Does JustFoodForDogs have grain
Quinoa: The Dog-Friendly Ancient Grain
Quinoa is a gluten-free edible seed that is related to beets, chard, and spinach, which contain many powerful anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But can dogs have quinoa? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat quinoa, but there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding it to your furry friend.
Health benefits of quinoa for dogs
Quinoa is a healthy food for dogs in many ways. It is a good source of fiber, which can help to keep your dogs digestive system healthy. Quinoa is also low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for dogs that are overweight or obese. Lets take a look at the other ways this ancient grain can benefit your dogs health.
Its a healthy novel carbohydrate source
In addition to its nutritional benefits, quinoa can also be a good alternative for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Since most commercial kibble is made using starches like corn, wheat, and soy, quinoa is a gluten-free carb and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Quinoa is rich in essential nutrients
Quinoa is a high-quality complex carbohydrate. In addition to protein, this superfood provides a number of essential amino acids and fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, including: magnesium, folate, potassium, phosphorus, b vitamins, calcium, and manganese.
Healthy poops
Quinoa may help dogs with digestive issues. In a 2021 issue of the Journal of Animal Science, the University of Illinois published a study that found that the use of ancient grains, such as quinoa, in dog diets were beneficial to their fecal microbiome. Their gut health improved, and, in turn, they had healthier stools!
How to feed quinoa to your dog
If you decide to feed quinoa to your dog, it is important to cook it properly. Quinoa is coated with a naturally-occurring chemical called saponin, which can cause stomach upset in dogs. To remove it, rinse the quinoa before cooking it. The American Kennel Club says that a small amount of saponin will not cause severe adverse reactions, but dog owners should still rinse quinoa thoroughly.
Once the quinoa is cooked, you can feed it to your dog on its own or mixed with their regular food. As with any new food, start by giving your dog a small amount of quinoa to see how they tolerate it. If they do not have any stomach upset, you can gradually increase the amount of quinoa you give them.
As always, pet parents should consult their veterinarian before making any major changes to their pets food.
Quinoa in dog food
For dogs that are overweight or have allergies or intolerances to meat proteins, quinoa-based dog food and dog treats can be a great option if made properly. It is absolutely vital that your dog eat complete and balanced meals, therefore, look for a quinoa dog food that was made by qualified professionals in the veterinary nutrition space.
JustFoodForDogs Tofu & Quinoa recipe is made with 100% fresh, whole food plant-based ingredients, including tofu, sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, kale, white mushrooms, blueberries, and nutritional yeast.
Our nutrition team partnered with leading researchers in vegan pet nutrition to create a recipe thats high in protein, packed with antioxidants, and full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. And, because this recipe is 100% vegan, its perfect for dogs that need a novel protein.
Things to keep in mind about quinoa and dogs
While quinoa is generally safe for dogs to eat, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Do not feed your dog raw quinoa. Uncooked quinoa contains saponins, which can be toxic to dogs.
- Do not add salt, spices, or other seasonings to your dogs quinoa.
- Start slow. If your dog is known to have a sensitive stomach, just give them a small spoonful on the first try.
- If your dog has any underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease or pancreatitis, be sure to talk to your veterinarian before feeding them quinoa.
Overall, quinoa is a healthy food that can be a good addition to your dogs diet. Just be sure to cook it properly and feed it to your pooch in moderation under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist.
Fresh Frozen Dog Food Now in Select U.S. Costcos
Fresh Frozen Dog Food Now in Select U.S. Costcos
JustFoodForDogs most popular fresh dog food diets, Beef & Russet Potato and Chicken & White Rice, are now available in select U.S. Costco stores.
JustFoodForDogs most popular fresh dog food diets, Beef & Russet Potato and Chicken & White Rice, are now available in select U.S. Costco stores, making the #1 vet-recommended fresh dog food brand even more accessible to pets and their families.
The Beef & Russet Potato recipe features human-edible ground beef, russet potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, apples, and green peas. The result is a wholesome, fully balanced diet thats ideal for adult dogs, active dogs, underweight dogs, and picky dogs.
