Is Freshpet a Good Dog Food? An Honest 2026 Nutrition Review

Is Freshpet a Good Dog Food? The Short Answer

Freshpet occupies a middle ground between traditional kibble and premium fresh-cooked delivery services. It's refrigerated, made with whole ingredients, and sold in tubs or rolls at grocery and pet stores. For many dog owners, it's the most accessible entry point into fresh feeding — but whether it's the right food for your dog depends on their life stage, health conditions, and your budget.

In this guide, we'll dissect Freshpet's nutritional profile, compare it against seven alternatives across price points, and give you exact feeding protocols so you can make an evidence-based decision — not one driven by marketing.

Understanding Freshpet's Nutritional Profile

Freshpet offers several product lines: Freshpet Select (their core line), Freshpet Vital (grain-free and limited-ingredient options), and Freshpet Nature's Fresh (organic ingredients). Each line carries an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy, which is the minimum bar any commercial dog food must meet.

What to Look for on Any Dog Food Label

Before we break down Freshpet specifically, here's what the label must tell you — and what to scrutinize:

• AAFCO Statement: Look for "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles" or "animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures." The first means the recipe was analyzed in a lab; the second means it was fed to actual dogs. Both are valid, but feeding trials provide an extra layer of validation.
• Life Stage Designation: "All life stages," "growth and reproduction" (puppies/pregnant dogs), or "adult maintenance." If your dog is a large-breed puppy (expected adult weight over 70 lb / 32 kg), they need a formula specifically stating "growth" with controlled calcium levels.
• Ingredient Order: Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking. Fresh chicken weighs more than chicken meal because of water content, so a food listing "chicken" first isn't necessarily higher in protein than one listing "chicken meal" first.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Shows minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, and maximum moisture. For fresh foods, moisture is typically 65–78%, which makes the protein percentage look lower than kibble — but you must compare on a dry matter basis.

Freshpet's Guaranteed Analysis (Dry Matter Basis)

On a dry matter basis, Freshpet Select delivers roughly 36% protein and 20% fat — comparable to many mid-range kibbles once you strip away the moisture. The protein comes primarily from named animal sources (chicken, chicken liver, eggs), which is a positive signal. However, some lines use pea protein as a secondary protein contributor, which inflates the total protein number without providing the same amino acid profile as animal tissue.

Caloric Density

Freshpet Select averages approximately 325 kcal per 8 oz (227 g) serving. Because of the high moisture content, you need to feed a larger volume compared to kibble to hit the same caloric target. A 30 lb (13.6 kg) moderately active adult dog needs roughly 650–750 kcal/day, which translates to about 16–18 oz of Freshpet daily — roughly two standard rolls every 1.5 days.

Freshpet vs. Competitors: What Are Your Options?

Freshpet isn't the only player in the fresh/refrigerated dog food space, and it isn't the right choice for every dog. Here's how it stacks up against alternatives across budget tiers.

Top Recommended Dog Foods by Category

Price-Per-Day Comparison Table

Feeding Amounts: How Much Should You Feed?

Generic feeding charts on packaging are starting points, not prescriptions. Your dog's actual caloric needs depend on their resting energy requirement (RER), adjusted by a multiplier for life stage and activity level.

Calculating Daily Caloric Needs

The standard veterinary formula:

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75

Then multiply by the appropriate factor:

Freshpet Serving Amounts by Dog Weight

Based on Freshpet Select at ~325 kcal per 8 oz serving, here's how much to feed daily for a neutered adult dog with moderate activity:

Adjustment factors: If your dog is gaining weight, reduce by 10% and reassess in two weeks. If they're losing condition, increase by 10%. Dogs with high metabolism (sighthounds, young terriers) often need the upper end of the range; low-metabolism breeds (Bulldogs, Basset Hounds) typically need the lower end.

Life Stage and Condition-Specific Guidance

Puppies

Freshpet Select carries an "all life stages" AAFCO statement, which technically means it meets minimum nutrient levels for growth. However, large-breed puppies (expected adult weight over 70 lb / 32 kg) need controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratios (1.1:1 to 1.4:1) and restricted caloric density to prevent rapid bone growth and developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia. Freshpet does not currently offer a large-breed puppy-specific formula. For these puppies, consult your veterinarian about a dedicated large-breed growth diet such as Royal Canin Large Puppy or Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy.

Small and medium-breed puppies can eat Freshpet, but you'll need to feed 3–4 meals per day until 6 months of age, and the per-meal volume is small enough that the high moisture content isn't an issue.

