Dogs Reviews

FreshPet Dog Food Review – Is It A Good Choice For Your Pup?

May 12, 2022

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FreshPet Dog Food Review – Is It A Good Choice For Your Pup?

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Your dog deserves high-quality nutrition that supports his health and wellness.

FreshPet believes that fresh food can make all the difference for pet health and they are committed to helping pets live their best, happiest, tail-wagging lives.

They developed a new ideology on feeding pets and were one of the first fresh pet food companies to hit the market.

At A Glance: FreshPet Dog Food Review

FreshPet Dog Food
Brand
Overall Score
Pros
  • We liked the wide variety of options FreshPet had to offer in both dog and cat food.
  • In addition to rolls and patties, we also found a selection of fresh meals similar to kibble but with higher moisture levels.
  • The ingredients are 97% sourced from the USA and Canada.
Cons
  • Our experience varied depending on the product.
  • The test dog wasn’t thrilled about the fresh food rolls but had no problem with the fresh meals.
  • FreshPet also doesn’t offer the same level of convenience as other companies because they aren’t a subscription service.
Pros
  • We liked the wide variety of options FreshPet had to offer in both dog and cat food.
  • In addition to rolls and patties, we also found a selection of fresh meals similar to kibble but with higher moisture levels.
  • The ingredients are 97% sourced from the USA and Canada.
Cons
  • Our experience varied depending on the product.
  • The test dog wasn’t thrilled about the fresh food rolls but had no problem with the fresh meals.
  • FreshPet also doesn’t offer the same level of convenience as other companies because they aren’t a subscription service.
Weekly Price
Ingredient Quality
Recipe Variety
Options for Customization
Environmentally Friendly

There are Better Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services to Choose from

There are better fresh options, a crop of new fresh cat food delivery competitors offer better, fresher dog food delivered right to your home.

Here are some our favorite fresh dog food brands you can choose from today. Most offer a heavy discount on your first order so you can see how your mutt likes it . Click here to read our full reviews:


They use fresh, whole ingredients in recipes that are gently cooked without preservatives and kept refrigerated where real meats belong.

Though FreshPet makes some great promises about their products, we were a little skeptical about a fresh pet food company that is sold in grocery stores (compared to fresh pet food subscriptions like Spot and Tango or Pet Plate).

We set out to test FreshPet for ourselves, having already tested some of the top fresh pet food deliveries on the market, to see how it compares.

Overview Of The Freshpet Brand

The tagline FreshPet uses is “real food fresh from the fridge.” Their recipes features 100% natural farm-raised poultry, beef, and fish as well as fiber-packed garden veggies and antioxidant-rich fruits.

They offer dozens of different products in multiple forms including bagged meals, rolls, and stews. They also offer a selection of meal mixers and dog treats.

FreshPet makes a big deal about not using rendered meats or by-product meals in their products.

To The Average Consumer, That Sounds Great, But What Does It Really Mean?

Fresh meats like real chicken or beef contain about 70% moisture which cooks out during extrusion – the process used to make commercial dry food.

Rendered meat meals are already cooked to remove moisture before adding them to the mix, making them a more concentrated source of protein.

They are not inherently bad, but it is important to evaluate the quality – named meat meals like chicken meal are better than generic meat meals like poultry meal or poultry by-product meal.

Another claim FreshPet makes, in addition to starting every recipe with real meat, is that they use fresh fruits and vegetables in their recipes.

These ingredients provide natural sources for key nutrients, but every recipe also contains vitamin and mineral supplements as needed for nutritional balance. All of that is fine, but there are some additional ingredients that may be of concern.

Many fresh pet food companies prepare their foods in small batches to ensure freshness and quality – FreshPet produces their foods in much larger quantities.

To keep things fairly uniform across the board, they end up using additives like thickening agents and emulsifiers (like carrageenan and cassia gum).

These are mildly controversial ingredients most pet experts recommend avoiding, so it’s troubling to see them in a fresh pet food.

It’s also important to note that FreshPet makes use of plant proteins (like pea protein).

So, while real meat might be the first ingredient, it isn’t the only source of protein and may not even be the primary source once the product is cooked and processed.

