Meta Description: Is The Pets Table worth it? Read our honest 2026 review of HelloFresh’s human-grade dog food—ingredients, pricing, real customer reviews, and if it’s better than kibble.
Introduction: The Day I Realized My Dog Deserved Better
I still remember the moment it hit me. I was chopping fresh vegetables for my own dinner—organic kale, sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers—while my dog, a 65-pound rescue named Milo, sat patiently by his bowl waiting for the same brown kibble he’d eaten for three years straight.
Why does he get the ultra-processed stuff while I get the real food?
That question sparked a journey that led me straight to The Pets Table—and it completely changed how I think about dog nutrition.
Here’s the thing: the fresh dog food market is projected to hit $34.9 billion by 2032. Pet parents are waking up to the fact that our dogs deserve the same quality food we give ourselves. And The Pets Table, launched in 2023 by the meal-kit giant HelloFresh, is leading that charge.
But is it actually worth the switch? After digging deep into the ingredients, talking to veterinarians, reading hundreds of customer reviews, and even testing it with real dogs (including my own picky eater), I’ve got answers.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about The Pets Table.
What Exactly Is The Pets Table?
The Pets Table is a premium pet food brand born from HelloFresh—the company that revolutionized human meal delivery. The concept is simple yet powerful: if humans deserve fresh, whole-food meals, why don’t our dogs?
The brand offers personalized, human-grade dog food delivered straight to your door. But unlike many competitors, The Pets Table gives you flexibility—you can choose between fresh frozen meals, air-dried food, or a mix of both.
Founded in 2023, The Pets Table has already delivered over 20 million meals nationwide. That’s not just a startup—that’s a movement.
“Our mission has always been to help dogs live healthier, happier lives through better nutrition.” — Laurent Guillemain, Co-Founder & CEO of The Pets Table
How The Pets Table Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: The Quiz
It starts with a simple online questionnaire. You’ll enter your dog’s:
- Breed, age, and weight
- Activity level
- Any allergies or sensitivities
- Your goals (weight management, coat health, digestion, etc.)
Step 2: Customization
Based on your answers, The Pets Table’s algorithm calculates exact caloric needs and portion sizes. You then choose your feeding format:
- 100% Fresh — Human-grade, gently cooked meals delivered frozen
- 100% Air-Dried — Shelf-stable, nutrient-dense alternative to kibble
- Mixed Plan — A combination of both
Step 3: Delivery
Your meals arrive in insulated, eco-friendly packaging. Fresh meals stay frozen; air-dried meals are shelf-stable.
Step 4: Serve
Portioning is a breeze—each meal is pre-measured based on your dog’s needs. Just thaw, serve, and watch the tail wag.
The Products: Fresh vs. Air-Dried
🥩 Fresh Frozen Meals (Human-Grade)
These are gently cooked, whole-food meals that arrive frozen. They contain no preservatives or fillers.
Available Recipes:
All fresh recipes meet AAFCO standards for all life stages and follow WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.
🌬️ Air-Dried Meals (Kibble Alternative)
Billed as a “healthy alternative to kibble,” these are gently air-dried at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and flavor.
Available Recipes:
- Chicken & Sweet Potato
- Beef & Berries (grain-free)
- Salmon & Whitefish with Pumpkin (allergen-friendly)
- Lamb & Beef with Brown Rice (grain-inclusive)
Beef & Berries ingredients: Beef, Eggs, Apples, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Chickpeas, Spinach, Flaxseed, and a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
The Ingredients: What’s Actually in the Bowl?
Let’s be real—most dog food ingredient lists read like a chemistry experiment. The Pets Table is different.
What you’ll find:
- Named animal proteins (chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, pork)—not vague “meat meal”
- Whole fruits and vegetables—blueberries, cranberries, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach
- Healthy fats—salmon oil, flaxseed (rich in omega-3s)
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- No fillers—no corn, wheat, or soy
What you won’t find:
- Artificial anything
- By-products or unnamed meats
- Excessive carbohydrates
The brand works with an on-staff Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist to formulate every recipe.
The Science: Why Fresh Food Matters
Here’s what the research shows—and why pet parents are making the switch:
Better digestibility — Fresh, whole foods are easier for dogs to break down and absorb
Boosted immune support — Nutrient-rich ingredients support overall health
Reduced waste — Less filler means less stool volume
Improved skin and coat — Omega-3s from salmon oil and flaxseed promote shine
Weight management — Precise portion control based on your dog’s specific needs
The Pets Table vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
The biggest differentiator? Flexibility. The Pets Table is the only major fresh food brand offering both fresh frozen AND air-dried options in one subscription.
