Fresh dog food delivery has taken off in the UK over the last few years. What started as a niche option for wealthy dog owners is now something normal people consider for their pets. And it makes sense. Kibble has dominated the market for decades, but more owners are questioning what’s actually in those bags.
Two of the biggest names in UK fresh dog food are Butternut Box and Different Dog. Both deliver pre-portioned, gently cooked meals to your door. Both use human-grade ingredients. Both cost considerably more than a bag of Wagg from the supermarket.
But they’re quite different companies with different philosophies, different recipes, and different price points. If you’re trying to choose between them, the details matter a lot more than the marketing copy lets on.
I’ve spent time going through both brands’ ingredient lists, pricing pages, customer reviews, and feeding guides. Here’s what I found, and which one I’d pick for different types of dogs.
Brand backgrounds
Butternut Box: started by two friends and their dog
Butternut Box launched in 2016. The founders, Dave and Kev, got the idea after cooking fresh food for their own dog, Ralf, and noticing a real difference in his energy and coat. They started selling from a kitchen, then quickly scaled up as demand grew.
The brand is now one of the most visible fresh dog food companies in the UK. They’ve raised serious venture capital funding, run TV adverts, and sponsor Crufts. They’ve got the kind of marketing budget that most dog food brands can only dream of.
That scale matters. It means Butternut Box can offer lower prices through volume, and their logistics operation is well-oiled. Delivery is reliable, the website works smoothly, and customer service is easy to reach. It also means they’re a bigger, more corporate operation than they started as.
Different Dog: vet-founded and ingredient-obsessed
Different Dog started in 2018, founded by a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Matthew Perks. The whole premise was built around clinical nutrition rather than a personal story about a family pet. That difference in origin shows up in how they approach recipe formulation.
Different Dog positions itself as the more science-driven option. Every recipe is formulated with input from veterinary nutritionists. They’re smaller than Butternut Box, which means less brand recognition and fewer delivery slots, but it also means more attention to individual recipe design.
They’ve won awards from industry bodies and get consistent praise for ingredient quality from independent reviewers on sites like All About Dog Food. If you care about the nutritional science behind what your dog eats, Different Dog makes a strong case.
How each service works
Ordering Butternut Box
The process is simple. You go to the website, enter your dog’s details (breed, weight, age, activity level), and they recommend a plan. You pick your recipes from a rotating selection. They ship a box every 2, 4, or 8 weeks.
Each meal comes in a pouch, pre-portioned to your dog’s calorie needs. You tear it open, squeeze it into the bowl, and bin the packaging. There’s no measuring, no prep, no mess.
You can pause, skip, or cancel deliveries through the website. Changing your dog’s weight or activity level updates the portion sizes automatically. The whole thing is designed to be as easy as possible.
The starter box is half price, which is a decent way to try it without committing to a full-price order. They also run fairly regular promotions for new customers.
Ordering Different Dog
Different Dog works on a similar subscription model, but with a few differences. Their onboarding questionnaire is more detailed, asking about allergies, sensitivities, and specific health concerns alongside the standard weight, age, and breed questions.
Recipes arrive frozen in insulated packaging. You store them in the freezer and defrost individual portions in the fridge overnight. This is different from Butternut Box, which ships chilled rather than frozen.
The frozen approach means longer shelf life and less food waste, but it requires more forward planning. You need to remember to take tomorrow’s meal out of the freezer today. If you’re the type who forgets to defrost things (and I absolutely am), this takes some getting used to.
Different Dog also has a trial box at a reduced price. Their customer service team is smaller but generally responsive, and they’re helpful if you need to adjust recipes for specific dietary needs.
Delivery and storage compared
Butternut Box ships chilled meals that last around 7-10 days in the fridge. Different Dog ships frozen meals that last up to 6 months in the freezer and about 3-4 days once defrosted in the fridge.
For most households, the Butternut Box approach is more convenient. Open, serve, done. But if your delivery schedule is irregular or you travel a lot, Different Dog’s frozen meals give you more flexibility. You won’t come home to spoiled food.