Where Is The Food Made?

All FreshPet products are made in company-owned kitchens located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Their treats are made in the USA by carefully selected partners that follow high standards for safety and quality.

FreshPet also states that 97% of their ingredients are sourced from the USA and Canada, though their vitamins and minerals may not be. No ingredients are sourced from China.

What Dog Food Products Do They Offer?

The advantage FreshPet has over other fresh pet food companies is their large variety. FreshPet offers a varied range of rolls, bagged meals, single-serve cups, and treats.

Their products are intended to be refrigerated, all labeled with a “sell by” date, and used within 7 days of opening. The exception is for the single-serve cups which should be used within 2 days and treats which can be open for 10 to 14 days.

Here is an overview of Freshpet dog food products:

  • Deli Fresh Grain-Free Chicken Recipe (bagged meal or roll): This protein-rich, grain free recipe is made with fresh chicken plus leafy spinach and potatoes. The nutritional benefits include a multi-source fiber system for digestive health, omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to promote coat, joint, heart, brain, and eye health, as well as inulin, a prebiotic which aids in the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
  • Select Chunky rolls (beef or chicken & turkey): Using high-quality proteins and steam-cooked. 100% all-natural chicken, beef, and turkey, high fiber brown rice, along with fresh, fiber rich sweet potatoes and/or other garden veggies for a complete and balanced meal.
  • Select Fresh from the Kitchen Home-Cooked Chicken Recipe: Fresh from their Kitchens with locally sourced shredded chicken and essential vitamins from carrots, spinach, and antioxidant-rich cranberries. Provide the love of a home cooked, high protein, fresh meal to your dog with Freshpet Select Fresh from the Kitchen.
  • Select Rolls (grain-free chicken, multi-protein, or puppy): These rolls are protein-rich, grain free and made with fresh chicken plus leafy spinach and potatoes. The nutritional benefits include a multi-source fiber system for digestive health, omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to promote coat, joint, heart, brain, and eye health, as well as inulin, a prebiotic which aids in the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. This has added EPA & DHA will help your dog or puppy to grow up healthy and strong.
  • Select Roasted Meals and Complete Meals: Made of tender pieces of fresh chicken accented with carrots and leafy spinach, these recipes come in a convenient resealable bag to make serving quick and easy. Also comes in grain free recipe options.
  • Select Small Dog Bite (morsels and rolls): This wholesome recipe is specially made with smaller bite-sized morsels of US farm-raised chicken or turkey and anti-oxidant rich fruits & vegetables for little pups. Each batch is formulated with targeted levels of protein and fat to support small dog high energy requirements. This recipe is carefully designed for the nutritional needs of small dogs. It’s the soft, easy-to-chew meal that’s made special for littler mouths.
  • Select Stews Grain-Free (chicken or beef & pumpkin): This recipe is high-protein morsels and vitamin-rich veggies in a tasty gravy that is complete & balanced for adult dogs. It’s made with fresh ingredients and no fillers or by-products.
  • Homestyle Creations Healthy Mixers: This Natural Beef Recipe is made with 100% pure beef, or Natural Chicken and is made right here in the USA. These patties are free from grains, gluten, fillers, and soy. They can be served alone as a complete and balanced meal, or scoop in one of our Healthy Mixers to create a custom meal for your dog.
  • Nature’s Fresh rolls and bagged meals: This is a protein-rich recipe, with vitamin-rich vegetables and high fiber brown rice for a holistic meal. This recipe is prepared using humanely raised chicken, with leafy greens like spinach and nutritious carrots. It comes in a resealable bag great for a quick and easy meal. It can be found at Whole Foods, PetSmart, Petco, and other specialty locations. Available in a 2 lb. roll, 1.75 lbs., 3 lbs., and 5.5 lbs. bags.
  • Vital Balanced Nutrition rolls and bagged meals: This starts with either natural US farm-raised chicken, salmon, turkey, lamb or beef then added whole grains & prebiotics to support digestive health, and omega 3 fatty acids to support skin & coat. The recipe is gently cooked with carrots & green beans, it’s a ready-to-serve meal that’s complete & balanced for all life stages.  It is verified Non GMO. Available in 1.75 lb. bags. It is sold at PetSmart, Petco, and other specialty locations.
  • Dog Joy Treats (chicken, turkey apple, or turkey bacon flavor): These treats are made with either all natural turkey bacon, real chicken have that authentic barbecue smell and taste in bite sizes, or strips of farm-fresh turkey and apples with mint and parsley added to promote fresh breath. Made in the USA.
  • DogNation Treats (chicken or turkey recipe): These all natural treats have slow-grilled chicken or all natural, wood-smoked turkey that are grain free. Made in the USA. Available at Wholefoods PetSmart, Petco, and other specialty locations.