The Chicken & White Rice recipe is the perfect combination of fresh chicken, long-grain white rice, spinach, carrots, apples, chicken gizzards, and chicken liver. Its nutritionally balanced and ideal for both growing puppies and adult dogs.
As with all of our fresh food recipes for pets, these offerings have:
- No Feed-Grade Ingredients
- No Additives
- No Preservatives
- No Growth Hormones
DOGS BEFORE DOLLARS
Our mission is to improve the length and quality of life for as many pets as possible. We invest in the things that matter but also keep our prices lower than other brands so that more pet parents can afford the best nutrition available to give their pets. Bringing fresh frozen dog food to Costco customers helps take this mission to new heights.
The following Costco locations below will carry fresh frozen dog food 6-packs:
- Carlsbad, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Livermore, CA
- Oxnard, CA
- San Dimas, CA
- Carson City, NV
- Plano, TX
- Frisco, TX
- Atlanta, GA
- Woodstock, GA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Maplewood, MN
- Rochester, MN
- St. Cloud, MN
- Plainfield, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Redmond, WA
- Albany, OR
- Lancaster, PA
- Norfolk, VA
Just Food for Dogs Review (Fresh)
Just Food for Dogs Review (Fresh)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 21, 2024
Just Food for Dogs Fresh Dog Food earns The Advisors top rating of 5 stars.
The Just Food for Dogs product line includes the 9 fresh cooked dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Just Food for Dogs Fish and Sweet Potato was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is cod. This item is typically sourced from clean, undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.1
Cod is a marine species of fish native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.
The second ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
The third ingredient includes potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The fourth ingredient lists green beans, a healthy vegetable notable for its vitamin, mineral and natural fiber content.
The fifth ingredient is broccoli, a healthy green vegetable and a member of the kale family. Its notably rich in vitamin C and fiber and numerous other nutrients.
Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is believed to provide anti-cancer benefits.
The sixth ingredient is safflower oil. Safflower oil is nutritionally similar to sunflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3s, theyre considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Safflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
The seventh ingredient is dicalcium phosphate, likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.
With 2 notable exceptions
First, we find dried seaweed meal, a product made from a family of brown algae known as Fucaceae (Rockweed). Although it does contain a number of healthy nutrients, seaweed meal is primarily used as a source of inexpensive carbohydrates (about 60% dry matter).
This item is only rarely used to make pet food and is more typically found in feeds for cattle, horses, hogs, hens and sheep.
And lastly, with the exception of iron, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Just Food for Dogs looks like an above-average moist dog food.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 38.9%, a fat level of 11.1% and estimated carbohydrates of about 42%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 33.4% and a mean fat level of 15.7%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 42.9% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Below-average protein. Near-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical moist dog food.
Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a fresh cooked dog food containing a moderate amount of meat.
Just Food For Dogs Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Just Food For Dogs through April 2024.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of JustFoodForDogs Grain Free and Grain Inclusive Dog Food
Just Food for Dogs includes both grain-free and grain-inclusive fresh dog foods using a moderate amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.
Enthusiastically recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to safely thaw JustFoodForDogs frozen meals:
The easiest way to feed our fresh frozen meals is to get into a cycle of the freezer to refrigerator to bowl. Remove the package from the freezer and defrost it in the refrigerator (preferred), or immerse it in cold water. Store in the refrigerator in a glass or plastic container and then serve the recommended amount. JustFoodForDogs frozen meals last up to 18 months when frozen.
In the refrigerator
- One 18 oz package will take up to 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator.
- One 72 oz package will take up to 48 hours to thaw in the refrigerator.
In cold water
- If thawing in cold water, one 18oz package will take approximately 1 hour.
- If thawing in cold water, one72 oz package will take approximately 3 to 5 hours.
*Cooked foods thawed by the cold-water method should never be refrozen.
How long to store thawed food in the refrigerator
For all proteins, excluding fish-based recipes: Thawed food stays fresh when stored in the refrigerator in an unopened package for up to7 days. Once opened, use within 5 days.
Fish-based meals:thawed food stays fresh when stored in the refrigerator in an unopened package for up to 5 days. Once opened, use within 3 days.
