Meta Description: Is The Pets Table the best fresh dog food delivery service? Read our honest 2026 review of HelloFresh’s pet food brand—ingredients, pricing, pros & cons, and real customer reviews.
The Day I Realized My Dog Deserved Better Than Kibble
It happened on a random Tuesday. I was meal-prepping my own food—grilled chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh spinach—when I glanced over at my dog’s bowl. There it sat: a sad pile of brown kibble that had probably been sitting in a warehouse for months. My dog looked at me with those big, trusting eyes, and I felt a pang of guilt.
Why does she get ultra-processed pellets while I get real food?
That question sent me down a rabbit hole of pet nutrition research. And that’s when I discovered The Pets Table—a fresh dog food delivery service from the same company that revolutionized human meal kits: HelloFresh.
What I found completely changed the way I think about dog food. And after testing it with my own picky eater, I can honestly say: The Pets Table is not just another pet food brand. It’s a total game-changer.
What Exactly Is The Pets Table?
The Pets Table is a premium direct-to-consumer pet food brand launched in 2023 by HelloFresh Group. The founders—seasoned HelloFresh leaders including CEO Laurent Guillemain and co-founder Anisha Chandra—noticed a massive gap in the pet food market.
As Guillemain put it: “For 12 years, HelloFresh has been on a mission to change the way people eat forever. With the addition of The Pets Table, the company is aiming to change the way everyone eats forever.”
The concept is simple yet revolutionary: dogs deserve the same high-quality, minimally processed food that humans enjoy. The Pets Table delivers human-grade, vet-formulated meals straight to your door—no fillers, no artificial preservatives, no mystery ingredients.
Since launch, The Pets Table has delivered more than 20 million meals nationwide. And 85% of customers report that their dogs prefer it to their old food.
Why The Pets Table Is Different: The Core Philosophy
Human-Grade Ingredients, Period.
Here’s the thing about most commercial dog food: it’s made with “feed-grade” ingredients—the stuff that’s technically safe but not exactly premium. The Pets Table flips that script entirely.
Every recipe uses human-grade whole cuts of meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables. We’re talking real chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, and lamb—not meat “meal” or mysterious by-products.
Developed With a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist
The Pets Table doesn’t just slap together some ingredients and call it healthy. Their recipes are formulated with an on-staff Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist and meet AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages.
That means puppies, adult dogs, and even pregnant or nursing dogs can all eat the same food with confidence. The brand also follows WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines—the same standards top veterinarians use.
Minimally Processed = Maximum Nutrition
The Pets Table offers two main product lines:
Fresh (Frozen) Meals: Gently cooked, human-grade recipes delivered frozen with no preservatives or fillers. Available in flavors like Chicken Casserole with Green Beans, Turkey Casserole with Broccoli, and Beef Stew with Carrots.
Air-Dried Meals: A healthy, shelf-stable alternative to kibble. The gentle air-drying process locks in nutrients and flavor without the high heat that destroys vitamins. Available in Chicken & Sweet Potato, Beef & Berries, Salmon & Whitefish with Pumpkin, and Lamb & Beef with Brown Rice.
There’s also a Mixed Plan that combines both formats, and a “Half of Fresh” option for smaller portions.
How The Pets Table Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Take the Quiz
The process starts with a simple online quiz. You’ll enter your dog’s:
Breed and age
Current weight and ideal weight
Activity level
Any allergies or sensitive stomach issues
Your overall goals for their diet
Step 2: Get a Personalized Plan
The brand’s algorithm calculates your dog’s exact caloric needs and portion sizes. No guessing. No “one size fits all” bags of food.
Step 3: Choose Your Meals
Pick from fresh, air-dried, or mixed plans. You can even select up to three different recipes to keep things interesting for your pup.
Step 4: Delivery to Your Door
Meals arrive in thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly packaging. Fresh meals come frozen with dry ice; air-dried meals are shelf-stable.
Step 5: Serve and Watch the Magic Happen
Portions are pre-measured. Just thaw, serve, and watch your dog’s tail wag like never before.