Both brands deliver across mainland UK. Butternut Box delivers to Northern Ireland and some offshore addresses too, which Different Dog currently doesn’t cover as broadly. Worth checking your postcode before ordering from either.
Ingredient quality comparison
What Butternut Box puts in the bowl
Butternut Box uses human-grade meat, vegetables, and superfoods. Their recipes contain a named meat as the first ingredient (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, pork, or fish), alongside sweet potato, peas, carrots, and various supplements like linseed, salmon oil, and vitamins.
The meat is sourced from UK and EU farms. They don’t use meat meal or animal derivatives, which is good. The vegetables are real, not powdered or concentrated. You can see actual chunks of carrot and peas in the food, which is reassuring if you’re used to kibble where everything looks identical.
Cooking method: low and slow. Butternut Box gently cooks their food at lower temperatures to preserve nutrients. This is better than the high-heat extrusion process used to make kibble, though it’s not raw feeding either. It sits in the middle ground.
One thing I like: Butternut Box is clear about what they don’t include. No artificial preservatives, no added sugar, no fillers. The ingredient lists are short and readable. You can actually pronounce everything on them.
What Different Dog puts in the bowl
Different Dog also uses human-grade ingredients, and their sourcing standards are arguably stricter. All meat is UK-sourced, with full traceability back to the farm. They work with specific suppliers rather than buying on the open commodity market.
Their recipes tend to include more varied protein sources and a wider range of vegetables and herbs. You’ll see ingredients like blueberries, spinach, turmeric, and rosemary alongside the standard meat and veg. Some recipes include bone broth as a base, which adds collagen and joint-supporting compounds.
Different Dog’s cooking process is similar (gentle, low-temperature cooking), but they add an extra step: every batch is nutritionally analysed to ensure it meets FEDIAF standards. FEDIAF is the European pet food industry body that sets nutritional guidelines, and compliance is voluntary for fresh food brands. The fact that Different Dog bothers with this tells you something about their approach.
They also don’t use any artificial additives, fillers, or cheap bulk ingredients. The ingredient lists are slightly longer than Butternut Box’s because they include more botanicals and supplements, but everything listed serves a nutritional purpose.
Ingredient quality verdict
Both brands are a big step up from supermarket kibble. The meat quality is genuinely human-grade, the vegetables are real, and there’s no filler junk.
Different Dog edges ahead on sourcing specificity (UK-only, farm-traceable) and nutritional rigor (FEDIAF compliance, vet-formulated recipes). Butternut Box is more accessible and easier to understand at a glance. For most dog owners, either one is a significant upgrade in ingredient quality.
Recipe variety comparison
Butternut Box recipes
Butternut Box has around 8-10 recipes at any given time. The core range includes:
- Chicken, potatoes & carrots
- Beef, potatoes & peas
- Lamb, potatoes & spinach
- Turkey, potatoes & green beans
- Pork, potatoes & sweet potato
- Fish (salmon or white fish) with potatoes & peas
- Chicken & turkey with pumpkin
- Plant-based option (for dogs with meat allergies)
The recipes rotate seasonally, so you might see slightly different options at different times of year. They also offer “Variety Packs” that include 4 different recipes per box, which is handy for dogs who get bored easily.
All recipes are grain-free, using sweet potato or potato as the carbohydrate base. This is good news if your dog has grain sensitivities, though it’s worth noting the BVA (British Veterinary Association) has raised concerns about grain-free diets and a possible link to canine heart disease (DCM). The science is still evolving on that one.
Different Dog recipes
Different Dog has around 10-12 recipes, including some more unusual combinations:
- Chicken, butternut squash & blueberry
- Beef, root vegetables & turmeric
- Lamb, spinach & mint
- Duck, sweet potato & green beans
- Salmon, peas & broccoli
- Turkey, pumpkin & cranberry
- Pork, apple & fennel
- Tripe, beef & root vegetables
- Kangaroo (limited availability)
- Insect-based (for dogs with severe allergies)
The variety here is broader, and the inclusion of novel proteins like kangaroo and insect protein sets Different Dog apart. These options are genuinely useful if your dog has allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef, which is more common than most people realise. Check our full guide to dog food allergies if you suspect your dog might be affected.
