I’m big on a whole-food lifestyle, so it only made sense to extend that to my dog, Luna—a small Standard Poodle with a sensitive stomach and a serious side-eye for kibble. Like many poodles, she struggles with GI issues, and I’ve learned her picky eating is usually tied to how the food makes her feel. She’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, Luna’s stools were inconsistent—some days fine, other days loose. I chalked it up to transition, but things never fully stabilized. Her energy was fine, but I didn’t notice any major changes in her coat or overall vibe. And true to form, Luna started getting bored with it by day six—she’d sniff her bowl and walk away.
Within days of JustFoodForDogs’ Just Fresh Turkey recipe, her digestion improved significantly. Her poops were healthier, she seemed more playful, and her 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 her 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 Luna, variety is key. She tends to lose interest fast, so being able to switch things up without upsetting her 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, Luna’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 she’d lose interest—money down the drain.
With JFFD’s Just Fresh line, her 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.
Luna’s tummy troubles have almost completely disappeared, her energy is amazing, and I feel so much better knowing I’m giving her food that’s made for her body, not just her breed.
And perhaps most importantly, she 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!
