Freshpet Dog Food Reviews are crucial for pet parents seeking the best nutrition. FOODS.EDU.VN offers an in-depth look at Freshpet, evaluating its ingredients, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. Explore our detailed analysis of this popular fresh dog food and discover whether it aligns with your dog’s dietary needs for a happy and healthy life.
1. What Is Freshpet Dog Food and Why Is It So Popular?
Freshpet dog food has surged in popularity since its launch in 2006, becoming a notable brand favored by numerous pet owners. Their emphasis is on crafting pet food from premium, locally sourced, and fresh ingredients. The company proudly states that all meat, fruits, and vegetables are sourced from the USA and delivered fresh daily to their kitchens in Bethlehem, PA.
This commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients sets Freshpet apart from many conventional dog food brands. The perceived health benefits, such as improved digestion and shinier coats, contribute significantly to its appeal among conscientious pet owners. Freshpet’s transparent sourcing practices and dedication to using real, whole foods have cultivated trust among pet parents seeking optimal nutrition for their furry companions. The brand’s extensive range of products, catering to various dietary needs and preferences, further solidifies its position as a leading choice in the fresh dog food market. According to a study by the Pet Food Institute, pet owners are increasingly prioritizing fresh, natural ingredients, driving the growth of brands like Freshpet.
2. What Are the Different Product Ranges and Flavors Offered by Freshpet?
Freshpet boasts an extensive product line, featuring seven distinct sub-brands, each catering to different nutritional needs and preferences of dogs. These include Vitals, Nature’s Fresh, and Homestyle Creations, among others.
Each Freshpet recipe is formulated to be “complete and balanced,” adhering to the nutrient profile guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for maintenance (adult dogs), growth (puppies), or all life stages. This ensures that your dog receives all the necessary nutrients regardless of their life stage or specific dietary requirements. A detailed nutritional statement is printed on each dog food label, providing comprehensive information about the food’s composition and nutritional value. This commitment to transparency and nutritional completeness makes Freshpet a trusted choice for pet owners.
2.1. Freshpet Roasted Meals Dog Food
The Freshpet Freshly Roasted Meals range offers three delectable recipes, including a grain-free option. The chicken recipes are rich in animal protein, with chicken and chicken liver listed as the first two ingredients.
The grain-inclusive recipe lists ground oats as the third ingredient, followed by rice bran and eggs. Oats are an excellent source of fiber, zinc, iron, and B vitamins. The grain-free recipe is a suitable option for dogs allergic to grains or requiring less protein in their diet. It features US-farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient, with potato, pea protein, and spinach as secondary protein sources. Freshpet Roasted Meals contain an average of 42.4% protein as dry matter, exceeding the average for fresh dog food.
Freshly Roasted Meal flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Meals Tender Chicken with Garden Vegetables | Chicken, Chicken Liver, Oats, Carrots, Peas | High in animal protein, good fiber source |
| Multi-Protein Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon | Chicken, Beef, Egg, Salmon, Brown Rice | Variety of protein sources, rich in omega fatty acids |
| Roasted Meals Grain-Free Chicken with Garden Vegetables | Chicken, Potato, Pea Protein, Spinach, Carrots | Grain-free, suitable for dogs with grain allergies, high in vitamins and antioxidants |
2.2. Freshpet Fresh from the Kitchen
The Fresh from the Kitchen range includes the Freshpet Home Cooked Chicken recipe. This recipe is packed with texture and color, featuring shredded chicken, cranberries, and carrots as the first three ingredients.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, while carrots contain beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Pea protein and pea fiber round out the top five ingredients. Freshpet Home Cooked Chicken Recipe contains 51.5% protein as dry matter.
2.3. Freshpet Homestyle Creations Dog Food
Freshpet Homestyle Creations is a high-protein, semi-moist refrigerated dog food available in three flavors. The multi-protein recipes feature chunks of crumbled meat and veggies, while the chicken recipe includes chicken-like patties with “grill” marks.
