JustFoodForDogs is one of the more established brands in the fresh dog food category, offering refrigerated and frozen meals made with whole-food ingredients. Founded in 2010, JustFoodForDogs is one of the more established brands in the fresh pet food category and was an early pioneer of commercially prepared fresh, human-grade dog food. The company markets its recipes as human-grade diets made with fresh meats, rice, vegetables, and added nutrients rather than traditional extruded kibble. According to the company, its Chicken & White Rice Recipe is formulated for all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies.
Let’s examine the JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe and review its ingredient list to better understand how the formula is constructed and what each ingredient contributes nutritionally.
According to JustFoodForDogs, the Chicken & White Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by Association of American Feed Control Officials Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. The company also states that feeding trials using AAFCO procedures substantiate the recipe for complete and balanced nutrition.
Like all commercial pet foods, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight prior to cooking. This means fresh, moisture-rich ingredients such as chicken appear higher on the ingredient panel before moisture loss occurs during cooking.
Ingredient List (Chicken & White Rice Recipe)
Chicken Thighs, Long-Grain White Rice, Long-Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Liver, Kale, Carrots, Apples, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Omega Marine Microalgae Oil, JustFoodForDogs Nutrient Blend. JustFoodForDogs Nutrient Blend: Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Choline Bitartrate, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3), d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Primary Ingredients (by weight)
Chicken Thighs
What it is: Dark meat from chicken
Purpose: Primary protein source providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance, repair, and energy production. Chicken thigh meat generally contains higher amounts of certain minerals and B vitamins than lean white meat, including iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and niacin.
This is the #1 ingredient by weight before cooking.
Long-Grain White Rice
What it is: Enriched white rice
Purpose: Easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy. White rice also contributes B-complex vitamins and minerals such as iron and selenium. It is commonly used in dog foods because of its digestibility and lower fiber content compared to whole grains.
Long-Grain Brown Rice
What it is: Whole-grain brown rice
Purpose: Provides carbohydrates and dietary fiber to support digestion and stool quality. Brown rice also contributes nutrients such as magnesium and B vitamins involved in muscle and nerve function.
Chicken Liver
What it is: Organ meat from chicken
Purpose: Nutrient-dense source of vitamin A, iron, copper, folate, riboflavin, and niacin. Organ meats contribute naturally occurring micronutrients that support immune function and red blood cell production.
Kale
What it is: Leafy green vegetable
Purpose: Provides fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Kale contains vitamins A, C, and K along with minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Carrots
What it is: Root vegetable
Purpose: Source of beta-carotene, which serves as a precursor to vitamin A and supports vision and immune health. Carrots also provide fiber and small amounts of vitamins C and K.
Apples
What it is: Whole fruit with cores removed
Purpose: Provides fiber and naturally occurring antioxidants while contributing palatability and additional phytonutrients.
Sunflower Oil
What it is: Oil extracted from sunflower seeds
Purpose: Source of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid important for skin and coat health.
Flaxseed Oil
What it is: Oil derived from flaxseed
Purpose: Provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that supports skin and coat health.
Omega Marine Microalgae Oil
What it is: Marine algae-derived oil
Purpose: Provides EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, neurological function, and inflammatory response.
JustFoodForDogs Nutrient Blend
What it is: Proprietary vitamin and mineral supplement blend
Purpose: Ensures the recipe meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
Typically includes:
Vitamins (D3, E, B-complex)
Minerals (zinc, magnesium, copper, iodine, iron)
Calcium and phosphorus sources
Choline for metabolic and neurological support
This supplementation is what makes the diet nutritionally complete rather than simply “home-cooked style.” Added vitamins and minerals are standard across virtually all commercial dog foods, including both fresh and kibble formats.
What This Formula Is
Protein-forward: Chicken thighs and chicken liver are the primary contributors by weight
Moderately carbohydrate-inclusive: Uses white and brown rice as digestible carbohydrate and fiber sources
Fresh-food based: Emphasizes whole-food ingredients with minimal processing compared to traditional dry kibble
Supplemented: Uses a nutrient blend to meet complete and balanced nutritional standards
Compared to traditional kibble, this formula is gently cooked rather than extruded under high heat and pressure. However, like all commercial diets, it still relies on added vitamins and minerals for nutritional adequacy.
