Let’s talk about one of my personal favorites that I actually feed my own dogs: The Simple Food Project

If you’ve been around here for a minute, you already know I’m a big fan of raw and fresh feeding… but I’m also a big fan of convenience and feeding what your budget and schedule allow, because real life exists, and this is exactly where this food shines!

It’s freeze-dried, which means you’re getting the benefits of raw feeding without needing to thaw anything, prep anything, or dedicate half your freezer to dog food. It’s shelf-stable, easy to scoop, and perfect for busy routines, while still being a huge step up from traditional kibble... and yes, this is what I currently feed my doxins.

One thing I really love about this brand is the ingredient variety. If you’re someone who likes to actually see whole foods in your dog’s bowl (think things like green beans, blueberries, cranberries, etc), this is going to check that box for you. It’s not just meat and fillers; it’s a thoughtfully built formula with real, functional ingredients that support overall health.

They also offer single-protein options, which is a big win. Whether you’re dealing with sensitivities or just want to keep things simple, having that flexibility matters. Plus, they have a decent variety of proteins overall, so you can rotate and avoid feeding the same thing in a loop, which I always recommend when possible.

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-perfect part (because no food gets a free pass here). They don’t really offer a true “cooling” or "cold" protein option, which can be a downside for some dogs depending on their needs. The bigger thing? Their “duck and trout” recipe has sneaky beef in it. That’s one of those details that can easily get overlooked, but if you’ve got a dog with sensitivities or allergies, that matters a lot. This is your reminder to always flip the bag over and read the full ingredient panel, not just the front label.

That said… even with those drawbacks, I still stand by this being one of the best budget-friendly freeze-dried options out there... and that is not said lightly, because freeze-dried is almost never “budget.” But for the quality, ingredient integrity, and convenience? It’s a really solid value.

Another thing I love is how versatile it is. You can use it as a complete meal, or as a topper to upgrade your dog’s current food. Since it’s fully balanced, you’re not throwing off their nutrition either way, which makes it super approachable if you’re not ready to fully commit to raw.

Bottom line: it’s simple, it’s clean, it’s convenient, and it does what it’s supposed to do. Is it perfect? No. But it’s realistic, it’s high quality, and it’s something I trust enough to feed my own dogs daily, and that’s always my standard.

Since I feed this to my own dogs, it's safe to say this is Certified Pet Nutrition Coach approved!