Frequently Asked Questions
Gut-Healthy Nutrition
The microbiome is the community of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your dog's digestive system.
These microbes help break down food, support nutrient absorption, produce beneficial compounds, and maintain digestive balance. When the microbiome is healthy and diverse, it supports digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. When it becomes imbalanced, digestive issues and other health challenges can follow.
Supporting the microbiome through nutrition — with whole foods and functional ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics — helps maintain long-term digestive health.
Functional gut-healthy nutrition is food designed to do more than satisfy hunger — it's designed to support specific functions in the body. At Get Joy, that starts with the gut.
The digestive system influences nutrient absorption, immune health, energy levels, and overall wellness. That's why we combine whole-food nutrition with Belly Biotics™ (prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics) to intentionally support gut health and digestive balance — rather than just filling a bowl.
When the gut works better, everything works better. That's the difference between format-led food and function-led nutrition.
Why gut health drives whole-body health → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Belly Biotics™ is Get Joy's proprietary gut-health blend built structurally into every Freeze-Dried Raw Meal — not added as a separate supplement or sprinkled on after processing. It combines three components that work together as one complete system:
Prebiotics (Inulin)
Dietary fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria already living in your dog's gut. Without prebiotics, probiotics have limited fuel to establish and survive.
Probiotics (5 strains)
Live beneficial microorganisms including Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis — replenishing and supporting a balanced gut microbiome. Get Joy retains 3 billion CFU per pound, one of the highest concentrations in pet food.
Postbiotics (Yeast Culture)
The bioactive compounds produced when probiotics ferment prebiotics — including short-chain fatty acids that nourish the gut lining and support immune regulation. Postbiotics are the functional output of a healthy gut. Most foods stop at probiotics. We go one step further.
All three depend on each other, which is why Belly Biotics™ was designed as a complete, integrated system rather than a single-ingredient supplement. This is what makes Get Joy function-led nutrition — not just food.
Pre, pro & postbiotics explained → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Many whole foods commonly called “superfoods” can be beneficial for dogs when used appropriately. Examples include:
- Blueberries for antioxidants
- Pumpkin for digestive support
- Spinach and leafy greens for nutrients
- Salmon and healthy fats for skin and coat health
These ingredients support overall wellness, especially as part of a balanced diet. The most important thing is how ingredients work together: a well-formulated meal focuses on balance, digestibility, and supporting the gut, rather than relying on any single ingredient.
Why balance beats any single superfood → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Your dog's body gives you helpful signals. Signs your dog is getting the right nutrition include:
- Consistent, well-formed stools
- Steady energy throughout the day
- A healthy coat and skin
- Maintaining an ideal body weight
- Strong appetite and enthusiasm at mealtime
If your dog has inconsistent digestion, low energy, or changes in coat quality, it may be a sign their current diet isn't fully supporting their needs. Because digestion is at the center of nutrient absorption, supporting gut health helps your dog get the most out of every meal.
Feeding meals made with USDA-quality meat means starting with ingredients held to high standards for safety and quality. But quality meat is just one piece of the puzzle.
Dogs thrive on balanced nutrition that supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellness. High-quality protein provides essential amino acids for muscle development, energy, and everyday vitality. Paired with thoughtfully selected, gut-supportive ingredients, these meals can help:
- Support healthy digestion
- Promote steady energy
- Maintain strong muscles
- Contribute to overall wellbeing
The goal isn't just feeding protein. It's feeding your dog in a way that supports how their body actually works — starting with the gut.
Get Joy recipes are designed around one simple idea: when the gut works better, everything works better.
Instead of focusing only on food trends or formats, we build our meals to support digestion, nutrient absorption, immune health, and overall vitality — starting with real, whole ingredients and thoughtful formulation. We offer two types of meals, each created with the same gut-first philosophy:
Freeze-Dried Raw Meals — whole ingredients preserved by gently removing moisture at low temperatures (not cooking), keeping nutrient integrity in a convenient, shelf-stable food. Each recipe combines premium proteins with our proprietary Belly Biotics™ blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.
