Freshpet vs. Just Food for Dogs vs. Kibble
✅ Key Takeaways – What You Need to Know Fast
| ❓Question | 💡Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Best for picky eaters? | JFFD (real flavor, human-grade smell) |
| Best for chronic GI issues? | JFFD (evidence-based formulations) |
| Best in emergencies or travel? | Freshpet or Pantry Fresh JFFD (refrigerated or shelf-stable) |
| Best cost-per-calorie? | Premium kibble (especially large-breed formulas) |
| Best for hybrid feeding models? | Freshpet (topper-friendly and store-accessible) |
| Best transparency & trust? | JFFD (open kitchens, trial-backed diets) |
🧬 “Why Does My Dog Poop So Much on Kibble?”
It’s not just about what goes in—it’s about what your dog can actually use. Most kibble—especially budget or feed-grade formulas—contains indigestible fillers like corn gluten, soy, and cellulose. These ingredients bulk up stool but offer little real nourishment. High-fiber doesn’t mean high-quality.
📊 Digestibility vs. Output Chart
| 🚽 Diet Type | 🧪 Digestibility Score | 💩 Fecal Volume Output | 🧼 Stool Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Kibble | ❌ 60–70% (low) | 🔴 Very high | Often soft to loose |
| Freshpet | 🟡 75–85% | 🟡 Moderate | Typically formed |
| JFFD | ✅ 90–95% (high) | 🟢 Low | Clean, firm, easy pick-up |
Tip: If your dog’s poop is more than twice the size of your fist, it’s likely not digesting its food efficiently.
🔍 “Is My Dog Actually Getting Enough Protein from Kibble?”
That “20% protein” label on kibble is misleading unless it’s on a dry matter basis. When moisture is factored out, JFFD often outperforms kibble—even if the label suggests otherwise.
📊 True Protein Availability: Not All Protein Is Equal
| 🥩 Protein Type | 💥 Bioavailability | 🧬 Amino Acid Completeness |
|---|---|---|
| Rendered meal (kibble) | 🔴 Low (heat damaged) | Often incomplete |
| Freshpet chicken/liver | 🟡 Moderate | More complete |
| JFFD thigh/liver/gizzard combo | 🟢 Very high | Rich in lysine, methionine, taurine |
Takeaway: You’re not just feeding “protein”—you’re feeding usable protein. And heat destroys a lot of it in kibble.
🦷 “Kibble Cleans Teeth”—Myth or Fact?
Let’s debunk it. The minor mechanical scraping of kibble doesn’t reach the gumline. Meanwhile, high-starch kibble feeds plaque bacteria. The real dental protectors are moisture, natural enzymes, and chewing behavior, not crunch.
📊 Dental Support: Which Food Actually Helps?
| 🪥 Food Type | 🦠 Plaque Control | 🧊 Moisture % | 🧽 Real Abrasion Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble | 🔴 Can promote buildup | 6–10% | Minimal |
| Freshpet | 🟡 Better hydration, less sugar | 70% | Slight |
| JFFD | 🟢 Highest hydration + least residue | 72–75% | No abrasion, but less buildup |
Pro Tip: Pair JFFD or Freshpet with raw marrow bones or dental chews for mechanical cleaning—kibble isn’t enough.
💰 “Is Fresh Food Worth the Cost?” Here’s What You’re Actually Buying
Think beyond the bag. Fresh food reduces inflammation, supports gut flora, and hydrates from within—potentially lowering vet bills long-term. But not all “fresh” food is equal in value.
📊 Cost per Pound vs. Nutritional Return
| 💸 Food | 🏷️ Cost (per lb) | 🧪 Ingredient Transparency | 🧬 Vet-Backed Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Kibble | ~$0.90 | ❌ Often vague, by-product based | ❌ Minimal |
| Premium Kibble | $2.50–$4.00 | 🟡 Some whole proteins | 🟡 AAFCO formulation |
| Freshpet | ~$4.50 | 🟢 Recognizable foods | 🟡 Formulation method |
| JFFD | $7.50–$9.00 | ✅ Fully human-grade, open kitchens | ✅ Feeding trial validated |
Hot Tip: Use JFFD as a topper or rotate Freshpet to boost freshness without breaking your wallet.
