Updated: Feb 2
⏰ UPDATED : JANUARY 2026 We've added Marleybones and Paws on Plates fresh dog foods as top picks for 2026, and we've updated prices and nutritional ratings throughout |
Every dog owner wants to feed their dog the best food they can reasonably afford.
Given the time, confidence and know how, many of us would probably choose to prepare our dog’s meals ourselves.
In theory, home cooked dog food sounds ideal. It would be freshly prepared, rich in nutrients, tailored to suit an individual dog’s needs and, when cooked in bulk, potentially cheaper than many commercial dog foods.
However, making your own dog food is not without risks. Rory Cowlam, a vet at Pickles in Fulham, London, warned in an interview with The Guardian:
“If you are going to make your own pet food, in a word, don’t, because you won’t manage to balance it. You won’t manage to make it appropriate for them, it won’t be complete, and you run the risk of nutritional deficiencies.”
This is where fresh dog food steps in. It aims to offer the advantages of home cooked meals while removing the biggest challenges, namely the time, expertise and nutritional knowledge required to get it right.
Fresh dog food appeals not only to those dogs with sensitive tummies and allergies but busy dog lovers who want high quality dog food with stress-free home delivery.
Also, because fresh dog food is cooked, there are no hygiene concerns that you may have over feeding raw dog foods.
We take a closer look at 6 groundbreaking brands that offer a subscription service delivering fresh meals to your door. All these fresh dog foods are evaluated following our testing process.
These meals are made with human-grade ingredients, have exceptionally high nutritional ratings and are tailored to your dog's specific dietary needs.
Read on for reasons to consider this type of dog food, followed by our top picks of the best fresh dog food you can buy in 2026.
CONTENTS
1. Years
4. Marleybones
5. Tuggs
Fresh, cooked dog food is rated amongst some of the most nutritious dog food on the market. Often more palatable to dogs than traditional dry or wet food it's ideal to entice fussy dogs to eat a healthy diet.
Whilst admittedly, it can be more expensive than kibble or some wet foods, many dog lovers believe that the benefits of a fresh, cooked diet far outweigh the cost. You only need to read the rave reviews and testimonials to find masses of customers extolling the virtues of this dog diet.
The companies involved offer personalised plans with meals customised for your dog's weight, breed, activity level, age and allergies.
Fresh dog foods vary in how they are stored. Some brands need freezer space, while others are pantry fresh and shelf stable. To help you make a decision, we highlight this in our review.
Ultimately, it's super convenient, all the companies we feature deliver direct to your door - so no more hauling 12kg bags of kibble from the car !
Reasons to Buy :
+ No fridge or freezer storage concerns
+ Additional Superfood Supplement
+ Tailored to breed and life-stage
+ Chef's Collection recipes
Reasons to Avoid :
- Only 5 recipes
Behind the Brand: UK fresh dog food brand
Range: 5 recipes plus a Chef's Collection range and a recipe designed specifically for puppies
Clarity of Label:
Excellent - full list of ingredient %
Price: £
You can try Years from just £7
Enter discount code SMARTBARK for free delivery on any order
Years are relative newcomers to dog food but have already made waves in a very crowded dog food market.
All their meals are created by a fine dining expert and ex-luxury Yacht Head Chef, alongside a Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition and all reviewed by their Board-Certified Vet Nutritionalist.
If fact their recipes are the best ever rated fresh, whole-food meals on the independent advice site AADF - All About Dog Food at a whopping 96%.
They currently offer a range of 5 recipes all including a high variety of ingredients (over 20 per recipe) with vegetables, seeds, fruit, herbs and botanicals. It's worth noting that all recipes are grain and legume free, which is great for dogs suffering from intolerance.
In addition to taking into account your dog's breed, ailments, allergies and activity levels, Years alter the balance of nutrients in their meals to take account your dog's life stage. They also offer a range designed for puppies with puppy specific micronutrients and a unique puppy botanical blend.
However, the biggest difference between Years and most of their rivals (for me) is storage. Whereas their rivals require freezing and refrigeration which can lead to storage issue for dog lovers, Years food can be stored in your cupboard.
It's all down to the way their food is cooked NOT the addition of preservatives. Uniquely designed trays with steam vessels, reduce the cooking time and temperature required, so the food is minimally processed.
Their cooking process means that you can store Years in your cupboard for up to 3 months. It only needs to be popped in the fridge once opened. This is a massive plus for anyone with a relatively small fridge/freezer.
