFoodForDogs is the clear winner.
Duke’s tummy troubles have almost completely disappeared, his energy is amazing, and I feel so much better knowing I’m giving him food that’s made for his body, not just his breed.
And perhaps most importantly, he actually eats it, day after day. No more kibble boredom, no more guessing games, and no more ultraprocessed fillers trying to pass as real food.
It’s 100% worth trying, AND you’ll get 50% off your first box when you subscribe!
