Is JustFoodForDogs expensive
JustFoodForDogs Review: Are Their Fresh Or PantryFresh Recipes Your Pups Healthiest Option?
JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) was the pioneering company in whats become a booming segment of the pet food industry fresh, whole-ingredient pet food. Now, with many strong competitors offering high-quality, human-grade dog food, how does JustFoodForDogs compare? Are their fresh frozen and pantry fresh diets the best choice for those of you looking for healthy pet food? And is JFFD an affordable option? Well give you all the information you need to make the right decision for your pup.
Visit Website
JustFoodForDogs Dog Food Review
Product Name: JustFoodForDogs
Product Description: JustFoodForDogs prepares human-grade, all-natural food for dogs.
Summary
JustFoodForDogs fresh frozen meals are an excellent value for the quality and carefully chosen ingredients compared to other fresh meals.
Our team rates dog food based on several factors, including variety, nutritional value, pricing, customer support, and more.
Pros
- All-natural, 100% human-grade pet food
- Food prepared in USDA-certified kitchens
- Wide variety of food, treats, supplements, and nutritional blends
- Free from artificial preservatives and flavors
- Offers a fresh cat meal
- Made in the USA
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- The company recalled some batches of its food in early Jan. 2018 for listeria contamination
- Fresh food isnt pre-portioned for your pet like similar companies (Farmers Dog, Ollie, etc.)
Key Features
- All ingredients are 100% USDA-certified for human consumption
- All products are formulated by a diverse team of veterinarians, including a board-certified nutritionist, toxicologist, and dermatologist
- Year-long research feeding trials determined that their meals improved immune health
- Offers a line of veterinary support recipes for dogs with specific illnesses (requires vet prescription)
- Nutrition team can formulate a custom diet based on your dogs medical records (requires a one-time $250 fee)
- Named the #1 vet-recommended fresh pet food in 2019 survey
- Company is active in ongoing research into the benefits of fresh dog food
- All recipes meet the guidelines of theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials
JustFoodForDogs Recipe Ingredients
At the heart of JFFDs recipes are human-grade, restaurant-quality whole foods. This means real meat, not animal by-products or ground-up meal ingredients. Their meat also contains no growth hormones. With no fillers, preservatives, or any artificial ingredients, every recipe also includes:
- Fresh, locally sourced vegetables and fruits.
- Premium fish oil thats high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, a shiny coat, and brain development during growth.
- JFFD nutrient blend of essential vitamins and minerals. Their blend is formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines and compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA.
What sets JFFD apart is the attention to each recipes unique blend of ingredients.Recipes are developed by JFFDs team of more than 10 veterinarians led by its chief medical officer, Oscar Chavez BVetMed, MRCVS, MBA. Whether your furry friend can benefit from a low-calorie diet, high or moderate protein levels, no grains, and much more, you can likely find an excellent match for your pups dietary needs.
Products & Price
JustFoodForDogs has a wide assortment of products available, including dog and cat food, prescription diets, supplements, treats, and nutrient blends. They also offer a wide variety of recipes for dogs to satisfy the pickiest of eaters.
Fresh Frozen Dog Food
Visit Website
JustFoodForDogs offers eight fresh frozen recipes formulated thoughtfully by the companys team of veterinarians. Each meal is targeted toward different dietary needs for puppies, highly active or large-breed dogs, underweight or overweight pups, and more. All recipes contain meat/fish, vegetables, fruits, fish oil, and the JFFD nutrient blend of vitamins and minerals. And some also include grains.
You can store them in your freezer for up to one year. Once thawed, you can keep them in your fridge for up to four days (three days for fish). If youre not sure which meal your pup will prefer, they have a seven-recipe sampler variety pack you can try out first. Prices vary by recipe and start at $66.15 for seven 18-oz pouches.
