A Vet Student’s Perspective: Is Fresh Dog Food ACTUALLY Worth the Hype?

As a dog mom (and third-year vet student), I recently challenged myself to dig deeper into the world of fresh dog food. 

I’d heard from friends who’d switched their pups to fresh food about the changes they noticed and wanted to see for myself. Now that I’ve transitioned my own dogs—Ace, Rio, and Rudy—I’m sold. JustFoodForDogs is officially a staple in our home. Not only do my dogs do a happy dance at every mealtime (something they never did with kibble), but I also feel great knowing I’m feeding them vet-developed recipes backed by real science. Seeing the difference firsthand has made me rethink everything I’ve learned about pet nutrition!

Here’s what I’ve learned—and why JustFoodForDogs is my top pick for anyone looking to upgrade their dog’s quality of life.

Trust your vet—and the food they recommend

When choosing dog food, it’s important to know that not all fresh brands are developed with veterinary expertise. Nutrition is a science, and ensuring a diet is complete and balanced requires expert formulation.

That’s why I was drawn to JustFoodForDogs. They’ve had veterinary professionals on staff since day one. Unlike other brands, they stood out as the #1 vet-recommended fresh food, backed by independent research and a commitment to evidence-based nutrition. That gives me peace of mind—both as a pet parent and a future vet.

Humans eat good food to live longer—so should your dog

I pay close attention to the quality of food I eat, so why wouldn’t I do the same for my dogs? That question sparked my deep dive into fresh food.

You might be surprised at the usual kind of food that most dogs are made to eat. Many traditional kibbles use feed-grade ingredients that are technically safe but fall short of the standards required for human food.

With JustFoodForDogs, my pups get 100% human-grade ingredients—kale, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and premium proteins—gently cooked to preserve nutrients. When I open a pack, I see the real food. If it’s good enough for me to eat, I trust it for my dogs.

Transparency and variety are key, both for you and your pet

I love that JustFoodForDogs has recipes for every kind and size of dog. Many fresh dog food companies only offer a few basic recipes that might not be ideal for different types of dogs based on their needs or preferences. JustFoodForDogs offers over a dozen recipes and lets you customize a meal plan catered to your dog’s specific needs. Whether you have a healthy dog, a new puppy, a dog with a specific protein allergy, or need a functional diet to improve things like skin health, lose weight or help manage allergies…they have the perfect recipe for your dog’s exact needs. JustFoodForDogs even offers RX meals for dogs with a specific health problem.

Beyond variety, transparency was another big plus. Every recipe has clearly listed ingredients and full nutrition info online. If you’re handy in the kitchen, you can even make their recipes yourself using their DIY nutrient blend. They also offer educational resources for vets and vet students, which makes me feel even more confident recommending them.

Nutrition backed by science, all to help dogs thrive

Fresh dog food is trending, but I wanted to see data behind the claims. That’s another reason JustFoodForDogs impressed me—they partner with independent academic institutions to conduct peer-reviewed research on their formulas. As a future vet, I know how important these studies are in proving a food’s effectiveness.

Here’s what the studies show: JustFoodForDogs improves skin and coat health, boosts energy, and supports digestion. They’re also one of the few pet food brands that conduct humane, systematic feeding trials on all their daily recipes.

Dogs LOVE it… almost as much as they love their humans

The biggest surprise? How much my dogs love fresh food! I thought they were fine with kibble, but their reaction to JustFoodForDogs was next-level. Tail wags, zoomies, happy barks—they’re excited for mealtime.

Since making the switch, I’ve noticed real changes in their overall health. Their coats are shinier, their energy levels are higher, and digestion has improved significantly. Plus, they have a shelf-stable line of fresh meals called JustFresh. It’s so easy – store it in the pantry, refrigerate after opening, and serve. No thawing or prep required!

Give JustFoodForDogs a try… or, at least, let your dog try it😉

If you’re on the fence about fresh dog food, I highly recommend giving JustFoodForDogs a try. The quality, transparency, and science-backed nutrition make it the best choice for my pups—and I have no doubt your dog will love it too.