Quick answer

Frozen dog food and freshly crafted dog food both preserve quality through freezing, but they differ in how you store and serve them. Frozen food usually ships in larger quantities and needs freezer space, while freshly crafted meals are portioned for convenience. If you have limited freezer space or want minimal prep, freshly crafted pouches or meatballs may fit better. If you have ample freezer room and want to stock up, frozen options can be more economical.

How freezing preserves quality

Both frozen and freshly crafted dog foods are frozen shortly after preparation to lock in freshness and flavor. This means you get many of the benefits of fresh ingredients without daily cooking. The key difference is in the packaging and portioning: freshly crafted meals often come in pouches or meatballs that are ready to thaw and serve, while some frozen formats may require more planning for thawing and portioning.

Storage and space considerations

Freezer space is a practical factor. Frozen dog food often comes in bulk boxes, such as a 13.5lb box containing six 36oz bags, which can take up significant room. Freshly crafted options may come in smaller pouches that are easier to stack or store in smaller freezers. If you have a second freezer or plenty of space, bulk frozen can be efficient. If not, smaller portions might be a better fit.

Preparation and serving

Both formats require thawing, but the serving method differs. Freshly crafted meatballs are easy to portion as a meal, topper, or treat, while pouches can be squeezed or scooped. Frozen options may need to be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or defrosted in portions. Consider how much time you want to spend on meal prep each day. If you prefer grab-and-go simplicity, pre-portioned meatballs or pouches can save time.

Cost per meal and value

Cost varies by recipe and package size. Bulk frozen boxes often have a lower price per pound, but the upfront cost is higher. Freshly crafted options may have a higher per-meal cost but allow you to buy smaller quantities. For example, a 13.5lb box of meatballs at USD 22.52 works out to a lower cost per pound than a smaller pouch, but you need to store it all. If budget is tight, calculate the cost per day based on your dog's weight and the recommended feeding amount.

Ingredient transparency and sourcing

Both formats can include high-quality ingredients. Open Farm's freshly crafted recipes use human-grade ingredients, such as wild-caught fish recommended by Ocean Wise® or humanely raised meats, along with non-GMO fruits and vegetables. This transparency helps you know what you're feeding, regardless of format. The choice between frozen and freshly crafted often comes down to logistics rather than ingredient quality.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Freezer space: Frozen bulk boxes (e.g., 13.5lb) require significant freezer room, while freshly crafted pouches and meatballs are often smaller and easier to fit. Measure your available freezer space before choosing a format.
  • Prep time: Both need thawing, but meatballs and pouches are pre-portioned and ready to serve, while bulk frozen may require more planning for portioning. If you want minimal daily effort, pre-portioned options win.
  • Upfront cost: Bulk frozen boxes often have a lower price per pound but a higher total cost, while smaller freshly crafted packs cost more per meal but less upfront. Calculate cost per day based on your dog's feeding amount.

Product facts

  • Wild-Caught Fish Freshly Crafted Dog Food: This fresh & gently cooked recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, thanks to a mix of Ocean Wise® recommended, wild-caught fish and non-GMO fruits, veggies and superfoods – all human-grade ingredients. If you want a fish-based recipe with certified sustainable sourcing, this pouch format is easy to thaw and serve.
  • Turkey & Salmon Freshly Crafted Meatballs for Dogs: This fresh meatball recipe features a mix of humanely raised turkey, nutrient rich turkey liver, Ocean Wise certified salmon and non-GMO veggies – all human-grade ingredients. Meatballs are pre-portioned, so you can use them as a full meal, topper, or treat without extra prep.
  • Grass-Fed Beef & Pork Freshly Crafted Meatballs for Dogs: This fresh meatball recipe features a mix of humanely raised beef, pork, nutrient rich pork liver and non-GMO veggies – all human-grade ingredients. A red-meat option in the same easy-to-serve meatball format, ideal for dogs that prefer beef and pork.

Which format fits your routine?

Best for

  • Owners with ample freezer space who want to stock up and save per pound.
  • Dogs that do well on a consistent recipe and owners who don't mind thawing larger portions.

Not for

  • Owners with limited freezer space or who prefer pre-portioned, ready-to-serve meals.
  • Those who want to buy smaller quantities to test before committing to a bulk box.