Senior Dogs

Senior dogs (typically 7+ years, earlier for giant breeds) often benefit from the higher moisture content in Freshpet, which supports kidney function and hydration. However, senior dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need phosphorus-restricted diets — Freshpet's phosphorus levels (~1.0% dry matter) are too high for Stage 2+ CKD. In those cases, a prescription diet like Hill's k/d or Royal Canin Renal Support is necessary.

For healthy seniors, Freshpet's softer texture is easier on aging teeth, and the palatability can help dogs with declining appetite.

Dogs with Allergies or Sensitivities

True food allergies in dogs are relatively uncommon — the Merck Veterinary Manual estimates that food allergies account for only 1–5% of all canine skin diseases. When they do occur, the most common triggers are beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, and soy.

Freshpet Vital's limited-ingredient formulas (such as the Turkey & Pumpkin recipe) can work for dogs with grain sensitivities. But if your dog has a confirmed chicken or beef allergy through a veterinary elimination diet trial, you'll need a novel protein diet. Options include Royal Canin Selected Protein PR (prescription) or Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Venison.

Weight Management

Freshpet's high moisture content gives it a lower caloric density per volume compared to kibble, which can help dogs feel fuller on fewer calories. For weight loss, calculate RER based on your dog's target weight, not current weight, and feed that amount. Pair this with 30–45 minutes of daily walking and eliminate table scraps. Expect healthy weight loss of 1–2% of body weight per week.

Ingredients to Avoid in Commercial Dog Foods

Regardless of whether you choose Freshpet or another brand, here are ingredients and practices to watch for:

Freshpet avoids most of these problematic ingredients. Their products contain no artificial preservatives or dyes, which is one of their stronger selling points. However, some formulas do include pea protein and potato protein as secondary protein sources — worth noting if you're concerned about the grain-free/DCM connection.

Can You Feed a Homemade or Raw Diet Instead?

Some owners considering Freshpet are also exploring homemade cooking or raw feeding. Both approaches carry significant risks if not executed properly.

Homemade Diets

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association evaluated 200 homemade dog food recipes found online and in books. The findings were alarming: 95% had at least one essential nutrient deficiency, and 83.5% had multiple deficiencies. Common shortfalls included calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and choline.

If you want to cook for your dog:

• Work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). They can formulate a recipe tailored to your dog's specific needs and provide a supplement protocol.
• Use a recipe from a vetted source such as Balance IT (a supplement system designed by veterinary nutritionists to make homemade diets complete) or recipes from the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
• Never improvise with human recipes adapted for dogs. Dogs have different amino acid requirements (they need more taurine and arginine than many homemade diets provide), and their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio must be tightly controlled.

Raw Diets

Raw feeding (BARF — Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or prey model diets) remains controversial in veterinary medicine. The AVMA, FDA, and CDC all advise against raw diets due to documented risks:

• Pathogen exposure: Studies have found Salmonella in 20–48% of raw diet samples and Listeria in up to 50%. These bacteria pose risks to both dogs and the humans handling the food.
• Nutritional imbalance: Like homemade diets, many raw diet recipes are deficient in calcium, vitamin E, and trace minerals unless carefully supplemented.
• Physical hazards: Raw bones can cause dental fractures, esophageal foreign bodies, and intestinal perforation.

If you're committed to raw feeding despite these risks, use a commercially prepared raw diet from companies like Stella & Chewy's or Primal Pet Foods that employ high-pressure processing (HPP) to reduce pathogen load. Still, consult your veterinarian about regular fecal pathogen screening and safe handling protocols.

How to Transition Your Dog to a New Food

Switching foods too quickly is one of the most common causes of diet-related diarrhea. Whether you're moving from kibble to Freshpet, Freshpet to another fresh food, or any other combination, follow a gradual 7–10 day transition protocol.

7-Day Transition Schedule

Extend the transition to 10–14 days if:

• Your dog has a history of sensitive digestion or inflammatory bowel disease
• You're switching between very different food types (e.g., high-protein kibble to high-moisture fresh)
• Your dog is a senior or has a compromised immune system

Probiotic support during transition: Adding a canine-specific probiotic like Purina FortiFlora or VetriScience Mega Probiotic during the transition can help stabilize gut flora and reduce soft stools. Dosage: follow product label, typically 1 capsule or packet daily for dogs under 40 lb.

Does Your Dog Need Supplements?

