I fed my picky dog The Pets Table fresh food for a month, and she loved every bite
As a reporter and tester of pet products, I've tried many of the best fresh dog food delivery services with my pup. Since my first round of testing a couple of years ago, I've fed my picky 50-pound pit mix, Lyla, everything from traditional kibble and canned food to some of the fresh brands she's already enjoyed.
So when I got a chance to try The Pets Table — a newcomer in the pet food world from human meal delivery service HelloFresh — I was excited. Over the course of a month, I fed Lyla three of the brand's fresh frozen recipes: Chicken Casserole with Green Beans, Beef Stew with Carrots, and Turkey Casserole with Broccoli.
I assessed the brand based on factors like ordering, delivery, and nutritional value, but what truly stood out was Lyla's positive taste-testing experience and the brand's thoughtful packaging. Thanks to both, The Pets Table will be a mainstay in our home.
How it works
Recipes: The Pets Table recipes meet the nutrition standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for dogs of all life stages (puppies, adults, and pregnant or nursing dogs). The brand also follows the Global Nutrition Guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). These guidelines help veterinarians and pet parents make informed choices about pet food based on expert formulations, nutrition, quality control, and more. Our top picks for the best dog foods also meet these guidelines.
The Pets Table offers five recipes featuring four animal protein options: chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. Each recipe includes added vitamins, minerals, and salmon oil, which can support skin and coat health like the best fish oil for dogs.
Ordering: When you sign up, you'll enter your dog's details, including their age, weight, and activity level. From there, you can choose up to three recipes and set your delivery preferences.
Customization: Unlike other sites, The Pets Table doesn't recommend specific recipes after you complete the questionnaire. Instead, you can choose up to three of the five recipes. Keep in mind that individual ingredients cannot be added or removed from the food.
Delivery: Delivery days vary by zip code. You can usually choose from four different delivery days. You can also add delivery instructions if you'd like the food left somewhere other than your front door, such as your back door or garage.
Packaging: The Pets Table ships its frozen meals in vacuum-sealed plastic bags packed in a cardboard box insulated with dry ice. Trial boxes include a reusable container for storing thawed food in the fridge. Food should be kept in the freezer until you're ready to thaw and serve it.
Our review of The Pets Table
After placing my order, The Pets Table sent frequent notifications about shipment and delivery status, both of which I could also track from my website account page. While this level of communication is standard among the brands I've tested, it's still a valuable feature.
The food arrived in a cardboard box packed with dry ice that kept it frozen solid. I've gone back and forth on whether I prefer dry ice or ice packs for fresh dog food deliveries, but ultimately I've landed on dry ice as the better option. I try to cut down on waste by reusing ice packs, but finding space in my freezer gets tough as orders stack up. The Pets Table also includes a few extras in your trial box: a storage container for thawed food, a feeding guide, a bandana, and a sample bag of treats for your pup.
Unpacking my order was a breeze thanks to the smart packaging — a major pro for me. The food comes in long, rectangular bags that lie flat in the freezer, making them easy to stack and helping conserve valuable freezer real estate.
The feeding guide included in the box provides thawing and serving instructions. After thawing the food in the refrigerator (at least 12 hours before serving), I simply cut open the bag and followed the measurement directions. Lyla's included feeding guide said she should eat one bag per day. This recommendation was fine, according to both her veterinarian and her appetite. For pet parents with dogs that require smaller portions, the measurements printed on the bag will be especially useful. Any leftover food went into the provided storage container to save for the next meal.
I've tried some fresh foods in the past that had a strong odor, but The Pets Table had virtually no smell. What I did smell of the food was pleasant, even when the food was leftover from the day before.
While I was impressed by the convenient packaging and feeding instructions, Lyla was, unsurprisingly, far more interested in the food. With most dog food brands, she tends to lose interest after a few weeks. But during our monthlong trial with The Pets Table, she ate every single meal without hesitation. If you have a picky eater, you'll understand my joy when she polished off each bowl twice a day.