Real Customer Reviews: What Pet Parents Are Saying
The Good
“I was pleasantly surprised by how much my picky dog liked The Pets Table—she enjoyed the flavor of all three recipes she tried. I also appreciated the simple ordering process and the convenient packaging.” — Business Insider review
“For my dog, the benefits were immediate: better enthusiasm at mealtime, a noticeably softer coat… The personalization is thoughtful, the quality of ingredients is high.” — mindbodygreen review
“I’ve never seen my picky Shepherd mix more eager to eat her food… Easy tasty option for our picky pet! I don’t think we will ever be able to buy kibble again.” — My Subscription Addiction
The Considerations
- Cost — Premium quality comes at a premium price. It’s more expensive than kibble, though comparable to other fresh food services
- Storage — Fresh meals require freezer space
- Transition — Some dogs need a gradual transition from kibble
The Stats
85% of customers report their dogs prefer The Pets Table to their previous food.
Hidden Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
🔍 The Pets Table is backed by HelloFresh — one of the world’s largest meal-kit companies. That means serious supply chain expertise and quality control
🔍 They’ve already delivered 20+ million meals — in just a few years
🔍 You can find them in PetSmart, Walmart, Chewy, and Amazon — making it one of the most accessible premium dog food brands
🔍 The air-drying process preserves nutrients better than traditional kibble extrusion — low heat means vitamins and minerals stay intact
🔍 They offer a “Half of Fresh” plan — perfect for using as a topper on existing kibble
Is The Pets Table Right for Your Dog?
The Pets Table is ideal for:
- Picky eaters who turn their nose up at kibble
- Dogs with allergies or sensitivities
- Pet parents who want human-grade nutrition
- Owners who want the convenience of delivery
- Anyone who believes their dog deserves better
It might not be right for:
- Budget-conscious pet parents (it’s a premium product)
- Those without freezer space for fresh meals
- Dogs who thrive on their current diet with no issues
Key Insights & Important Takeaways
- The Pets Table offers two product lines — fresh frozen (human-grade) and air-dried (kibble alternative) — giving you unmatched flexibility
- Every recipe is formulated with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist and meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
- 85% of dogs prefer The Pets Table to their previous food, according to customer reports
- Ingredients are whole and recognizable — no fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products
- The brand is backed by HelloFresh and has already delivered over 20 million meals
- Retail availability is expanding rapidly — now at PetSmart, Walmart, Chewy, and Amazon
- Pricing starts at ~$1.38 per day — competitive with other premium fresh food brands
FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know
1. Is The Pets Table dog food good for dogs?
Yes. The Pets Table uses human-grade, whole-food ingredients, is formulated by a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, and meets AAFCO standards for all life stages. Wag! gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating.
2. How much does The Pets Table cost per month?
Pricing varies based on your dog’s size and caloric needs, but plans start at **as little as $1.38 per day**. A typical monthly subscription for a medium-sized dog ranges from $40-80.
3. Is The Pets Table affiliated with HelloFresh?
Yes! The Pets Table was launched in 2023 by HelloFresh, the global meal-kit company. This gives the brand serious supply chain expertise and quality control.
4. Where can I buy The Pets Table dog food?
You can order directly from ThePetsTable.com (subscription), or purchase air-dried recipes at PetSmart, Walmart, Chewy, and Amazon.
5. What’s the difference between The Pets Table fresh and air-dried?
Fresh meals are human-grade, gently cooked, and delivered frozen. Air-dried meals are shelf-stable, gently dried at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, and serve as a healthy alternative to kibble.
6. Does The Pets Table use human-grade ingredients?
Yes. The fresh meals are explicitly human-grade. The air-dried meals use whole, recognizable ingredients without fillers or artificial additives.
7. Is The Pets Table good for dogs with allergies?
Yes. The brand offers allergen-friendly options, including grain-free recipes and limited-ingredient profiles like Salmon & Whitefish with Pumpkin and Lamb & Beef with Brown Rice. The quiz also lets you specify allergies.
8. Does The Pets Table ship to my area?
The Pets Table ships nationwide in the U.S. via their subscription service. Air-dried products are also available in retail stores nationwide.
9. What are The Pets Table’s most popular recipes?
For fresh: Chicken Casserole with Green Beans and Beef Stew with Carrots. For air-dried: Chicken & Sweet Potato and Beef & Berries.
10. Is The Pets Table cheaper than The Farmer’s Dog?
Generally, yes. The Pets Table starts at ~$1.38/day compared to The Farmer’s Dog at ~$2-3/day. The air-dried option is also more affordable than fully fresh plans.
Final Verdict: Is The Pets Table Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: The Pets Table is one of the best things to happen to dog nutrition in years.
It delivers on every front—quality ingredients, veterinary expertise, convenience, and flexibility. The fact that you can mix fresh and air-dried meals means it works for every lifestyle, whether you have freezer space or not.
Yes, it costs more than kibble. But when you consider that you’re feeding your dog real, human-grade food instead of ultra-processed pellets, the value becomes clear.
The Pets Table isn’t just dog food—it’s a statement that our four-legged family members deserve the same quality we give ourselves.
And honestly? After watching Milo practically dance at mealtime for the first time in years, I’m never going back.
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