Real Talk: What It’s Actually Like Feeding Your Dog The Pets Table
I’m not here to sell you fairy tales. Here’s the honest reality of what happens when you switch to The Pets Table.
The “Picky Eater” Test
One Business Insider reporter tested The Pets Table on her picky 50-pound pit mix, Lyla, over the course of a month. Her verdict?
“What truly stood out was Lyla’s positive taste-testing experience… The Pets Table will be a mainstay in our home.”
Another reviewer at mindbodygreen put it even more bluntly: “From the very first bowl, it was clear this wasn’t just ‘better kibble.’ My dog’s reaction made me realize that she notices quality food just like I do.”
The Health Benefits
The Pets Table isn’t just about making your dog happy—it’s about making them healthier. Pet parents report:
Better enthusiasm at mealtime (no more pushing food around the bowl)
Noticeably softer, shinier coats
Zero unhealthy weight gain
Improved digestion and less waste
The Convenience Factor
Let’s be real: convenience matters. With The Pets Table:
No more lugging heavy bags of kibble from the store
No more measuring portions (it’s all pre-portioned)
No more wondering if you’re feeding the right amount
Flexible subscription that you can modify anytime
The Price Point
The Pets Table starts at just $1.38 per day. When you consider what you’re getting—human-grade ingredients, vet-formulated recipes, and the convenience of home delivery—that’s remarkably affordable.
The Pets Table vs. The Competition
The fresh dog food market is getting crowded. Here’s how The Pets Table stacks up:
| Feature | The Pets Table | The Farmer’s Dog | Ollie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | HelloFresh | Private | Private |
| Human-Grade | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vet-Formulated | ✅ (Board Certified) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fresh + Air-Dried Options | ✅ | ❌ (Fresh only) | ❌ (Fresh only) |
| Available in Retail Stores | ✅ (PetSmart, Walmart, Amazon, Chewy) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Picky Eater Approved | ✅ | Mixed | Mixed |
One Trustpilot reviewer who tried both put it simply: “We tried Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and Pets Table—and our picky eater loved Pets Table the best.”
Another reviewer noted: “Pets Table food seems like it’s a GOOD quality food, and I love the freeze-dried beef—something that Farmer’s Dog doesn’t have.”
The Pets Table’s Explosive Growth: What It Means for You
The Pets Table isn’t some small startup. It’s backed by HelloFresh’s world-class supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. And in just two years, it’s expanded rapidly:
March 2025: Launched at Walmart across 201 U.S. locations
October 2025: Debut at PetSmart, the largest specialty pet retailer in North America
Also available: Amazon.com and Chewy.com
This retail presence matters. It means you can now buy The Pets Table in stores—not just online. It also signals that major retailers trust this brand enough to put it on their shelves.
The Science Behind the Food
Let’s get into the numbers, because the data is impressive.
Fresh Recipes (Frozen)
The Chicken Casserole with Green Beans delivers:
Crude Protein: 12% minimum
Crude Fat: 8.5% minimum
Crude Fiber: 1% maximum
Moisture: 78% maximum
Air-Dried Recipes
The Chicken & Sweet Potato formula offers:
Crude Protein: 26% minimum
Crude Fat: 22.5% minimum
Crude Fiber: 3% maximum
Moisture: 20% maximum
According to Dog Food Advisor’s analysis, The Pets Table fresh recipes feature an average protein content of 46.5% on a dry matter basis and a mean fat level of 34%. That’s significantly higher protein than most commercial kibble.
Key Insights: The Bottom Line on The Pets Table
Human-grade ingredients matter. Your dog deserves real food, not processed pellets. The Pets Table delivers whole cuts of meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits—no fillers, no artificial preservatives.
Expert formulation isn’t optional. With a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist on staff, every recipe is scientifically designed for optimal health.
Flexibility is key. Whether you want fresh, air-dried, or a mix of both, The Pets Table offers options that fit your lifestyle.