Lyla enjoyed all three of the recipes we tried: the Chicken Casserole, Turkey Casserole, and Beef Stew. I eventually stopped feeding her the Beef Stew due to some slight stomach upset, but even that didn't deter her from coming back for more of The Pets Table. If your dog has food sensitivities, you can easily review the full ingredient lists for each recipe on The Pets Table website. However, you should consult your vet if you're unsure what may be causing your pet to have frequent stomach upset, as there may be a variety of causes.
Cons to consider
Unlike kibble or even canned food, fresh dog food isn't exactly budget-friendly. For this review, I was given a complimentary month of food, but had I subscribed myself, it would have been about $145 for two weeks of meals, plus $10.99 shipping. While The Pets Table is more affordable than some other fresh dog food delivery services, it's still more expensive than Lyla's usual rotation kibble and wet food.
Subscribers can swap recipes before delivery, but individual ingredients can't be customized. When it comes to scheduling delivery, The Pets Table also doesn't offer as much flexibility as other brands. You can choose the delivery date and pause or skip shipments, but The Pets Table determines your delivery frequency, which can range from two to eight weeks.
One other drawback is the limited availability of grain-inclusive recipes. Currently, The Pets Table offers just two grain-inclusive recipes, which were added shortly after I began testing. While my veterinarian and I determined that a grain-free diet is fine for my pup, that might not be the case for all dogs. It's best to consult your vet, who can determine the best diet to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy.
The bottom line
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. While it's not the most customizable option for fresh dog food, it's a great choice if you value a no-fuss, straightforward approach to feeding your pet.
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I fed my picky dog The Pets Table fresh food for a month, and she loved every bite
As a reporter and tester of pet products, I've tried many of the best fresh dog food delivery services with my pup. Since my first round of testing a couple of years ago, I've fed my picky 50-pound pit mix, Lyla, everything from traditional kibble and canned food to some of the fresh brands she's already enjoyed. So when I got a chance to try The Pets Table — a newcomer in the pet food world from human meal delivery service HelloFresh — I was excited. Over the course of a month, I fed Lyla three of the brand's fresh frozen recipes: Chicken Casserole with Green Beans, Beef Stew with Carrots, and Turkey Casserole with Broccoli. I assessed the brand based on factors like ordering, delivery, and nutritional value, but what truly stood out was Lyla's positive taste-testing experience and the brand's thoughtful packaging. Thanks to both, The Pets Table will be a mainstay in our home. How it works Recipes: The Pets Table recipes meet the nutrition standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for dogs of all life stages (puppies, adults, and pregnant or nursing dogs). The brand also follows the Global Nutrition Guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). These guidelines help veterinarians and pet parents make informed choices about pet food based on expert formulations, nutrition, quality control, and more. Our top picks for the best dog foods also meet these guidelines. The Pets Table offers five recipes featuring four animal protein options: chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. Each recipe includes added vitamins, minerals, and salmon oil, which can support skin and coat health like the best fish oil for dogs. Ordering: When you sign up, you'll enter your dog's details, including their age, weight, and activity level. From there, you can choose up to three recipes and set your delivery preferences. Customization: Unlike other sites, The Pets Table doesn't recommend specific recipes after you complete the questionnaire. Instead, you can choose up to three of the five recipes. Keep in mind that individual ingredients cannot be added or removed from the food. Delivery: Delivery days vary by zip code. You can usually choose from four different delivery days. You can also add delivery instructions if you'd like the food left somewhere other than your front door, such as your back door or garage. Packaging: The Pets Table ships its frozen meals in vacuum-sealed plastic bags packed in a cardboard box insulated with dry ice. Trial