The ingredients list is minimal, featuring whole foods like meat, veggies, fruit, and natural preservatives such as citric acid. Freshpet Homestyle Creations are excellent in quality, with unprocessed meat as the top ingredient and fewer than ten primary ingredients. Homestyle Creation recipes contain 50.3% protein as dry matter on average.
Freshpet Homestyle Creations flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Beef, Chicken & Turkey Recipe | Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Carrots, Peas | High in protein, multiple meat sources, good source of vitamins and minerals |
| Chicken & Turkey Recipe | Chicken, Turkey, Carrots, Spinach | High in protein, easy to digest, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
| Tender Chicken Complete Meal | Chicken, Carrots, Peas | High in protein, simple ingredients, suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs |
2.4. Freshpet Multi-Protein and Small Dog Foods
The Freshpet Multi-Protein recipes contain multiple meat sources that provide a variety of health benefits. All Multi-Protein products include salmon, rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
These recipes list a quality meat source as the top ingredient. As they contain multiple meat sources, Freshpet Multi-Protein may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Freshpet Multi-Protein recipes comprise an average of 44.8% protein as dry matter. Freshpet’s small dog range is formulated with the correct levels of protein and fat for small dogs. It’s made with smaller pieces to reduce the risk of choking and aid digestion. Freshpet’s small dog recipes contain an average of 42.7% protein, which is above average for small breed fresh dog food.
Freshpet Multi-Protein flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon | Chicken, Beef, Egg, Salmon, Brown Rice | Variety of protein sources, rich in omega fatty acids, good for skin and coat health |
| Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon | Chicken, Beef, Egg, Salmon, Vegetables | Multiple protein sources, complete and balanced nutrition, good for overall health |
| Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes | Chicken, Beef, Egg, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries, Spinach | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, multiple protein sources, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
Freshpet Bite Size & Small Dog flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Bite Size Chicken | Chicken, Carrots, Peas | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, high in animal protein |
| Bite Size Beef | Beef, Carrots, Peas | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, high in animal protein |
| Small Dog Chicken & Turkey with Cranberries & Spinach | Chicken, Turkey, Cranberries, Spinach, Brown Rice | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, rich in antioxidants, good for urinary tract health |
| Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes | Chicken, Beef, Egg, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries, Spinach | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, multiple protein sources, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
2.5. Freshpet Slice & Serve Roll Tender Chicken Dog Food
Freshpet offers Slice & Serve Roll products and health-specific varieties. The quality of these rolled foods is generally good, made primarily of meat, with broth, eggs, and brown rice as secondary ingredients.
These products contain no animal by-products. Freshpet adds EPA and DHA fatty acids to its puppy recipe to support healthy growth. The Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Steam Cooked Chicken Recipe is rich in fiber, containing chicken, pumpkin, and brown rice for easy digestion. Vitamin A and omega fatty acids are added to improve skin and coat health. Freshpet Complete Nutrition is a grain-inclusive rolled recipe designed to support digestion and marketed as being similar to a homemade meal. It includes ancient grains (brown rice and oats) for improved digestion and healthy weight maintenance. One potential downside is the high fat-to-protein ratios in these rolled foods. For example, the Tender Chicken Slice & Serve Roll contains 43.1% protein but 31.8% fat as dry matter.
