Fresh dog food delivery services promise convenience and potential health benefits, but come at a higher price than traditional kibble.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay, and how the leading fresh dog food brands compare.
How much does fresh dog food delivery cost on average?
On average, fresh dog food delivery costs between $2 and $13 per day. How much you’ll pay depends on your dog’s size and calorie needs, as well as which brand and recipe you choose.
Delivery cost of fresh dog food by brand
Compare fresh dog food prices by brand:
- Farmer’s Dog: $2-$11/day ($60-$330/month)
- Ollie: $3-$12/day ($90-$360/month)
- Open Farm: $5-$14/day ($150-$420/month)
- Nom Nom: $6-$13/day ($180-$390/month)
These prices are based on online quotes for healthy, three-year-old dogs between 20 and 80 pounds. You can get your own quote by visiting each brand’s website.
What Affects the Cost of Fresh Dog Food Delivery
Some main factors affect how much your fresh dog food delivery will cost:
- Food Recipe: Organic or non-GMO ingredients, specialty meats, and non-grain formulas can all increase the price of fresh dog food.
- Calorie Requirements: Factors such as your dog’s size, activity level, and weight affect your pet’s portion size and your total cost.
- Subscription: The brand and subscription option you choose impacts the price, with some brands offering discounts when you enroll in recurring delivery.
Is fresh dog food delivery worth the cost?
Fresh dog food can be a convenient way for pets to get essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals in their diet.
That said, this isn’t the only healthy option for pet owners. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines focus on choosing a dog food that provides a complete, balanced diet, rather than focusing on fresh versus dry options.
Dr. Lisa Kahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, says that while some pet owners report improvements in their dogs’ skin or coat after switching to fresh food, more research is needed to support the health claims. “For a healthy dog, the decision to pay a premium for fresh food often depends on the owner’s preference and budget,” she says.
Fresh Dog Food vs. Kibble: Cost Comparison
Fresh dog food is generally more expensive than dry kibble, although some premium kibble brands or prescription formulations may cost more:
- Store-brand or economy kibble: $0.50-$1.00/day
- Premium Kibble: $1.50-$5/day
- Fresh dog food: $2-$13/day
How to Save Money on Fresh Dog Food Delivery
There are several ways to include fresh food in your dog’s diet without breaking the bank:
- Buy in bulk: If you have multiple dogs (and freezer space), buying food in bulk can provide more value per pound.
- Supplement your pet’s diet: Instead of switching to a 100% fresh food diet, consider mixing fresh food with kibble.
- Cook fresh food at home: Try cooking food at home (under a veterinarian’s guidance) with ingredients like ground turkey, beef, brown rice, and spinach.
- Take advantage of deals and discounts: Many brands offer discounts when ordering for the first time or enrolling in automatic shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is fresh dog food so expensive?
Fresh dog food is usually more expensive than kibble because it is made from whole meats, grains, and vegetables. It is also shipped frozen or refrigerated, which increases logistics costs.
Is fresh dog food cheaper than kibble?
No, fresh food is usually more expensive than kibble.
What is the cheapest fresh dog food delivery service?
Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog has lower cost options than other fresh dog food delivery services.
How much is a farmer’s dog worth?
Fresh food at The Farmer’s Dog typically costs between $2 and $11 per day.
Reporting by Faith Wakefield, USA TODAY/USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