Recipe | Ideal For | Special Features | Calories |
---|---|---|---|
Chicken & White Rice | Puppies and adult dogs | High in calcium and phosphorus to promote bone and tissue growth | 43/oz |
Beef & Russet Potato | Active and underweight dogs | High-calorie, gluten, and grain-free | 44/oz |
Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni | Large-breed, active, or underweight dogs | High-protein, high-calorie | 49/oz |
Lamb & Brown Rice | Older dogs or smaller appetites | Moderate protein and gluten-free | 42/oz |
Fish & Sweet Potato | Overweight dogs, puppies, and dogs with allergies | Low-calorie, gluten, and grain-free | 26/oz |
Venison & Squash | Dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs | Low-calorie, high-protein and gluten and grain-free | 25/oz |
Joint & Skin Support (Pork Loin & Quinoa) | All dogs, dogs with allergies and/or arthritis | High-protein, includes Type II collagen | 32/oz |
Balanced Remedy (Turkey & White Rice): | Dogs with gastrointestinal problems | Low-fat, moderate-protein | 39/oz |
PantryFresh Dog Food
Visit Website
JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh shelf-stable wet food line is an excellent alternative for fresh whole dog food if you dont have freezer space. The available recipes include most of the same ingredients as those above. They come in Tetra Pak boxes that have a two-year shelf life and are recyclable. Refrigerate after opening. Pricing varies by recipe and starts at $77.40 for twelve 12.5-oz boxes. Theres also a sample variety pack available to see which meal your dog prefers.
- Chicken & White Rice
- Beef & Russet Potato
- Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Joint & Skin Support
- Balanced Remedy
Veterinary Support Dog Food
Visit Website
These meals are formulated to address specific dietary needs for dogs with such conditions as diabetes and kidney and liver problems. Theyre available in fresh-frozen or pantry fresh options. They require a prescription from your vet. Prices vary widely and start at $55.65 for seven 18-oz pouches (fresh-frozen) and
- Renal Support Low Protein (Ground Lamb): for kidney health, with restricted phosphorus and controlled electrolyte levels
- Hepatic Support Low Fat (Eggs, Cod & Sweet Potatoes): for liver health with controlled levels of protein, calories, phosphorus, and copper
- Metabolic Support Low Fat (Turkey Breast, Ground Beef & Acorn Squash): for diabetes and other metabolic concerns with restricted simple carbohydrates and increased fiber
- Critical Care Support (Beef, Chicken & Brown Rice): for low appetites (high-calorie and restricted simple carbohydrates)
Dog Meal Toppers & Treats
View at Chewy
JFFDs meal toppers are a healthy, tasty boost for any dry dog food. Made with human-grade whole ingredients, toppers come in two flavors: chicken and rice stew or beef and russet potato stew. Like the PantryFresh line, the toppers are boxed in Tetra Pak packaging that has atwo-year shelf life and is recyclable. Pricing is $59.40 for twelve 11-oz boxes.
Made with limited ingredients and no preservatives, JFDDs low-calorie, all-natural dog treats are dehydrated and oven-baked and have a crispy, crunchy texture. They offer chicken, beef, salmon, pumpkin, and other flavors. Starts at $12.95 for a five-oz bag.
Dog Supplements
Visit Website
JFFDs all-natural dietary supplements are designed by their board-certified veterinary toxicologist to address common canine ailments. Their Skin & Allergy Care supplement helps support a healthy immune system and pets with seasonal allergies. Joint Care supports joint structure, connective tissue, and joint mobility.
They also offer a supplement for anxiety, a probiotic for GI issues, and more. Their supplements are on the pricey side, starting at $38.95 for 60 capsules. We think you can find better and less expensive options. See some of our top picks for the best dog supplements and vitamins.
JustFoodForDogs Coupon
Get 35% off your first order at JustFoodForDogs. Just use this link to get started.
Our Personal Experience With JFFD
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 S., Canine Journal
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get from our readers about JustFoodForDogs.
Has There Been A JustFoodForDogs Recall?
JustFoodForDogs has had one recall. In January 2018, JustFoodForDogs voluntarily recalled three fresh recipes (Beef & Russet Potato, Fish & Sweet Potato, and Turducken) because the human-grade green beans, which JFFD purchased from a restaurant supply distributor, were possibly contaminated withListeria monocytogenes. No confirmed Listeriosis cases in dogs were reported, but there were some reports of short-term symptoms in some dogs (diarrhea and vomiting).