Freshpet Slice & Serve Roll dog food flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Chicken, Egg & Vegetable | Chicken, Egg, Vegetables | Supports healthy growth, rich in EPA and DHA fatty acids |
| Tender Chicken | Chicken, Brown Rice, Eggs | Made primarily of meat, simple ingredients |
| Grain-Free Chicken | Chicken, Potatoes, Eggs | Grain-free, suitable for dogs with grain allergies |
| Chunky Beef | Beef, Brown Rice, Eggs | High in animal protein, hearty recipe |
| Chunky Chicken and Turkey | Chicken, Turkey, Brown Rice, Eggs | Multiple protein sources, good for picky eaters |
| Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Steam Cooked Chicken | Chicken, Pumpkin, Brown Rice | Easy to digest, rich in fiber, promotes healthy skin and coat |
| Complete Nutrition Chicken Recipe with Wholesome Grains | Chicken, Brown Rice, Oats | Supports digestion, promotes healthy weight, complete and balanced nutrition |
| Healthy Senior: Chicken with Cranberries & Carrots | Chicken, Cranberries, Carrots, Brown Rice | Rich in antioxidants, supports healthy aging, good for senior dogs |
2.6. Freshpet Vital Dog Food
Freshpet Vital is a line of limited-ingredient dog food available in grain-free and grain-inclusive options, offering over 20 products, including paté rolls and fresh chunky-style dog food.
This line caters to various dogs, including recipes for large breeds, small breeds, and puppies. Fresh Vital recipes are generally high in protein. For example, Vital Fresh Cuts Chicken with Sweet Potatoes consists of 50% protein as dry matter. Like other Freshpet subranges, Freshpet Vital contains no artificial preservatives, meat meals, or GMOs.
2.6.1. Vital Roll
These paté-style logs come in four grain-free flavors and contain named proteins like chicken and beef as the first ingredient.
They also feature antioxidant-packed superfoods like cranberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, and blueberries. One drawback is the high fat content, making them unsuitable for dogs prone to weight gain. For example, the Beef & Bison with Spinach, Cranberries & Blueberries contains as much as 33.3% fat as dry matter.
Vital Roll flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Beef & Bison with Spinach, Cranberries & Blueberries | Beef, Bison, Spinach, Cranberries, Blueberries | High in animal protein, rich in antioxidants, good for overall health |
| Grain-Free Small Breed Multi-Protein | Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Vegetables | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, multiple protein sources, complete and balanced nutrition |
| Grain-Free Multi-Protein with Cranberries, Spinach, Blueberries & Sweet Potatoes | Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Cranberries, Spinach, Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes | Multiple protein sources, rich in antioxidants, good for overall health |
| Grain-Free Chicken, Beef & Salmon Puppy | Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Vegetables | Supports healthy growth, multiple protein sources, complete and balanced nutrition |
2.6.2. Vital Fresh Cuts
Vital Fresh Cuts is a single-recipe line set apart by its meaty shreds and chunks of real veggies.
At 51% protein as dry matter and just 182 calories, Fresh Cuts Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Carrots is an optimal choice for dogs maintaining lean muscle. Formulated for all life stages, it’s a great choice for multi-dog households.
2.6.3. Vital Large Breed
The Vital line has one recipe for large breeds: a chicken, beef, egg & salmon recipe with pumpkin & spinach.
These large chicken nugget-like chunks are formulated to support common concerns of large breeds like heart and joint issues. The addition of glucosamine and chondroitin helps prevent joint stiffness and pain, while omega fatty acids reduce inflammation. It includes essential amino acids like L-carnitine and taurine, which help with energy levels and heart health.
2.6.4. Vital Bags
If your dog dislikes paté-like food, vital bags could be worth trying.
This sub-range has a fresh, kibble-like consistency and is gently cooked to preserve maximum nutrients. It comes in three grain-free and one grain-inclusive recipe. It also features two formulas with smaller semi-moist chunks specially designed for smaller mouths.
Vital Bags flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg with Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Vegetables | Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Egg, Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Vegetables | Multiple protein sources, rich in antioxidants, complete and balanced nutrition |
| Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken with Carrots, Sweet Potatoes & Cranberries | Chicken, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, high in animal protein, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
| Grain-Free Beef with Lamb & Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Vegetables | Beef, Lamb, Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Vegetables | Multiple protein sources, rich in antioxidants, complete and balanced nutrition |
| Small Breed Beef, Turkey & Lamb (grain-inclusive) | Beef, Turkey, Lamb, Whole Grains | Smaller pieces for easy digestion, multiple protein sources, includes fiber-rich whole grains |
2.6.5. Vital Benefits
Vital Benefits is a line of limited-ingredient recipes with additional benefits like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, pre- and postbiotics for digestion, and an antioxidant-rich recipe to support aging.
