Get ideas for feeding your dog real, fresh food. This post was sponsored by Freshpet, but all opinions are my own. 

A woman feeds two excited dogs with natural dog food from Freshpet. A Basset hound and an English cocker spaniel jump up.

If you’re a regular here, or on my Instagram or Facebook, you know how much I value natural, real food. One area that I’ve been wanting to improve, though, is in feeding my dogs real food too. 

One of my boys, Winston the English Cocker Spaniel, is quite the picky eater. When I set down his dry kibble I really think I see him do an eye roll before staring at it for 10 minutes, uninterested. Walter, Mr. Basset Hound, on the other hand will eat just about anything. Unfortunately I’m increasingly feeling like he may have some sensitivities (itchy skin for one). 

An English Cocker Spaniel sits in a kitchen next to a bag of Freshpet natural dog food.

It was so timely that Freshpet emailed asking if we’d like to try their natural dog food made with real food. I checked out their website to find out more and was impressed with their mission to feed dogs and cats natural food, as well as their commitment to sustainably sourced food  and minimizing environmental impact. Unlike the kibble I had been buying, Freshpet comes refrigerated. It’s unprocessed and made without preservatives, but will my picky little man eat it? I was skeptical. 

A golden English Cocker Spaniel sniffs a bag of Freshpet dog food.

Sniff sniff. He’s interested! Things are looking up already. 

A golden English cocker spaniel watches as a woman prepares a bowl of natural dog food.

Once I opened the bag, Winston and Walter went absolutely nuts. 

A woman crouches down with a bag of healthy real dog food from Freshpet to feed a Basset hound and an English cocker spaniel.

To my surprise, both dogs wolfed down their dinners. Instead of bits of kibble all over the floor for me to sweep up, there were two completely clean bowls and two happy boys. 

A close-up of a black Basset hound eating from a glass bowl.

Walter’s thoughts went something like, “Wow, Mom. Wow. Thank you. I wuv you.” These guys certainly recommend Freshpet and not the dried dog kibble that’s overly processed and filled with preservatives. Find Freshpet near you using their handy store locator. 

Real Food Ideas for Dogs

I’m hoping to get some homemade dog treat recipes up for you in the future. For now here are some easy ideas that my dogs love, as well as some foods that are toxic for dogs. Sources include akc.org and canine journal. While I don’t personally eat animal products, dogs are omnivores and eat both animals and vegetables. Cats are obligate carnivores and thrive on meat. 

  • Freshpet fresh dog food 
  • Steamed sweet potatoes 
  • steamed carrots 
  • steamed peas 
  • cooked pumpkin (good for digestion) 
  • Peanut Butter 
  • Corn kernels 
  • Quinoa
  • Rice 
  • Eggs 
  • Fish 

Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

  • Chocolate 
  • Alliums (onions, garlic, leeks) 
  • Macadamia nuts 
  • Almonds 
  • Xylitol (a sugar-free sweetener) 
  • Grapes and Raisins 
  • Avocado

Homemade Dog Treats to Try