Frequently Asked Questions

Our meals are crafted to support dogs of all ages, including puppies and seniors. Both our Freeze Dried Raw and Fresh Meals offer complete, balanced nutrition for growing pups when fed as part of a proper plan. Since every dog is different, we always recommend checking with your vet to ensure the best fit for your pup’s needs. 

Think of it like raw food but more convenient (and without the mess or risk). We freeze dry raw, wholesome ingredients to lock in nutrition while making it shelf-stable and easy to serve. It's clean, nutrient-rich, and gut-health friendly (thanks to our proprietary Belly Biotic™ blend). No freezer needed, and you get the convenience of shelf-stable food with nearly all the benefits of fresh, raw ingredients.

We do not accept returns of perishable products or opened items. Return requests on non-perishable, unopened items must be made within 2 weeks of receipt and include all original packaging. We will issue a refund upon receipt of the returned items. Refunds may be made at our discretion in the event of any problems with the Products.

Fresh food supports overall health and well-being, providing high-quality nutrients without preservatives. Our Fresh Meals are gently cooked at low temperatures. This process ensures nutritional integrity and avoids harmful pathogens.

Price depends on factors such as your pet’s age, weight, and activity level. We also provide cost savings for less frequent deliveries.  Get your personalized quote by completing our meal plan questionnaire. If you’re interested in portion and cost-saving options, you can also contact us by email at cares@getjoyfood.com or by calling or texting (203) 296-3132. We’re happy to help create a customized meal plan for your pet.

Our Fresh Meals are formulated for dogs aged 1 year and older, ensuring they meet the nutritional needs of adult and senior dogs. For puppies and dogs of all life stages, our Fresh Freeze Dried Meals are specifically designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition. Both types of food follow AAFCO guidelines to ensure optimal health and well-being for your dog.

We tailor meal plans based on your dog's breed, age, activity level, and weight using our personalized meal plan calculator. This ensures we figure out the best Fresh Meals food for you and your pup. To build a meal plan, please complete our meal plan questionnaire.

Fresh Meals have a shelf life of 9 months when frozen. Once thawed, they remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. Fresh Freeze Dried Meals have a shelf life of 24 months. Please refer to the Best By Date printed on each bag of our Fresh Freeze Dried Meals. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at cares@getjoyfood.com.

No, our Fresh Meals arrive frozen and are ready to serve straight from the fridge after defrosting. You may defrost them in the refrigerator or in warm water. Do not microwave or cook the food. You can warm them slightly if your dog prefers.

Since our Fresh Meals are free of preservatives, packs should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 9 months if they remain frozen. Our convenient tear-back packets make it easy to portion and store your dog’s meals, ensuring they stay fresh and nutritious. Our Fresh Freeze Dried Meals are shelf-stable and can be stored in the pantry until the best by date printed on the bag.

We offer a variety of recipes made from meats, vegetables, and supplements to support gut health and overall nutrition. To build a meal plan, complete our meal plan questionnaire and visit our blog page for more information.

Portions are based on your dog's breed, age, activity level, and weight. We adjust portions as necessary to ensure optimal nutrition and then tell you exactly how much to feed. If Fresh Meals are right for your dog we'll deliver them in pre-portioned packs for your convenience. If Fresh Freeze Dried is right for your dog we'll tell you exactly how much to give each meal. To get started, complete our meal plan questionnaire.

Just answer a few questions about your pup using our meal plan questionnaire to introduce us, and we'll create a fully customized meal plan for them. The whole questionnaire should only take about 2 minutes to finish.

Most pet owners notice a positive change in their dog's coat, energy levels, and overall health within a few weeks of switching to Get Joy. However, every dog is different, and the time it takes to notice changes can vary. We recommend maintaining a consistent diet for at least a month to observe the benefits of our nutrient-rich meals. 

With consistent daily use as your dog’s primary meal, you can expect to see improvements in overall health and well-being (think better poops and less itching and scratching) in as little as 30 days.

While most dogs adapt easily, any improvements in your dog’s diet can initially affect their digestive system. Temporary issues like runny stools or vomiting can happen right when you change, but are not cause for concern. Remember, transitioning can take 7-14 days. For more tips and information, check out our transition page, especially if you have a picky eater!