Is JustFoodForDogs Dog Food Human-Grade?
Yes, JFFD uses 100% USDA human-grade ingredients inallof its pet food, and its kitchens are USDA-certified and inspected. JFDD has two master kitchens in Irvine, CA, and New Castle, DE, as well as nine open-to-the-public kitchens in California, Seattle, Chicago, and New York City.
Where Can I Buy JustFoodForDogs Pet Food?
JFFDs pet food is available for purchase online via their website and major online retailers like Chewy, Amazon, and Petco. You can also find their products at Petco and Pet Food Express stores nationwide, select veterinary clinics, and JustFoodForDogs retail kitchens.
Who Owns JustFoodForDogs?
Shawn Buckley founded JFFD in 2010 and opened his first location in Newport Beach, CA, in 2011. Buckley teamed with Oscar Chavez, a veterinarian and former professor of clinical canine nutrition, to develop a variety of premium pet food formulas, including customized blends for special dietary and nutritional needs.In 2017, the company received a growth investment from the private equity firmL Catterton. Still owned by partner Buckley, the companys headquarters is in Irvine, CA.
JustFoodForDogs vs Other Companies
Interested in seeing how JustFoodForDogs stacks up against other popular pet food companies? Weve written comparison articles for you to see how JFFD and other leading dog food companies compare.
Whats Our Final Verdict?
Visit Website
We highly recommend JustFoodForDogs fresh frozen dog and cat food and pantry fresh dog food. Their fresh frozen meals are an excellent value for the quality and carefully chosen ingredients compared to other fresh meals. However, if youd prefer to have your pups fresh food customized and pre-portioned, see some other fresh dog food delivery services that we recommend.
And if youre looking for another premium shelf-stable dog food options, check out our reviews of the best dog food delivery services, which include dehydrated fresh food, personalized kibble, and much more.
Tagged With: Food DeliveryThe Farmers Dog vs Just Food For Dogs: 2024 Comparison, Pros & Cons
When you make the jump from kibble to fresh food, the number of choices can be astounding. With so many companies offering fresh food options, it can be hard to decide where to go. The Farmers Dog and Just Food For Dogs are two of the most popular fresh food companies, and these companies might look pretty similar at first glance. But there are some pretty big differences in their offerings. Heres an in-depth comparison of what we liked about each company.
A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Our Favorite | Just Food for Dogs | CHECK PRICE | ||
The Farmer's Dog | Click to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping! |
We love both The Farmers Dog and Just Food For Dogs, but Just Food For Dogs has a slight edge in our book. Thats because they offer many more options and varieties of food, including lots of novel proteins, specialty diets, and grain-inclusive options. They also have a slight edge when it comes to nutrition. But The Farmers Dog isnt anything to sniff at eitherespecially because they are more a convenient and sometimes cheaper option. Read on to learn more about what we like and dislike about each brand.
About The Farmers Dog
The Farmers Dog is a popular fresh food company that operates on a subscription service. All their food is freshly prepared in USDA-certified kitchens. Their food uses a mixture of fresh meat, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals to make healthy fresh food thats free of fillers or preservatives. Once you enter your dogs information, theyll calculate ideal portion sizes and start sending you a variety of fresh meals on a regular basis.
About Just Food For Dogs
Just Food For Dogs was started in 2010 with a focus on transparency. Like The Farmers Dog, they offer fresh pet food as their main food line, and you can go and see the food being prepared in many of their kitchens across the country. They also offer a line of dry food. Their foods are made with fresh meat, fruits, veggies, and added vitamins and minerals. Their ingredient list is comprehensive and offers explanations for what each ingredient does to your dogs health.
The 3 Most Popular The Farmers Dog Food Recipes
1. Turkey
The Farmers Dog Turkey Recipe is a delicious recipe with turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach as its main ingredients. It is a grain-free recipe containing chickpeas. This is a controversial choice because legumes and grain-free recipes have been linked to heart issues in dogs. However, the other ingredients are great choices for a dog food. Its dry nutrition breakdown is 38% protein, 26% fat, and 2% fiber. This is a great option for active, high-energy dogs.