🧊 “Which Is Safer—Refrigerated Food or Shelf-Stable Kibble?”
It depends where the failure risk lies. Kibble’s mass production invites large-scale recall risks (aflatoxins, vitamin misdosing), while fresh foods face microbial risks—but usually on much smaller scales and caught faster.
📊 Food Safety Recall Comparison
| 🚨 Brand | 🧯 Recall Nature | 🔍 Trigger | 📍 Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purina (Kibble) | Multiple (2021–2023) | Vitamin D toxicity, salmonella | Nationwide |
| Freshpet | 2 (small-lot) | Salmonella risk in chicken | Select batches only |
| JFFD | 1 (2018) | Human-grade green bean Listeria | Isolated incident |
Bottom Line: Fewer ingredients, more transparency = fewer surprises.
📦 “What If I Travel or Board Often?” Feeding Fresh on the Go
If your lifestyle involves road trips, pet-sitting, or boarding, some fresh options are easier than others. Freezer storage and thaw time matter.
📊 Travel & Storage Compatibility
| 🧳 Food Type | 🧊 Needs Freezer? | 🕐 Prep Time | 🛒 Retail Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| JFFD Fresh Frozen | ✅ Yes | 24–48 hrs thaw | ❌ Mostly online |
| JFFD Pantry Fresh | ❌ Shelf-stable | Zero | 🟢 Select retail, online |
| Freshpet | ❌ Refrigerated | Open & serve | ✅ Widely available |
| Kibble | ❌ None | Scoop & pour | ✅ Universal |
Pro Tip: Keep a few JFFD Pantry Fresh packs in your go-bag. They store like soup but feed like real food.
🧠 “Can I Mix Kibble with Fresh?” Yes—Here’s How to Do It Right
Blending kibble with fresh can work beautifully—but timing, portioning, and water content must be managed to avoid GI upset or uneven digestion.
📊 Hybrid Feeding Do’s and Don’ts
| ✅ DO | ❌ DON’T |
|---|---|
| Start with 25% fresh, increase slowly | Mix different protein types too fast |
| Add warm water to blend moisture | Feed cold food straight from fridge |
| Use same feeding times daily | Leave fresh food out for hours |
| Observe stool quality daily | Assume all foods digest the same |
Vet Tip: Consider digestive enzyme supplements during the transition phase.
✍️ Final Thoughts: A Smarter Plate Starts With Smarter Questions
Don’t be swayed by packaging gloss or “grain-free” buzzwords. Instead, ask:
- What are the first 3 ingredients?
- Was this tested in actual feeding trials?
- What’s the stool output like after 48 hours?
- Would you eat what’s in that bowl?
Smart feeding isn’t about extremes—it’s about informed balance. Whether you lean toward kibble’s convenience, Freshpet’s accessibility, or JFFD’s purity, your dog’s bowl should reflect the best version of your commitment.
📌 Expert’s Final Snapshot: Food Face-Off Summary
| 🏆 Category | 🥇 Winner | 📚 Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Purity | JFFD | 100% human-grade, no compromises |
| Convenience | Freshpet | Grab-and-go from most grocers |
| Affordability | Premium Kibble | Balanced cost-to-nutrient ratio |
| Digestibility | JFFD | Scientifically superior |
| Transparency | JFFD | Public kitchens + trial data |
| Travel-Friendly | JFFD Pantry / Freshpet | No freezer needed |
| Versatility (mixing/topping) | Freshpet | Easy add-on to kibble base |
| Veterinary Trust | JFFD | Vet-formulated + evidence-backed |
FAQs 🐾
Comment: “Is it safe to mix Freshpet with kibble, or will that cause digestive upset?”
