is freshpet a good brand of dog food
Freshpet Select Dog Food Review (Rolls)
Freshpet Select Dog Food Review (Rolls)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: February 21, 2024
The Freshpet Select product line lists the 9 rolled dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Freshpet Select Chunky Beef Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is this dog food is beef. Beef is defined as the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle and includes skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.1
The second ingredient is chicken, another quality addition.
Both beef and chicken are naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
The third ingredient is beef liver, an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The fourth ingredient is beef broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common component in many canned products.
The fifth ingredient includes carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
The sixth ingredient lists peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.
However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The seventh ingredient includes eggs. Eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.
The eighth ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The ninth ingredient is rice bran, a healthy by-product of milling whole grain rice. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain containing starch, protein, fat as well as vitamins and minerals.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Freshpet product.
With 4 notable exceptions
First, we find soy flour, a high-protein by-product of soybean processing.
Although soy flour contains about 51% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
Next, carrageenan is a gelatin-like thickening agent extracted from seaweed. Although carrageenan has been used as a food additive for hundreds of years, there appears to be some recent controversy regarding its long term biological safety.
The article, The Carrageenan Controversy, published in Scientific American, does a good job of addressing this topic.
In addition, this recipe includes sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Freshpet Select Rolled Dog Food looks like an above-average refrigerated product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 46%, a fat level of 27% and estimated carbohydrates of about 19%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 44% and a mean fat level of 28%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 19% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical rolled dog food.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas and soy flour, this looks like the profile of a rolled dog food containing a significant amount of meat.
However, with 51% of the total calories in our example coming from fat versus just 35% from protein, some recipes may not be suitable for animals on a low fat diet.
Freshpet Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Freshpet through April 2024.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Freshpet Select Refrigerated Rolls Dog Food
Freshpet Select refrigerated rolls includes both grain-inclusive and grain-free dog foods using a significant amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.
The Best Dog Food of 2024
Dogs need animal protein even if you're a vegetarian, your dog can not be. But grains, fruits and vegetables are all perfectly okay to be in your dog's food along with the meat, poultry or fish that is their main sustenance.
Trust the vet: "Your veterinarian knows your dog's specific needs and can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food," Dr. Caos says. "They can consider factors like age, breed, size, activity level and any health conditions in order to recommend an appropriate diet."
Your dog will have opinions: You can lead a dog to a premium kibble but you can't necessarily make it eat. You may need to try a few flavors to hit on what they love, so buy a small bag when you're trying a new dog food.
Find a formula that fits them: While puppy food may be formulated to support their growth, senior dog food is created to help their joints, bone and skin as they get old. The American Kennel Club notes that large dogs can be more prone to musculoskeletal problems than their small breed counterparts, so you'll want to ensure that you're purchasing dog food specifically for large breeds if you've got one, since it has a different balance of nutrients. Smaller dogs, meanwhile, benefit from a food for them that has smaller kibble pieces that are easier for them to eat.
Check the ingredient list: "High-quality ingredients [should be] the primary components of the dog food," Dr. Cao says. "The first few ingredients should ideally be named animal protein sources, such as chicken, beef or fish. Avoid foods that list vague terms like 'meat meal' as the main protein source."
Your vet can also tell you if there's anything to avoid with your dog. For instance, most dogs don't need grain-free dog food, but some dogs do benefit from it. "If your dog has specific dietary restrictions or allergies, choose a food that accommodates those needs," Dr. Caos says. The FDA studied grain-free dog food to see if there was a link between it and canine heart disease; the study was inconclusive. A more recent study from the University of Missouri found no link between grain-free diets and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). But to be safe, don't put your pet on a grain-free diet until you've received clearance from the veterinarian.
Get expert-formulated recipes: To ensure your pet is getting the healthiest (and tastiest) chow, you'll want to look for brands that use board-certified nutritionists to formulate the diet. This means they'll test for nutrient content and adequacy, and assess the food for contaminants. Most major brands do this.
Freshpet Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
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Learn more.
Freshpet Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Written by: Nicole CosgroveThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreReview Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give Freshpet dog food a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Introduction
One of the first brands to promote fresh food for pets, Freshpet has been on the market since 2006. Freshpet is available at many pet food retailers and is instantly recognizable as the rolled food in the refrigerator. Along with that, Freshpet also offers bagged refrigerated dog food and treats.
Theres a lot to like about Freshpet, including its cooked and pasteurized foods, meats sourced from North America, and commitment to the environment. Learn more about the pros and cons of Freshpet dog food.
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At a Glance: The Best Freshpet Dog Food Recipes:
Freshpet Food Reviewed
Who makes Freshpet and where is it produced?
Freshpet is an American pet food company that produces both dog and cat foods. The brand was founded in Secaucus, NJ, in 2006 by Scott Morris, Cathal Walsh, and John Phelps, all former pet food executives. The factory opened in Quakertown, PA, in 2006, followed by another in Bethlehem, PA, in 2013. The brand is public on NASDAQ as of 2014.
All Freshpet ingredients are sourced in North America from farmers and growers with the same commitment to the companys environmental responsibility. All meat is 100% farm-raised and shipped to the kitchens in Bethlehem.
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Which type of dog is Freshpet best suited for?