All of FreshPet’s recipes are formulated to exceed AAFCO’s minimum standards for complete and balanced canine nutrition. Every recipe is made with high-quality meats and vegetables but there are supplements as needed to ensure nutritional balance.

FreshPet dog food recipes

Is Their Packing Environmentally Friendly?

In their FAQ page, FreshPet notes that their products are free from toxins and chemical preservatives, but they do cook and pasteurize their products to kill bacteria.

They use mainly plastic packaging to keep the food fresh and safe until it is opened – unfortunately, you may not be able to recycle these materials.

That being said, FreshPet does have a commitment to sustainability in their practices.

They use 100% renewable wind energy to power their kitchens and make every effort to recycle wooden pallets, light tubes, and ballast in their facilities.

The work with dedicated green partners and are working on replacing their existing refrigerators with more environmentally friendly models.

FreshPet pet food

How Much Does It Cost?

FreshPet is not a delivery service or a subscription pet food company, so the cost can vary greatly. FreshPet Select Stews come in 10.25-ounce bowls for about $3 each while rolls of fresh food cost about $6. You can purchase much larger rolls for about $20 or bags of fresh food for about $9.

Depending on your dog’s size and what type of food you choose, the cost could range from as little as $3 per day to $9 per day, making the average monthly cost about $25 to $65.

Check below to see how FreshPet stacks up against other dog food brands for cost:

Fresh Dog Food Price Comparison

Food Type Brand Average Price Price Per
Premium Dry Food Canidae Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food $74.99 for 24lbs. $0.20 per ounce
Premium Wet Food Instinct Original Grain-Free Wet Dog Food $22.14 for 6 (13.2oz.) cans $0.28 per ounce
Raw Food Subscription Raws Paws Signature Blend Complete Beef for Cats and Dogs Roll* $10.99 for 1lbs. $0.68/ounce
Raw Food Subscription Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Biologics Raw Dog Food $36.55 for 1 week $0.46/ounce
Fresh Food The Farmer’s Dog* $45.57 per week $6.51 per day
Fresh Food Nom Nom* $48.51 per week $6.93 per day
Fresh Food Spot and Tango* $47.59 per week $6.79 per day
Fresh Food Ollie* $58.00 per week $8.28 per day
Fresh Food Pet Plate* $44.94 per week $6.42 per day
Fresh Food FreshPet Select Roasted Meals $20.49 for 5.5lbs. $0.23 per ounce

*Subscription price based on a 40-pound, neutered male dog 4 years of age

What Did Our Test Dog Think?

Our test dog Archie has been testing fresh foods for some time and he generally loves it. That being said, he wasn’t a fan of some of FreshPet’s products.

We used the Grain-Free Beef and Pumpkin Recipe stew as a meal topper and he seemed to like it well enough, though it wasn’t particularly appetizing by human standards.

The FreshPet Select Roasted Meals chicken recipe was much more well-received. It had a strong chicken aroma with visible pieces of chicken as well as preformed nuggets. Archie gobbled the food up with no problems.

Though FreshPet’s roasted meals and stews went over well, we can’t say the same for the Vital Grain-Free Multi-Protein Recipe roll.

According to the feeding recommendations, you should cut the roll into slices then chop the slice into smaller pieces.

The roll looked like a sausage with pieces of carrot and unidentifiable white substance (probably fat) scattered throughout, but it didn’t look very appetizing. Archie didn’t think so either.

He sniffed the food and sampled it but then looked at me as if he was asking whether he really had to eat it.