This line has two bagged recipes and one roll recipe.
Vital Benefits flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Aging: Chicken & Salmon with Cranberries, Sweet Potatoes & Carrots (roll) | Chicken, Salmon, Cranberries, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots | Rich in antioxidants, supports healthy aging, good for senior dogs |
| Joint Health & Mobility: Chicken and Salmon with Cranberries & Green Beans (bag) | Chicken, Salmon, Cranberries, Green Beans | Supports joint health and mobility, rich in omega fatty acids |
| Digestive Health: Chicken with Pumpkin & Spinach (bag) | Chicken, Pumpkin, Spinach | Promotes digestive health, easy to digest, good for dogs with sensitive stomachs |
2.6.6. Vital Balanced Nutrition
Vital Balanced Nutrition takes the same flavors your dog loves about their vital line and adds fiber-rich whole grains for healthy digestion.
This line has two rolls and one bagged recipe.
Vital Balanced Nutrition flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice (roll) | Chicken, Peas, Carrots, Brown Rice | Includes fiber-rich whole grains, supports healthy digestion |
| Turkey with Carrots, Brown Rice & Spinach (roll) | Turkey, Carrots, Brown Rice, Spinach | Includes fiber-rich whole grains, supports healthy digestion, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
| Chicken with Whole Grain & Green Beans (bag) | Chicken, Whole Grain, Green Beans | Includes fiber-rich whole grains, supports healthy digestion |
2.7. Freshpet Nature’s Fresh, Deli Fresh, & Custom Meals
Freshpet also offers the Nature’s Fresh, Deli Fresh, and Custom Meals lines, each with its unique focus and benefits.
2.7.1. Freshpet Nature’s Fresh dog food
Nature’s Fresh is Freshpet’s eco-friendly and humane pet food line. This range stands out due to its dedication to sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients.
For example, the chicken for these recipes complies with the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) for humane treatment. Freshpet sources this range’s veggies and grains from regenerative farms, and all recipes are crafted in eco-friendly kitchens. This line offers grain and grain-free recipes as well as bagged and roll options. Nature’s Fresh formulas are among the best Freshpet offers — they consist of 85% animal protein sources and nutritious brown rice, eggs, and carrots. Like many of Freshpet’s recipes, Nature’s Fresh can be high in fat. Most recipes contain around 27.5% fat as dry matter, which is above-average for wet dog food.
Freshpet Nature’s Fresh flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Beef with Garden Vegetables & Grains (roll) | Beef, Garden Vegetables, Grains | Sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients, good source of animal protein |
| Chicken with Carrots, Brown Rice & Spinach (roll) | Chicken, Carrots, Brown Rice, Spinach | Sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients, good source of animal protein, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
| Grain-Free Turkey with Spinach, Cranberries & Blueberries (roll) | Turkey, Spinach, Cranberries, Blueberries | Sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients, grain-free, rich in antioxidants |
| Grain-Free Atlantic Salmon & Wild Alaskan Pollock (roll) | Atlantic Salmon, Wild Alaskan Pollock | Sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients, rich in omega fatty acids, good for skin and coat health |
| Grain-Free Chicken with Carrots & Spinach (bag) | Chicken, Carrots, Spinach | Sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients, grain-free, high in animal protein, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
| Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken (bag) | Chicken, Vegetables | Sustainable and humanely sourced ingredients, grain-free, high in animal protein, formulated for small breeds |
2.7.2. Freshpet Deli Fresh dog food
If your dog is spoiled on table food, Freshpet’s Deli Fresh line might be just what they’re searching for.
This steam-cooked, semi-moist chunked food is crafted with real non-GMO chicken and fresh veggies to satisfy your pup. The Freshpet Deli Fresh line is outstanding in quality, with chicken, chicken liver, eggs, cranberries, and spinach among the main ingredients. Both recipes are grain-free with pea fiber and potatoes as the main fiber sources. They contain around 30% fat as dry matter, meaning they aren’t the best choice for overweight dogs.