boxes include a reusable container for storing thawed food in the fridge. Food should be kept in the freezer until you're ready to thaw and serve it. Our review of The Pets Table After placing my order, The Pets Table sent frequent notifications about shipment and delivery status, both of which I could also track from my website account page. While this level of communication is standard among the brands I've tested, it's still a valuable feature. The food arrived in a cardboard box packed with dry ice that kept it frozen solid. I've gone back and forth on whether I prefer dry ice or ice packs for fresh dog food deliveries, but ultimately I've landed on dry ice as the better option. I try to cut down on waste by reusing ice packs, but finding space in my freezer gets tough as orders stack up. The Pets Table also includes a few extras in your trial box: a storage container for thawed food, a feeding guide, a bandana, and a sample bag of treats for your pup. Unpacking my order was a breeze thanks to the smart packaging — a major pro for me. The food comes in long, rectangular bags that lie flat in the freezer, making them easy to stack and helping conserve valuable freezer real estate. The feeding guide included in the box provides thawing and serving instructions. After thawing the food in the refrigerator (at least 12 hours before serving), I simply cut open the bag and followed the measurement directions. Lyla's included feeding guide said she should eat one bag per day. This recommendation was fine, according to both her veterinarian and her appetite. For pet parents with dogs that require smaller portions, the measurements printed on the bag will be especially useful. Any leftover food went into the provided storage container to save for the next meal. I've tried some fresh foods in the past that had a strong odor, but The Pets Table had virtually no smell. What I did smell of the food was pleasant, even when the food was leftover from the day before. While I was impressed by the convenient packaging and feeding instructions, Lyla was, unsurprisingly, far more interested in the food. With most dog food brands, she tends to lose interest after a few weeks. But during our monthlong trial with The Pets Table, she ate every single meal without hesitation. If you have a picky eater, you'll understand my joy when she polished off each bowl twice a day. Lyla enjoyed all three of the recipes we tried: the Chicken Casserole, Turkey Casserole, and Beef Stew. I eventually stopped feeding her the Beef Stew due to some slight stomach upset, but even that didn't deter her from coming back for more of The Pets Table. If your dog has food sensitivities, you can easily review the full ingredient lists for each recipe on The Pets Table website. However, you should consult your vet if you're unsure what may be causing your pet to have frequent stomach upset, as there may be a variety of causes. Cons to consider Unlike kibble or even canned food, fresh dog food isn't exactly budget-friendly. For this review, I was given a complimentary month of food, but had I subscribed myself, it would have been about $145 for two weeks of meals, plus $10.99 shipping. While The Pets Table is more affordable than some other fresh dog food delivery services, it's still more expensive than Lyla's usual rotation kibble and wet food. Subscribers can swap recipes before delivery, but individual ingredients can't be customized. When it comes to scheduling delivery, The Pets Table also doesn't offer as much flexibility as other brands. You can choose the delivery date and pause or skip shipments, but The Pets Table determines your delivery frequency, which can range from two to eight weeks. One other drawback is the limited availability of grain-inclusive recipes. Currently, The Pets Table offers just two grain-inclusive recipes, which were added shortly after I began testing. While my veterinarian and I determined that a grain-free diet is fine for my pup, that might not be the case for all dogs. It's best to consult your vet, who can determine the best diet to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy. The bottom line 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. While it's not the most customizable option for fresh dog food, it's a great choice if you value a no-fuss, straightforward approach to feeding your pet.
Associated Press
16-06-2025
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Fragrant Nigerian-inspired fried rice is easy enough for a weeknight
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How Long Can I Leave Fresh Chicken in the Fridge?
