Are you wondering what fresh dog food is and whether it’s right for your pup? You’re not alone. As more pet parents seek out wholesome, high-quality nutrition, fresh dog food has emerged as a popular choice. In this post, we’ll explore what fresh dog food is, its benefits, how it compares to other types of dog food, and how Merrick Fresh Selects fits into the picture.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
Fresh dog food is made with whole, minimally processed ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve nutrients and flavor. It’s not raw, and it’s not homemade—though it shares some characteristics with both. Unlike dry kibble or canned wet food, fresh dog food is typically refrigerated or frozen and served after thawing.
Fresh dog food is fully cooked, reducing the risk of pathogens found in raw diets. It’s also expertly formulated to be complete and balanced, unlike many home-cooked meals that may lack essential nutrients.
Benefits of Fresh Dog Food
Fresh dog food offers a range of benefits that appeal to both dogs and their humans:
- Enhanced Palatability: Dogs love the taste and texture of fresh food.
- Healthy Hydration: Like wet food, fresh food contains more moisture than kibble.
- Ingredient Transparency: You’ll recognize all the main ingredients on the label.
- Sensitivity-Friendly Options: Limited ingredient recipes made with single source proteins can be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities.
Fresh vs. Fresh Frozen Dog Food
Fresh frozen dog food, like Merrick Fresh Selects, is frozen immediately after cooking to lock in nutrients and extend shelf life. It shares all the benefits of fresh food—high-quality ingredients, gentle cooking, and complete nutrition—but adds convenience.
Why choose fresh frozen?
- Longer shelf life
- Nutrient preservation through freezing
- No need for artificial preservatives
Fresh frozen dog food is a great way to enjoy the benefits of fresh food with added practicality.
Ingredients in Fresh and Fresh Frozen Dog Food
Fresh and fresh frozen dog foods are built around premium ingredients:
- High-Quality Proteins: Real deboned meats like turkey, beef, and chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Whole Grains: Like brown rice, carrots, and peas
- Vitamins & Minerals: Added to ensure complete nutrition
- Limited Ingredient Recipes: Make it easy to know exactly what’s in your dog’s food
Merrick Fresh Selects is crafted with a limited number of ingredients and added nutrients. These fresh frozen meals are fully cooked—not raw—and meet AAFCO standards for adult dog maintenance. Recipes include Turkey & Brown Rice, Beef & Brown Rice, and Chicken & Brown Rice, all made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Is Fresh Frozen Dog Food Right for Your Dog?
Choosing the right food depends on your dog’s age, activity level, health conditions, and your lifestyle.
Pros:
- High-quality nutrition
- Great for picky eaters
- Supports healthy hydration
- Can be fed as a complete meal, topper, or treat
Considerations:
- Ensure you have the freezer space to store fresh frozen meals
- Be sure to plan for some meal prep time just like you would for your own meals, since fresh frozen food needs to be thawed
- In addition to all its benefits, keep in mind that fresh frozen food comes with a higher cost than kibble or canned wet food
Fresh frozen dog food is especially beneficial for adult dogs with food sensitivities or those needing a more enticing meal option.
As one of our on-staff veterinarians shared, “Mealtimes should be enjoyable, and delicious fresh frozen food can add fun and variety into your dog’s mealtime experience.”
Can I Make Fresh Dog Food at Home?
While homemade dog food may seem appealing, it carries risks. Crafting a nutritionally complete and balanced meal requires deep knowledge of canine dietary needs. Without proper formulation, homemade meals can lead to deficiencies or imbalances. For most pet owners, professionally prepared fresh dog food offers a safer, more reliable alternative.
