Is Freshpet Good for Dogs? An In-Depth Look
Freshpet has carved out a significant place in the pet food market since its founding in 2006. Based in New Jersey, it's now one of the largest producers of fresh pet food in the United States. But what makes Freshpet unique, and is it truly good for your dog? Let's dig into the details.
What Sets Freshpet Apart?
Unlike traditional kibble or canned foods, Freshpet offers refrigerated meals made with all-natural ingredients. Their recipes avoid preservatives, rendered meats, and artificial flavors. Instead, they focus on high-quality proteins—think beef, chicken, pork, lamb, fish—and add eggs, vegetables like carrots and peas, sweet potatoes, and even fruit. Meals are gently steam-cooked to help retain nutrients and must be kept cold. Once opened, a package lasts about seven days in the fridge.
Product Lines and Customization
Freshpet's range includes several lines: Freshpet®, Vital®, Nature's Fresh®, Homestyle Creations™, Freshpet® Delivery, and Deli Fresh®. You can find their products at big retailers like Costco, Safeway, Target, Walmart, Petco, PetSmart—just about everywhere. For those who want something tailored to their dog's needs (weight management or specific activity levels), there's Freshpet Delivery. This service creates custom meal plans based on your dog's profile and ships them straight to your door with free shipping. They even include measuring cups and clear feeding instructions to make transitions smoother.
Ingredient Quality: The Core of Freshpet
The brand puts a strong emphasis on ingredient quality. You'll see visible pieces of meat and vegetables in many recipes. Proteins are front-and-center—beef, chicken, eggs—while some formulas add grains like brown rice or rice bran and plant-based proteins such as peas.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- No rendered meats
- Synthetic vitamins/minerals added for nutritional completeness (per AAFCO standards)
- Carrageenan used as a thickener in some rolls (a point of debate among pet owners)
Carrageenan helps maintain shape but has raised concerns due to possible gastrointestinal effects observed in animal studies. However, it's still allowed in pet foods.
Nutritional Completeness & Supplementation
To ensure balanced nutrition—even after cooking destroys some natural nutrients—Freshpet adds synthetic vitamins and minerals to most products. Calcium carbonate serves as a calcium source (its origin may vary). All recipes strive to meet AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced dog nutrition.
Convenience & Storage
A major perk is convenience: meals are ready to serve right out of the fridge. If you need to store them longer than seven days (unopened), you can freeze the packages—but expect changes in texture or moisture after thawing.
Consumer Reviews: What Are Dog Owners Saying?
- Picky eaters often love it: Many report improved appetite.
- Seniors & sensitive dogs: Some owners see better digestion or skin/coat health.
- Weight management: Several users notice easier weight control and more energy.
- Mixed opinions: Some nutrition-conscious reviewers worry about synthetic additives or the inclusion of grains/soy.
- Nutrient absorption debate: There’s discussion around whether visible veggie pieces are fully digestible by dogs.
The Price Factor
If you're used to buying kibble at bargain prices, prepare for sticker shock: Freshpet costs two-to-five times more than traditional dry food. It's definitely positioned as a premium option.
The Pros & Cons of Freshpet
- Pros:
- High-quality proteins & visible veggies/fruits
- No artificial flavors/preservatives/rendered meats
- Picky eaters tend to enjoy it; easy on digestion for many dogs
- Ready-to-serve convenience; widely available nationwide
- Cons:
- Requires refrigeration; short shelf life once opened
- Carrageenan presence may not suit all dogs (especially those with GI sensitivities)
- Synthetic additives needed for nutritional balance
- Some recipes include grains/soy—not ideal for every dietary need
- Lacks full customization for prescription/medical diets
- Pricier than most kibbles/canned foods
The Benefits Compared to Kibble & Canned Foods
If your dog turns up its nose at dry food or suffers from digestive issues on kibble/canned diets, Freshpet could be worth trying. Its minimally processed approach means higher digestibility for many pets—and ingredient transparency gives owners peace of mind about what their dogs are eating.
Cautions & Veterinary Advice
If your dog has chronic health conditions or immune compromise—or if you're considering any major diet change—talk with your veterinarian first. Not every recipe will suit every dog (especially those with allergies or specialized medical needs).
Alternatives & Other Approaches
- Other commercial fresh foods: Brands using veterinary nutritionists are available.
- Home-cooked diets: Offer control but require careful planning for balance.
- Raw diets: Popular among some owners but demand time/nutritional know-how.
If convenience matters most—and you want fresh ingredients without home cooking—Freshpet is an accessible choice found at over 28,000 US locations or delivered direct to your door.
The bottom line? Freshpet offers a convenient way to feed dogs fresh food with recognizable ingredients. It's not perfect for every situation (and price can be steep), but many owners see real benefits—especially if their pets are picky eaters or have mild digestive sensitivities.
