is freshpet a good dog food brand
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 Pros and Cons of Freshpet Dog Food: An Honest Review
As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry companions, including providing them with a healthy and balanced diet. With the growing popularity of fresh and natural pet food options, Freshpet has emerged as a leading brand in the market. But before you make a decision about whether or not to feed your dog Freshpet dog food, its important to consider both the pros and cons. In this article, we will provide an honest review of Freshpet dog food based on customer feedback and expert opinions.
The Benefits of Freshpet Dog Food
Fresh Ingredients: One of the biggest advantages of Freshpet dog food is its use of fresh ingredients. Unlike traditional kibble or canned pet foods that often contain processed ingredients, Freshpet uses real meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains. This ensures that your dog is getting high-quality nutrients without any artificial additives or preservatives.
Improved Digestion: Many pet owners have reported that their dogs experienced improved digestion after switching to Freshpet dog food. The use of real ingredients and minimal processing can make a significant difference in how well your dogs digestive system functions. Additionally, the inclusion of fiber-rich vegetables can help regulate bowel movements and promote overall gut health.
Enhanced Energy Levels: Another benefit reported by many pet owners is an increase in energy levels after feeding their dogs Freshpet dog food. The natural ingredients provide essential nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body, giving your furry friend the energy they need to stay active and playful throughout the day.
Short Shelf Life: One drawback of Freshpet dog food is its relatively short shelf life compared to traditional dry or canned pet foods. Since it contains fresh ingredients without preservatives, it needs to be refrigerated and consumed within a few days after opening. This may require more frequent trips to the store or careful planning to ensure your dog always has a fresh supply.
Higher Cost: Freshpet dog food tends to be more expensive than other pet food options. The use of fresh ingredients and minimal processing increases the production costs, which are reflected in the final price. However, many pet owners believe that the health benefits and improved quality of life for their dogs outweigh the additional cost.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer reviews play a vital role in evaluating any product, including Freshpet dog food. Overall, customer feedback has been positive, with many pet owners praising the brand for its use of real ingredients and noticeable improvements in their dogs health. Many reviewers have mentioned that their dogs have shinier coats, healthier skin, and increased vitality after switching to Freshpet dog food.
However, there have been some negative reviews as well. Some pet owners reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues such as diarrhea or upset stomachs after transitioning to Freshpet dog food. Its important to note that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dogs diet.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field of veterinary nutrition generally agree that Freshpet dog food can be a healthy option for dogs if it meets their specific dietary needs. However, they also emphasize the importance of individualized nutrition plans based on factors such as age, breed, size, and any existing health conditions.
It is crucial to remember that no single brand or type of pet food will suit every dog perfectly. Its essential to consider your individual pets needs when choosing a diet plan. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you make an informed decision about whether or not Freshpet dog food is suitable for your furry friend.
Conclusion:
Freshpet dog food offers several benefits such as fresh ingredients, improved digestion, and enhanced energy levels. However, it also has potential drawbacks like a shorter shelf life and higher cost. Customer reviews have been mostly positive, but individual experiences may vary. Expert opinions emphasize the importance of personalized nutrition plans for dogs. Ultimately, the decision to feed your dog Freshpet dog food should be based on your pets specific needs and preferences, with guidance from your veterinarian.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
Best Fresh Dog Food
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All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Which Fresh Dog Food Brands Get Our Best Ratings?
On this page well reveal our editors top picks for the best fresh dog foods on the market for 2024.
But first
What Are Fresh Dog Food Delivery Programs?
Fresh dog foods are vet-designed, super-healthy meals that are custom-made for your dogs age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies and then delivered refrigerated direct to your door.
To get started, youll answer a few questions about your dog to create a custom feeding profile.
Next, youll set up a delivery schedule. And soon, fresh-made pet food arrives at your home, packed in dry ice.
What Makes Them Superior to Other Dog Foods?
Compared to other pet diets
Fresh dog foods are gently cooked at lower temperatures. So, they avoid the damage to delicate vitamins and nutrients during processing.1
And unlike dry kibble, which contains just 10% water
Fresh dog foods have a natural moisture content of about 75% more like the healthy human food found in your home refrigerator.
Even better most are designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
On the page below
Well share The Dog Food Advisors best fresh dog food brands and well show you which ones are safe for the age and breed size of your particular dog.
And well answer the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding fresh dog food.
Beef Recipe is one of 4 fresh formulas included in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Beef derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 29% fat and 24% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.
The food is naturally moist and contains no feed-grade ingredients.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Bruno has never looked or felt so good. He no longer sheds and his breath is fresh and clean. His coat absolutely gleams with health. His eyes are bright and his energy level is through the roof! Thank you for making quality food at a good price point. If anyone is on the fence about trying this or making the switch, dont be!"
Turkey is one of 4 fresh foods studied in our review of the Ollie product line.
Ollie Turkey derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
A vet-designed meal thats optimized for your dogs age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies. Made with 100% human-grade ingredients.
An exceptional fresh food. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, turkey liver Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"I got Bella when she was 8 weeks old she never wanted regular dog food. She was such a picky eater and she loves varieties, so I started cooking for her but was always afraid shes not getting the nutrients her little body needs. I came across Ollie and saw it was homemade food with all the nutrients and a variety of different menus. I decided to try it and she loves it. It was a blessing for me also in that it saved me a lot of time and stress in deciding what I should cook for her."