Absolutely, but timing and balance matter. Mixing Freshpet with kibble is safe for most dogs when done correctly. Since Freshpet is high-moisture and minimally processed while kibble is low-moisture and heavily processed, they digest at different rates. Sudden mixing without transition can overwhelm the gut, particularly in sensitive dogs.
Best Practices for Mixing:
| 📝 Tip | 🔺 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Start with 25% Freshpet | Gradual introduction allows the gut to adjust to new enzymes and moisture levels. |
| Serve at room temperature | Cold food can cause stomach spasms in some dogs. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes after refrigeration. |
| Add warm water to kibble | Softens texture and supports hydration, improving digestibility when combined with Freshpet. |
| Feed at consistent times | Helps regulate gastric motility and reduces likelihood of bloating. |
| Monitor stool daily | Key indicator of gut health during transition. Look for firmness and reduced odor. |
Comment: “How can I tell if my kibble is ‘premium’ or just expensive marketing?”
Scrutinize the ingredient panel, not the packaging. True premium kibble will list a named, whole-animal protein (e.g., “deboned turkey”) as the first ingredient, avoid meat by-products and artificial colors, and include functional additives like probiotics and omega-3s.
Quick Ingredient Audit Checklist:
| 📊 Ingredient Sign | ✅ Premium Indicator | ❌ Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| First Ingredient | Named meat (e.g., “salmon”) | “Meat by-product” or “poultry meal” |
| Grains | Brown rice, oatmeal | Corn, wheat, soy |
| Fats | Chicken fat, flaxseed oil | Tallow, unnamed fats |
| Extras | DHA, glucosamine, probiotics | Sugar, propylene glycol |
| Preservatives | Mixed tocopherols (Vit E) | BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin |
Comment: “Why does my dog’s breath smell worse on kibble than when we tried JFFD?”
Protein type, moisture level, and carbohydrate fermentation are all contributors. Kibble often contains rendered proteins and starches that feed oral bacteria. Low moisture allows bacterial residues to linger. JFFD, on the other hand, uses fresh, whole meats with better bioavailability and moisture, reducing the bacterial load at the gumline.
Comparison Table: Oral Health Impact by Diet
| 🧛️ Factor | 📅 Kibble | 📅 JFFD |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Quality | Often meal-based | Whole, fresh meats |
| Carbohydrate Source | High-glycemic grains | Low-glycemic veggies/rice |
| Moisture | ~10% | 70%+ |
| Breath Odor | Often stronger | Typically neutral |
| Tartar Buildup | May increase | Usually reduced |
Comment: “Is Freshpet as ‘real’ as Just Food for Dogs if it’s not human-grade?”
Freshpet is real food, but legally not ‘human-grade’ due to facility classification. The ingredients often come from the same suppliers as human food manufacturers. The main difference lies in USDA vs. FDA oversight: once ingredients enter a pet-dedicated facility, they no longer qualify for the human-grade label, even if they are of high quality.
Breakdown: Human-Grade vs. Human-Edible Sourcing
| 🕵️♀️ Criteria | 🔝 JFFD | 🔜 Freshpet |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Source | USDA-inspected farms | Human-edible suppliers |
| Facility Type | USDA kitchens | FDA-registered pet kitchens |
| Legal Classification | Human-grade | Feed-grade by regulation |
| Transparency | Open kitchens | Factory tours not public |
Comment: “Can I rotate between all three types—kibble, Freshpet, and JFFD?”
Yes, rotational feeding can diversify nutrient profiles and reduce long-term allergen risks. Just make sure to transition between food types gradually over several days. Each food has different fat, moisture, and protein densities. Dogs not accustomed to variety may initially experience loose stools.
