Portland Pet Food Company Review 2024: Good?

Overview

Family-owned Portland Pet Food Company offers meals and treats for dogs and meals for cats. Founded in 2014, it caters to your pet's nutritional needs and contributes to charity by supporting dog shelters with a part of its sales. The service also commits to sustainability, providing an easy way for customers to recycle packaging.

The business sources its ingredients from U.S. suppliers, primarily from Oregon. Its food is free from unnecessary and potentially harmful products, and there are no hidden ingredients in its recipes. 

The provider offers many benefits, and its website is full of positive reviews, but upon closer inspection, I discovered various downsides. Whether these are deal-breakers or not depends on your and your pup's preferences. Check out the rest of my review to find out for yourself.

Portland Pet Food Company’s Meals: Healthy Meals & Biscuits Your Dog Will Enjoy

PPFC has around a dozen dog meals and treats, as well as various extras such as toys and leashes. It even has T-shirts on offer.

Plans & Recipes: 5 Fresh Meals & 8 Biscuits

I found 5 fresh meals and 8 biscuits for dogs on offer while I reviewed Portland Pet Food Company. The main meal ingredients were beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and salmon. For the biscuits, the primary animal proteins were bacon and beef broth. Besides meats, both meals and treats contain a variety of plants and grains.

Meals on offer are Rosie's Beef N' Rice, Hopkins' Pork N' Potato, Tuxedo's Chicken & Yams, Wally’s Salmon N’ Rice, and Grandma Ada's Turkey & Yams. You can also buy variety packs, 1 of which includes each meal on the menu while another adds biscuits to the bundle. The third variety pack contains 4 of each of Rosie's and Tuxedo's meals.

I was impressed by the near-perfect star ratings for each meal and bundle offered by Portland Pet Food Company. These products consistently received 4.8 or 4.9 out of 5 stars, based on reviews from hundreds of customers.

The company's recipes can serve as meals and toppers. Considering the size of the meal pouch (9 oz.), it can meet the daily nutritional needs of a small dog. But, if your pup is medium or large, I recommend considering using the company's recipes as toppers to avoid hefty costs. You can check out the best dog food delivery for Rottweilers and other large dogs, like Great Danes and German Shepherds, in our dedicated reviews. 

The pet food delivery service offers 3 types of biscuits. Its Grain & Gluten-Free options include Pumpkin, Bacon, Gingerbread, and Apple & Mint Biscuits. The Brew Biscuits come in Bacon, Pumpkin, and Beef Broth varieties, and there are also Malt Biscuits with Bacon. 

The PPFC treats have equally high, if not higher, customer ratings. Every product I checked had a 4.9 or 5-star rating from dozens or hundreds of customers. 

Use filters to refine your search when browsing meals and biscuits. The side filter includes 3 main categories, which are Sort by, Out of stock (where you can choose to Show or Hide), and Price. Under Sort By, there are several sub-categories, some of which are Featured, Best Selling, Price low to high, and Price high to low.

The provider asserts that its recipes are free from preservatives, antibiotics, hormones, by-products, and other unwanted or potentially harmful ingredients. Also, it emphasizes that its recipes don't contain rendered meats.

The service has a basic Feeding Calculator. The questions cover aspects like your dog's age (under 2 years, 2-7, 8+ years), weight, feeding style (e.g., A Full Meal, A 50/50% Mixer), and a few specific health issues. Note that you'll need to provide your email address and phone number to receive the results.

While I find the calculator helpful, I’ve reviewed companies that offer more detailed meal personalization questionnaires. The Farmer's Dog is 1 of them, and it provides first-class fresh dog meals.

Katie McCarron, the founder of the company, has a professional background in medical research and nutrition. She created the service's very first meal, Rosie's Beef N' Rice, to help her aging dog Rosie regain her appetite. The meal improved Rosie's health and helped her live a few more years of quality life.

Ingredients: Human-Grade, Locally-Sourced Meats, Plus Healthy Fruit, Veg & Grains

Portland Pet Food Company sources its ingredients from Oregon. It gets human-grade, USDA-approved meats from its trusted partners, such as Cascade Natural Meats and Carlton Farms. It gets flour for biscuits from Bob’s Red Mill and upcycled spent grain from Laurelwood Brewery and Deschutes Brewery.

I chose Rosie's Beef N' Rice meal to analyze because it has the most ratings. But note that every meal the service produces contains veggies, eggs, and grains or fruits. In general, meals contain the highest percentage of meat, then veggies, grains/rice, eggs, and a small amount of fruit (if any). 

Rosie's Beef N' Rice dish is a wheat- and gluten-free recipe. Its calorie content per 9-oz pouch is 316 kcal, equalling 1,230 kcal per kilogram. The meal's ingredients are beef, beef heart, eggs, peas, brown rice, carrots, millet flour, powdered eggshell, vegetable oil, and sea salt.

Beef is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for canines. Peas contain antioxidants beneficial for skin, eye health, and heart, while brown rice eases constipation. Carrots provide vitamin A, while powdered eggshell provides calcium without the risks associated with bones, especially large ones. 