Gently Cooked Fresh Meals — whole ingredients gently cooked for safety, digestibility, and flavor, providing balanced nutrition with high-quality proteins and vegetables.
Across both formats, Get Joy recipes are made with real, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, designed to support the gut microbiome, and formulated for complete and balanced daily nutrition. The result is functional nutrition that helps dogs feel better from the inside out.
Yes — Get Joy is formulated for every life stage, from puppies to seniors. Both our Freeze-Dried Raw Meals and Gently Cooked Fresh Meals meet the toughest AAFCO standard — All Life Stages, including large-breed puppies expected to top 70 lbs as adults.
Puppies: Puppyhood is the ideal time to build a healthy gut, since the microbiome and immune system are still developing. The prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in Belly Biotics™ help support strong digestion, nutrient absorption, and healthy growth.
Senior dogs: Older dogs often do best on easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense meals with steady gut support. Belly Biotics™ helps maintain digestive balance, nutrient absorption, and consistent, healthy stools as your dog ages.
Whatever your dog's age, transition gradually over about 7–10 days. If your dog has specific health needs, check with your veterinarian.
Many traditional dog foods are designed primarily for shelf stability and cost efficiency.
Functional dog nutrition focuses on supporting the body’s systems intentionally, starting with digestive health.
Because the gut influences immunity, nutrient absorption, energy levels, and inflammation balance, supporting the gut can help improve overall wellness.
Get Joy combines whole freeze-dried raw food with Belly Biotics™ to support digestive balance in every meal.
Creating Your Plan
The cost of fresh dog food depends on your dog's size, calorie needs, and feeding plan. Smaller dogs typically require less food, while larger or more active dogs need more to support their energy.
Many dog parents choose to:
- Feed fresh or freeze-dried raw as a full meal
- Use it as a topper to enhance their current food
This flexibility lets you find an approach that fits your dog's needs and your budget. As a guide, Get Joy Freeze-Dried Raw starts at about $3.47 per day for a 10 lb dog on subscription, or roughly $1–$3 a day as a topper. The focus is consistent, high-quality nutrition that supports your dog's health over time.
Use freeze-dried raw as an affordable topper → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
The best place to start is simple. Look for meals made with real, whole ingredients that are easy to digest and nutritionally balanced. Starting with a single protein your dog already tolerates well helps make the transition smoother.
Many dog parents begin by:
- Using fresh or freeze-dried raw food as a topper
- Gradually transitioning over 7–10 days
- Keeping feeding consistent day to day
The key isn't perfection — it's consistency. Over time, even small improvements in what you feed can support better digestion, energy, and overall wellness.
Start with a freeze-dried raw topper → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Dogs. They're honest, enthusiastic, and never shy about sharing their opinions. If a bowl doesn't come back empty, we go back to work.
That's why every Get Joy order is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee. If your pup isn't loving their meals, just let us know and we'll make it right.
Your Subscription
Packaging and Shipping
Caring for dogs also means caring for the planet they explore every day, so we design our packaging to balance sustainability, safety, and food freshness.
Our Fresh Meals arrive in a recyclable cardboard box with insulated liners that keep meals cold in transit. We use a paper-based liner that is 100% curbside recyclable and designed to replace materials like Styrofoam — it locks in cold and blocks heat while reducing environmental impact.
All of our packaging materials are BPA-free, non-toxic, and food-safe, and we keep looking for ways to reduce waste. For the most accurate disposal instructions, refer to the liner included in your shipment.
Gut Health 101
Young dogs benefit from digestive support, especially during weaning or food transitions. Their developing microbiomes are more sensitive, so choose puppy-appropriate probiotics and avoid dramatic dietary changes that could disrupt their delicate digestive balance.
Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet or adding new supplements.