Get ready for the ultimate doggy dining experience! Years has unleashed its limited-edition Chef's Collection, and trust us, these aren't your average dog meals.
Think gourmet masterpieces like King Prawn & Giant Squid Paella, Wagyu Steak Lasagne, and even Truffle & Venison Detroit Pizza!
Masterminded by Michelin-starred chef Luke Alkemade (whose resume boasts luxury yachts, Charlie Bigham's, and M&S), each recipe is crafted with the finest ingredients. Your pup is going to absolutely adore it!
Years provide 'Stay Fresh' lids with your first order to help keep those opened trays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. This was the only flaw we could find in an otherwise exceptional offer. The lids didn't fit well and seemed too flimsy to provide a secure seal.
Admittedly this is a flaw rather than a deal breaker and easily solved by decanting or simply using cling film.
Oh, and there's the Superfood Supplement to accompany your dog's meals. Tailored to your dog's breed (to address common ailments) it also contains a blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy gut flora.
We were certainly impressed by the look and aroma of their fresh dog food. You can clearly see the range of ingredients and the food looked chunky and appetising, unlike the usual 'pate' look of wet dog foods.
Years don't simply use human-grade meats but insist on using human cuts of meat such as chicken thigh, salmon fillet and matured steak. Certainly sounds more appetising than meat meals or animal derivatives !
You have the choice of a 2,4 & 8 week plan or you can dip your toe in the water with their great value 7 day trial box.
Clearly long term, the 8 week plan works out the best value for money. The menu is personalised for each dog but generally the daily prices work out at -
🐾 Small dog (6kg) from £1.98
🐾. Medium (12kg) from £3.15
🐾. Large (26kg) from £3.75
During testing, we felt that their pricing was clear and straightforward, detailing both daily and monthly costs including delivery.
It's worth mentioning that Years also offer a collection of natural dog treats.
Our Verdict - All of the above means that if you're looking for a highly nutritious dog food, with the largest ingredient diversity we have seen, that is also good value and tailored to your dog, Years could be for you. Especially if you are concerned about freezer storage, we'd recommend considering Years. |
You can try Years from just £7
Enter discount code SMARTBARK for free delivery on any order
Reasons to Buy :
+ Wide range of recipes & proteins
+ Great Introductory offer
+ One-stop shop for food, treats, dental sticks
Reasons to Avoid :
- Fridge/freezer storage considerations
Behind the Brand: Popular UK fresh dog food brand
Range: Fresh food (12 recipes including vegetarian and plant-based options), range of treats, dental sticks, broth, biscuits and poo bags
Clarity of Label:
Excellent - full list of ingredient %
(scan QR code for full list)
Price: ££
Butternut Box are offering Smart Bark readers
50% OFF your first box + 50% OFF your second box
To take advantage of this offer, click on the link below
Let's be honest, no article discussing the best fresh dog foods would be complete without a nod to probably the best known fresh dog food brand - Butternut Box.
Dog lovers everywhere adore the product with the company enjoying amazing customer retention and rave reviews.
Butternut Box uses a comprehensive online quiz to tailor one of their meal plans specifically to your dog. Requesting information such as your dog's sex, age, breed, allergies and any health issues, Butternut Box identify the most suitable recipes.
When we tested their ordering system we were offered a range of custom recipes and recommended to select several to offer some variety in our dog's diet.
All the recipes in their range achieve an average 'All About Dog Food' rating of 87%, which means they are not as high as Years, Different Dog or Paws on Plates, but Butternut Box is still a very high quality, nutritious dog food in the UK's massive dog food market.
Butternut Box is perfect if you like the easy life, as each fresh, pre-cooked meal is made in the UK then portioned before arriving at your door. Simply dish it up!
Each meal is individually packaged, which makes meal prep and storage easier and less messy overall.
Specially developed by nutritionists and vets, the meals are hypoallergenic with no added nasties. You don't need to worry about grain, soya, sugar or salt creeping in.
If your dog is prone to sore or itchy skin then opting for a hypoallergenic diet could be the answer.
Each meal is carefully balanced using human quality meat as well as vegetables and lentils then gently cooked before being packed and delivered to you frozen.
Just like other fridge fresh dog foods, it's absolutely crucial to bear in mind your available storage when opting for a delivery schedule as Butternut Box will need to be kept frozen and defrosted in the fridge when needed.