Freshpet Deli Fresh flavors:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Chicken with Cranberries & Spinach | Chicken, Cranberries, Spinach | Grain-free, rich in antioxidants, good for urinary tract health |
| Grain-Free Chicken with Spinach and Potato | Chicken, Spinach, Potato | Grain-free, easy to digest, good for dogs with sensitive stomachs |
2.7.3. Freshpet Delivery Custom Meals
With the rise in fresh dog food delivery services like Farmer’s Dog and Ollie, it’s no surprise that Freshpet has jumped on the bandwagon too.
Like similar services, Freshpet has a short quiz prospective customers can take to help build a custom nutrition plan for their pets.
Freshpet Delivery Custom Meals flavors:
| Flavor | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Multiprotein | A blend of multiple protein sources tailored to your dog’s specific nutritional needs. | Varies |
| Beef & Chicken | A combination of beef and chicken, providing a rich and balanced protein profile. | Beef, Chicken |
| Shredded Chicken | High-quality shredded chicken, ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters. | Chicken |
3. What Are the Key Benefits of Freshpet Dog Food According to Experts?
Freshpet dog food has several noteworthy advantages. These range from veterinary recommendations to the quality of ingredients.
- Veterinary Recommendations (with a catch…):
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, a member of Wag!’s licensed veterinary team, recommends Freshpet to her clients. However, she notes that this food is very high in fat, which may not be suitable for dogs needing to watch their weight. Despite the high fat content, Dr. Jeremiah says Freshpet’s minimally processed foods may be a good option for dogs with certain health conditions, such as food allergies or digestive issues. - No Meat Meal or Fillers:
One of the primary advantages of Freshpet is that its dog foods contain no meat meal. All meat in Freshpet’s recipes is all-natural and of high quality. A lack of fillers and meat meal means Freshpet dog foods are highly digestible and may be better for dogs with sensitive stomachs than other diets. - Steam-Cooked to Preserve Nutrients:
All Freshpet products are steam-cooked to retain as much nutritious goodness as possible. All foods are cooked to FDA and USDA standards and go through 20 quality and safety checks before shipping. - Locally Sourced Ingredients:
Freshpet is transparent about where its ingredients are sourced. The brand states on its website that it sources all its vegetables, fruits, and meat from the USA. All Freshpet’s food is refrigerated rather than canned or frozen, adding to its overall quality.
4. What Are the Potential Concerns and Considerations Before Buying Freshpet?
While Freshpet offers several benefits, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks before making a purchase.
4.1. High Fat Content
Many Freshpet dog foods have a high fat content, which can contribute to obesity in inactive dogs and pups that gain weight easily.
Freshpet dog foods can comprise over 30% fat as dry matter, considerably more than typical canned foods and kibbles.
4.2. Controversial Ingredients
The ingredients lists of many Freshpet dog foods include “natural flavors,” which enhance flavor.
A lack of transparency about these natural flavors may concern some pet parents. Freshpet dog foods also contain carrageenan, a thickening agent made from edible seaweed, which has caused controversy. Some studies suggest carrageenan can contribute to gastrointestinal issues in dogs. However, these studies are inconclusive. Sodium selenite is another controversial ingredient in Freshpet dog food. It’s an essential mineral but toxic in high doses and potentially more harmful than other chemical forms of selenium.
4.3. Cost
Like most fresh and refrigerated pet foods made with high-quality ingredients, Freshpet dog food is pricier than other dog foods on the market.
At the time of writing, a 4.5-lb bag of Freshpet Vital Fresh Cuts Chicken costs $39.99 on Chewy, which works out to $8.89 per lb.
4.4. Short Shelf Life
Because it’s refrigerated, Freshpet has a shorter shelf life than most dog foods.
Opened bags and rolls of Freshpet food will stay good for up to seven days in the fridge.