Convenience without compromise. Pre-portioned meals, home delivery, and flexible subscriptions make healthy feeding easy.
Your dog will notice the difference. 85% of customers report their dogs prefer The Pets Table to their old food.
It’s more accessible than ever. Now available at PetSmart, Walmart, Amazon, and Chewy, plus direct delivery.
The price is competitive. Starting at $1.38/day, it’s affordable for most pet parents.
Backed by HelloFresh. This isn’t a fly-by-night brand—it has the infrastructure and expertise of a global meal delivery giant.
The Pets Table: Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
Human-grade, whole-food ingredients
Formulated by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist
Meets AAFCO and WSAVA standards
Two formats: Fresh and Air-Dried
Flexible subscription plans
Available in major retailers
Picky-eater approved
Pre-portioned for convenience
Transparent ingredient lists
Cons ❌
Only two grain-inclusive fresh recipes (more options would be nice)
Delivery frequency cannot be changed
Shipping costs extra (though first box often has promotions)
Fresh meals require freezer space
Not available for cats yet (currently dog-only)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Pets Table
1. Is The Pets Table worth the money?
Yes. Starting at $1.38 per day for human-grade, vet-formulated food, The Pets Table offers excellent value—especially when you factor in the health benefits and convenience. Many pet parents find their dogs eat less (because they’re getting better nutrition) and have fewer vet bills over time.
2. Is The Pets Table better than The Farmer’s Dog?
It depends on your needs. The Pets Table offers both fresh and air-dried options, while The Farmer’s Dog only offers fresh. The Pets Table is also available in retail stores, making it more accessible. Many picky eaters prefer The Pets Table.
3. Who owns The Pets Table?
The Pets Table is owned by HelloFresh Group, the global meal kit company. It was launched in 2023 by HelloFresh employees including CEO Laurent Guillemain and co-founder Anisha Chandra.
4. What are the ingredients in The Pets Table dog food?
All recipes use human-grade whole cuts of meat (chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, lamb), fresh vegetables, fruits, and added vitamins and minerals. No fillers, no artificial preservatives, no by-products.
5. Does The Pets Table meet AAFCO standards?
Yes. All recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. The brand also follows WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.
6. Can I buy The Pets Table in stores?
Yes. The Pets Table air-dried recipes are now available at PetSmart stores nationwide, Walmart (201 U.S. locations), Amazon.com, and Chewy.com.
7. How much does The Pets Table cost?
Plans start at $1.38 per day. The exact price depends on your dog’s size, caloric needs, and the plan you choose. First boxes often come with significant discounts (up to 50% off).
8. Is The Pets Table good for picky eaters?
Yes. Multiple reviewers and customer testimonials confirm that picky eaters love The Pets Table. 85% of customers report their dogs prefer it to their old food.
9. Does The Pets Table offer food for cats?
Currently, The Pets Table offers food solutions only for dogs. Cat food may be available in the future as the brand expands.
10. How does The Pets Table delivery work?
Fresh meals are delivered frozen with dry ice. Air-dried meals are shelf-stable. You can choose monthly or bi-weekly delivery schedules. All deliveries are customized to your dog’s caloric needs.
Final Verdict: Should You Try The Pets Table?
Here’s the honest truth: if you care about what your dog eats, The Pets Table is absolutely worth trying.
The combination of human-grade ingredients, veterinary expertise, convenience, and affordability makes it one of the best options in the fresh dog food market. The fact that 85% of dogs prefer it to their old food isn’t just marketing—it’s a testament to the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into every recipe.
Yes, it costs more than cheap kibble. But you’re not buying cheap food—you’re buying better health, more energy, a shinier coat, and years of tail-wagging happiness for your best friend.
My picky eater? She finished every single bite. No leftovers. No pushing food around the bowl. Just pure, joyful eating.
And honestly? That’s worth every penny.
Ready to see if your dog loves The Pets Table? Most plans come with a risk-free trial—so you have nothing to lose except your dog’s old, boring kibble.