I often use the best meat delivery services to get high-quality chicken delivered straight to my home. But sometimes I don't use it all and need to store the leftovers. If you're wondering how long your chicken will last in the fridge, here's some intel that may keep you from eating spoiled meat. This is especially important because summer is almost here and poultry is a higher-risk meat than beef due to its propensity to develop E. coli and other foodborne illnesses. That's why you never want to eat bad chicken, and storing it properly is key to avoid making yourself sick. The USDA gives chicken just 48 hours to be cooked and consumed after purchase, but that timeframe errs on the safe side and isn't the final word on when bird goes bad. If you're wondering whether or not your chicken is bad or how long it is good for in the fridge, we have answers. Here, we explain how long chicken typically lasts in the fridge and freezer -- both cooked and uncooked -- and how to know when it's time to put that poultry out to pasture. How long does raw chicken last in the fridge? The sell-by date on chicken can be a full week after you buy it. That doesn't mean you should wait that long to cook it. David Watsky/CNET The USDA recommends cooking chicken one or two days after you buy it. If that seems conservative and sooner than the sell-by date on the package, that's because it is -- but there's a reason for that. The sell-by, use-by or freeze-by date may be as long as a week from when you bought it, but that's just the chicken producer's guess as to how long the chicken will be at optimal taste before it starts deteriorating in quality. As many in this Reddit thread and others assert, you can probably split the difference without serious ramifications, but you should never eat chicken that's been in the fridge for more than three or four days. The reason why chicken isn't necessarily safe to eat until that sell-by date is two-fold: For one, that date isn't issued by a regulating body, but rather by the brand. While poultry brands do have to consider consumer safety, their chief goal is enticing retailers to buy their product. The longer it's "good for," the better chance they'll have of making a larger sale. The other reason is that grocery store meat fridges and coolers are usually colder than your average home refrigerators. A normal fridge has to keep meat cold without freezing delicate vegetables and other groceries. Supermarket meat coolers only need to keep meat cold, so they can be at lower resting temperatures. Chicken kept at a colder temperature is naturally going to last longer. How long is cooked chicken good for in the fridge? Cooked chicken is good in the fridge for up to four days. After that, it should be frozen or thrown away. David Watsky/CNET Cooked chicken has a far lower likelihood of developing bacteria but it can still make you sick if you wait too long to eat it, even if it has been stored in the fridge. The USDA recommends you eat chicken within four days of cooking it. Like raw chicken, it should also be stored at under 40 degrees F to avoid rapid spoiling. How long can you store chicken in the freezer? If you're not sure when you're going to get to that package of chicken, put it in the freezer. Getty Images Chicken that's kept frozen (under 0 degrees F) is technically safe to eat for about one year according to but that doesn't mean you should wait a year, or even months, to eat it. Even shrink-wrapped meat will eventually succumb to frost and freezer burn. While that might not cause the chicken to become unsafe, it will affect its deliciousness. The meat may develop a rubbery or mealy texture. Frozen cooked chicken can last indefinitely without risk of illness, but it will start to lose flavor in the freezer almost immediately and texture will also become compromised if exposed to freezer burn. When in doubt, employ the smell and eye test When in doubt, give your chicken a whiff. Some ground poultry may be infused with rosemary extract. Otherwise, it shouldn't smell like much. Getty Images While the sell-by date and USDA recommendations are good guideposts for eating chicken safely, the smell test should always be employed as a backup. Chicken can encounter all kinds of storage mishaps and irregularities in its journey to your kitchen. If you're chicken smells foul, acrid or rotten, it's probably time to chuck it. And keep a close on eye on any changes in the meat's appearance. Chicken that appears slimy or discolored in any way (yellow, brown or green) should be discarded immediately. Does raw chicken have a natural smell? Ground chicken and turkey are sometimes infused with rosemary extract to reduce lipid oxidation. ButcherBox Not usually. Most raw chicken doesn't smell like much and if it does have a strong odor, it could be a sign that something is amiss. That said, some chicken farms and poultry producers add rosemary extract to ground chicken and turkey to reduce lipid oxidation in meats. If you smell a faint herby smell in your ground chicken or turkey, but it's been stored properly and is within the sell-by dates and also within one or two days since you bought it, it may be the rosemary you're smelling and not spoiled chicken. FAQs Can I eat chicken that's been in the fridge for more than two days? The USDA recommends not storing raw chicken in the fridge for more than two days. From our experience, three to four days should be OK, provided you're within the use-by or sell-by date. Beyond this, avoid consuming the chicken. Is it OK to eat cooked chicken after storing it for a few days? Once cooked, your chicken will definitely have a higher chance of not spoiling. However, based on USDA recommendations and our own experience, do not eat cooked chicken after storing it for more than four days.