Different Dog also offers specific recipes for puppies, seniors, and dogs needing weight management. These aren’t just the adult recipes with different portion sizes; the macro and micronutrient profiles are adjusted for different life stages.
Recipe variety verdict
Different Dog wins on variety, especially if your dog has allergies or specific dietary needs. The novel proteins and life-stage-specific recipes give you more options. Butternut Box’s range is solid and covers the basics well, but it’s less specialised.
Nutritional analysis
Protein content
Butternut Box recipes typically contain around 8-10% protein on an as-fed basis. Since the food contains roughly 70% moisture (it’s a wet food, essentially), the dry matter protein works out to roughly 27-33%. That’s reasonable for a fresh food product and comparable to good quality wet foods.
Different Dog recipes come in slightly higher, usually 10-12% protein as-fed, which translates to roughly 33-40% dry matter. The higher protein content comes from their use of higher meat ratios and the inclusion of protein-rich ingredients like bone broth.
For comparison, most premium kibbles sit around 25-35% dry matter protein. So both brands are competitive, with Different Dog edging ahead for dogs who need more protein (working breeds, highly active dogs, puppies).
Calories and fat
Butternut Box sits at roughly 90-110 kcal per 100g depending on the recipe. Different Dog is slightly higher at 110-130 kcal per 100g. The difference comes from the fat content; Different Dog’s recipes tend to include more healthy fats from fish oil, coconut oil, and the natural fats in higher-meat formulations.
Both brands provide clear calorie information on their websites and on the packaging, so you can track your dog’s intake accurately. This matters a lot if your dog needs to lose or gain weight.
Vitamins and supplements
Both brands add vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure complete nutrition. Butternut Box includes linseed (omega-3), salmon oil, and a standard vitamin/mineral premix. Different Dog goes further with added glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and more varied herbal supplements depending on the recipe.
If your dog has joint issues or you want extra joint support built into their food, Different Dog’s approach is more comprehensive. Butternut Box covers the basics well; Different Dog tries to do more.
Nutritional verdict
Different Dog offers slightly higher protein, slightly higher calories, and more targeted supplementation. Butternut Box’s nutrition is perfectly adequate and meets all the standards a dog needs. For the average pet dog, both are fine. For working dogs, growing puppies, or dogs with specific health needs, Different Dog’s nutritional density gives it an edge.
Price comparison
This is where the two brands diverge noticeably. Let’s look at monthly costs for three dog sizes, based on current pricing (prices change, so check the websites for the latest figures).
Small dog (5-10kg, e.g. Jack Russell, French Bulldog)
- Butternut Box: roughly £40-55 per month
- Different Dog: roughly £50-70 per month
Different Dog costs about 20-30% more for a small dog. At this size, the difference in monthly spend is around £10-20. Manageable, but not nothing.
Medium dog (15-25kg, e.g. Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel)
- Butternut Box: roughly £65-90 per month
- Different Dog: roughly £85-120 per month
The gap widens here. You’re looking at an extra £20-30 per month for Different Dog. Over a year, that’s £240-360 more. For some households, that’s a meaningful difference.
Large dog (25-40kg, e.g. Labrador, Golden Retriever)
- Butternut Box: roughly £90-130 per month
- Different Dog: roughly £120-170 per month
For large dogs, fresh food from either brand is a serious financial commitment. Different Dog at £120-170 per month puts you in premium territory. If you’re looking for options that won’t stretch the budget quite so far, check our best dog food under £50 UK guide for alternatives.
What do you get for the price difference?
Different Dog’s higher price buys you: UK-only sourcing with full traceability, vet-formulated recipes, novel protein options, life-stage specific formulations, and FEDIAF-compliant nutritional analysis. Whether that’s worth the extra cost depends on your dog and your priorities.
Butternut Box’s lower price still gets you human-grade ingredients, gentle cooking, and convenient delivery. It’s the better value option if your dog doesn’t have specific dietary needs. Both brands offer subscription discounts that bring the price down slightly, and both have introductory offers that make the first box significantly cheaper.