Their menu includes an extensive range of proteins from the traditional chicken, turkey, beef or lamb to some exotic recipes with venison and wild boar and a veggie recipe.
The largest menu of all brands featured in our review, we love that it helps dog lovers with picky eaters rotate recipes every week, making it much easier to entice those fussy dog with new flavours.
Butternut Box helpfully offers a 2 week introductory plan so you can transition your pup from their existing food slowly to avoid any tummy upsets. Plus, you can also make sure that your dog enjoys the food before committing too much cash up front.
The menu is personalised for each dog but generally daily prices are -
🐾 Small dog plans start from around £1.31
🐾 Medium from £2.66
🐾. Large from £3.92
A great way to boost the nutritional value of your dog's existing kibble without breaking the bank is to use Butternut Box as a topper. Mixing it at a 50:50 ratio not only keeps costs down but also makes their kibble incredibly tasty and more nutritious.
Importantly, we think that their pricing is clear and it's easy to understand exactly what your costs will be going forwards.
Want to add a couple of extras to your order ? Butternut Box have expanded their range to include dog treats and dental sticks.
Our Verdict - In a nutshell, Butternut Box offer a subscription service that delivers fresh, pre-portioned meals to your door. They tick all the boxes for fresh, nutritious, delivered and personalised dog food and with the discount on your first two boxes, it's a great time to see if your dog is a fan. |
Butternut Box are offering Smart Bark readers
50% OFF your first box + 50% OFF your second box
To take advantage of this offer, click on the link below
Reasons to Buy :
+ Range for common health issues
+ Starter boxes available
+ Exceptional nutritional rating
+ Money off first boxes
Reasons to Avoid :
- If you have limited freezer space
Behind the Brand: Established UK fresh dog food brand
Range: Canine Nutritionalist designed fresh food (13 recipes) plus treats, bone broths and supplements
Clarity of Label:
Good - main list of ingredient %
Price: £££
For 40% OFF your first two boxes
use Discount Code SMARTBARKCC40
Different Dog are a leading fresh brand and definitely a key part of the dog food revolution.
After working in the pet industry for four years, husband and wife Charlie and Alex Thurstan decided to start creating their own dog food and Different Dog was born.
The company has gone from strength to strength with over 1400 5 ⭐️ Trustpilot reviews.
With an 'All About Dog Food' nutritional rating of an exceptionally high 90–93% (recipe dependent), you'll struggle to find a more nutritious dog food on the UK market.
Of course, the first thing to say about Different Dog is that their premium dog food is hand-cooked following nutritionist designed recipes. Their recipes are incredibly nutritious, grain free and contain at least 60% meat with seasonal fruit, vegetables and superfoods added.
The ingredients, sourced locally from British suppliers where possible, are then cooked gently before being frozen for delivery.
It doesn't stop there. Their recipes only include high-quality cuts of British meat, no cheaper fillers and we love that their packaging is eco-friendly and compostable.
In fact, they are so sure that your dog will love their food that they offer your money back if the bowl isn't licked clean !
Offering an online subscription service, we found their short quiz straightforward and Different Dog use all the information you provide to offer home cooked recipes to suit your dog.
Delivered directly to your door, all you need to do is defrost each meal and dish up either direct from your fridge or it can be gently warmed to release the aromas.
In testing, we were astonished by just how appetising the Different Dog recipes looked. You can easily identify key ingredients within the dish and to be honest each meal looks fit to serve up to the family as well as our dog.
Once defrosted, their fresh food lasts up to five days in the fridge, so each meal could easily be portioned and used as a topper for several meals.
A small point but worth mentioning, we found the Different Dog packaging did leak a little and was tricky to reseal. We'd recommend decanting before storing it in the fridge.
The menu is personalised for each dog but generally if you chose to feed your dog exclusively on Different Dog daily costs are -
🐾. Small dog (6kg) around £2.20
🐾. Medium (12kg) £3.30
🐾. Large (26kg) £5.28
Let's be honest, Different Dog is not the cheapest dog food on the market, and there's always a price to pay for quality nutrition. However, you could consider using it as a topper which will reduce the daily price significantly whilst improving the nutritional value of your dog's meal.
We love this budget-friendly idea as not everyone can afford to feed their dog solely on fresh delivered dog food.
