Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Each of our canine daily diets has 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.

Recommended reading: The Truth Behind AAFCO Feeding Trials

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. 

JustFresh

JustFresh 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 3 days. Please discard any unused portions after 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 Marine Microalgae Oil and Omega Plus Fish Oil should be stored in the refrigerator after opening. 

Our only preservative is the freezer. We do not add any preservatives at all.

Suggested reading: The Benefits of Preservative-Free Dog 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.

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 provide much greater bioavailability.

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.

All of our recipes are completely balanced for long-term feeding and do not need multi-vitamins added.

As a general rule, no more than 10% of your dog’s caloric intake should come from treats.

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.

Suggested reading: 

• How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight
• The Dog Body Scoring Chart Explained
• Best Food for Overweight Dogs

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.

Every ingredient in JustFoodForDogs recipes serves a function, including carbs. 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 costs, 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.

To learn more, we suggest reading: Carbohydrates for Dogs, Explained by Experts

Wet dog food naturally contains more moisture than dry food, which is beneficial for your pet's hydration. This higher water content ensures the food is softer and easier to digest, making it particularly helpful for active dogs, senior dogs, or pets with specific health needs. Rest assured, the texture and moisture levels are carefully designed to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

Texture can sometimes vary due to the natural moisture content of fresh whole food ingredients or the freezing and thawing process. This softness is normal and ensures the food stays fresh and easy for pets to eat. For example, rice-based recipes may absorb water differently, resulting in a softer consistency, and vegetables and proteins are gently cooked to preserve nutrients, which can sometimes give a blended texture. The freezing and thawing process, which ensures freshness and safety, may also slightly affect the texture.

Rest assured the meat used in all of our products is gently cooked for optimal nutrient absorption. To dive a little bit into the science behind the color, one must consider myoglobin (a protein found in muscle tissue that gives meat its red/pink color), pH, and oxidation. Since the 90s, the USDA has followed extensive research showing color is not a reliable indicator of doneness. The only way to guarantee destruction of pathogens is to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Even after your pet's food is prepared, it is thoroughly tested for pathogens before hitting shelves.

For more information on pink coloring in cooked meat, visit the USDA Food and Inspection Service's website.

We offer four different sizes – Small, Medium, and Large Boxes, and 14 Packs:

• Small Boxes: 7 x 18-ounce packages
• 14 Packs: 14 x 18-ounce packages
• Medium Boxes: 21 x 18-ounce packages
• Large Boxes: 7 x 72-ounce packages

We offer free shipping on frozen orders over $99 and dry orders over $49.

Frozen meals: Free shipping on orders over $99. To receive free shipping, order subtotal must meet or exceed $99 (before tax and discounts are applied).

Non-frozen & Dry (Pantry Fresh, DIY Kits, Supplements, Treats, and Merchandise): Free shipping on orders over $49. To receive free shipping, order subtotal must meet or exceed $49 (before tax and discounts are applied).

Our flat rate shipping fee is $19.99 for orders that do not meet our free shipping thresholds.

We cannot deliver to PO Boxes, APOs, or FPOs.

We have made significant improvements to our shipping and delivery processes to ensure that our deliveries are well-insulated and safe to eat. As long as each individual bag is partially frozen, it is safe to immediately refreeze or finish thawing for feeding. Any individual bag in the box that is not partially frozen, should be disposed of. Feel free to contact our customer service team for assistance.