Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Our fresh recipes can be used as a nutritious topper to enhance your dog’s existing meals, adding real ingredients, natural flavor, and variety to their daily routine. It’s also a great way to let your dog “vote with their bowl” before making a full transition — because let’s be honest, some pups have very refined opinions when it comes to dinner. Thankfully, our recipes have won over even the most discerning (and dramatically selective) eaters.

We believe that the term all natural should mean something. Our recipes are made with real, recognizable ingredients like whole proteins, vegetables, and grains, without artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products. In other words, if you can pronounce it and recognize it in your own kitchen, it probably belongs here — and if it doesn’t, you won’t find it in our recipes. We source thoughtfully, including grass-fed lamb from New Zealand and ingredients procured through trusted suppliers, because quality begins long before the cooking process. What you see on the label is exactly what goes into the bowl — simple, honest food prepared with care. It’s simply real food, thoughtfully prepared and shared from our hearth to yours…

We understand every dog’s needs are a little different. That’s why portion sizes can vary depending on your dog’s weight, age, activity level, metabolism, and overall body condition. Because every dog is different, the best way to determine the ideal amount — especially when transitioning to a new diet or introducing fresh food in a meaningful way — is to consult your veterinarian. In the meantime, our product pages include suggested daily portions based on weight to help you get started. We provide guidance for both full meal replacement (100%) and topper or mix-in feeding (50%) so you can choose the approach that best fits your dog’s needs and your feeding goals. (Friendly reminder: consult the “transitioning” section to get ideas on integrating ADH Fresh recipes into your pups diet plan; it is suggested to not start at maximum amount on Day 1)

Our meals are gently cooked and then frozen to help preserve freshness and nutrients. Keep them stored in the freezer until you’re ready to use them, then thaw in the refrigerator. Once thawed, we recommend using the food within 3–4 days. Serve chilled or slightly brought to room temperature — some dogs prefer it just a bit warmed (never microwaved in the packaging). As with any fresh food, safe handling and clean bowls go a long way.

Many pet parents choose fresh food because it allows for greater ingredient transparency. Our recipes use simple, recognizable ingredients without artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products, which can make it easier to identify what works best for your dog. That said, every dog is unique. If your dog has known food allergies or medical conditions, we recommend reviewing the ingredient list carefully and consulting your veterinarian before introducing any new diet.

While many healthy adult dogs transition smoothly to fresh food, it’s always wise to involve your veterinarian when making meaningful dietary changes — especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions. Fresh nutrition works best as part of a broader wellness plan. Your vet can help you determine the right portion sizes and ensure the diet aligns with your dog’s specific needs.

We’re happy to offer complimentary trial samples so your dog can experience A Dog’s Hearth recipes firsthand. We provide up to three packets delivered for trial, giving you the opportunity to see how your dog responds before committing to a larger purchase. After all, some dogs have very strong opinions about what belongs in their bowl — and we respect that. Our trial makes it easy to let them decide. When you’re ready, orders begin at a five-packet minimum (5 lbs), with pricing designed to offer greater value as you order more. We believe fresh food should feel accessible, and trying it first is simply part of the journey.
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At this time, A Dog’s Hearth does not offer nationwide shipping. As a small, craft-focused operation, we prioritize quality, freshness, and hands-on preparation — and that means staying close to home for now. We’re proud to work with local partners to deliver throughout New York City, Westchester, and Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties). Staying local allows us to maintain the integrity of our food and build real relationships within the communities we serve. As we continue to grow, we’ll explore expanding our reach — always without compromising the care and quality that define A Dog’s Hearth. We believe deeply in our mission and look forward to nourishing more dogs and their family hearths in the years ahead.
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