Freshpet has become a prominent name in the pet food industry since its inception in 2006, with approximately one million pet parents choosing their products for their dogs. They prioritize fresh, high-quality, and locally sourced ingredients in their recipes. All the meat, fruits, and vegetables used are sourced from the USA and delivered fresh to their kitchens daily in Bethlehem, PA.
Freshpet Select is their primary product line, featuring a variety of refrigerated rolled and bagged dog foods made with natural, fresh ingredients. This article offers an in-depth review of Freshpet Select Dog Food to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your canine companion.
Exploring the Freshpet Select Range
The Freshpet Select line boasts an impressive 17 different flavor varieties, including ten rolled and seven bagged options. These are designed to cater to various needs, including small dogs, large breeds, and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Each Freshpet Select dog food recipe is formulated to be “complete and balanced,” adhering to the nutrient profile guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for maintenance (adult dogs), growth (puppies), or all life stages.
Let’s delve deeper into the different product ranges within Freshpet Select.
Grain-Free Options
For dogs with grain sensitivities or those needing a diet lower in protein, Freshpet Select’s grain-free recipes can be a suitable choice. Both grain-free recipes start with US-farm raised chicken as the primary ingredient. Potato, pea protein, and spinach are included as valuable secondary protein sources.
Freshpet Select grain-free recipes offer an average of 45.5% protein on a dry matter basis, which is considered above average for fresh dog food.
Here’s a closer look at the top five ingredients in each grain-free recipe:
- Grain Free Chicken Recipe: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, spinach, potatoes
- Roasted Meals Grain Free Chicken Recipe: Chicken, chicken liver, eggs, pea protein, pea fiber
Freshpet Select Grain Free Chicken Recipe bag, showcasing fresh ingredients and benefits for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Fresh from the Kitchen Range
Currently, the Freshpet Select Home Cooked Chicken Recipe is the sole offering in the Fresh from the Kitchen Range.
This fresh food stands out with its vibrant texture and color, featuring shredded chicken, cranberries, and carrots as its top three ingredients. Cranberries are a great source of antioxidants, while carrots provide beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Pea protein and pea fiber complete the top five ingredients.
Freshpet Select Home Cooked Chicken Recipe has a protein content of 51.5% on a dry matter basis, which is also above average for fresh dog food.
Roasted Meals for Delicious Flavor
The Freshpet Select Roasted Meals range offers two chicken-based recipes, one of which is grain-free. Both options prioritize animal protein, with chicken and chicken liver listed as the first two ingredients.
The Roasted Meals Grain Free Chicken Recipe uses pea protein and pea fiber as alternatives to grains. The grain-inclusive recipe includes ground oats as the third ingredient, followed by rice bran and eggs in the top five. Oats are a good source of fiber and are rich in zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Freshpet Select’s Roasted Meals contain an average of 42.4% protein as dry matter, which is slightly above the average for fresh dog food.
Freshpet Select Roasted Meals packaging, highlighting the roasted cooking process for enhanced flavor and nutrient retention.
Multi-Protein Blends for Varied Benefits
The Freshpet Select Multi-Protein recipes incorporate multiple meat sources, aiming to provide a broader spectrum of health benefits. Salmon is included in all Multi-Protein recipes, known for being rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
Each recipe lists a high-quality meat source as the primary ingredient. However, due to the inclusion of multiple meat sources, Freshpet Select Multi-Protein might not be suitable for dogs with specific food allergies or sensitivities.
Freshpet Select Multi-Protein recipes average 44.8% protein on a dry matter basis, again, above average for fresh dog food.
Here’s a quick look at the flavors within this range and their top five ingredients:
- Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon Recipe: Chicken, beef, beef broth, eggs, beef liver
- Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon Recipe: Chicken, beef, beef liver, egg, ground oats
- Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes: Chicken, eggs, beef, beef broth, sweet potatoes
- Big Bites Multi-Protein Recipe: Chicken, eggs, beef, salmon, beef liver
Tailored Formulas for Small Dogs
Freshpet Select offers a dedicated range for small dogs, formulated to provide appropriate protein and fat levels for their specific needs. The food is also prepared in smaller pieces to minimize choking hazards and aid in digestion.
Freshpet Select’s small dog recipes average 42.7% protein, which is, again, above average for fresh dog food options.
Here’s a glimpse at the recipes in the small dog range and their top five ingredients:
- Bite Size Chicken Recipe: Chicken, chicken liver, carrots, pea protein, eggs
- Bite Size Beef Recipe: Beef, chicken, beef liver, eggs, lentils
- Chicken & Turkey with Cranberries & Spinach: Chicken, turkey, cranberries, turkey broth, spinach
- Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes: Chicken, eggs, beef, beef broth, sweet potatoes
Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Chicken Recipe packaging, emphasizing the tailored nutrition and bite size for smaller breeds.
Other Freshpet Select Varieties
Beyond the main ranges, Freshpet Select also offers individual products like the Freshpet Select Puppy Recipe and a formula for sensitive stomachs and skin.
The Freshpet Select rolled puppy food includes chicken, carrots, and brown rice. It’s enriched with EPA and DHA fatty acids to support healthy growth and development in puppies.
The Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Steam Cooked Chicken Recipe is fiber-rich, containing chicken, pumpkin, and brown rice to aid digestion. Vitamin A and omega fatty acids are added to promote healthy skin and coat.