It's worth mentioning that Different Dog have a recently extended range of dog treats, broths and supplements. We especially love their broths, perfect for freezing and defrosting when your pup has a sensitive stomach and needs a bland diet for a few days.
Our Verdict - The bottom line is that if you're looking for a top-quality fresh dog food, from a company with years of experience, personalised to suit your dog and delivered to your door, then we'd suggest taking a closer look at Different Dog. |
For 40% OFF your first two boxes
use Discount Code SMARTBARKCC40
If you would like any additional information,
why not read our deep dive article - Different Dog Food Review
Reasons to Buy :
+ Pantry Fresh - no freezer storage required
+ Available on-line, at Waitrose, Co-Op & Pets at Home
+ Available on subscription or one-off purchases
+ Free delivery on orders over £50
Reasons to Avoid :
- Pricier than some
- Limited protein options
Behind the Brand: UK premium, fresh dog food brand launched in 2020
Range: 4 recipes, treats, supplements
Clarity of Label:
Excellent - full list of ingredient %
Price: ££
Use discount code SMARTBARK40
for 40% OFF your first order
Marleybones is one of those dog foods that just feels reassuring from the start. The ingredients list is nice and simple, with high quality single source proteins and no preservatives.
If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, or you are just someone who likes to know exactly what you are feeding, this is definitely one to have on your radar.
The brand is backed by vets and created with the help of veterinary nutritionists, which always gives a bit of extra peace of mind.
Nutritionally, Marleybones scores an impressive 86% on All About Dog Food. All of the recipes are high in protein and each one contains at least 60% meat or fish, which is exactly what you want to see when choosing a fresh food.
There are four recipes available lamb, salmon, beef and chicken. All are grain and gluten free, gently steamed to retain those all important nutrients and made in the UK. Each meal includes 1 premium protein, 3 veggies and 7 superfoods.
One thing we really liked is that Marleybones is pantry fresh. That means no fridge or freezer space needed until you open a carton.
Unopened cartons last up to 18 months in the cupboard, which is ideal if your freezer is already rammed full. Once opened, a carton will keep for up to 48 hours in the fridge.
We found that the cartons themselves are compact, easy to stack and simple to store, which might sound like a small thing but actually makes life a lot easier.
Ordering is refreshingly flexible too.
You can take a quick online quiz, similar to Butternut Box or Different Dog, to get a rough idea of how many calories your dog needs and a suggested meal plan. Of course this is only a guide, you know your dog best, but it is easy to adjust.
If you don't need the online guide then you can also build your own box by choosing the recipes you like and setting up regular Subscribe and Save deliveries.
Subscription also gives you access to the Rewards loyalty programme. Earn points for purchases which can then be used for money off.
Or, if you are not quite ready to commit, Marleybones lets you place a one off order. Just buy a few cartons and see how your dog gets on. We really liked having that choice.
Changing dog food is such a big decision, we love that Marleybones offer one-off purchases for dog lovers that aren't ready to commit.
Saying that, there are real benefits for taking the online quiz. As well as getting an accurate ideal of the calories and food quantities your dog needs, Marleybones offers a two week starter box with 30% off, which is a great way to test it out.
The box comes with a feeding guide to help you transition from your current food and hopefully avoid any tummy upsets along the way.
Once you know your dog loves the food, simply adjust the subscription to suit.
Now let's take about the food !
In terms of texture, Marleybones is a bit different to other fresh foods. It looks more like a traditional wet food or pâté and you can't really see individual ingredients (apart from carrots). Whether that matters is very much down to personal preference and, of course, your dog’s opinion is the one that counts.
We actually found the pâté style texture really useful. It works brilliantly in Kongs, lick mats and slow feeders. If you have a dog who tends to hoover up their meals, using a slow feeder or a lick mat rather than a bowl can be a game changer.
And finally, the price. We would always recommend taking the quiz for the most accurate cost, but as a rough guide, a 28 day subscription works out at around -
🐾 Small dog approx 6kg at £1.49 a day
🐾 Medium dog approx 12kg at £2.80 a day
🐾 Large dog approx 26kg at £4.59 a day
Our Verdict - Another excellent fresh dog food, with a big plus point in how easy it is to buy. Marleybones really stands out for its flexible ordering. If subscriptions are not your thing, you can simply pick up exactly what you need as a one off purchase online, on the high street or choose a money-saving subscription if it suits you. |
Use discount code SMARTBARK40
for 40% OFF your first order
Reasons to Buy :
+ More sustainable option
+ 7 day money-saving trial available
+ Small weekly deliveries available
+ Cheapest fresh food in our review
Reasons to Avoid :
- Limited range of 4 recipes
Behind the Brand: First UK insect-based fresh dog food brand
Range: UK veterinary nutritionist developed fresh food menu (4 recipes)
Clarity of Label:
Excellent - full list of ingredient %
Price: £
For FREE shipping on their 7 day trial
& 20% OFF your second box
use discount code SMARTBARK
With an impressive 94% nutritional rating, Tuggs delivers a diet that stands shoulder to shoulder with the UK’s top dog foods, providing exceptional nutrition for your dog.
