5 Reasons This Vet Prefers “Fresh-Dry” Over Frozen Dog Food
By: Spot & Tango
Discover why a vet prefers fresh-dry dog food over frozen. Learn how this approach can support nutrition, convenience, and consistency in your dog’s daily diet.
By Dr. Stephanie Liff, DVM
After seeing hundreds of patients, I’ve found a way to give dogs human-grade nutrition without the mess or the high price tag.
As a veterinarian, I’m constantly getting nutrition questions from my clients. For years, I answered that "Fresh Frozen" food like Farmer’s Dog was the gold standard. It uses real meat and veggies instead of the artificial, highly-processed ingredients found in old-school kibble. But the high cost of The Farmer's Dog, along with the need for fridge/freezer space and pre-planning, often made it difficult for the dog owners I worked with to follow my recommendation.
Lately, I’ve been switching my recommendation to Spot & Tango’s UnKibble. UnKibble solves the biggest problems pet parents have with fresh food, cost and convenience, while providing all the same nutritional benefits.
Here are five reasons why UnKibble has become my go-to choice for dog food:
1. Real, Human-Grade Food Without the Hassle
Most "fresh" dog foods come in frozen bricks. You have to remember to thaw them in the fridge, and my clients complained about the "meat juice" that would drip out when scooping from the package to the bowl. The process of freezing, defrosting, hand portioning, and cleaning up messes was too much for many dog owners.
UnKibble is different. It is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, but it’s gently dried using a Fresh-Dry™ process. This preserves the nutrients and the flavor without the need to freeze and thaw. You get the health benefits of fresh food with the convenience of a scoop-and-serve bag.
2. No Fridge Space Required
The amount of fridge and freezer real estate taken up by fresh-frozen dog food was a huge inconvenience to my clients. UnKibble eliminates that problem completely.
The Fresh-Dry™ process kills all harmful bacteria while maintaining nutritional value. It’s made with human-grade meats and whole foods, providing all the same health benefits as fresh-frozen brands like Farmer’s Dog, but is totally shelf stable, making it a more convenient option for dog owners.
3. It’s 40% Less Expensive Than Fresh-Frozen Brands Like Farmer’s Dog
One of the hardest parts of my job is watching a dog thrive on a fresh diet, only to watch the high price tag make it impossible for the owner to maintain. High-quality food doesn't help if the cost is unmanageable.
Because UnKibble doesn't require expensive refrigerated shipping or heavy packaging, it costs significantly less. On average, UnKibble is 40% cheaper than Farmer’s Dog. You can provide your dog with top-tier nutrition while keeping your monthly budget in check.
4. Custom Plans for Better Weight Management
Weight management is one of the biggest challenges I see in my clinic. Being over or underweight can lead to significant health problems and decreased longevity for dogs. Portioning is completely manual with fresh-frozen plans, which can make it hard to get it exactly right.
UnKibble creates a unique plan based on your dog’s weight, age, breed, and activity level. They even send you a personalized, custom-sized scoop just for your dog. Taking the guesswork out of mealtime is the easiest way to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
5. The Taste & Texture Factor for Picky Eaters
UnKibble has been a huge hit with patients whose owners previously described them as picky eaters. A lot of dogs like the taste offered by fresh-frozen foods, but are less interested in its mushy texture.
UnKibble combines the taste of human-grade, fresh ingredients with that satisfying crunch that dogs love. It’s made from real steak, chicken, and fish, but in a format that feels more natural for them to chew. I’ve seen some of the pickiest eaters finally finish their bowls thanks to the UnKibble texture.
The Final Verdict
If you want the health benefits of a fresh diet but hate the mess, hassle, and high price of frozen subscriptions, UnKibble is the clear winner. It’s the most convenient way to keep your dog healthy for years to come, and that’s why it’s my new-go to recommend when my clients ask what to feed their dogs.
FAQ
What is “fresh-dry” dog food?
Fresh-dry dog food is made from real, human-grade ingredients that are gently cooked and dehydrated to remove moisture.
This process preserves nutrients and flavor like fresh food, while making the food shelf-stable and easy to store.
UnKibble uses a proprietary Fresh-Dry™ method to achieve this balance.
How is fresh-dry different from fresh-frozen dog food?
Fresh-frozen food must be stored in a freezer, thawed before serving, and manually portioned.
Fresh-dry food like UnKibble:
- Requires no refrigeration
- Is ready to serve immediately
- Creates no mess
- Is easier to portion
- Has a longer shelf life
You get similar nutritional benefits without the inconvenience.
Why doesn’t UnKibble need refrigeration?
The Fresh-Dry™ process removes moisture and eliminates harmful bacteria, making the food safe and shelf-stable.
This allows UnKibble to be stored at room temperature without preservatives or freezing.
Is UnKibble really cheaper than fresh-frozen brands?
On average, UnKibble costs about 40% less than fresh-frozen subscriptions like Farmer’s Dog.
Lower shipping costs and simpler packaging help keep prices more affordable for pet parents.
Can UnKibble help with weight management?
Yes. UnKibble provides customized feeding plans based on your dog’s size, age, breed, and activity level.
Each order includes a personalized scoop to help ensure accurate portioning.