Pantry Fresh
Pantry Fresh products are in shelf-stable packaging that may be kept in a pantry or cupboard up to 2 years from the manufacture date. Once the package is opened, store it in your refrigerator and feed it within 5 days. Please discard any unused portions after 5 days.
Treats
Chicken Breast Treats, Venison Treats, and Beef Brisket Treats should be stored in the refrigerator after opening.
Supplements
Omega Plus Fish Oil should be stored in the refrigerator after opening.
JustFoodForDogs vs The Farmers Dog: Which Fresh Brand Is Best For Your Pup?
With the growing market of fresh dog food delivery, it can be hard to decide which brand is the best fit for your pups dietary needs and your budget. Weve researched and tested out two of your top options, JustFoodForDogs vs The Farmers Dog, to give you an in-depth comparison. See how these two brands stack up against each other to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.
Visit The Farmers Dog Website | Visit JustFoodForDogs Website
Meal & Treat Variety
Both brands offer fresh, human-grade dog food that they ship frozen right to your door. The Farmers Dog has four recipes to choose from, beef, chicken, pork, and turkey, and theyre customized to meet the AAFCOs nutritional guidelines for all life stages. Unfortunately, the Farmers Dog doesnt offer any grain-inclusive options, but they do have chicken apple treats you can add to your recurring order.
JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) has an impressive menu, with nearly a dozen fresh recipes featuring grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas and more protein choices than The Farmers Dog, such as fish, lamb, and venison. However, only two of their fresh recipes are suitable for puppies. JFFD also has two other high-quality dog food lines: Pantry Fresh shelf-stable dog food and vet-prescribed diets for dogs with such conditions as diabetes and kidney and liver problems.Finally, JFFD carries a variety of dog treats, supplements, and DIY nutrient blends.
Winner: Meal & Treat Variety
JustFoodForDogsis the clear winner in this category for their extensive assortment of fresh, pantry fresh, and veterinary support dog food, as well as toppers, treats, and supplements.
Nutritional Value
Both The Farmers Dog and JustFoodForDogs use all-natural, limited ingredients that are 100% USDA-certified for human consumption. Formulated by veterinary nutritionists, all recipes are also cooked in USDA-certified and inspected kitchens. All of The Farmers Dog recipes meet AAFCO guidelines for a complete and balanced diet for all life stages.JFFD offers a few meals that meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, while the majority meet AAFCO guidelines for adult maintenance. Protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate levels, as well as caloric content, are very similar with both brands.
The Farmers Dog adds fresh vegetables, salmon oil, and essential vitamins and minerals to all four recipes. Every meal contains only a single protein, and their chicken and beef recipes also contain organ meat. Although they vary by recipe, other nutritious ingredients include kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, chia seeds, and more. Although all of The Farmers Dog recipes are grain-free, you can mix in some cooked rice or grain-inclusive kibble if grains are important to your dogs diet.
JustFoodForDogs takes a similar healthy approach to their Fresh Frozen, Pantry Fresh, and Veterinary Support meals. Formulas include high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, fresh veggies, and a blend of essential vitamins and minerals. Many also include organ meats, fish oil, fresh fruits, and taurine, which help support heart and eye health.
In addition to the nutritious, vet-formulated ingredients, you can also feel good about giving your pup either brands meals because they contain no meat by-products, fillers, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Winner: Nutritional Value
Theres no clear winner in this category because both
The Farmers Dog&
JustFoodForDogsfar surpass most dog food for their nutritional value to your pup.
Customization
A subscription-based service, The Farmers Dog has an online dog profile that you fill out so they can personalize your pups meals and portions based on your dogs breed, gender, age, activity level, current weight, and body condition (which indicates if your pup is underweight, ideal, or overweight). Their questionnaire also allows you to indicate if your furry friend has any health issues (allergies, gluten or grain insensitivity, ear infections, digestive issues, arthritis, etc.).
While you can search JustFoodForDogs website for ideal recipes by life stage and specific health needs, they only offer personalized fresh dog food for a $250 formulation fee. But their site does have a feeding calculator that helps you figure out how much food to buy and how much to feed your dog each day based on his age, weight, and activity level.