Rotational Strategy Guide:
| ⚖️ Combo | ⏳ Transition Time | 💼 Storage Consideration | ✉️ Feeding Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble + Freshpet | 3-5 days | Fridge once opened | Mix 75/25, then shift |
| Freshpet + JFFD | 2-3 days | JFFD frozen or shelf-stable | Add probiotics if needed |
| JFFD + Kibble | 5-7 days | Seal kibble airtight | Add warm broth for digestion |
Always consult a veterinarian if your dog has chronic GI conditions, pancreatitis, or food allergies before making frequent food changes.
💬 Q: “Why does my dog seem hungrier after switching from kibble to Freshpet or JFFD?”
Because fresh food is less calorie-dense.
Kibble contains only ~10% moisture, so it’s packed with more calories per ounce. Fresh foods like Freshpet or JFFD are 70–75% moisture, meaning your dog eats more volume for fewer calories. It’s not true hunger—it’s just a shift in portion size vs. energy density.
| 🍽️ Feeding Feel vs. Fuel | Kibble | Freshpet | Just Food for Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture % | ~10% | ~72% | ~74% |
| Calories per oz | High | Medium | Low |
| Stomach Fill | Compact | Voluminous | Heavier |
| Satiety Signal | Faster | May delay | May delay |
🧠 Tip: Measure based on calories, not volume. A cup of kibble ≠ a cup of fresh food.
💬 Q: “Can fresh food help my senior dog with arthritis more than kibble?”
Yes—if it contains functional anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Fresh diets like JFFD often include omega-3s from fish oil, while Freshpet’s Vital line has added glucosamine. Kibble can include these too, but their efficacy may be reduced due to processing or dosage.
| 🦴 Joint Support Factor | Budget Kibble | Premium Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3s | Rare or minimal | Often included | Present (some lines) | High-quality fish oil |
| Glucosamine/Chondroitin | Rare | Sometimes added | Yes (Vital recipes) | Therapeutic levels |
| Processing Impact | High loss | Moderate | Steam-retained | Gently cooked |
💡 Bonus Tip: For dogs with joint stiffness, adding golden paste (turmeric + coconut oil + black pepper) as a topper can be a powerful natural support—always vet-approved first.
💬 Q: “Does Freshpet or JFFD help with chronic loose stool?”
They can—but root cause matters.
Loose stool can stem from fat content, fiber types, or hidden allergies. JFFD excels with transparency and offers limited-ingredient and veterinary formulas, making it easier to isolate triggers. Freshpet is simpler but has fewer specialized options. Kibble often has multiple protein sources and synthetic additives that can irritate sensitive guts.
| 💩 Stool Stability Factors | Budget Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Triggers | Fillers, additives | Garlic (trace), carrageenan | High-fat proteins |
| Probiotic Support | Rare | Some (Vital line) | Optional, recommended add-on |
| Fiber Type | Insoluble grains | Moderate | Tailored (e.g., pumpkin, rice) |
📌 Real Advice: Start a 3-day stool log when changing food. Note time of feeding, water intake, stool consistency (1–7 scale), and any supplements. Patterns emerge quickly.
💬 Q: “Is carrageenan in Freshpet really a problem?”
Only for some dogs, and only in large amounts.
Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived thickener used for texture in rolls. Freshpet uses undegraded carrageenan, which the FDA recognizes as safe. But in sensitive dogs, it may contribute to GI irritation.
| 🌿 Carrageenan Breakdown | Type | Used In | Potential Concern? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degraded | Not allowed in pet food | None (illegal) | Yes – inflammatory in studies |
| Undegraded | Freshpet | Rolls only | Rare, but possible GI upset |
🐶 Sensitive Dogs? Switch to Freshpet’s Fresh from the Kitchen line or JFFD, which uses no thickeners.
💬 Q: “If JFFD is human-grade, why is it more expensive than my own cooking?”
Because it’s balanced, not just homemade.