Pros
- Meat is first ingredient
- High protein diet
- Lots of green veggies
Cons
- Contains chickpeas as second ingredient
- Grain-free
- Not ideal for less active/overweight dogs
2. Beef
The Farmers Dog Beef Recipe uses USDA beef along with sweet potatoes, lentils, and carrots. The high-quality beef is a great option that many dogs will salivate over. Lentils are the third ingredient and are currently a controversial ingredient used to replace grains in dog food. It is extremely high in fat and protein, with 41% protein and 31% fat. This makes it a good option for pets that need a high-fat, high-protein, lower-carb diet, but it might be too much for many dogs. If your dog is allergic to poultry, this might be a good choice.
Pros
- Meat is first ingredient
- High protein diet
- Poultry-free for dogs with allergies
Cons
- Contains lentils as third ingredient
- Grain-free
- May have too much fat/protein for some dogs
3. Chicken
The Chicken recipe uses USDA chicken, Brussels sprouts, chicken Liver, bok choy, and broccoli as its main ingredients. This is a grain-free diet, but it avoids peas, lentils, and other legumes, which are the most likely cause of heart disease in grain-free diets. It is another very high-protein, high-fat diet with 49% protein and 37% fat. Although some very active dogs and growing puppies might enjoy this diet, its important to feed carefully to avoid overfeeding, and this food might be too fat and protein-heavy for many dogs. It is also a little low in fiber, with about 1% fiber content.
Pros
- Meat is first ingredient
- Lots of green veggies
- High protein diet
Cons
- Grain-free
- A little low in fiber
- Common allergen
- May have too much fat/protein for some dogs
The 3 Most Popular Just Food For Dogs Food Recipes
1. Chicken and White Rice
The most popular fresh food at Just Food For Dogs is Chicken & White Rice. This recipe is made with chicken thighs, gizzards, and liver as the main protein and white rice, spinach, carrots, and apples as the main plants. Chicken is a great protein source for many dogs, although it can be an allergen. Rice is a good grain choice because its easily digestible, but we prefer whole grain rice to white rice. Spinach, carrots, and apples are all great vitamin sources.
On a dry matter basis, this food contains 29% protein, 11% fat, and 4% fiber. This is a little lower in protein and fat than most of the other recipes on this list but still well within the recommended range. This makes it ideal for older or overweight dogs, but large breeds and highly active dogs might want a higher protein option.
Pros
- Meat is first ingredient
- Contains healthy meat and veggie balance
- Digestible grains
- Ideal for older, overweight, or less active dogs
Cons
- Better choices available for active dogs
- Common allergen
- Not whole grain
2. Fish & Sweet Potato
Another popular food is their Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe. This uses wild-caught Alaskan cod as the main protein source. This is supplemented with sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, green beans, and broccoli as the main vegetables. The wild-caught cod is a great protein alternative to poultry or red meat and is a low-fat protein source full of fatty acids. This is a grain-free food that contains legumes, which is a cause for concern since most dogs are healthier on a grain-inclusive diet. This food is very high in protein at 39% dry matter and high in fiber with up to 17%, but low in fat at around 11%. Overall, this food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or weight gain issues.
Pros
- Meat is first ingredient
- Allergy-friendly
- High in fiber
- High-protein, low fat
Cons
- Grain-free
- Contains legumes
3. Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni
The Just Food For Dogs Ground Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni contains ground turkey, macaroni, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, turkey liver, and cranberries. Turkey is a great choice for active dogs and is full of healthy minerals like selenium, iron, and zinc. Whole wheat pasta is a great healthy grain option, and the fruits and vegetables included add lots of other important nutrients.
This food is about 32% protein, 13% fat, and 10% fiber. This is a great mix for most dogsit is high in protein but not so high that an older or less active dog will get too much. The slightly lower fat content also helps ensure that dogs maintain a healthy weight. Some very active dogs might prefer a higher fat diet, though.