Quick Takeaways
Strengths
Named whole-food protein sources with chicken thighs as the primary ingredient
Includes nutrient-dense organ meat
Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from multiple oil sources
Uses rice for digestible carbohydrates and fiber support
Relatively short ingredient list focused on recognizable ingredients
Considerations
Relies on vitamin and mineral supplementation to meet nutritional standards (standard across complete dog foods)
Higher moisture content requires refrigeration or freezing
Typically more expensive than traditional kibble diets
Fresh food storage and handling may be less convenient for some households
What “Human-Grade” Actually Means
The term “human-grade” is defined through guidance from the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For a pet food to be accurately described as human-grade, all ingredients must be fit for human consumption, and the product must be manufactured, handled, and stored according to regulations applicable to human food facilities.
Many traditional pet foods are manufactured under feed-grade standards, meaning they are produced under regulations intended for animal feed rather than human food systems.
JustFoodForDogs states that its recipes are made with human-grade ingredients and prepared in facilities that meet applicable regulatory standards. However, the term “human-grade” refers to sourcing and manufacturing conditions only and does not independently determine nutritional adequacy, digestibility, or health outcomes, which depend on the overall formulation and nutrient balance of the diet.
The JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe is a fresh, gently cooked dog food made with chicken thighs, organ meat, rice, vegetables, oils, and added nutrients to ensure it is complete and balanced. Unlike traditional kibble, it is minimally processed and requires refrigeration or freezing rather than shelf stabilization.
The brand has become one of the more visible companies within the fresh pet food category, reflecting broader consumer interest in less processed feeding options. While it is positioned within the premium fresh pet food market, its nutritional completeness—like all commercial dog foods—depends on both ingredient selection and nutrient supplementation.
JustFoodForDogs states that its meals are prepared in its own kitchens in the United States, including production facilities in Irvine, California and New Castle, Delaware, as well as open-to-the-public kitchens located in select retail locations. Producing food in multiple regions may allow products to travel shorter distances before reaching customers, which can support fresher delivery, reduce shipping demands, and potentially lower the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. The company’s use of open kitchens also provides consumers with greater visibility into how the food is prepared and handled.
Key Takeaways
• Uses whole, named ingredients with chicken thighs and organ meat as primary components
• Includes rice for digestible carbohydrates and fiber support
• Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from multiple oil sources
• Relies on a vitamin and mineral blend to meet complete and balanced standards
• Gently cooked rather than extruded into dry kibble
• Ingredient list reflects pre-cooked weight, meaning moisture-rich ingredients appear higher on the panel list
Assessment
Positives
• Clearly identified whole-food protein sources, including nutrient-dense organ meat
• Contains EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids from marine microalgae oil
• Relatively short ingredient list centered on minimally processed ingredients
• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards with veterinary nutrition expertise
Context to Consider
• Like all complete and balanced dog foods, nutritional adequacy depends partly on added vitamins and minerals
• “Fresh” and “human-grade” refer primarily to sourcing and processing standards rather than guaranteed nutritional superiority
• Requires refrigeration or freezing due to high moisture content
• Higher cost and storage requirements may limit practicality for some owners
Simple Translation
This is a fresh, gently cooked dog food made with chicken thighs, organ meat, rice, vegetables, oils, and added nutrients to ensure it meets complete and balanced nutritional standards. While it emphasizes whole ingredients and less intensive processing than traditional kibble, it still relies on formulation and supplementation—like all commercial dog foods—to provide the full range of nutrients dogs need.
Sources
JustFoodForDogs Official Website — Product ingredient list, nutrient blend information, feeding standards, and company statements regarding human-grade manufacturing and formulation practices
JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe Product Page — Primary source for the Chicken & White Rice Recipe ingredient panel, nutritional claims, and AAFCO formulation statements
Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) — Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, ingredient labeling guidance, and definitions relating to complete and balanced pet food standards
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Animal & Veterinary Division — Guidance regarding pet food labeling, manufacturing standards, and use of the term “human-grade” in pet food marketing
Reuters — Reporting on growth trends within the fresh pet food and direct-to-consumer pet food market categories