Freshpet Dog Food Review
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Pros
- Made with fresh, named meats and vegetables
- Refrigerated format avoids artificial preservatives
- More appealing taste and texture than dry kibble
- Company-owned kitchens powered by renewable energy and landfill-free operations
- Widely available in grocery and pet retailers across the U.S.
Cons
- Higher fat and lower carbs than ideal adult targets in some recipes
- No AAFCO feeding trials or peer-reviewed validation
- Packaging is mostly plastic and not widely recyclable
- Some recall history, though limited and precautionary
- Less detailed sourcing and audit transparency than top competitors
Differences
As seen in our Freshpet dog food review, the brand offers fresh, steam-cooked meals in rolls, bags, and single-serve cups, made with real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Recipes are developed by veterinary nutritionists and primarily formulated for adult dogs.
Competitors
We Feed Raw: Balanced raw meals made with whole meat, organ, and bone — ideal for pet parents seeking a biologically appropriate, minimally processed diet with added safety via HPP.
The Farmer’s Dog: Delivers human‑grade, gently cooked fresh meals in pre‑portioned packs, vet‑formulated and balanced for all life stages
Nom Nom Dog Food: Fresh, vet-crafted meals made with real meat and veggies — great for picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Freshpet is a refrigerated dog food made with real meat and vegetables, and many pet owners report improved appetite and digestion.
Some vets may recommend Freshpet, especially for picky eaters or dogs needing a gently cooked diet, though it depends on your dog’s specific needs.
Yes, Freshpet can be frozen to extend shelf life, but it's best used fresh and should be stored in the refrigerator once opened.
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s weight and activity level; Freshpet provides a feeding chart on each package for guidance.
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Our Verdict
<span>Freshpet offers one of the most accessible fresh dog food options, made with named meats, organ inclusions, and vegetables in refrigerated rolls, bags, and tubs. Recipes are lightly steam-cooked for digestibility and taste, and the brand avoids artificial preservatives by relying on refrigeration.</span><span>Freshpet's strengths are convenience, wide retail availability, and sustainability efforts through renewable energy and landfill-free kitchens. However, formulas can run higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates than ideal adult targets, and the brand lacks AAFCO feeding trials or peer-reviewed validation. While recalls have been limited and precautionary, packaging sustainability and sourcing transparency remain areas for improvement. Overall, Freshpet is a solid choice for picky eaters and owners looking beyond kibble, though it trails some competitors in scientific rigor and ingredient traceability.</span>
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