Its also important to note that The Farmers Dog ships your food in pre-portioned packaging, which makes mealtime a breeze. Theres no need to measure out food and store unused food for later. JFFD doesnt offer this convenient feature.
Winner: Customization
We give our nod to
The Farmers Dogin this category for far more customizable meals and pre-portioned packaging.
Pricing
The Farmers Dogs meals start at $2 per day, and JustFoodForDogs starts at around $1.36 per day. However, both companies base their pricing on how much food your dog needs and on the recipes you choose. They determine this by the profile you fill out for your pup on The Farmers Dog or the feeding calculator on JFFD.
The Farmers Dog requires a subscription, which you can cancel anytime, and all shipping is free. JFFD gives you the option of making a one-time purchase or signing up for auto-shipping, which saves you 5% off recurring orders and gives you free shipping.
To get the best pricing comparison, we ran several quotes. All were for a two-year-old mixed-breed dog at an ideal weight and normal activity level. These are also for each companys chicken recipe.
| Dogs Weight | JFFD | The Farmers Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 10 pounds | $19.39/week | $23.94/week |
| 40 pounds | $54.04/week | $50.47/week |
| 60 pounds | $59.50/week | $59.57/week |
As you can see, the pricing varies between both companies, with overall comparable results. We suggest you run quotes for your dog to see which is the less expensive option.
Coupons
The Farmers Dog: Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code is needed; usethis link, and the discount will be applied. You can also visit ourdedicated The Farmers Dog coupons page.
JustFoodForDogs: Get35% off your first order at JustFoodForDogs. Just usethis linkto get started.
Customer Service & Reputation
Both companies have overall solid reputations for producing high-quality food. Founded in 2010, JustFoodForDogs was one of the first brands to offer fresh dog food. And in a 2019 survey, JFFD was named the#1 vet-recommended fresh pet food. The Farmers Dog has thousands of faithful customers since its launch in 2015. The Farmers Dog has never been recalled, but JustFoodForDogs recalled some batches of its food in 2018 for listeria contamination.
Regarding customer service, both companies offer support seven days a week: The Farmers Dog through phone and email, and JFFD via live chat, phone, and email. Weve scoured the web for online reviews for both companies. A majority of reviews are positive for both companies, but weve seen more complaints about unhelpful customer service, billing problems, and food quality with JustFoodForDogs vs The Farmers Dog.
Winner: Customer Service & Reputation
While both are good at customer service, we see fewer negative experiences with
The Farmers Dog.
Our Personal Experience With The Farmers Dog & JFFD
Members of our team have experience with both of these top brands. Here are some of their first-hand reviews.
Our dog Lexie LOVES The Farmers Dog! She gobbles it down fast and has had much more consistent bowel movements since switching. Shes also lost and maintained a much healthier weight since switching from kibble (and her coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy).
Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent
When we take our dogs on vacation, JustFoodForDogs is the most convenient way to supplement our dogs meals with some human-grade real food on top of the more processed kibble. Our dogs love the taste and it keeps them coming back for more meal after meal. Plus, the small, shelf-stable packages are easy to pack in the car without taking up valuable cooler space!
Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal Co-Founder & Rescue Mixed Breed parent
Whats Our Final Verdict?
Both of these companies are excellent healthy options for your pup, butultimately, it comes down to your individual needs. JustFoodForDogs could be a better option if you want grain-inclusive dog food, novel protein meals, or specialized diets for some health conditions.
Winner: Overall
The Farmers Dog wins out in our head-to-head comparison. This brands customization for your dogs dietary needs is hard to beat, and we love the convenience of pre-portioned packaging that makes feeding your pup a highly-nutritious meal as easy as possible.
If you didnt find exactly what you were looking for in this comparison, weve dug deeper into these brands with individual reviews of The Farmers Dog and JustFoodForDogs. And see how The Farmers Dog and JustFoodForDogs compare to other top-rated fresh dog food delivery services as well as the best human-grade dog food.
Tagged With: Comparison, Food Delivery