Overall, I didn’t have a problem with the FreshPet stews and roasted meals, but I can’t say I recommend the rolls.

The recommended feeding amount was also concerning. FreshPet recommends about 1 pound of food per day for a dog of Archie’s size (about 30 pounds) – that’s half of the 2-pound roll. C

hopping it up, it more than fills Archie’s bowl, so I can’t imagine a bigger dog eating even more than that. It doesn’t look much like real food, so it leaves me to wonder how much of it will actually be digested and absorbed and how much will be left in a pile in your backyard.

freshpet taste test

FreshPet Food Recalls

Pet food manufacturers are required to follow certain standards for safety, but accidents do happen.

A pet food recall occurs when there is a problem with the product and the FDA recommends removing it from pet store shelves until the issue is resolved.

Pet food companies also have the option to voluntarily recall a product if they notice or suspect a problem.

Recalls are more common in companies that mass produce their foods. Freshpet did Voluntarily Recalled One Lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination on June 13, 2021

Is FreshPet Really Worth The Cost?

When it comes to feeding your dog, you should feed him the highest quality diet you can consistently afford.

Many pet experts agree that fresh food is one of the best options for pets because it is more nutritious and less processed than commercial kibble and canned food.

Unfortunately, that is less true for FreshPet than for pet food delivery services like Raised Right and The Farmer’s Dog.

FreshPet products are produced in much larger quantities and, other than providing refrigerators, they do not control the conditions in which the products are kept prior to sale.

Equipment malfunction or damage to the packaging could allow mold or bacteria to enter the food, causing it to mold or spoil.

That being said, FreshPet could still be better for your dog than low-quality canned food or kibble.

Generally speaking, the higher the quality of your dog’s diet, the better. Poor quality pet foods may be more difficult for your dog to digest or might contain low-quality ingredients that don’t deliver optimal nutrition.

Over time, gaps in your dog’s nutrition could contribute to serious health problems and, in the end, higher vet bills.

It is well worth the cost to feed your dog high-quality fresh food, but we’re not sure FreshPet is the best option if you can afford a fresh food subscription service instead.

Here are some general benefits of feeding your dog premium dog food:

  • Improved and regulated digestion, less gas and diarrhea
  • Reduced stool volume and odor
  • Healthier coat with less shedding
  • Increased energy levels and vitality
  • Healthy weight loss (when needed for overweight dogs)
  • Improved dental health and oral hygiene
  • Better urinary health, reduced risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs)

The thing you need to remember is that every dog is different. Generally speaking, fresh food is one of the best diets you can feed your dog but FreshPet may not be the best of those options in every case.

You’ll need to talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s unique dietary needs and ask whether one of FreshPet’s products could be a good choice.

FreshPet dog food reviews

How Do You Order It?

Because FreshPet is not a food delivery service, you can’t just order it online through their website. You can, however, use the

Where to Buy page on their website to locate stores near you that carry their products. FreshPet has refrigerators in many major grocery store chains as well as some big box stores like Target.

You may also be able to find FreshPet products from online retailers, but it’s difficult to judge the freshness of ordering online so it’s best to purchase in stores.

Customer Service

Though it’s incredibly easy to find FreshPet in stores and you don’t have to wait for delivery, customer service is another matter. You can’t expect grocery store employees to be able to answer specific questions about the product and the only options for contacting the company online is by email.

FreshPet does have a FAQ section of their website where you can find answers to common questions, however, so that may be enough for most situations.

Tips for Making the Transition to Fresh Food

Changing your dog’s diet can result in digestive upset if you do it too quickly. You should also remember that fresh food is very different from commercial kibble and it may take your dog a little while to get used to it if he’s never had fresh food before.

That being said, some dogs take to fresh food right away and find it more palatable than commercial kibble.

When switching to FreshPet, you should transition your dog over a period of 7 to 10 days. You can find specific information in the Switching to FreshPet guide on the website, but it’s a fairly simple process.

In the guide, you’ll find detailed information about how to store and serve the different types of food in addition to recommendations for how much to feed of your dog’s old food and the FreshPet on days 1-3, 3-6, and 7-10.

