Fresh food is gently cooked, human-style meals, usually delivered frozen or chilled. It tends to score well on ingredients but costs the most to feed.
What is fresh food?
Fresh pet food is made from recognisable ingredients, cooked at lower temperatures than kibble, and kept refrigerated or frozen. Many brands sell by subscription, portioned to your pet.
Pros
- Often strong ingredient quality and short, readable ingredient lists
- High moisture content
- Portioned meals can make feeding amounts simpler
- Pets often find it very palatable
Cons
- Usually the highest cost per day
- Needs fridge and freezer space
- Shorter shelf life once opened or thawed
- Subscription and delivery terms vary, so read them before signing up
Who it suits
Owners who prioritise ingredient quality and can fit it into their budget and freezer, and picky eaters.
What to look for
- A “complete and balanced” statement for the right life stage, since not every fresh recipe is a full diet
- Clear information about who makes the food and where
- Transparent pricing, plus delivery, pause and cancellation terms
- A cost per day for your pet’s weight
Cost per day
Fresh food is priced per pack or per portion, so calculate the daily total for your pet’s size. It’s the easiest way to compare against kibble fairly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fresh food better than kibble?
It often scores higher on ingredients and processing, while kibble wins on cost, convenience and shelf life. A good kibble is still a sound choice.
Do I need a vet’s approval?
Ask your vet before changing diets, especially for puppies, kittens, seniors or pets with health conditions.
How do I switch?
Mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old over about a week to avoid stomach upset.
See also: dry, raw, air-dried ยท How we score