Pros
- Meat is first ingredient
- Delicious, healthy option for most dogs
- High in protein, low to moderate fat content
- Healthy grains
Cons
- Active or underweight dogs might prefer slightly fattier food
Recall History of The Farmers Dog and Just Food For Dogs
Both food companies have had an extremely clean record when it comes to dog food recalls. The Farmers Dog has had no recalls, while Just Food For Dogs has had just one. That recall happened in 2018 when a type of listeria bacteria contaminated their green beans. Listeria causes mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting in humans and dogs. Just Food For Dogs recalled the food and made their recipes without green beans until they could resolve the issue and ensure all their food was safe again.
The Farmers Dog vs Just Food For Dogs Comparison
Taste
Both The Farmers Dog and Just Food For Dogs create delicious, well-crafted meals that most dogs will love. If you let your dog try all the options, theres no telling what theyll pick! What your dog likes best will depend on its personal taste. Both source high-quality meat and vegetables for their main ingredients, and theres not one clear winner on taste.
Nutritional Value
- Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Both use fresh, high-quality ingredients and offer a high-protein diet of about 30-40% protein. The Farmers Dog has meals that tend to be higher in fat and lower in fiber than Just Food For Dogs recipes. Most of their recipes are grain-free and contain peas, chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes that may be linked to health issues.
Just Food For Dogs food tends to be lower in fat and higher in fiber. They also have a greater variety of meal options, with some meals that are optimized for weight loss or gain and more options for dogs who have special dietary needs. Some of their meals are grain-free or include legumes, but most do not. They also have done extensive clinical research on their foods to ensure long-term health of their dogs.
Price
Fresh food is pricey, but a small difference in cost can add up. Just Food For Dog offers the cheapest fresh meal option out of either brand, Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni, but their prices are more variable so if you buy a variety of foods, The Farmers Dog may end up cheaper. Just Food For Dogs also offers cheaper dry food options.
Both offer free shipping on their subscriptions. Just Food For Dogs also offers one-time purchases with a flat $10 shipping. The Farmers Dog also offers a partial meal plan that makes it easier to mix kibble and fresh food. This is a huge money saver that gives The Farmers Dog bonus points in affordability. Just Food For Dogs lets you customize the amount you get, so you can buy half as much food, but it isnt an automatic option. In the end, The Farmers Dog gives you more flexibility in budget, but it isnt always cheaper.
Selection
- Winner: Just Food For Dogs
When it comes to selection, The Farmers Dog has only four meals availablechicken, beef, turkey, and pork. These meals are fairly similar in nutritional value and may not work well for dogs with special diets.
Just Food For Dogs has a much bigger selection. This includes more grain-inclusive options and novel proteins like lamb and venison. They also offer a line of veterinary foods such as renal support, joint support, and critical care support that are ideal for specialized diets. They also include a line of dry food if fresh isnt your thing.
Convenience
The Farmers Dog is a subscription-only option, but it is incredibly easy and simple to use once its set up. When you buy from The Farmers Dog, they ask a beginning questionnaire about your dogs and their needs and then send you pre-portioned meals on a regular basis. It also makes it easy to order a variety of meals.
Just Food For Dogs offers both subscription and one-time purchases. Like The Farmers Dog, it has a questionnaire that helps you match food to your dogs needs. However, it doesnt send you pre-portioned mealsinstead, it just tells you how much to add to your order and which foods are most likely to work well. Its set up primarily for dogs that eat the same meal every day. Overall, its a little more cumbersome to set up, and the lack of pre-portioned meals makes it less convenient.
Overall
Both options are pretty good, but Just Food For Dogs has an edge because of its variety of food options and its slight nutritional edge. However, that doesnt mean that The Farmers Dog is a poor choicein fact, it might be better if convenience is your biggest factor or if you prefer grain-free foods.
Final Verdict
Overall, we think that Just Food For Dogs gives you the best nutrition out there with its great options and ingredients. We love the companys transparency and ethos, and their foods are absolutely delicious to boot! But even though we picked them as the winner, the edge they have is pretty slight. If your dog doesnt have any specialty diet needs and you like the ease and simplicity of ordering that The Farmers Dog offers, it might be a better choice for your dog.