If you're looking for a meal with a higher animal protein content, consider the Tuxedo's Chicken & Yams pouch. If aiming to include more vegetables and fruits in your Fido's diet, Grandma Ada's Turkey & Yams is a good option. Note that each meal contains up to 11 ingredients. 

Nutrition: Premium Ingredients Cooked at Low Temperatures to Maintain Nutrients

Once again, I used the Rosie's Beef N’Rice recipe to outline the nutritional value of the company's meals. I found the following guaranteed analysis values in the process:

• Crude protein: min. 12%

• Crude fat: min. 9%

• Crude fiber: max. 1%

This provider cooks its ingredients in small batches at low temperatures. That way, it preserves their nutritional value. Also, the team handcrafts treats before cooking.

What Makes Portland Pet Food Company Different

Portland Pet Food Company commits to charity and sustainability. So, you can rest assured that you help dogs in need and invest in a greener future if buying its products. 

Portland Pet Food Company Has a Sustainability Commitment

You can actively take part in sustainability efforts with Portland Pet Food Company. Use an on-site contact form to order a free envelope with a prepaid return label. Once you've emptied a pouch, place it in the envelope and drop it off at your nearest USPS location.

It Donates to Animal Shelters

Portland Pet Food Company donates part of its net profits to non-profits and shelters that care for homeless animals. Specifically, it donates 5% of each purchase. So every time you shop, you help animals in need.

Unboxing: Clearly-Labeled Products in Their Original Packaging

You'll get your Portland Pet Food Company products in a cardboard box. Each product is clearly labeled in its original bag, ensuring there's no confusion about the contents. The pouches are shelf-stable. Along with the products, you may also find a printed feeding guide inside the package for added convenience.

You'll get meals fresh in their original packaging. Meal packages can withstand high temperatures, so they'll be safe for consumption.

You can keep PPFC's bags unopened for up to 24 months. Once opened, food should remain safe for 3 to 5 days in the fridge at temperatures from 37° F to 40° F. You can serve recipes at room temperature or optionally warm them in a microwave or boiling water. 

Prices: Consistent Across Meal Types, but It Can Get Pricey for Larger Dogs

Portland Pet Food Company has a varied pricing policy depending on the type of product. Prices of individual meals and biscuits are uniform, while variety packs provide certain savings. Take a look at the following table for a quick breakdown.

In my research, I found that all individual meals and biscuits are priced the same, regardless of the type you choose. 

The most affordable variety pack includes all 5 PPFC meals. The priciest bundle was Rosie's and Tuxedo's pack with 4 pouches of each. Dog Variety Meal & Treat Pack, containing 5 meals and 2 treats, was available for $52.95. Note that you can review biscuit packs by typing Biscuit Pack in the search bar in the top-right corner of the screen. You won’t find these among Biscuits. 

You can benefit from a 10% discount on the prices mentioned above if you subscribe. For example, by creating a PPFC account, you'll pay $6.29 instead of $6.99 for meals. But note that this subscription discount doesn’t apply to accessories, such as toys, T-shirts, and leashes. 

The shipping fee depends on whether you reach a certain purchase amount. If you shop as a guest, you won't pay for shipping if your order is $50 or more. Members must reach $25 to enjoy free shipping. 

Otherwise, you'll pay $7 for shipping. The fee appears to be the same for all customers who don't reach the above amounts, wherever they are in the continental US, Hawaii, or Alaska. 

The pet food provider accepts various payment methods. These are Shop Pay, PayPal, and 8 credit cards. The credit cards you can use to pay for your purchase are Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, Diners, JCB, UnionPay, and ELC.

Shipping & Delivery: US-Wide With a Good Notification System

Portland Pet Food Company ships products across the mainland U.S., as well as to Hawaii and Alaska. It dispatches orders from Monday to Friday, with orders placed after 12 pm PT scheduled for shipment on the following Monday. 

If you register an account with Portland Pet Food Company, you can set up recurring deliveries every 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Choose a delivery schedule while selecting items for your pooch. If you prefer to shop as a guest, you can make one-time purchases only. 

You’ll get notifications every step of the way: when your order is packed, shipped, out for delivery, and when it has arrived. The company usually ships orders in 2 days. It may need an extra day during sales and holidays. Once the order ships, it cannot be rescheduled. 

How Portland Pet Food Company Works (Step by Step Guide)

PPFC offers the option to order either as a guest or a member. Being a member comes with benefits like membership discounts and customizable delivery schedules. If you find that the provider's products suit your dog well, you can easily subscribe in a few easy steps.

How to Sign Up (5 Easy Steps)

The registration process is virtually the same as placing an order. Once you complete your purchase and set a delivery schedule, you'll get items from your most recent shipment unless you choose other products in the meantime. To subscribe, you should do the following: 

1. Choose the product from the menu and set your delivery schedule. If you prefer, you can select the item to check it first. Either way, click on the Add To Cart button. 