Just be sure not to open more than you’ll be able to use within a 7-day period, so you may need to start with smaller packages when you’re completing the transition period.

FreshPet3

Pros And Cons

Every dog is unique, so the best food for one dog might not be the best option for another. It’s up to you to know your dog’s needs and preferences so you can make an informed decision. Every dog food brand is unique as well, and each has its pros and cons.

Here are some of the things you need to know about FreshPet:

Pros For Freshpet

  • FreshPet sources 97% of their ingredients from the USA and Canada and uses all-natural ingredients, including fresh meats instead of rendered meals.
  • There are a wide variety of products to choose from including grain-free and grain-inclusive options as well as multiple proteins.
  • FreshPet products are readily available in grocery stores and are objectively less expensive than most fresh food delivery services.

Cons For Freshpet

  • Price and feeding amount vary widely depending on the dog’s size and calorie needs – may not be affordable for everyone.
  • Shorter shelf-life than most commercial foods due to the lack of preservatives – bagged meals and rolls should be refrigerated and used within 7 days of opening.
  • Some products are not very appetizing for either dogs or the humans feeding them.

Every pet food company has its pros and cons. Unfortunately, we aren’t confident in saying that the pros outweigh the cons for FreshPet. There is certainly nothing wrong with choosing FreshPet if it’s the best food within your budget, but if you’re committed to feeding your dog fresh food you would do much better with a subscription service like Nom Nom or Ollie.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you what you choose to feed your dog.

With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which brands you can trust.

We wouldn’t say that FreshPet is an untrustworthy brand and their products are not of low quality, but they aren’t what we’d hope to see from a fresh pet food company.

If you do choose to feed FreshPet to your dog, you’ll probably find the bagged meals more appealing and so will your dog.

The rolls are less appetizing for certain, but while most products contain some plant protein, these ingredients appear further down the list for the rolls than for the bagged foods.

We can’t heartily recommend FreshPet in the end, but we can’t fault dog owners for choosing it either.

If you’re looking for an affordable brand of fresh food that you can simply pick up in the store, it’s one to consider. If you want the highest quality for your dog, however, you’d be better off considering a fresh pet food subscription service like Ollie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has FreshPet ever been recalled?

Freshpet Voluntarily Recalled One Lot of Freshpet® Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination on June 13, 2021

Is FreshPet food grain-free?

FreshPet offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets. If your dog has a grain allergy, you can use the product selector on the website to filter for grain-free products and then check their availability in stores near you.

Is FreshPet food organic?

No, FreshPet food is not organic. The company states that they focus on finding the highest quality ingredients out there and, while their foods are not organic, they are all-natural and free from antibiotics and preservatives.

Is FreshPet food raw?

No, FreshPet is cooked and pasteurized to kill bacteria.

How many calories per cup for FreshPet food?

The calorie content varies widely from one product to another. You can find specific calorie information on the product page or on the packaging itself as well as feeding recommendations.

Can I cancel my FreshPet food subscription?

FreshPet does not offer a subscription service.

Where can I buy FreshPet food?

You can find FreshPet in most major grocery stores as well as big box chains like Target. Use the Where to Buy option on the website to find a retailer.

Can you heat up FreshPet food?

It is not necessary or recommended to heat FreshPet foods.

Is Freshpet easily digestible?

Yes FreshPet dog food is highly digestible due to use of real animal protein and other whole ingredients, some dogs that are sensitive to pea protein might have a harder time with digestion.

Do veterinarians recommend Freshpet dog food?

Yes, many veterinarians that we've spoken to recommend FreshPet dog food due to the high quality ingredients used and overall good reputation in terms of palatability and quality control.

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Kate Barrington is avid pet lover and adoring owner of three cats and one dog, her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. She has been writing about pet care and pet products since 2010
44 Comments
  1. Marv Proctor

    My CV concern with Freshpet is that the UPC CODE does not match the written word. The package says processed in the U.S. but the UPC code comes back as Kuwait country of origin. If USA or Canada. it should start with a zero. not a 6. The front of the bag says made in the USA but that is an old m as marketing trick that means the container, (in this case, the bag) is made in the USA. I'm concerned and don't want to buy dog food that I'm unsure of origin and or contents. can you shed any light on the UPC discrepancy.