5. What Do Pet Parents Say About Freshpet Dog Food?
Reviews from pet parents provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences of using Freshpet dog food.
“This is the only dog food my Beagle will eat. She loves the chicken logs. I love the fact that it’s healthy. Sure do wish you had coupons though. They would help with affording the cost monthly. She also likes the treats that Freshpet makes. But we cannot always get them due to the high price.”
“My French bulldog, Leo, had environmental and food allergies that were leading to rashes and gastrointestinal issues for over a year. I researched raw food diets and decided to try him on your food. Since transitioning to your food, he hasn’t had problems with either. We even buy the turkey treats, he loves them! We are so grateful we found your product. Thank you”
“I have been feeding my dog Freshpet chicken dog food for approximately six months. I have had a repeated 15 minutes situation where the food spoils within 24 hours of the bag being opened. Our latest experience is that this food has made our dog very very sick. I suggest know when use this product. We will never use it again.”
These reviews highlight the mixed experiences of Freshpet users, with some praising its palatability and health benefits, while others express concerns about cost, spoilage, and potential health issues.
6. What Is the History of Freshpet Dog Food?
Freshpet got its start in 2006 when it was founded by a group of three former pet food execs.
A year prior, the group, Jill Coppola, Scott Morris, and Cathal Walsh, had met in a cafe to discuss their idea to bring fresh, refrigerated pet food to the masses. The company began in Secaucus, New Jersey, but it wasn’t long before it expanded its operations to Pennsylvania, breaking ground on its Quakertown, Pennsylvania factory and acquiring a second facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, just seven years later. 2014 was another big year for Freshpet, as they became publicly traded. In 2020, they opened yet another factory to help meet the demand for their products, this time in Ennis, Texas. Freshpet started with just a few recipes but has since added tons of variety and sub-lines to its brand, including Dog Joy, DogNation, and Spring & Sprout. Big things are still underway for Freshpet, and just this past year, they moved their headquarters to Bedminster, New Jersey.
7. Has Freshpet Dog Food Ever Been Recalled?
As of March 2025, Freshpet dog food has been recalled twice in its history.
7.1. 2021 Recall
Freshpet’s first recall was on June 13, 2021, due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The recall was specifically for one batch of Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food with a sell-by date of 10/30/2021. The lot was due to be destroyed but was shipped to customers. Pet parents were advised to stop feeding this food to their dogs immediately and contact Freshpet for a refund. There were no reports of illness or injury due to this recall.
7.2. 2022 Recall
Freshpet’s second recall was on June 17, 2022, again for potential Salmonella contamination.
The recall was for a single batch of Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe (4.5-pound bag) with a sell-by date of 10/29/2022. Pet parents with this product were advised to stop feeding it to their dogs and dispose of the food. They were also advised to contact Freshpet with the item’s sell-by date and UPC code. There were no reports of illness as a result of this recall.
8. How Does Freshpet Compare to Other Fresh Dog Food Brands?
When considering fresh dog food, Freshpet isn’t the only option available. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie also offer fresh, human-grade dog food delivered directly to your door.
Here’s a comparison of Freshpet with these alternatives:
| Feature | Freshpet | The Farmer’s Dog | Ollie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Fresh, locally sourced ingredients | Human-grade ingredients, formulated by vets | Human-grade ingredients, tailored to your dog’s needs |
| Protein Content | Varies, with some recipes high in fat | High, with a focus on lean protein sources | Balanced, with a variety of protein options |
| Price | Generally more affordable than delivery services | More expensive, subscription-based | More expensive, subscription-based |
| Convenience | Available in stores, easy to find | Delivered to your door, custom portions | Delivered to your door, pre-portioned packs |
| Target Audience | Pet parents seeking fresh food at a reasonable price | Pet parents willing to invest in premium, customized nutrition | Pet parents seeking convenient, high-quality fresh food |
| Veterinary Approval | Recommended by some vets, but concerns about high fat content | Formulated by veterinary nutritionists | Formulated with veterinary input |
| Recall History | Two recalls due to potential Salmonella contamination | No recalls to date | No recalls to date |
| Product Variety | Wide range of recipes and formats (rolls, bags, etc.) | Limited recipes, but highly customizable | Limited recipes, but tailored to your dog’s specific needs |
| Sustainable Sourcing | Some eco-friendly options, but not all lines are sustainably sourced | Focus on responsible sourcing, but not as prominent as Freshpet’s Nature’s Fresh | Focus on responsible sourcing, with some organic ingredients |
Freshpet provides a cost-effective way to incorporate fresh food into your dog’s diet, while The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie offer the convenience of customized meal plans and home delivery. The best choice depends on your budget, your dog’s specific dietary needs, and your convenience preferences.