For some context on where these prices sit in the broader market, our cheap vs premium dog food comparison breaks down what you’re actually paying for at different price points.
Taste test results
I can’t claim to have a panel of labradors in white coats tasting food under controlled conditions. But I can tell you what’s reported by actual dog owners, review sites, and community forums. The anecdotal evidence from thousands of UK dog owners is pretty consistent.
Butternut Box acceptance rate
Very high. Most dogs take to Butternut Box immediately. The texture is soft and moist, the smell is appealing (to dogs at least; some humans find it a bit strong), and the portions are generous. Reports of dogs refusing it are rare.
The beef and chicken recipes are the most popular. The fish recipe is a bit more divisive; some dogs love it, others turn their noses up. The plant-based option is the least popular, which isn’t surprising.
Different Dog acceptance rate
Also high, but with a few more picky exceptions. The richer, more complex recipes appeal to most dogs, but some prefer the simpler flavour profiles of Butternut Box. The tripe recipe is particularly popular (dogs love tripe; humans universally find it disgusting). The kangaroo recipe gets mixed reviews, probably because most UK dogs haven’t encountered kangaroo before.
Different Dog’s food has a slightly different texture because it arrives frozen and is then defrosted. Some owners report it can be a bit more watery once thawed, depending on the recipe. Most dogs don’t seem to mind.
Taste test verdict
Both brands score well with dogs. If your dog is an extremely fussy eater, Butternut Box might have a slight edge because the flavours are simpler and more universally appealing. But realistically, most dogs will happily eat either. The bigger question is whether your dog has allergies that rule out certain recipes, which is where understanding dog food allergies becomes important.
Pros and cons
Butternut Box pros
- Lower price point, especially for larger dogs
- Very convenient (chilled, ready to serve, no defrosting needed)
- Simple, clear recipes with short ingredient lists
- High acceptance rate among dogs
- Wider delivery coverage across the UK
- Strong brand reputation and reliable logistics
- Generous introductory deals and trial boxes
Butternut Box cons
- Shorter shelf life (7-10 days in fridge)
- Less nutritional detail per recipe
- Fewer novel protein options for allergic dogs
- No life-stage specific recipes (same recipes for puppies and seniors, just different portions)
- EU as well as UK meat sourcing (less traceability)
- Grain-free only (BVA DCM concerns apply)
Different Dog pros
- Vet-formulated recipes with FEDIAF compliance
- UK-only sourcing with farm-level traceability
- Novel protein options (kangaroo, insect, tripe)
- Life-stage specific recipes (puppy, adult, senior)
- Frozen delivery means longer shelf life and less waste
- More targeted supplementation (joint support, taurine, etc.)
- Generally higher protein content
Different Dog cons
- More expensive, especially for medium and large dogs
- Requires freezer space and defrosting planning
- Narrower delivery coverage
- Smaller company, less brand recognition
- Some recipes have mixed reviews for texture after thawing
- Fewer promotional discounts available
Which is better for your dog?
Picky eaters
Butternut Box. The simpler recipes and softer, chilled texture appeal to fussy dogs. Most picky eaters will eat Butternut Box without much persuasion. The generous portions and strong meaty smell help too.
Even so, if your picky dog has already rejected multiple foods, Different Dog’s tripe recipe might be your nuclear option. Dogs go absolutely mad for tripe.
Dogs with allergies
Different Dog. It’s a clear gap. The novel protein options (kangaroo, insect), the detailed allergy questionnaire during sign-up, and the vet-formulated recipes make Different Dog the clear choice for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. If your dog reacts to chicken or beef (the two most common canine allergens), Different Dog has alternatives that Butternut Box simply doesn’t offer.
For more on managing food allergies, including elimination diet advice, our dog food allergies guide walks through the process step by step.
Puppies
Different Dog. They offer specific puppy recipes with adjusted calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, higher calorie density, and DHA for brain development. Butternut Box’s adult recipes can be fed to puppies (they adjust the portions), but the nutritional profile isn’t optimised for growth.