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Marv, thanks for the question. Unfortunately we don't know much about how FreshPet packages their products except what they say on their website: "All Freshpet refrigerated food is made in our very own Freshpet Kitchens in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Freshpet treats are made in the USA by carefully selected partners that are required to strictly adhere to our high quality food and safety standards." It's entirely possible that the packaging itself comes from outside the US.

  2. Tammy Lee

    Why is ollie a better brand or more recommend than freash pet?

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Tammy, great question! Which brand is better is largely a matter of opinion, but we like Ollie because they produce their food in small batches to control quality and ship it directly to the consumer. FreshPet makes their products in much larger batches and sends them out to retailers. From there, the retailer is in control of quality in terms of proper storage and best-by dates, so it just leaves more room for error. Neither brand is bad. Hope that helps!

    • Bridget

      Our dog has been vomiting and having what we would call dry heaves, just being able to get phlegm up, loose stools. Lying around not wanting to do anything. We're concerned its the PetFresh since we just started her on this a couple weeks ago.very concerned.

      • Kate Barrington

        If he's already been on it for a few weeks with no issue, it may not be the food. If he's been having issues since the switch, however, it sounds likely. We'd recommend talking to your vet considering his lethargy and other symptoms. Always better to be safe than sorry!

  3. Barb

    Does freshpet offer individual servings? My dog can not consume the small roll in seven days.

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Barb, FreshPet doesn't do single servings of their complete meals but you can find smaller portions. Check out the selection here: https://freshpet.com/en-gb/dog/freshpet-select/

  4. Sharon

    Do you heat up FreshPet select roasted meals

    • Kate Barrington

      No, there's no need! If your dog prefers his food warm, you can always let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or pour some warm water or broth over it right before feeding.

  5. Ericka

    After hundreds of dollars spent on expensive dog foods, i finally got my dog tested for food allergies. I have read the ingredients of almost every dog food on the market, and after filtering through the few she can have, and that are healthy, I was happy to find the "Freshpet Natures Fresh Grain Free Turkey". The Majority of foods contain Peas or ChickPea, Pumpkin, Rice, Oat, Wheat, or something else that she cannot have. To make matters worse, she has digestive issues and is prone to seizures if not on the proper diet, which took me a while to figure out. She also cannot have anything with corn, which should not be in dog food anyway. The Farmers Dog has ingredients that she cannot have, and Ollie is very expensive. I would just about do anything to be able to feed my dog something that doesn't hurt her tummy or give her seizures. Currently I am resorting to giving her Pepcid every day per her Vet. One thing people should be aware of is how to identify if the food contains rendured cats or dogs which still contain traces of the medication used to euthanize them. I'm curious as to how you feel about home made dog food, and how I can ensure that she receives all the nutrients needed? Thank you!

    • Kate Barrington

      Hey Ericka, sorry to hear about your dog's issues! It sounds like homemade food might be the best way to really control what she eats and it sounds like you already understand that some work will be involved in making sure it's nutritionally balanced. I would start with a formula approved by a veterinary nutritionist or look for a company that sells nutrient mix for dogs that's intended for homemade diets. Another option to consider is Darwin's raw dog food. Their dog food recipes are 75% raw meat and bone with 25% veggies, you'd just have to check the ingredients to make sure none of them are things your dog is sensitive to. Their nutritional info on their site is very thorough, so you'll be able to see exactly what it contains.

  6. Donna Carta

    Can fresh pet be frozen?

    • Kate Barrington

      FreshPet recommends serving the food straight from the fridge, but unused portions can certainly be frozen if needed! None of the food is frozen prior to being distributed to local retailers.

  7. Angela Buschman

    We noticed every time my shizu at fresh pet he would get sick. He throws up, lethargic, doesn’t want to eat or drink. We stopped feeding him that and went with a different brand and now is energetic, eats and drinks. I will never buy fresh pet again.