Yes. Nutrition plays an important role in supporting the gut's natural ability to maintain balance and resilience.
The digestive system is constantly renewing itself, and the nutrients your dog consumes help support that process. Whole foods, quality proteins, fiber, and gut-supportive ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics can help nourish beneficial bacteria and promote a healthier digestive environment.
While every dog is different, consistent nutrition can help support digestive balance over time.
Gut health is built meal by meal, not overnight.
Just like people don't see the benefits of healthy eating after a single salad, dogs don't experience lasting digestive improvements from one bowl of food. The gut microbiome responds to consistent habits over time. Feeding a nutritionally balanced diet every day helps create an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive and support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellness.
Consistency is often one of the most important ingredients in long-term health.
Why consistency matters for gut health → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
A healthy gut does much more than digest food — it supports nutrient absorption, immune health, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Signs of a healthy gut in dogs may include:
- Consistent, well-formed stools
- Healthy appetite
- Steady energy throughout the day
- Comfortable digestion
- Healthy skin and coat
Because the gut influences so many systems throughout the body, supporting digestive health helps your dog thrive from the inside out.
Fresh dog food can support gut health when it's made with digestible, whole ingredients and balanced nutrition.
Because the gut is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, what your dog eats directly affects how well their digestive system functions. When meals are easier to digest, the body can:
- Absorb nutrients more efficiently
- Support a balanced gut microbiome
- Maintain consistent stools
- Support immune function
Fresh food is a great step toward better ingredient quality. For even deeper gut support, some diets include functional ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria — which is exactly what Get Joy builds in with Belly Biotics™.
The gut microbiome is the community of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms living in your dog's digestive system — and it matters because it influences far more than digestion.
These microbes help break down food, produce certain nutrients, support immune function, and maintain digestive balance. When the microbiome is healthy and balanced, digestion works more efficiently and the body absorbs more of the nutrients it needs. When it's imbalanced, dogs may experience digestive discomfort, inconsistent stools, or other health changes.
Because so much of the immune system is connected to the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome through nutrition can help maintain long-term wellness — from the inside out.
How pre, pro & postbiotics support the microbiome → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Yes. The digestive system plays a central role in many areas of a dog's health. A balanced gut helps the body:
- Absorb nutrients more efficiently
- Support immune function
- Maintain healthy inflammation levels
- Produce steady energy
- Maintain healthy skin and coat
Because so much of the immune system is connected to the gut, improving digestive balance can support overall wellness from the inside out. This is the heart of Get Joy's gut-first approach.
Why gut health is whole-body health → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Digestive imbalance can show up in several ways — some obvious, some easy to overlook. Common signs of gut imbalance in dogs include:
- Inconsistent stools
- Gas or digestive sensitivity
- Frequent itching or skin irritation
- Low or inconsistent energy
- Changes in appetite
- Occasional vomiting or stomach upset
Because the gut plays such an important role in digestion, immunity, and inflammation balance, these symptoms can point to a digestive system that needs better support. Improving nutrition and supporting the gut microbiome can often help restore balance over time.
If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult your veterinarian.
Probiotics can play an important role in supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut.
A healthy gut microbiome helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, immune support, and maintaining a stable digestive environment. Many dog parents choose foods that include prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics — these work together to nourish beneficial bacteria and maintain a healthy gut ecosystem.
Consistent dietary support helps maintain that balance over time. That's why Get Joy builds Belly Biotics™ — all three biotics — directly into every Freeze-Dried Raw Meal, rather than relying on a sprinkle-on probiotic alone.
Pre, pro & postbiotics explained → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Ingredient quality plays a major role in how well a dog's body can digest and use nutrients.
High-quality proteins, whole foods, and thoughtfully selected ingredients are typically easier for the digestive system to process and absorb. Lower-quality ingredients may be harder to break down or provide fewer usable nutrients.