Freshpet offers a range of product lines and recipes for puppies, adult dogs, and small dogs. Recipes are available in grain-free and grain-inclusive, with meat as the primary source of animal protein. Freshpet offers complete and balanced nutrition in each recipe and for each life stage, but it may be expensive for pet parents on a budget.
Which type of dog might do better with a different brand?
The rolled dog food recipes contain one pound of food. According to Freshpet, one pound is recommended per day for a dog that weighs 40 to 60 pounds. A larger breed would need two rolls a day (if not more), and that may present issues with shortages or costs.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
As the name suggests, Freshpet offers fresh, refrigerated ingredients balanced for your dogs needs.
Animal Protein Sources
Regardless of the recipe, Freshpet features animal protein sources like beef or chicken as the first ingredients to provide the amino acids dogs need. Other animal sources include organ meat, such as beef liver, and beef broth for flavor and moisture.
Quality Carbohydrate Sources
Freshpet recipes have a combination of ingredients like oats, cranberries, carrots, brown rice, and rice bran that provide carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. All of these ingredients offer nutrition for a dog.
Macronutrient Breakdown
All foods for humans and animals alike are broken down into macronutrients, or protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Depending on the recipe, Freshpet offers above-average macronutrients. The rolled Chunky Beef Recipe has a dry matter protein of 46%, a fat content of 27%, and a carbohydrate content of 18%.
Controversial Ingredients
Freshpet does have some controversial ingredients, including carbohydrate sources that may skew the overall protein content. Though most of the protein in Freshpet comes from animal sources, which are the primary ingredients, some protein may come from ingredients like peas, and soy flour. These less expensive products can boost the protein content significantly. Peas are also a legume, which may have contributed to the cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs reported by the FDA.
A Quick Look at Freshpet Dog Food
Pros
- Responsible ingredient sourcing and made in USA
- Animal protein sources as primary ingredients
- Excellent nutritional breakdown
- Fresh, refrigerated food
- Multiple product lines and food formulas
Cons
- Some controversial ingredients
- Cost-prohibitive
- May be subject to local shortages
Recall History
Freshpet has had a few recalls due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria in 2021 and 2022. Both recalls involved a single lot for contamination and the product was accidentally shipped to retailers in a limited geographic area.
Reviews of the 3 Best Freshpet Food Recipes
1. Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food Fresh Beef Roll
This rolled recipe features 100% natural US-farm-raised beef as the first ingredients and no meat meals or byproduct meals. The food is formulated for small, medium, and large dogs as an adult maintenance diet with exceptional protein and vitamin- and antioxidant-rich vegetables. The rolled dog food is conveniently marked for perfect portions and keeps in the refrigerator for 7 days after opening. Large dogs or multiple dogs may go through a roll more quickly, which is difficult when it has to be refrigerated and may be out of stock locally.
Pros
- Beef as first ingredient
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Fresh
Cons
- Minimal shelf life
- Must be refrigerated
- May be out of stock locally
2. Freshpet Select Roll Small Wet Dog Chicken & Turkey Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food
This nutrient-dense, soft-texture recipe is formulated for small dogs with no grains, gluten, soy, or fillers. Appropriate for all life stages, the roll features chicken and turkey as first ingredients and plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables like cranberries, pumpkin puree, blueberries, and spinach. Like other rolled recipes, this product comes in a one-pound roll that must be refrigerated and keeps for 7 days. Still, this food may be cost-prohibitive for pet parents on a budget and may be subject to local shortages. It has a minimal shelf life, so you cant stock up like you can on kibble.
Pros
- Chicken and turkey as first ingredients
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Fresh
Cons
- Minimal shelf life
- Must be refrigerated
- May be subject to local shortages
3. Freshpet Dog Food Natures Fresh Salmon Recipe
Formulated for dogs with food sensitivities with chicken, this recipe provides salmon and ocean whitefish as the sole sources of animal protein. This salmon recipe uses verified non-GMO, responsibly and ethically sourced salmon and fruits and vegetables to support your dogs lean muscle mass and skeletal health. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids provide essential nutrients for skin and coat health. Like other rolls, this food has markers for correct portions and keeps in the refrigerator for 7 days. If your dog requires more than one pound of food a day, it may be cost-prohibitive and difficult to source locally.
Pros
- Fish sources of protein
- Responsibly and ethically sourced
- Fresh and refrigerated
Cons
- Cost-prohibitive
- May be difficult to find with shortages
What Other Users Are Saying
According to reviews, many users are happy with Freshpet for their dogs. Here are some notable reviews:
- Chewy: I love that it is fresh wholesome food that I dont have to worry about my dog eating.
- PetSmart: I went from a dog who would barely eat every day to a dog who begs for this food regularly.
- Amazon: As pet owners, we always double-check with Amazon reviews from buyers before we buy something. Check them out.
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Wrapping Up
Freshpet is a pioneer in the fresh pet food revolution. Since its start in 2006, Freshpet has had minimal recalls and expanded its product lines to include both rolled and bagged varieties, all refrigerated, and options for puppies, adult dogs, and small breeds with grain-free and grain-inclusive options. Though Freshpet is an excellent option, it can be inconvenient and cost-prohibitive for some, especially with large dogs. Because of its minimal shelf life, you cant stock up and may struggle to find food regularly at local suppliers due to shortages.