    • Kate Barrington

      Sorry to hear about your experience Angela! Unfortunately, since FreshPet is sold by independent retailers there can be issues with freshness and storage. FreshPet also tends to produce their foods in larger quantities and may use additives more than fresh food subscription services like The Farmer's Dog or Nom Nom. We hope you found a better solution for your dog!

  8. Ginger + Doug Jones

    I have two golden retrievers, they go nuts for your Turkey bacon treats they won't stop barking when they see the bag!! Thank you for making my boys happy!!! We love your products

  9. Kathleen

    Is there food allergies related to Freshpt?

    • Kate Barrington

      Hey Kathleen, good question! Food allergies are triggered by specific ingredients, not necessarily the brand of food. If you know what your pet is allergic to, you can check the individual recipe.

  10. Larry kishpaugh

    How long can a roll of fresh pet be stored unopened in the refrigerator

    • Kate Barrington

      Hey Larry, it depends when the product was made. Check the label and you'll find a Best By or Use By date. Once the package has been opened, it should be used within 7 days.

  11. CC

    Our 12 yo dachshund had stomach issues for years and suffered from colitis. Went from Halo to Royal Canin Intestinal to Fresh Pet tender chicken recipe. Fresh Pet has saved her life. She has eaten it for a full year. She no longer suffers from vomiting or bloody stools . She loves the food and we are thrilled. Even great for our older diabetic dog. Our vet is impressed! Love the convenience of being able to shop at Target or Walmart in any town if we are away from home.

  12. Sharon Beveridge

    I have two golden retrievers. I have made my own dog food for over ten years for my dogs now and my previous ones. I also give them supplemental vitamins and minerals. In May of 2020 when our meat supply was questionable because of covid, I started using Freshpet. Mostly the large rolls. My dogs love it. Now I'm not sure what to do as the last few weeks I have to drive around looking for Fresh pet. I've been calling first to see if stores have any. No one does now, so I'm probably going back to making my own again. What happened to the supply? I'm really disappointed. I depend on consistency to keep my dogs healthy.

    • Kate Barrington

      Hey Sharon, sorry you're having such trouble finding Freshpet! It looks like supply has been an issue all over the country, so it must be related to COVID closures. Plants were closed for a few weeks last spring and due to restrictions on staffing and such, the company may be having a hard time keeping up with demand. Though Freshpet may not be reliably available at this time, most of the fresh pet food subscription services like Nom Nom and The Farmer's Dog are still producing and delivering. If you're looking for a new brand to try, we'd recommend one of those since they deliver the food right to your door, saving you the hassle!

  13. Taryn Allegra

    Love the article. HATE the brand. Fresh pet contains small amounts of garlic in its food, but they list it under natural flavors. Garlic is toxic to both cats and dogs. Due to this both my pets became sick. Please do more research before buying these products. I understand not every dog will react the same, but i would not take the chance of risking it.

  14. Stephen Foltz

    Freshpet has been the best thing to happen to my 4 yo Scottish terrier. I was feeding Purina One True Instinct and grain free foods, with no benefit. My dog was listless and rarely wanted to be active. Since changing to FreshPet in the pouches (especially the High Protein version) he has become a completely different dog. He is very playful and active and my vets says his teeth are quite clean for being a soft food eater. I highly recommend FreshPet and only caution that the food must be used within 7-8 days after opening. I have no concerns with garlic flavor as that is hardly significant enough to cause any problems.

  15. Carolyn Cook

    I put my collie on Freshpet (chicken recipe, large bag) when he developed digestive issues. He likes the food and the digestive issues have faded. However, the Freshpet distribution system is terrible - at least in Indiana. I never know if either of the three pet stores near me will have the product. Sometimes they only have the small bags, sometimes nothing. I pay for a lot of packaging I don't want or need. The answer I have received for the last year is 'they are having distribution problems." I would think management could have the problem solved by now. My dog is almost ten and has cancer. I am reluctant to switch him at this point, but I regret starting him on this product.

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Carolyn, unfortunately it seems you're not alone in your frustrations! FreshPet can be tough since pet stores rely on the company to distribute but things still aren't quite back to normal with the pandemic. If you're looking for an alternative for your pup, we'd recommend a fresh food delivery service like Nom Nom or The Farmer's Dog. They send the food right to your door so you never have to worry about distribution.

