Frequently Asked Questions
We want to be partners in the health of your pets, be completely transparent, and share our knowledge. Below you will find answers to some of our most-asked questions. Wondering about something you don’t see here? Please don't hesitate to contact us and our team of experts will get back to you as quickly as possible.
General FAQs
Yes. Each of our canine daily diets have gone through Evidence-Based Research at a major university. Since day one, we have balanced our food to National Research Council (NRC) standards. The NRC reports directly to the FDA and is the most up-to-date authority on nutritional guidelines. Our feline recipe is formulated to meet the 2016 AAFCO nutritional profiles for feline maintenance.
JustFoodForDogs Products Shelf-Life
Product | Shelf-Life |
Frozen Food | Up to 18 months (547 days) in the freezer. |
Frozen at home e.g.: DIY or repackaging buckets of frozen food purchased fresh |
6 to 8 weeks depending on how much air is removed from the bag as you package the food. If you are vacuum-sealing as we do, the food may last in the freezer for up to 1 year. |
Thawed Food - Fish | Thawed fish-based recipes stay fresh when sealed in the original package for up to 5 days. Once opened, use within 3 days. |
Thawed Food - All Other Proteins | Thawed meals stay fresh when sealed in the original package for up to 7 days. Once opened, use within 5 days. |
Pantry Fresh | Up to two years from the manufacture date. 5 days once opened. Keep refrigerated once opened. |
All Treats | 1 year from the manufacture date. Keep protein treats (chicken breast, beef brisket, venison) refrigerated after opening. |
Omega Plus Supplement | 2 years. The expiration date is printed on the bottom of the bottle. Keep refrigerated after opening. |
Probiotic Live Supplement | 1 year from the manufacture date (printed on the bottom of the bottle.) |
Skin & Allergy Care Supplement | 3 years (sealed or opened) from the manufacture date (printed on the bottom of the bottle.) |
Calm Supplement | 3 years (sealed or opened) from the manufacture date (printed on the bottom of the bottle.) |
Joint Care & Joint Care Plus Supplements | 3 years (sealed or opened) from the manufacture date (printed on the bottom of the bottle.) |
Do It Yourself Kits | 2 years from the manufacture date. |
How do I safely thaw and store JustFoodForDogs products?
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, one 72 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 to 7 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.
What if JustFoodForDogs sits at room temperature for an hour or so after thawing?
You want to think about your dog’s fresh food the same way you do your own. An hour, or even two is not going to be a problem, but if you accidentally leave it out overnight, it should be thrown away.
Does JustFoodForDogs use any preservatives?
Our only preservative is the freezer. We do not add any preservatives at all.
What do you mean when you say “whole” food?
Real, unprocessed, bioavailable, and nutrient-rich ingredients in their natural state. Our meats are inspected and approved by the USDA for human consumption, and all of our ingredients are the same as you would find in a restaurant or grocery store. In fact, we use the same premium suppliers as the restaurant industry to source the highest quality ingredients for our meals.
What does "balanced" food mean?
It is nearly impossible for pets to get all of the nutrients they require daily from food alone. Any pet food must have added supplements if it is intended to be used for long-term feeding. Our food is balanced to standards established by the National Research Council (NRC), and then tested through AAFCO feeding trials. Unlike typical dog food, the supplements we use are high-quality nutrients intended for human consumption, which provides much greater bioavailability.
Why does your food contain carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates can be an excellent source of energy when that carbohydrate is from a whole-food, human-grade source. We believe feed-grade carbohydrates and grains must be avoided at all cost, due to possible contamination with toxins from an unregulated production system. We also offer grain-free and gluten-free diets for dogs who may have those associated sensitivities
Aren’t dogs carnivores? Why does your food have vegetables?
Dogs are not true carnivores. They can actually live without meat in their diet, although we believe a diet containing high-quality meat is much better for them. We include fresh vegetables and fruit which provide excellent sources of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosinolates, thiocyanates, and a variety of vitamins.
Do I need to add a multi-vitamin to JustFoodForDogs meals?
All of our recipes are completely balanced for long-term feeding and do not need multi-vitamins added.
How many JustFoodForDogs treats can I feed my dog?
As a general rule, no more than 10% of your dog’s caloric intake should come from treats.
What do I do if my dog gains unwanted weight while on JustFoodForDogs?
