We're often asked about the most cost-effective (and sustainable) way to incorporate fresh food into a dog's diet. Many of us use fresh food as a topper rather than the full diet; even replacing about 25% of your dog’s daily intake with fresh food can have meaningful benefits—things like improved digestion, better stool quality, healthier skin/coat, and overall nutrient diversity.
A simple approach that works well for many people is:
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Feed a high-quality kibble as the base
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Add a smaller portion of fresh food (like Frank’s Fresh) on top
If you’re looking for better kibble options to pair with fresh, some of the more thoughtfully made ones include Carna4, Farmina, Nature’s Logic, Open Farm, and Orijen—they tend to use higher-quality ingredients and fewer fillers than typical grocery store brands (read on for a handy overview of each).
The goal definitely doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, fresh vs. dry. A little fresh goes a long way, and it's absolutely possible to make healthier food choices for your furry buddy that will help find a balance that feels good both nutritionally and financially.
Carna4
Why it stands out:
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No synthetic vitamin/mineral premix (very rare in kibble)
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Uses sprouted seeds for nutrient bioavailability
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Gently baked, not ultra-processed extrusion in the same way
Farmina N&D (Ancestral Grain / Prime lines)One of the only kibbles formulated entirely from whole foods, without added synthetic vitamins. (Worth noting: Sprouted ingredients can improve digestibility and nutrient absorption compared to standard grains)
Why it stands out:
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Lower carb than most kibble
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Uses named animal proteins and functional ingredients (like blueberry, pumpkin)
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European formulation standards (often stricter sourcing)
Nature’s Logic (Distinction line)A more protein-forward kibble with thoughtful ingredient sourcing and less reliance on fillers.
Why it stands out:
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Like Carna4, avoids synthetic vitamin premixes
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Uses food-based nutrients (organ meats, seeds, etc.)
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Still extruded, but ingredient philosophy is strong
Open Farm (Ancient Grains or RawMix)One of the few traditional kibbles that tries to derive nutrients from real food instead of lab-made additives.
Why it stands out:
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Strong transparency (traceable sourcing)
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Higher welfare meats
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Raw-coated options for improved palatability
Orijen (or Acana as a slightly more affordable option)A more ethical, transparent kibble option with better ingredient sourcing than most big brands.
Why it stands out:
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High inclusion of animal ingredients
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Lower carbohydrate content than typical kibble
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Widely regarded as one of the more “biologically appropriate” kibbles
Often considered a top-tier kibble for protein quality and formulation