Cooking meat and rice for your dog at home lacks calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, and more—deficiencies that build silently. JFFD includes precise nutrient blends and lab-tested balance for long-term health.
| 🍲 DIY vs. JFFD Comparison | Home-Cooked | Just Food for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Quality | Varies | Human-grade |
| Nutrient Profile | Incomplete without supplements | NRC + AAFCO compliant |
| Feeding Trials | None | Yes – published |
| Long-Term Safety | At risk (calcium, D, zinc gaps) | Proven |
💡 Tip: Use JFFD’s DIY Kit if you want to cook but stay balanced. You shop and cook, they provide the nutrient mix.
💬 Q: “What if I can’t afford full-time fresh feeding?”
Hybrid feeding works incredibly well.
Adding just 20–30% of calories from fresh food can enhance microbiome diversity, hydration, and nutrient absorption. Use JFFD or Freshpet as a topper or alternate meals with high-quality kibble.
| 🧩 Hybrid Model Benefits | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Fresh Topper on Kibble | Boosts palatability and nutrient intake |
| AM/PM Alternating | Helps manage digestion timing |
| 3x Weekly Fresh Meals | Eases wallet strain without losing benefits |
📌 Use this rule of thumb: 1 oz fresh food per 10 lbs of body weight = noticeable upgrade when topping kibble.
💬 Q: “Do dogs get bored eating the same food every day?”
Yes—and it may affect gut health.
Feeding the same food long-term can reduce microbial diversity in the gut. A rotational diet strategy (monthly or seasonal protein shifts) mimics ancestral patterns and reduces intolerance risk.
| 🔄 Rotation Rhythm | Recommended Frequency | Good Combos |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Every 3–4 weeks | Chicken → Fish → Beef |
| Seasonal | Every 3 months | Adjust based on activity/allergies |
| Fresh + Kibble | Alternate bases while keeping core nutrition |
🧠 Note: Always transition slowly—introduce new foods over 4–7 days to avoid GI upset.
💬 Q: “Why does my dog poop more on kibble than on fresh food?”
Because kibble contains more indigestible material.
The extrusion process often requires added fiber (from corn, beet pulp, hulls) to stabilize kibble structure. While some fiber is beneficial, excess insoluble fiber leads to bulkier, more frequent stools. In contrast, fresh diets contain fewer binders and more bioavailable ingredients, resulting in better absorption and smaller stool volume.
| 🚽 Stool Output Comparison | Budget Kibble | Premium Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Source | Corn gluten, cellulose | Chicory root, oats | Pea fiber, veggies | Whole grains, carrots |
| Digestibility (%) | ~75% | ~85% | ~90% | ~93–96% |
| Stool Size | Large, frequent | Moderate | Small to moderate | Small, firm |
💡 Gut Check: If your dog poops 3–4x daily on kibble, that’s undigested waste. On JFFD, that may drop to 1–2x—a sign of higher nutrient retention.
💬 Q: “Do fresh diets offer better hydration for dogs who don’t drink enough?”
Absolutely—and it’s often lifesaving.
Dogs fed dry food rely solely on external water intake, which can leave chronically underhydrated pets vulnerable to kidney stress, especially seniors or small breeds. Freshpet and JFFD naturally deliver moisture as part of the food—like a built-in water bowl.
| 💧 Hydration Impact by Diet | Dry Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture % | ~10% | ~72% | ~74% |
| Water from Food | Minimal | Moderate | High |
| Ideal for Kidney Support? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (mild) | ✅✅ Excellent (especially vet diets) |
🧠 Pro Insight: Dogs need ~50 ml of water per kg of body weight daily. If you rarely see your dog drinking, fresh food may be covering that deficit.
💬 Q: “Why is my dog’s coat shinier on JFFD than on kibble?”
It’s the fat quality and vitamin preservation.