  16. Carol Magill

    My cheweenie has been a picky eater until I tried the small breed chicken roll. She loves it and actually gobbles it down and asks for more. Sadly I can't get it now. She has not had any issues with it.

    • Kate Barrington

      Sorry to hear that, Carol! We hope FreshPet gets their distribution back up and running soon!

  17. Valerie Anne Main

    My Papillion, age 13 with few teeth, and Yorkie, age 13 with some teeth, have done very well on the chicken FreshPet rolls. We tried the bagged meals when the rolls were not available and they didn't like them. Paco the papillion has a heart problem but the Hill's H/D canned is out of stock everywhere and very expensive. Since he likes the FP, we will stick with that. We put down a little and when they eat that, we put down a little more. Not sure what they eat from day to day but they also get Dentasticks and Greenies. Neither is overweight and they like to walk. So whatever works for your dog. Delivered foods are too expensive and we don't see the advantage since we have to shop for us.

  18. Yvonda Taylor

    Not really helpful....my pomeranian has sensitive stomach problems with bouts of pancreatitis and for 6 years had ate Freshpet Vital Grain-free Turkey recipe with spinach and blueberries and cranberries and has made a world of difference, nut suddenly Freshpet is having major problems and we can't his food anywhere, Freshpet has really fallen down and left the loyal Freshpet customers to hang Maybe an idea of what we can do in the mean time...my dog can only eat Turkey .

  19. cynthia

    We have had great success with our Dog and FreshPet. He has had terrible allergies and been on apoquel for years. By using FreshPet we have him off all medications and he is doing great. He loves the food, it's reasonable and his poops are so much smaller.

  20. Maggie

    My 14 yr old Boston terrier Is still hungry every time he eats the chicken in the tube….we are feeding him the correct amount but he can’t get enough…he is a very picky eater most of the time so finding this was almost too good to be true…any thoughts

  21. Donna

    How many calories are in Freshpet Select Puppy Slice and Serve Roll per pound?

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Donna! FreshPet Select Puppy contains 300 kcal per 1/2 pound. Here's a link to the nutritional info on FreshPet's website.

  22. Sylvia

    Have you tested Just Food For Dogs?

    • Doron Wolffberg

      Hi Sylvia, Yes we did: https://wereallaboutpets.com/just-food-for-dogs-review

  23. Richard Hesting

    Started feeding FreshPet rolls to my Pointer mix with absolutely no problems at all. She loves it. However when my vet ask me what I was feeding her she advised not to feed FreshPet but feed Purina chow instead. Well, my dog will often not consume the daily feeding of Purina and doesn't get excited at all when put down for her. With the FreshPet she can't wait to eat and looks forward to her morning and evening meals. I like the quality and the price and highly recommend.

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Richard! Did the vet tell you why they recommend Purina? Generally speaking, we don't recommend Purina Dog Chow because it contains a lot of low-quality fillers and artificial additives. The quality of FreshPet is objectively higher and if your dog loves it, we don't see a problem! Great job giving your pup the high-quality diet they deserve!

  24. Jeff Osborne

    I am feeding my dog FreshPet grain free chicken in rolls and he seems to be a little constipated with smaller harder stools. Why?

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Jeff! How long have you been feeding your dog FreshPet? One of the benefits of fresh food can be more efficient digestion which sometimes results in smaller stools, but they shouldn't be hard. You could try adding additional moisture (like water or broth) to the food but if the problem persists it may be worth checking with your vet. Good luck!

  25. Bella Watson

    Love the article. Over years I used to make food for myself at home. I cant trust any brand for that. Usually, my dog doesn't suit any other food except at home.

  26. Allen

    We tried three food deliver companies. One was a local one and the other two were nationwide. We ordered at least 3 varieties from each. Most were frozen which was a pain, storing and thawing. Dog (labradoodle) hated most from the start. A few she would eat for a day or two, then say no. She loves Fresh Pet and its so easy, slice and feed. We were cooking food, Yumwoof, and she likes that, but you have to bake it and add ground chicken or ground beef. And meat costs really add up.

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