If you’re going to spend fresh food money on a growing puppy, you might as well get food actually designed for one. The PDSA recommends paying particular attention to nutrition during the first 12-18 months, as this is when skeletal and cognitive development is happening fastest.
Senior dogs
Different Dog for the same reasons as puppies. Their senior recipes account for lower calorie needs, joint support supplements, and easier-to-digest formulations. Butternut Box works fine for seniors if you adjust the portions, but Different Dog is built with older dogs in mind.
Senior dogs often develop sensitivities over time, so having the option to switch to novel proteins if your older dog starts reacting to chicken is genuinely helpful. For more general advice on feeding older dogs, our best dog food UK 2026 guide covers senior nutrition in detail.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs
This one depends on what’s causing the sensitivity. If it’s a food intolerance to a specific protein or grain, Different Dog’s elimination-friendly options are better. If it’s simply a sensitive digestive system that needs gentle, simple food, Butternut Box’s simple recipes might settle better. Our best dog food for sensitive stomach guide has more detailed recommendations if this is your situation.
Large dogs on a budget
Butternut Box. The price difference really matters at large dog sizes. Feeding a 30kg Labrador on Different Dog at £120-170 per month is a significant ongoing cost. Butternut Box brings that down to £90-130, which is still expensive but more manageable. Both brands represent a jump from kibble pricing. For more affordable alternatives, our best wet dog food under £10 guide covers cheaper options that still beat supermarket kibble on quality.
Butternut Box vs Different Dog: the bottom line
If I had to pick one rule of thumb: go with Butternut Box for convenience and value, and Different Dog for nutritional depth and dietary flexibility.
Butternut Box is the better all-rounder. It’s cheaper, easier to store and serve, available to more UK addresses, and most dogs love it. If your dog is healthy, not allergic to anything, and you want to upgrade from kibble without spending a fortune, Butternut Box is the sensible choice.
Different Dog is the better choice if your dog has specific needs. Allergies, joint issues, a sensitive stomach, or a particular life stage (puppy or senior) that benefits from tailored nutrition. The extra cost buys you expertise and flexibility that Butternut Box doesn’t match.
For a broader look at how these compare against other feeding approaches, our Butternut Box vs Tails.com comparison covers fresh food versus personalised kibble if you want to see another option entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is fresh dog food actually better than kibble?
In terms of ingredient quality, yes. Fresh dog food uses real meat and vegetables cooked gently, compared to kibble’s high-heat extrusion process that can degrade some nutrients. Fresh food also has much higher moisture content, which supports hydration and can benefit urinary and kidney health. Whether the difference is worth the extra cost depends on your budget and your dog’s specific needs. The BVA notes that both complete kibble and complete fresh food can meet a dog’s nutritional requirements when properly formulated.
Can I switch between Butternut Box and Different Dog?
Yes, but transition gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food. Both brands are gentle on the stomach compared to kibble, but sudden switches can still cause loose stools. If your dog has a history of digestive sensitivity, stretch the transition over 2 weeks.
Do either of these brands require a vet prescription?
No. Both Butternut Box and Different Dog sell general, complete dog food that any dog owner can order. Different Dog’s recipes are vet-formulated, but you don’t need a prescription. If your dog has a diagnosed medical condition (like kidney disease or diabetes), speak to your vet before switching to any new food, including these.
How do I store the food if I go on holiday?
Butternut Box’s chilled meals last 7-10 days in the fridge. If you’re going away for longer, you can pause your subscription through the website. Different Dog’s frozen meals last up to 6 months in the freezer, so you can stock up before a trip or simply skip deliveries while you’re away. Both brands make it easy to pause and restart.
Can puppies eat Butternut Box or Different Dog?
Both brands say their food is suitable for puppies, but with different approaches. Butternut Box recommends feeding their standard recipes at increased portions for puppies. Different Dog has specific puppy recipes with adjusted calcium, phosphorus, and DHA levels. Different Dog’s approach is more nutritionally appropriate for growing dogs. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about feeding a puppy a new diet, especially for large breed puppies where calcium intake during growth is critical.