All the instructions for transitioning your pup to Get Joy meals can be found in the Welcome Kit included in your first box. To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend mixing Get Joy meals with your dog’s current food, gradually increasing the amount of Get Joy meals until your dog is eating 100% Get Joy. For the first few days, Get Joy should make up ¼ of each meal. If your dog experiences minor tummy troubles or is not adjusting, extend that transition stage for an extra day or two.

Even if you received Fresh Freeze Dried meals, we recommend following the same transition guidelines.

For additional support and helpful tips for a successful transition, feel free to email us at cares@getjoyfood.com, and one of our customer cares agent will be happy to assist you. You can also use our 24/7 Televet service anytime with questions or concerns!

Get Joy has helped countless picky eaters stop their picky ways just by being more delicious than other meal options. However, there still could be the occasional picky eater of Fresh. If that's the case for your dog, try any or all of these three tips:

1. Rotate flavors - we have four protein choices to try! Switch your flavor anytime.
2. Warm up the food - run the container under a warm water bath. DO NOT microwave.
3. Use treats as a topper - incentivize meals with a (healthy) topping they love.

You can update your shipping address or request rush delivery before you go. Please note that rush fees may apply. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at cares@getjoyfood.com, we’re here to help!

We recommend a gentle transition over 7-10 days to help your pup's tummy adjust to their new food. Here's a simple timeline that works well:

Days 1-3: Mix 25% Get Joy with 75% of your dog's current food
Days 4-6: Increase to 50% Get Joy and 50% current food
Days 7-8: Move to 75% Get Joy and 25% current food
Days 9-10: Switch to 100% Get Joy
This gradual approach helps prevent an upset stomach and lets your dog's system adjust naturally to their new nutrition. 

Yes, you can easily pause, cancel, or reactivate your subscription through your account portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at cares@getjoyfood.com.

Subscription billing recurs based on the cadence listed at checkout. Billing details are available in your account, with email notifications sent before each order processes. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203.296.3132 or cares@getjoyfood.com.

You should receive tracking information sent to you via email as soon as your order ships. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203.296.3132 or cares@getjoyfood.com.

Visit your Get Joy portal and use the password reset in our portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203.296.3132 or cares@getjoyfood.com.

Yes, you can update the delivery address for any order in your account settings. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203.296.3132 or cares@getjoyfood.com.

While our packaging isn’t currently recyclable, it is made from PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials which help give existing plastics a second life. Plus, all of our packaging is BPA-free and designed to keep your dog’s food fresh and safe across our entire product line. Sustainability and safety matter to us, and we’re always looking for ways to improve.

Yes, you can easily modify delivery schedules, addresses, and quantities through your online Get Joy portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203.296.3132 or cares@getjoyfood.com.

To ensure the safety and quality of your dog’s Fresh Meals upon delivery, check that at least one pack is still partially frozen and that all packs feel cold to the touch. This indicates that the meals have maintained a safe temperature during transit and are perfectly fine to serve or safely refreeze. For added assurance, we follow USDA guidelines on handling and refreezing, ensuring your pet receives the best nutritional care. To thaw, move packs from the freezer to your refrigerator for 24 hours. Once thawed, serve within 4 days. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 203.296.3132 or cares@getjoyfood.com.

We deliver to the 48 contiguous states using eco-friendly packaging. Select our Autoship option at checkout to ensure you never run out of food. Get Joy and its shipping partners do not require signatures for delivery. Tracking information will be emailed to you when your box ships. If you have any questions, feel free to email our cares team at cares@getjoyfood.com.

All Get Joy products are thoughtfully crafted for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Our Freeze Dried Raw and Fresh Meals are free from common allergens like wheat, soy, and dairy, and made with simple, high-quality ingredients you can see and recognize. As every dog is different, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before making any dietary changes to ensure the best outcome for your pup. 

Our recipes are developed by ACVN Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists® and animal science experts who specialize in gut health. They help us create meals that meet and exceed AAFCO standards while ensuring top-tier quality. We also conduct regular third-party testing to verify safety, nutrition, and transparency in every batch.