Since its inception in 2006, Freshpet has become a significant name in the pet food industry, with approximately one million pet parents choosing Freshpet products for their beloved dogs. Freshpet distinguishes itself by focusing on creating pet food from high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. They pride themselves on using meat, fruits, and vegetables grown in the USA, which are delivered fresh daily to their kitchens in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Freshpet Select stands as the company’s flagship line, offering a diverse range of refrigerated rolled and bagged dog foods crafted with all-natural, fresh components. This article provides an in-depth review of Freshpet Select Dog Food to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.
Exploring Freshpet Select Flavors: A Detailed Breakdown
The Freshpet Select range boasts an impressive 17 flavor variations, encompassing ten rolled and seven bagged options specifically designed for small dogs, large dogs, and those with sensitive stomachs.
Each Freshpet Select dog food recipe is formulated to be “complete and balanced,” adhering to the nutrient profile guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for maintenance (adult dogs), growth (puppies), or all life stages.
Let’s delve deeper into each product range to understand their unique offerings.
Grain-Free Recipes: Ideal for Dogs with Sensitivities
Freshpet Select’s grain-free recipes are formulated for dogs that may have grain allergies or require a diet lower in certain types of protein. US-farm raised chicken is the primary ingredient in both grain-free options. Potato, pea protein, and spinach serve as excellent secondary sources of protein and essential nutrients.
These grain-free recipes from Freshpet Select average 45.5% protein on a dry matter basis, placing them above the average for fresh dog foods.
Here’s a quick look at the top five ingredients in each grain-free recipe:
- Grain Free Chicken Recipe: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, spinach, potatoes
- Roasted Meals Grain Free Chicken Recipe: Chicken, chicken liver, eggs, pea protein, pea fiber
Fresh from the Kitchen Range: Home-Style Goodness
Currently, the Freshpet Select Home Cooked Chicken Recipe is the sole offering in the Fresh from the Kitchen Range, designed to mimic the wholesome goodness of a homemade meal.
This fresh food is characterized by its rich texture and vibrant colors, featuring shredded chicken, cranberries, and carrots as the top three ingredients. Cranberries are a potent source of antioxidants, vital for overall health, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, essential for vision and immune function. Pea protein and pea fiber complete the top five ingredients, adding to the nutritional profile.
Freshpet Select Home Cooked Chicken Recipe provides 51.5% protein as dry matter, which is considered above average for fresh dog food options.
Roasted Meals Range: High-Protein Options for Meat Lovers
The Freshpet Select Roasted Meals range includes two chicken-based recipes, one of which is grain-free, catering to different dietary needs. Both recipes prioritize high animal protein content, with chicken and chicken liver leading the ingredient list.
The Roasted Meals Grain Free Chicken Recipe utilizes pea protein and pea fiber as alternatives to grains. In contrast, the grain-inclusive recipe lists ground oats as the third ingredient, followed by rice bran and eggs in the top five. Oats are a valuable source of fiber and are rich in zinc, iron, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health and vitality.
Freshpet Select’s Roasted Meals recipes average 42.4% protein as dry matter, slightly exceeding the average protein content found in fresh dog food.
Multi-Protein Range: Variety for Enhanced Nutrition
The Freshpet Select Multi-Protein recipes are formulated with multiple meat sources to deliver a broader spectrum of health benefits. Salmon is a consistent ingredient across all Multi-Protein products, known for its high omega-3 and 6 fatty acid content, crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
Each recipe in this range features a high-quality meat source as the primary ingredient. However, due to the inclusion of multiple meat sources, Freshpet Select Multi-Protein options may not be suitable for dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities.
Freshpet Select Multi-Protein recipes contain an average of 44.8% protein as dry matter, which is above average compared to other fresh dog foods.
Here’s a quick overview of the available flavors and their top five ingredients:
- Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon Recipe: Chicken, beef, beef broth, eggs, beef liver
- Complete Meal: Chicken, Beef, Egg & Salmon Recipe: Chicken, beef, beef liver, egg, ground oats
- Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes: Chicken, eggs, beef, beef broth, sweet potatoes
- Big Bites Multi-Protein Recipe: Chicken, eggs, beef, salmon, beef liver
Freshpet Select Foods for Small Dogs: Tailored Nutrition
Freshpet Select’s small dog range is specifically formulated to provide appropriate protein and fat levels for smaller breeds. The food is also prepared in smaller pieces to minimize choking hazards and aid in easier digestion for small dogs.
The small dog recipes within Freshpet Select average 42.7% protein, which is higher than the average for fresh dog food in general.
Here’s a look at the recipes in the small dog range and their top five ingredients:
- Bite Size Chicken Recipe: Chicken, chicken liver, carrots, pea protein, eggs
- Bite Size Beef Recipe: Beef, chicken, beef liver, eggs, lentils
- Chicken & Turkey with Cranberries & Spinach: Chicken, turkey, cranberries, turkey broth, spinach
- Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes: Chicken, eggs, beef, beef broth, sweet potatoes
Other Freshpet Select Variations: Catering to Specific Needs
Beyond the main product ranges, Freshpet Select also offers standalone products like the Freshpet Select Puppy Recipe and a formula for sensitive stomachs and skin, addressing specific life stages and health concerns.