Kibble fats often oxidize during high-heat processing or long storage, even when “preserved with tocopherols.” Fresh diets preserve delicate oils like salmon or flaxseed oil, rich in EPA, DHA, and linoleic acid, which nourish skin and coat at the cellular level.
| ✨ Skin & Coat Nutrition | Budget Kibble | Premium Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Quality | Tallow, rendered fats | Chicken fat, fish oil | Chicken fat, omega-6 | Fish oil, flaxseed, omega-3s |
| Processing Loss | High | Moderate | Low (steam) | Very low (gentle cook) |
| Result on Coat | Dull or flaky | May improve | Shinier | Glossy + reduced shedding |
🐾 Tip: If shedding is excessive or you see flaky skin, boost omega-3 intake—JFFD’s Fish & Sweet Potato formula is ideal for coat recovery.
💬 Q: “Are premium kibbles as healthy as fresh food if they meet AAFCO standards?”
Not quite—AAFCO is the floor, not the ceiling.
Both kibble and fresh diets can legally say “complete and balanced,” but this doesn’t reflect the quality, source, or digestibility of nutrients. A corn-heavy kibble with synthetic vitamins may “meet” AAFCO but absorb poorly. JFFD backs its formulas with feeding trials, proving how nutrients function in real dogs—not just in a lab.
| 📊 AAFCO Compliance vs. Nutrition Reality | Budget Kibble | Premium Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAFCO-Compliant? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ + Feeding Trials |
| Synthetic Additives | High | Moderate | Moderate | Minimal |
| Ingredient Grade | Feed-grade | Mixed | Human-edible | 100% Human-grade |
| Digestibility Validation | None | Some lab data | Some trials | Full AAFCO trials |
⚠️ Reminder: “Complete and balanced” doesn’t mean high-quality. Look beyond the label—ask, how bioavailable is the nutrition inside?
💬 Q: “How do I transition my dog safely from kibble to JFFD or Freshpet?”
Slow and steady prevents digestive backlash.
Kibble and fresh food differ in fat content, fiber types, and water levels, so abrupt switches can shock the GI system. Use a 7–10 day transition, slowly increasing the fresh portion while decreasing kibble.
| 📅 Transition Schedule (Example) | % Fresh Food | % Kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 25% | 75% |
| Days 4–6 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 7–9 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 10+ | 100% | 0% |
🧪 Pro Add-On: Use a probiotic (like FortiFlora or JFFD’s supplement) during transition—it cushions the gut shift and supports beneficial bacteria.
💬 Q: “Do large dogs benefit from fresh food too, or just small breeds?”
They benefit more—especially for joint support and weight management.
Large breeds face higher risks of hip dysplasia, arthritis, and bloat. Fresh diets offer improved digestibility, reduced gas, and better weight control—plus low-glycemic carbs and real joint nutrients that help preserve mobility.
| 🐕🦺 Large Breed Benefits | Kibble | Freshpet | JFFD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloat Risk | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Joint Support | Limited (unless added) | Good (Vital line) | Excellent (Omega-3s, glucosamine) |
| Portion Control | More calories per scoop | Easier to overfeed | Calorie-measured packs |
| Appetite Satisfaction | Moderate | High | High |
⚖️ Big Dog Hack: Use JFFD’s Venison & Squash or Joint & Skin Support recipes—both are rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients and lean proteins.
💬 Q: “Can I feed my dog Freshpet or JFFD if they’re prone to pancreatitis?”
Yes—but choose low-fat recipes.
Pancreatitis-prone dogs require careful fat management (≤10% fat dry matter basis). JFFD offers Balanced Remedy (turkey & rice) with reduced fat and low fiber, making it ideal. Freshpet’s lighter chicken rolls are moderate in fat, but portion control is key.
| 🔥 Pancreatitis Risk by Recipe | High-Fat Kibble | Freshpet Chicken Roll | JFFD Balanced Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat % (As-Fed) | Often >15% | ~7% | ~2.5% |
| Fiber Source | Insoluble grains | Rice bran | Long-grain rice |
| Ideal Use | ❌ Avoid | ✅ In moderation | ✅✅ Therapeutic use |
📌 Caution: Avoid rich, high-fat foods like beef or lamb in sensitive dogs. Always confirm with your vet before switching.