When dogs consistently eat high-quality ingredients, their digestive system can function more efficiently — which supports nutrient absorption, stool consistency, and overall wellness.
Foods that support digestion are typically made with whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that are easy for the body to absorb and use.
High-quality proteins, natural sources of fiber, and foods that support the gut microbiome all play an important role. Ingredients like vegetables, healthy fats, and functional nutrients help feed beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Equally important is how the food is made. Minimally processed foods that preserve nutrients and digestibility can help support a healthier gut environment over time.
When the digestive system is supported properly, dogs are better able to absorb nutrients, maintain steady energy, and produce consistent stools.
Packaging, Sustainability, & Shipping
Yes. You can always go to your account to manage your deliveries — pause, cancel, or shift your delivery date anytime.
Prefer a hand? Email us at cares@getjoyfood.com or call/text us at (203) 296-3132.
To adjust portion sizes, log in to your customer account, click Subscriptions, open your active subscription, and select “Manage Subscription” to edit portion size and flavor.
You can also contact us directly at cares@getjoyfood.com and we'll be happy to help.
Gently Cooked Fresh Meals should be kept in the freezer until you're ready to use them — they stay good for up to 16 months frozen.
Move 2–3 days' worth of meals to the refrigerator to thaw. Once thawed, use within 3–4 days. Keep moving meals from freezer to fridge as needed until your next delivery arrives — think of it like meal prepping.
Freeze-Dried Raw Meals are shelf-stable — no refrigeration needed before or after opening.
Store your bag in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. After opening, reseal the bag tightly after each use to maintain freshness and protect the live probiotics in Belly Biotics™. For best results, use within 30 days of opening. Unopened bags have a shelf life of 2 years from the manufacture date.
The Gut Health Journey
Yes. Just like exercise, sleep, and good nutrition support our health throughout life, gut health benefits from consistent daily care.
The gut microbiome is constantly changing in response to diet, environment, age, and lifestyle. Continuing to feed nutritious, gut-supportive meals helps maintain digestive balance and supports overall wellness throughout your dog's life.
The goal isn't to “fix” the gut once. It's to support a healthy, resilient digestive system for years to come.
Why gut health is a lifelong habit → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Some dog parents notice changes within the first few weeks, while others see gradual improvements over a longer period.
The timeline depends on factors such as your dog's age, current diet, activity level, and overall digestive health. The most important thing is consistency — supporting gut health is a long-term investment, and the benefits often build over time.
How gut health develops over time → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Many improvements begin inside the body before they're obvious on the outside. Over time, you may notice:
- More consistent stools
- Comfortable digestion
- Steadier energy
- Healthy appetite
- Improved overall vitality
Every dog's journey is different, but these are common signs that digestive balance and overall wellness are moving in the right direction. Consistency is key — gut health builds over time.
Stool changes are one of the most common signs that your dog's digestive system is adapting to a new diet.
As new ingredients and nutrients enter the digestive tract, the gut microbiome begins adjusting, and stool consistency may temporarily change. In many cases this is simply a sign the digestive system is adapting. Gradual transitions and consistent feeding help support a smoother adjustment.
If you have concerns or symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.
The first two weeks are a period of adjustment as your dog's digestive system adapts to new nutrition. Many dogs transition smoothly, while others may have temporary digestive changes as their gut microbiome adjusts.
During the first few days, your dog is simply getting used to the new food. Around the middle of the transition, you may notice changes in stool consistency or digestion. As the gut adapts, many dogs begin showing signs of improved digestive balance and more consistent stools.
Every dog is different, but a little adjustment during the first week is completely normal. A gradual transition over 7–10 days helps.
How to transition your dog's food → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Health and wellness are an investment, not a quick fix.
When you change your dog's food, their digestive system and gut microbiome need time to adjust. Beneficial bacteria are adapting, nutrient absorption is changing, and the body is learning to process new ingredients. Some dogs show improvements quickly, while others need more time.