9. How Can You Incorporate Freshpet into Your Dog’s Diet?
Transitioning your dog to Freshpet dog food requires a gradual approach to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of Freshpet with your dog’s current food, gradually increasing the proportion of Freshpet over 7-10 days.
Here’s a sample transition schedule:
| Day | Freshpet | Current Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 25% | 75% |
| 3-4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5-6 | 75% | 25% |
| 7-10 | 100% | 0% |
Monitor your dog’s stool and appetite during the transition. If you notice any signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, slow down the transition or consult with your veterinarian. Once your dog is fully transitioned to Freshpet, follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, adjusting as needed based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and overall health.
10. Where Can You Buy Freshpet Dog Food?
Freshpet dog food is widely available at various retail locations and online stores.
You can find Freshpet at major pet supply stores like Petco and PetSmart, as well as grocery stores with pet food sections. Online retailers such as Chewy and Amazon also carry a wide selection of Freshpet products. Use Freshpet’s store locator on their website to find the nearest retailer. Purchasing from reputable retailers ensures you receive authentic products and can take advantage of return policies if needed.
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FAQ
Do you need to cook Freshpet dog food?
No, you don’t need to cook Freshpet dog food. Despite its name, Freshpet dog food is steam-cooked. The food also undergoes microbial testing by Freshpet’s quality assurance team to check for bacteria and parasites.
What’s the difference between Freshpet and Freshpet Vital?
Freshpet is Freshpet’s core line of dog food products, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshpet Vital is a freshly made, 100% non-GMO alternative to Freshpet.
How long does it take for Freshpet dog food to go bad?
Freshpet usually expires within 7 days of purchase. However, you should check the sell-by date on the packaging for the exact date that your dog’s food will spoil.
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?
Our editorial team conducts independent research when choosing which foods to feature and how to rate them. Our paw ratings are largely based on the ingredients and nutritional content of each food. Here’s a quick guide to what our paw ratings mean:
- 1 paw: High filler content, meat not listed as first ingredient
- 2 paws: Meat meal, bone meal or meat by-products listed as first ingredient
- 3 paws: Named meat listed as first ingredient (e.g., chicken)
- 4 paws: Same as 3 paws, but also made with whole, limited ingredients and minimal processing
- 5 paws: Same as 4 paws, but is also veterinarian or veterinary body approved and includes human-grade ingredients
- Half-paws may be awarded for extra benefits, like affordability, trustworthiness, etc.
Is Freshpet good for dogs with allergies?
Freshpet can be a suitable option for dogs with allergies due to its limited ingredient recipes and lack of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. However, it’s essential to check the ingredient list carefully to ensure it doesn’t contain any allergens specific to your dog.
Can Freshpet help with my dog’s digestive issues?
Yes, Freshpet’s minimally processed, fresh ingredients can be easier for some dogs to digest. The lack of fillers and artificial additives may also benefit dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Is Freshpet suitable for puppies?
Yes, Freshpet offers recipes specifically formulated for puppies, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Look for recipes labeled “Puppy” or “All Life Stages.”
How should I store Freshpet dog food?
Freshpet must be refrigerated to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. Once opened, it