If you're feeding a complete and balanced commercial diet like Freshpet, most dogs don't need additional supplementation. However, there are specific situations where supplements add measurable value:

What not to supplement without veterinary guidance: Calcium (excess calcium in growing puppies causes skeletal deformities), vitamin D (fat-soluble and toxic at high doses), iron, and potassium. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements, as some interact with medications or existing health conditions.

Monitoring Success: How to Know If the Food Is Working

After switching to any new diet, give it 4–8 weeks before making a final assessment. Here's what to track:

Body Condition Score (BCS)

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association uses a 9-point BCS scale. Your dog should score a 4 or 5 out of 9:

• Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure but not visibly prominent. A thin fat covering should be present.
• Waist: Visible from above — an hourglass shape behind the ribs.
• Abdominal tuck: From the side, the abdomen should tuck up behind the rib cage, not hang straight or sag.

Weigh your dog monthly during the first 3 months on a new food. Any change of more than 5% body weight warrants a feeding adjustment.

Coat and Skin Quality

A nutritionally adequate diet produces a shiny, soft coat with minimal shedding (beyond breed-normal levels), no flaky skin, and no recurrent hot spots. If you see dullness, excessive shedding, or dry skin after 6–8 weeks on the new food, the diet may be deficient in essential fatty acids or your dog may need a fish oil supplement.

Stool Quality

Ideal stool is firm, log-shaped, easy to pick up, and brown. Use this quick scoring system:

• 1 (hard pellets): Too dry — increase water intake or consider higher-moisture food
• 2–3 (firm, formed): Ideal
• 4 (soft, holds shape): Slightly loose — may improve with time or probiotics
• 5 (unformed, pudding-like): Diarrhea — consult vet if persistent beyond 48 hours

Energy and Vitality

Your dog should maintain breed-appropriate energy levels throughout the day. Lethargy, excessive sleeping beyond normal, or inability to sustain exercise can signal inadequate caloric intake or a nutrient imbalance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Freshpet better than kibble?

Freshpet offers higher moisture content, fewer processed ingredients, and better palatability for many dogs. However, kibble is more cost-effective, has a longer shelf life, and some therapeutic kibbles (prescription diets) address specific medical conditions that Freshpet cannot. "Better" depends on your dog's needs, your budget, and your storage capabilities. A healthy adult dog can thrive on either, provided the food is AAFCO-compliant and portioned correctly.

Can I mix Freshpet with kibble?

Yes — many owners use Freshpet as a topper to increase palatability and moisture content of a kibble-based diet. If mixing, calculate total daily calories from both sources to avoid overfeeding. A common approach: replace 25% of kibble calories with Freshpet. Ensure both foods are AAFCO-complete so the combination doesn't create nutrient gaps.

Is Freshpet safe for puppies?

Freshpet Select carries an "all life stages" AAFCO statement, meaning it meets minimum growth requirements. However, it does not have a specific large-breed puppy formulation with controlled calcium. For small and medium-breed puppies, Freshpet is acceptable. For large-breed puppies, consult your veterinarian about a dedicated growth formula to prevent developmental orthopedic disease.

How long does Freshpet last once opened?

Opened Freshpet rolls or tubs should be refrigerated and used within 7 days, per the manufacturer's guidelines. Unopened rolls last until the printed "use by" date when kept refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C). Never leave Freshpet at room temperature for more than 2 hours — treat it like perishable meat.

My dog has diarrhea after switching to Freshpet. Is this normal?

Mild softening of stools during the first 3–5 days of transition is common as gut bacteria adapt to the new food composition. However, watery diarrhea, vomiting, blood in stool, or diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours after completing the transition warrants a veterinary visit. You may be transitioning too quickly, or your dog may have a sensitivity to a specific ingredient in the formula.

Does my dog need supplements if I feed Freshpet?

Most healthy dogs on a complete and balanced Freshpet diet do not need additional supplements. Exceptions include fish oil for coat/joint support, glucosamine for large-breed or senior dogs with arthritis risk, and probiotics during food transitions. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements, as over-supplementation can cause harm.

How does Freshpet compare to The Farmer's Dog or Nom Nom?

The Farmer's Dog and Nom Nom are fully customized, pre-portioned fresh-cooked delivery services that tailor recipes to your dog's weight, age, activity level, and health conditions. They cost 40–80% more than Freshpet. Freshpet is a standardized, off-the-shelf product with less personalization but greater convenience (available in stores, no subscription required). If your dog has specific dietary needs or you want precise portioning, the delivery services have an edge. For a healthy dog and a budget-conscious owner, Freshpet is a reasonable middle option.