If you prefer feeding fresh or cooked food, there are plenty of questions worth asking before the first delivery arrives. A meal should suit your dog, fit your routine and provide the nutrients they need over time.
The quick answer
Choose food labelled complete for your dog’s life stage. Freshness, visible ingredients and cooking style do not establish nutritional adequacy on their own. A complete cooked or wet food can provide the foundation of the daily diet.1, 2
Understand complete and complementary
Complete food is formulated to supply the nutrients needed when fed as directed for its intended life stage. Complementary food is designed to be fed alongside other foods. That distinction matters when buying meat mixes, toppers or products that look like a full meal.1
Check the wording on the actual pack rather than relying on a social media description. A high meat percentage does not tell you whether the calcium, vitamins and other nutrients are correctly balanced.
Ask who formulates and checks it
Useful questions include who develops the recipes, what nutritional expertise they have, what quality checks are performed and whether the company can provide full nutrient information. Ask how feeding amounts were established and whether the food is suitable for puppies or only adults.3
The best choice should also be practical. Can you store it correctly? Is the daily cost sustainable? Will you be able to maintain the same standard when travelling or during a busy week?
If you want to cook at home
A combination of meat, rice and vegetables is not automatically balanced. A veterinary nutritionist can formulate a recipe for your individual dog, including the precise ingredients and any necessary vitamin and mineral supplement. Follow that recipe accurately; casual substitutions can change its nutritional balance.2, 4
Plan portions and storage
Use the feeding guide as a starting point and review your dog’s body condition with your vet. Follow the manufacturer’s refrigeration, freezing and use-after-opening instructions. Keep bowls and preparation surfaces clean.
Common questions
Is every fresh food better than every dry food?
No. Quality depends on formulation, safety controls and suitability. This guide focuses on fresh and cooked options because those are the meals you want to explore.
Does my dog need extra supplements with a complete meal?
Not automatically. Check the purpose of each addition and discuss individual needs before adding vitamins or minerals.
General information for dog owners. Your vet can advise on your dog’s individual health and diet.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 7 October 2026. Research findings relate to the studied preparations; listing a source does not mean it endorses ReoRolo products.
- PDSA - Your dog’s diet
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine - Nutrition FAQs
- WSAVA - Global nutrition guidelines and nutrition toolkit
- Blue Cross - Feeding your dog