Launched in 2022, Tuggs is the UK’s first fresh dog food to feature insect protein, blending high-quality meat, veggies, and sustainable insects to create an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to conventional dog food.
As an award-winning startup, Tuggs is quickly making its mark in the fresh dog food market, serving tens of thousands of nutritious meals across the UK every month, all delivered fresh to your door via subscription.
This fresh, protein-packed dog food offers a tasty and planet-friendly option for dog owners looking to give their pets a wholesome and sustainable diet.
All their recipes are high in protein and free from grains, legumes and other nasties like artificial preservatives.
OK, so let's discuss those insects !
🐛 Nutritious: Packed with protein, essential amino acids & minerals
🐛 Eco-friendly: Use less water, land, and produces fewer greenhouse gases
🐛 Addressing pet impact: Pets account for a whopping 20% of global meat and fish consumption
We love that Tuggs are offering a blend of insect and meat protein, as for many dog-lovers, this could be their first foray into the world of insect-based dog foods. You can select from beef, chicken, pork or cod.
If you're thinking that you'll see insects in the food then you're going to be disappointed. The food looks just like other fresh or raw dog foods.
One standout feature is Tuggs instant price estimate tool, which is unique among subscription dog food brands we’ve seen.
Enter your dog’s breed, age, and weight to get an instant cost estimate for feeding Tuggs as a 50% meal topper or a full diet. We think this provides you with a handy starting point.
For a fully personalised meal plan and accurate pricing, complete their quick two-minute questionnaire.
Delivered frozen, we particularly liked the flexibility of the delivery schedule. Small freezer? No problem, you can request small weekly deliveries. In fact you can select the frequency of your delivery from 1–6 weeks.
At first, we have to admit, the vacuum-packed pouches didn’t exactly wow us, let’s be honest, Paws on Plates packaging looks a lot slicker. But once we popped the pouches into the freezer, the benefits of this compact packaging quickly became clear.
We managed to fit three times as many meals in the same freezer space! That’s fantastic news for dog owners with limited freezer room who want to stock up.
Let's talk cost.
Tuggs is the cheapest dog food in this review so if you're looking for the best value fresh dog food, Tuggs would be a great choice.
They also offer a 7 day money-saving trial. This is a great opportunity to check that your dog loves the food but it also lets you check how much dog food you can store in your freezer. The more you can store = less deliveries = cheaper per day.
The menu is personalised for each dog but generally if you chose to feed your dog exclusively on Tuggs, daily costs are around -
🐾 Small dog (5kg) - £1.50
🐾 Medium (15kg) - £2.50
🐾 Large (30kg) - £3.50
Our Verdict - Ultimately, if you are looking to reduce your carbon pawprint whilst offering your four-legged friend highly nutritious dog food at a great price, then then we'd suggest taking a closer look at Tuggs. We particularly liked the flexibility of the deliveries, small order options and of course those planet saving insects. |
For FREE shipping on their 7 day trial
& 20% OFF your second box
use discount code SMARTBARK
Reasons to Buy :
+ Rated 95% on All About Dog Food
+ High-quality British meat
+ 4 box sizes available
Reasons to Avoid :
- If you have limited freezer space
- Small range of recipes
Behind the Brand: New small UK fresh dog food brand
Range: Range of fresh food (5 recipes) plus treat range
Clarity of Label:
Excellent - complete list of ingredient % online
Price: £££
Say hello to a fresh face in the dog food world: Paws on Plates.
This UK-based company delivers hand-cooked, nutritionally balanced meals straight to your door, making mealtime for your pup a breeze.
We were immediately impressed by their 95% nutritional rating on All About Dog Food, which is right up there at the very top of the dog food league! And while they are a relatively new company, they’re already scoring 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, which is pretty paw-some for a newcomer.