The correct serving of fresh food should keep your dog healthy, happy and fit. If your dog is gaining unwanted weight, simply reduce the volume of food by 5-10% until they reach the desired weight. Just like people, all dogs have their own metabolism, so it is impossible to know how much each dog should consume just by knowing their weight. It can be a process, and as their pet parent you are in the best position to judge the results.
Where is JustFoodForDogs made?
Our food is crafted by hand in our open-to-the-public Kitchens that you can visit, as well as in our own Kitchens in Irvine, California and New Castle, Delaware.
How much food comes in a Full Box?
We offer three different sizes – Small, Medium, and Large:
- Small Boxes: 7 x 18-ounce packages
- Medium Boxes: 21 x 18-ounce packages
- Large Boxes: 7 x 72-ounce packages
How Much Does Shipping Cost?
We offer free shipping on frozen orders over $99 and dry orders over $99.
Frozen meals: Free shipping on orders over $99.
Non-frozen & Dry (Pantry Fresh, DIY Kits, Supplements, Treats, and Merchandise): Free shipping on orders over $99.
To receive free shipping, order subtotal must meet or exceed $99 (before tax and after discounts are applied).
Our flat rate shipping fee is $19.99 for orders that do not meet our free shipping thresholds.
What is Mission-based pricing?
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 possible.
JustFoodForDogs Buy online pickup in-store
What is JustFoodForDogs in-store pickup?
You can place an order online and have it waiting for you inside the location of your choice.
How do I place my order for in-store pickup?
Order a product for in-store pickup:
- Go to the product page
- Select your quantity
- Check Free Local Pick Up (box beneath quantity)
- Click the Find a Store link to select your location
- Add the item to your cart
- Repeat the process for each item you order
- Once you receive an email confirmation that your order is ready, head to your preferred location
How do I place and collect my order for curbside pickup?
To order a product for curbside pickup:
- Go to the product page
- Select your quantity
- Check Free Local Pick Up (box beneath quantity)
- Click the Find a Store link to select your location
- Add the item to your cart
- Repeat the process for each item you order
- Once you receive an email confirmation that your order is ready, head to your preferred location and call them upon arrival
- A Nutrition Consultant will bring your order out to you
Where do I park for curbside pickup?
You can park in any of your store's designated parking spots.
How will I know when my order is ready?
We will send you an email when your order is ready for pickup. You can also confirm directly with your preferred pickup location by calling the contact information provided in your order confirmation as well as on our store locator.
Which locations offer pick-up services?
Good news! All our locations offer in-store and curbside pickup—excluding Petco and Pet Food Express. To find your nearest JustFoodForDogs Kitchen or Pantry, please visit our store locator.
Will I be able to pick up my order today?
Orders placed at least two hours before closing can be collected the same day. Please visit our store locator.
What should I bring to pick up my order?
A photo ID and a copy of your order confirmation—digital or printed. Your online payment will be processed when you collect your items, so there’s no need to pay in-store.
Can someone else pick up my order?
Yes. They simply need a copy of your order confirmation and a photo ID.
Can my dog collect my order?
Yes! They just need to bring their pet parent, order confirmation and a photo ID with them.
Can I change my pickup location after I’ve already placed the order?
Only we can modify the pickup location for you. Call us at (866) 726-9509 and we’ll be happy to help.
When will I be charged for my order?
Your online payment method will be charged on pickup.
Can I cancel my pickup order?
Yes. Please call us on (866) 726-9509 with your order number and we’ll help you with the cancellation.
Why was my order canceled?
An order may be canceled if items are out of stock, or if it wasn't collected within 72 hours. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
How long will you hold my order?
We hold an order for 72 hours after it is placed. We know our pet parents are busy people, so we also send reminder emails. If your order is not collected within 72 hours, it is canceled automatically.
Why doesn't my location provide this service yet?
As we roll out our pickup service across regions, it will become available in your store soon. We keep local store pages updated, so stay tuned!
Can I apply discounts or promotions to my order?
Absolutely! Just enter your promo code at checkout.
Can I set up an Autoship order for pickup?
This feature isn't available yet, but we are working on it.
Can I add an item to my order?
It's not possible to add items to completed orders but you can purchase them in-store at pickup, or place another order online up to 2 hours before pickup. Please let us know you have multiple orders to collect.
What if I need to make a return?
If you are not completely satisfied with your first purchase for any reason whatsoever, we'll give you a full refund. (Shipping and/or delivery fees are non-refundable.) Please contact us on (866) 726-9509 - we're happy to help.