The goal isn't a dramatic overnight transformation. It's helping your dog build a stronger foundation for long-term health and wellbeing.
Our Recipes
Belly Biotics™ is Get Joy's proprietary gut-health blend built structurally into every Freeze-Dried Raw Meal — not added as a separate supplement or sprinkled on after processing. It combines three components that work together as one complete system:
Prebiotics (Inulin)
Dietary fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria already living in your dog's gut. Without prebiotics, probiotics have limited fuel to establish and survive.
Probiotics (5 strains)
Live beneficial microorganisms including Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis — replenishing and supporting a balanced gut microbiome. Get Joy retains 3 billion CFU per pound, one of the highest concentrations in pet food.
Postbiotics (Yeast Culture)
The bioactive compounds produced when probiotics ferment prebiotics — including short-chain fatty acids that nourish the gut lining and support immune regulation. Postbiotics are the functional output of a healthy gut. Most foods stop at probiotics. We go one step further.
All three depend on each other, which is why Belly Biotics™ was designed as a complete, integrated system rather than a single-ingredient supplement. This is what makes Get Joy function-led nutrition — not just food.
Pre, pro & postbiotics explained → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
Many whole foods commonly called “superfoods” can be beneficial for dogs when used appropriately. Examples include:
- Blueberries for antioxidants
- Pumpkin for digestive support
- Spinach and leafy greens for nutrients
- Salmon and healthy fats for skin and coat health
These ingredients support overall wellness, especially as part of a balanced diet. The most important thing is how ingredients work together: a well-formulated meal focuses on balance, digestibility, and supporting the gut, rather than relying on any single ingredient.
Why balance beats any single superfood → · Shop Freeze-Dried Raw →
“Vet-formulated” should mean more than a label. Look for food that is:
- Nutritionally complete and balanced
- Designed to support digestion and nutrient absorption
- Made with high-quality, whole ingredients
- Backed by nutritional expertise, not just trends
It also helps when the food supports long-term wellness, not just short-term feeding. A strong formulation considers how the body works — especially the digestive system, which plays a central role in overall health.
Get Joy recipes are formulated by ACVN Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists® and built around a gut-first philosophy.
Yes — Get Joy recipes include carefully chosen whole grains, not fillers, and they are not grain-free. We include grains on purpose, because the right ones add real functional value.
Our Freeze-Dried Raw Meals include Sorghum, a naturally gluten-free ancient grain that's gentle and easy to digest. Sorghum provides steady, slow-release energy — it's digested more gradually than many starches, so it won't spike blood sugar — plus fiber that feeds a healthy gut and antioxidant polyphenols that support whole-body wellness.
Our Gently Cooked Fresh Meals use wholesome grains like brown rice and quinoa, alongside USDA-sourced meats and vegetables, for balanced, digestible energy.
Across every recipe, each ingredient — grains included — is chosen to do a job: gut-first, complete and balanced nutrition in every bowl. You can view the full ingredient list on each product page to see exactly what's inside.
Get Joy offers two types of meals designed to support your dog’s digestion and overall wellness.
Freeze-Dried Raw Meals
Our freeze-dried raw recipes gently remove moisture from real, whole ingredients while preserving nutrients and flavor. This creates a shelf-stable food that’s easy to store and serve while maintaining the benefits of raw nutrition.
We currently offer Beef and Chicken freeze-dried raw recipes, each formulated with our Belly Biotics™ blend to help support gut health and digestion.
Gently Cooked Fresh Meals
Our fresh meals are made with whole ingredients that are gently cooked to support digestibility and safety while maintaining great taste and nutrition.
Our fresh meal recipes include Chicken, Beef, Turkey, and Lamb, giving dog parents multiple protein options to fit their dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
Both options are formulated to provide complete, balanced nutrition and can be served as a full meal or used as a topper to add functional nutrition to your dog’s bowl.
New Pack Size
No. The recipes, ingredients, and nutrition remain exactly the same.