2. Review your purchase. You can add a note about your order at this point, but it isn't mandatory. 

3. Enter your personal information and delivery address. 

4. Choose a payment method if you didn't choose Shop Pay or PayPal in one of the previous steps.

5. Once you have filled in the required information, click the Pay Now button. I recommend saving your information by checking the corresponding box in the Remember me section for faster checkout in the future.

There's an extra step in the process if your billing address differs from your shipping address. Between steps 4 and 5, you should uncheck the Use shipping address as billing address option. Then, repeat the process you completed in step 3. 

Once you select items and set delivery intervals, you will continue to receive these selections at the frequency you specify until you decide to make changes.

Managing Your Subscription

You can access your account after completing the initial purchase. To do so, click on the corresponding icon in the top-right corner of the screen. 

When you select the icon, you'll have to type your email address to access your account. Then, you can tailor your future orders. 

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for first time buyers, so you can make use of that if you’re not satisfied with the products after 7 days of feeding. Refunds are limited to $55 and 1 order.

Customer Service: Not the Fastest Live Chat, but Great Educational Resources

Portland Pet Food Company offers a convenient live chat feature. When I opened the live chat bubble in the bottom-right corner of the screen outside of the agents' operating hours, I came across a list of commonly asked questions with answers. But, as my queries were specific, I wanted to speak with an agent. I sent messages and received a promise that they would get back to me as soon as possible.

First, I wanted to inquire about typical delivery times to New York. Unlike some dog food delivery services that provide a delivery map or info on their websites, this one doesn't. To get this information, I sent the following message:

I sent another message to Portland Pet Food Company to clarify its delivery policy. As I couldn't find information on rescheduling or leaving packages with neighbors, my goal was to understand the company's stance on these issues. To get this information, I sent the following message:

I got a reply on Tuesday, which could definitely be quicker, but never mind. It answered 2 of my questions but failed to address the third. 

You can contact PPFC customer support via email and phone, too. The email address you can send a message to is [email protected]. If you prefer to call, the number is 503-928-2848. The support team is available from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. An agent usually responds to messages within 48 hours.

Portland Pet Food Company has a help center and a FAQ section, though they require some navigation to locate. The quickest way to find FAQs is by typing the term in the search box. Similarly, you can access the Help Center by using the search function or via the Contact Us link in the website's footer.

What I also like about this dog food subscription service is its educational resources. Click on Education in the footer to access various useful and interesting articles, such as Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy and What to Feed a Finicky Cat.  

Portland Pet Food Company Recalls: None to Report

This service had no recalls at the time of my research for this review.

How PPFC Compares to Other Meal Delivery Services

Portland Pet Food Company vs. The Farmer’s Dog: Both Portland Pet Food Company and The Farmer's Dog specialize in fresh meals for canines. PPFC's small pouches may suit little dogs, while The Farmer's Dog is a better option for owners of larger dogs. Also, The Farmer's Dog is known for one of the best dog meal personalization services and offers refunds, which PPFC doesn't.

Portland Pet Food Company vs. Ollie: Both Ollie and Portland Pet Food Company provide fresh dog meals, but Ollie also offers high-quality dry meals. Ollie presents 3 meal plans so you can find the right balance between your budget and your dog's dietary needs. Moreover, you can keep a close eye on your pet's health closely with Ollie's health screenings.

Portland Pet Food Company vs. Nom Nom: Like PPFC, Nom Nom makes high-quality dog meals with wholesome ingredients and no fillers or additives. But Nom Nom has 2 board-certified veterinary nutritionists on board, which is impressive, and it has supplements to help with digestion and immunity. 

The Bottom Line: Is PPFC Worth It?

Having reviewed the Portland Pet Food Company extensively, I think it's worth a try if you have a small dog or need flavorful toppers. The provider offers quality products, which has allowed it to run a successful business since 2014. The service ships its items beyond the continental US, catering to dog owners in Hawaii, Alaska, and elsewhere. 

Unfortunately, the cost for using Portland Pet Food as a main food source for medium and large dogs can be pretty high. Also, there are no supplements or dry meals available.

If these are deal breakers, I recommend checking out our list of the best human-grade dog food delivery services. Many services you can find there provide a greater range and more affordable plans for large dogs.

FAQ

Who owns Portland Pet Food Company?

Portland Pet Food Company was founded by Katie McCarron, motivated by her love for her poodle, Rosie. Katie's journey began when she created nutritious homemade meals for Rosie, who struggled with health and appetite issues in her old age. This personal experience inspired Katie to start the company, aiming to offer similar wholesome, fresh food options for pets everywhere.

Is Portland Pet Food Company good?

Yes, Portland Pet Food Company is good, with high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. It has a decent selection of meals/toppers and treats and encourages customers to be environmentally conscious. Still, the high meal prices may be a deal-breaker for owners of larger dogs.  

Which is the best dog food company?

Many customers and experts rate The Farmer's Dog as a top choice by many standards. It stands out for having board-certified veterinary nutritionists on its team, a thorough meal personalization quiz, and high-quality food offered at a reasonable price. Moreover, it maintains transparency in labeling, avoiding the misleading practices common in the pet food industry.