Turkey Pawella is one of4 fresh recipescontained inour reviewof the A Pup Above product line.
A Pup Above Turkey Pawella acquires the better part of its meat protein fromfresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
The formula also includes zinc amino acid complex and 3 otherchelated minerals, costly supplements found in better quality pet foods.
An exceptionallimited ingredientdiet. And a solid option for dogs with suspectedfood intolerances. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey hearts, turkey livers, turkey gizzards, tomatoes Type Grain or grain-free (depends on recipe) AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove.com"Stewie and Milli love A Pup Above, they both have sensitive tummies and do so well on this food. Their tails start wagging at meal time and we can tell they are super happy and enjoy the Turkey Pawella and Beef Stew so much."
Adult beef is one of 11 fresh recipes covered in our review of the Raised Right product line.
The Adult Beef formula derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
The brands overall protein content of 61% along with its low fat-to-protein ratio together confirm the food contains an abundance of high quality, low fat meat.
One of the best fresh dog foods on the market. Widest recipe selection, too. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance or Growth (depends on recipe) Best For Adult (5 recipes), puppy including large breeds (3 recipes) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"I have 2 rescues. Since Ive been giving them Raised Right, they are now at a healthy weight & the intermittent GI problems that they were experiencing have completely disappeared. As stated, best dog food ever!!!!"
Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh recipes rated in our review of the Nom Nom product line.
Turkey Fare gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note zinc gluconate and 3 other chelated minerals, costly nutrients typically found only in better quality pet foods.
An affordable fresh option. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
Harvest Chicken is one of 4 fresh recipes rated in our review of the Open Farm Gently Cooked product line.
The food derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Each of its 4 recipes contains no wheat, corn, potatoes, peas or legumes.
Because of their slightly lower fat-to-protein ratios, we prefer the Homestead Turkey and Harvest Chicken over the other two recipes. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"Love the quality and that ingredients are sourced on their website! I love knowing where my dogs food is coming from. Open Farm to me means open information and opening the door to real, high quality foods."
Barkin Beef Entre is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the PetPlate product line.
PetPlate Barkin Beef acquires the major part of its animal protein from ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 22% fat and 39% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
A superior, all life stages fresh dog food thats 100% free of corn, wheat or soy. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate"We purchased the Barkin' Beef as a supplement to our dog's regular hard food. The Barkin' Beef keeps her interested in the food, and has led to a more consistent appetite that ensures proper nutrition."
Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni is one of 6 fresh formulas included in our review of the Just Food for Dogs product line.
This Just Food for Dogs example recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 32% protein, 13% fat and 47% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
Contains no fillers, growth hormones, preservatives, BHA, BHT or artificial coloring agents. Plus its 100% free of feed-grade ingredients. JFFD is formulated by a team of veterinarians, including a board-certified nutritionist. Ships only on certain days of the week. A top fresh pick. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Dogs (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, whole wheat macaroni, broccoli, zucchini, carrots Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My three dogs LOVE the Turkey & Macaroni Recipe! They go absolutely nuts for it! Since being on this recipe, they look better, they have more energy, and their inconsistent poops are a thing of the past! I highly recommend this brand."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding fresh dog food.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a fresh food without getting my dog sick?
In this short video
Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your pets risk of getting sick when you switch to a fresh dog food.
Its best to switch your dog to a fresh diet gradually.
Start by mixing 20% fresh with 80% old food. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100% over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Schedule | Old Food | Fresh Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
How do fresh dog food subscription programs work?
Most fresh dog food subscription programs work the same way. First, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies, which creates a custom feeding profile for your pet.
Finally, youll set up a delivery schedule. And soon after that, fresh-made pet food arrives at your door, packed in dry ice.
How long does fresh dog food stay fresh?
Since fresh dog food contains no preservatives, it must be kept refrigerated or frozen.
Storage instructions vary from brand to brand. In most cases, fresh dog food can last for up to 6 months, as long as the food package remains frozen and unopened.
Once a container is defrosted, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 4 days.
Is fresh dog food good for senior dogs?
Since older dogs tend to have missing teeth and other dental problems, chewing dry food can be difficult. So, a soft, fresh dog food can help make eating much easier.
And since dogs tend to lose muscle mass as they age, most seniors benefit from the higher protein content found in most fresh dog foods.
But caloric needs can vary.
Overweight seniors require fewer calories, while underweight older pets need more.
Because fresh foods are custom designed for each dog, a pre-measured, high-protein meal can be a super-healthy option.
Is fresh-cooked dog food safe for ALL puppies?
Unfortunately, some puppy breeds have a higher risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease if theyre fed a fresh diet that contains too much calcium while theyre still growing. This is especially true for larger breeds.2 3
Keep in mind, many large breed puppies dont stop growing until they reach 15 to 24 months of age.4 5 6
So, if you expect your puppy to weigh over 50 pounds when they reach adulthood, be sure to choose a fresh dog food on this page thats rated safe for large breeds.
Do all fresh dog foods meet AAFCO nutrition standards?
Sadly, many do not.
Some fresh pet foods can be found at local farmers markets around the country. These micro brands tend to be produced by smaller businesses and home hobbyists without professional guidance.
Many fail to meet basic FDA regulations or AAFCO nutrient guidelines.
Minor brands like these are rarely tested for Salmonella and other disease-causing bacteria. Which is why we do not include any of these products on this page.
