Home-Cooked Meals for Your Pet — Without the Mess

Imagine giving your dog a nutritious, home-cooked meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen. That's exactly what gently cooked food offers—wholesome, balanced nutrition made with real, human-grade ingredients, cooked to perfection and ready to serve. It's like meal-prepping for your dog, but without the mess, the guesswork, or the time.

November is Gently Cooked Month at Odyssey Pets!

We're thrilled to kick off our first-ever Gently Cooked Month at Odyssey Pets! Gently cooked pet food is one of the fastest-growing trends in pet nutrition, and it’s easy to see why. It provides a fresh, whole-food diet that bridges the gap between raw and kibble—offering convenience, cleanliness, and top-notch nutrition all in one bowl.

Why Gently Cooked?

Gently cooked foods are lightly prepared at low temperatures to preserve essential nutrients while eliminating pathogens, making them both safe and nourishing. They're ideal for pet parents who want better nutrition but aren’t ready for raw, as well as dogs with sensitive stomachs or seniors who may have trouble digesting traditional diets.

Plus, gently cooked meals are perfect for anyone who wants to feed their dog like family—without having to actually cook every day.

Better Than Kibble—Here's Why

While kibble has long been the standard for convenience, it's highly processed and often lacks the moisture and nutrient density found in fresh food. Gently cooked meals, on the other hand:

  • Retain more natural vitamins and minerals

  • Include fewer synthetic additives and preservatives

  • Offer higher meat content and better ingredient transparency

  • Provide natural hydration to support kidney and urinary health

Even better? You don't have to switch 100% to see benefits. Research shows that adding even 20% fresh food to your pet's diet can improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote longevity. So whether you're topping your kibble or switching completely, every fresh bite counts.

A Word About Online Subscription Brands

We know some of the big-name, direct-to-consumer brands like Farmer’s Dog get a lot of buzz. And while we’re all for more people feeding fresh, it’s important to know the facts:

  • You’re paying more for less. Despite their price tags, many of these options are not truly human-grade. They often contain filler ingredients like white potatoes that add bulk but not much nutrition.

  • That "customized" meal plan? It’s mostly marketing. These formulas are rarely tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

  • Delivery drawbacks. Packages can thaw or get stolen off your porch, and rotating between proteins (which we always recommend) can be difficult or unavailable.

The Odyssey Pets Difference

We’re proud to carry premium gently cooked brands that hold up to our high standards:

  • Open Farm

  • Smallbatch

  • My Perfect Pet

  • A Pup Above

These brands offer:

  • Truly human-grade ingredients

  • High meat content for species-appropriate nutrition

  • Transparent sourcing and production

  • Multiple protein options for healthy rotation

Plus, when you shop local with us, you get more than just great food:

  • Buy 12, get 1 FREE with our frequent buyer program

  • Loyalty points = dollars off future purchases

  • Local delivery (no porch thaw-outs or missed boxes)

  • Expert help from our pet nutrition pros who care about your animal like you do

Fresh Food. Real Ingredients. Done For You.

If you’ve ever wanted to home-cook for your pet but didn’t know where to start—or didn’t have the time—gently cooked is your answer. It’s convenient, complete, and closer to nature. And this November is the perfect time to try it.

Swing by the shop, explore our gently cooked offerings, and discover a new way to feed your best friend.

Let our brands do the cooking—you just bring the belly rubs.