Freshpet Select Complete Nutrition is a grain-inclusive rolled recipe designed to be easily digestible and marketed as being similar to a homemade meal.
Here are the other individual products in the Freshpet Select range:
- Freshpet Select Puppy Recipe
- Tender Chicken Recipe
- Chunky Beef Recipe
- Chunky Chicken and Turkey Recipe
- Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Steam Cooked Chicken Recipe
- Complete Nutrition Chicken Recipe with Wholesome Grains
Why Freshpet Select Might Be a Good Choice
There are several reasons why Freshpet Select could be a beneficial food option for your dog.
Vet Recommended (with a Caveat)
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, a member of Wag!’s licensed veterinary team, recommends Freshpet Select to her clients, but with a note of caution. She points out that “This food is very high in fat.” Therefore, if your dog needs to manage their weight, you might need to consider other options or carefully control portion sizes based on your veterinarian’s advice.
Despite the higher fat content, Dr. Jeremiah acknowledges that Freshpet’s minimally processed foods “may be a good option for dogs with certain health conditions, such as food allergies or digestive issues.” This makes Freshpet Select a potentially good choice for dogs with sensitive systems.
No Meat Meals or Fillers
A significant advantage of Freshpet Select is its commitment to using no meat meals. All meat in Freshpet Select recipes is all-natural and high-quality. The absence of fillers and meat meals can make Freshpet Select easier to digest, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs, compared to many other dog food brands.
Steam-Cooked for Nutrient Retention
All Freshpet Select products are steam-cooked to maximize the retention of nutritional value. The cooking process adheres to FDA and USDA standards, and the food undergoes 20 quality and safety checks before being shipped, ensuring safety and quality.
USA Sourced Ingredients
Freshpet emphasizes transparency in ingredient sourcing. They state that all vegetables, fruits, and meat are sourced from the USA. The fact that Freshpet Select food is refrigerated, rather than canned or frozen, further contributes to its perceived quality and freshness.
Considerations and Potential Concerns
While Freshpet Select offers numerous benefits, there are also some factors to consider before making a purchase.
Potentially Controversial Ingredients
Many Freshpet Select dog foods include “natural flavors” in their ingredient lists. These are often comprised of lower-quality ingredients used to enhance taste. The lack of transparency surrounding these “natural flavors” might be a concern for some pet owners seeking complete clarity about ingredients.
Carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from edible seaweed, is another ingredient found in Freshpet Select dog foods that has generated debate. Some studies suggest that carrageenan could be harmful to the digestive tract and may contribute to issues like IBS and even colon cancer in dogs.
Sodium selenite, an essential mineral but potentially toxic in high doses and possibly more harmful than other selenium forms, is also present in Freshpet Select dog food.
Higher Cost Compared to Kibble
As with most fresh and refrigerated pet foods made with high-quality ingredients, Freshpet Select dog food is generally more expensive than traditional kibble options on the market. This price point may be a significant factor for some pet owners.
Shorter Shelf Life
Due to its refrigerated nature, Freshpet Select has a shorter shelf life than most dry dog foods. Once opened, bags and rolls of Freshpet Select food are recommended to be used within 7 days and stored in the refrigerator. Unopened, always check the “sell by” date.
Pet Parent Feedback on Freshpet Select
Analyzing reviews from pet parents can provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences with Freshpet Select.
Many positive reviews highlight the benefits for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies. One pet parent shared, “My dog has a very sensitive stomach. I chose Freshpet grain free and it’s been amazing…She eats it immediately and we never have tummy issues.” Another praised it for allergy relief: “Since transitioning to your food, he hasn’t had problems with either [environmental or food allergies].”
However, some negative reviews mention spoilage issues and instances of dogs getting sick. One reviewer stated, “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.”
It’s essential to consider a range of reviews to get a balanced perspective. For more reviews, you can visit ConsumerAffairs.com.
Freshpet Select Recall History
Freshpet Select has had two recalls in its history, both due to potential salmonella contamination.
2021 Recall
The first recall occurred on June 13, 2021, and involved one lot of Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food with a sell-by date of 10/30/2021. The affected lot was intended for destruction but was mistakenly shipped to customers.
2022 Recall
The second recall was on June 17, 2022, affecting a single batch of Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe (4.5-pound bag) with a sell-by date of 10/29/2022.
In both instances, pet parents were advised to stop feeding the recalled food immediately and contact Freshpet for refunds. No illnesses were reported in either recall event.
Product images sourced from Amazon. Copyright freshpet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Freshpet Select
Do you need to cook Freshpet Select dog food?
No, Freshpet Select dog food is already steam-cooked and ready to serve. It is also tested for bacteria and parasites by Freshpet’s quality assurance team.
What’s the difference between Freshpet Select and Freshpet Vital?
Freshpet Select is the core product line, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshpet Vital is a 100% non-GMO alternative within the Freshpet brand, also made with fresh ingredients.
How long does Freshpet Select dog food last before expiring?
Freshpet Select typically expires within 7 days after purchase. Always check the “sell by” date on the packaging for the specific expiration date.
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?
Wag!’s paw ratings are based on independent research focusing on ingredients and nutritional content. Higher ratings indicate better ingredient quality and nutritional value, with 5 paws representing veterinarian-approved, human-grade ingredients.
- 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.