So what did we think of Paws on Plates ?
One of the first things to shout about is their commitment to high-quality British meat. Everything is sustainably sourced, fully traceable, and their recipes include nutrient-packed offal like heart and liver, yes the really good stuff for your dog’s health.
Although they have a limited range, each recipe comes with a full ingredient breakdown online, so you can see exactly what your pup is eating :
Loki’s Lovely Lamb – 55% meat including lamb heart & liver
Boot’s Beef Bowl – 58.4% meat including beef heart & liver
Vinnie’s Veggie-Packed Salmon Supper – 60% meat
Tilly’s Tasty Turkey – 56.7% meat including turkey heart & liver
Sammy’s Salmon & Turkey Sensation – 56.7% meat including turkey heart & liver
And let’s talk presentation. In testing, the meals look fresh, well-made, and appetising. Ingredients are easy to identify, and warming the food gently releases those delicious aromas that even had us sniffing with curiosity.
As with the other fresh food brands we feature, Paws on Plates make feeding your dog easy with a simple online quiz to build a personalised box based on your dog’s size, preferences, and needs.
Where they differ from their rivals is the range of box sizes. You can choose from four box sizes – 250g, 400g, 600g, and 800g. Whilst Paws on Plates will initially offer a range of proteins and sizes, you can adjust this to suit.
For example, Freddie, a 12kg cockapoo, is recommended 340g of food per day, so the 600g boxes work best allowing for a few daily treats and the odd dental stick.
Alternatively, a 7kg Dachshund only needs 200g daily, so a 400g box would do nicely. Once opened, meals keep in the fridge for up to 5 days so you could even opt for a 600g or even a 800g box to save money.
Delivery is flexible with 7, 14, or 28-day schedules, and clearly the 28-day plan is the best value. Just be aware the packaging can be bulky, especially the 800g boxes.
On the upside, the packaging is eco-friendly, made from kraft paper, freezer safe, resealable, and recyclable , so it scores extra points for lowering your pup’s carbon pawprint.
Cost-wise, if you fed your dog exclusively on Paws on Plates for a week, daily rates are roughly:
🐾. Small dog (6kg) £2.00
🐾. Medium (12kg) £3.00
🐾. Large (26kg) £5.36
Another option open to you is to use Paws on Plates as a topper. Paws on Plates offer prices for mixing 60% their fresh meals with 40% regular food to help balance cost and quality.
Lastly, if you want a little extra treat for your pup, Paws on Plates has a small treat range too – perfect for training or just a cheeky reward.
Our Verdict - All in all, Paws on Plates nails the balance of nutrition, convenience, and price. If you want your dog’s meals to feel a little special while knowing they’re getting top-quality ingredients, it’s definitely worth a try. |
Ultimately, all six fresh dog foods we feature offer dog food rating right at the top of the nutritional scale. If your dog suffers from allergies or a sensitive stomach they are an ideal option.
We'd recommend that you take each brand's online questionnaire to get a more accurate picture of the pricing, recipes for your dog and delivery timescales to suit your home storage.
Like the idea of fresh food just not the price ?
Consider offering one of these fresh foods as a tasty topper to your existing dry dog food. It will certainly keep the daily price down whilst improving the nutritional value of the meal. Plus, the aroma and texture of fresh food will make dry food more appetising for picky pups.
And please remember if you decide to swap to 100% fresh, it's really important to transition to a new food gradually.
Take your time, we recommend over seven to ten days, slowly increasing the amount of new food whilst reducing the old food. This will allow time for your dog's digestive system to adapt to the new food.
We kicked off our hunt for the best fresh dog food by checking out top sellers and exploring a mix of well-known and up-and-coming brands that seemed to offer the best options for dog lovers.
Next, we narrowed things down by chatting with the companies, digging into third-party reviews, and comparing recipes, pricing, storage, and delivery options.
From there, our team (plus our trusty Canine Testers) got hands-on with the shortlisted brands to see if they really lived up to the claims and to give some real-world feedback.
The brands we feature are all solid choices if you want to feed your dog fresh, high-quality food.
We’re always on the lookout for new options, so our top picks can change. Recently, we swapped Pets Love Fresh for Paws on Plates and Marleybones due to better value and nutritional content.
We hope this review helps you make an informed decision about your dog's diet.
Happy feeding from the Smart Bark team!
Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.
With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.
Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).
No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.