The Freshpet Select rolled puppy food is made with chicken, carrots, and brown rice. It is enriched with EPA and DHA fatty acids to support healthy growth and development in puppies.
The Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Steam Cooked Chicken Recipe is formulated to be easily digestible and beneficial for skin health, containing chicken, pumpkin, and brown rice for gentle digestion. Vitamin A and omega fatty acids are added to promote healthy skin and coat.
Freshpet Select Complete Nutrition is a grain-inclusive rolled recipe designed to be easily digestible and is marketed as being as close to a homemade meal as possible, offering a balanced diet with wholesome grains.
Here’s a quick list of the other products in the Freshpet Select range:
- Freshpet Select Puppy Recipe
- Tender Chicken Recipe
- Chunky Beef Recipe
- Chunky Chicken and Turkey Recipe
- Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Steam Cooked Chicken Recipe
- Complete Nutrition Chicken Recipe with Wholesome Grains
Why Freshpet Select Gets the Wag! Seal of Approval
Here are several compelling reasons why Freshpet Select might be an excellent choice for your canine companion.
Vet Recommended (with a Caveat)
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, a member of Wag!’s licensed veterinary team, often recommends Freshpet Select to her clients. However, she notes a crucial point: “This food is very high in fat.” Therefore, if your dog needs to manage their weight, it might be necessary to consider other options or carefully control portion sizes as advised by your veterinarian.
Despite the higher fat content, Dr. Jeremiah acknowledges that Freshpet’s minimally processed foods “may be a good option for dogs with certain health conditions, such as food allergies or digestive issues,” due to their gentle nature and high-quality ingredients.
No Meat Meals or Fillers: Focus on Quality
A significant advantage of Freshpet Select, and a key reason Wag! endorses it, is the absence of meat meals in their dog foods. All meat used in Freshpet Select recipes is all-natural and of high quality. The exclusion of fillers and meat meals can make Freshpet Select a more digestible option, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs, compared to brands that rely on these processed ingredients.
Steam-Cooked for Nutrient Retention
All Freshpet Select products are steam-cooked to maximize the retention of natural nutrients. The cooking process adheres to FDA and USDA standards, and each batch undergoes 20 rigorous quality and safety checks before distribution, ensuring safety and nutritional integrity.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Transparency and Quality
Freshpet emphasizes transparency in ingredient sourcing, stating on their website that all vegetables, fruits, and meat are sourced from the USA. Furthermore, Freshpet Select food is refrigerated, not canned or frozen, which contributes to its perceived freshness and overall quality.
Concerns and Considerations Before Choosing Freshpet Select
While Freshpet Select offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks before making a purchase.
Presence of Controversial Ingredients
Several Freshpet Select dog food recipes include “natural flavors,” an ingredient that can be vaguely defined and sometimes consists of lower-quality components used to enhance taste. The lack of transparency regarding the exact composition of these natural flavors may be a concern for some pet owners seeking full ingredient disclosure.
Freshpet Select dog foods also contain carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from edible seaweed. Carrageenan has been a subject of controversy, with some studies suggesting it may be toxic to the digestive tract and could contribute to conditions like IBS and potentially even colon cancer in dogs.
Sodium selenite is another ingredient in Freshpet Select that raises concerns. While it is an essential mineral, it can be toxic in high doses and is considered by some to be a less desirable form of selenium compared to naturally occurring selenium in whole foods.
Higher Cost Compared to Kibble
Like most fresh and refrigerated pet foods made with premium ingredients, Freshpet Select dog food is generally more expensive than traditional dry kibble options available on the market. This price difference is a factor to consider for budget-conscious pet owners.
Shorter Shelf Life Due to Freshness
Being refrigerated, Freshpet Select has a shorter shelf life compared to dry dog foods. Once opened, bags and rolls of Freshpet Select food typically remain fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. This requires more frequent purchasing and attention to storage.
What Pet Parents Are Saying About Freshpet Select: Real Reviews
“My dog has a very sensitive stomach. I chose Freshpet grain free and it’s been amazing. To serve her fresh food every day and not have to cook it for her it’s a real blessing. She eats it immediately and we never have tummy issues. She’s a 15 pound Pomeranian so I get the package of grain-free chicken.”
“My French bulldog, Leo, had environmental and food allergies that were leading to rashes and gastrointestinal issues for over a year. I researched raw food diets and decided to try him on your food. Since transitioning to your food, he hasn’t had problems with either. We even buy the turkey treats, he loves them! We are so grateful we found your product. Thank you!”
“I have been feeding my dog Freshpet chicken dog food for approximately six months. I have had a repeated 15 minutes situation where the food spoils within 24 hours of the bag being opened. Our latest experience is that this food has made our dog very very sick. I suggest know when use this product. We will never use it again.”
For more reviews and testimonials, you can visit ConsumerAffairs.com.
Freshpet Select Recall History: A Look at Safety
Freshpet Select has faced two recalls in its history, both related to potential salmonella contamination.
2021 Recall
The first recall occurred on June 13, 2021, due to potential salmonella contamination in one batch of Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food with a sell-by date of 10/30/2021. This specific lot, intended for destruction, was mistakenly shipped to customers. Pet parents were advised to stop feeding this food immediately and contact Freshpet for a refund. No illnesses were reported in connection to this recall.
2022 Recall
The second recall was issued on June 17, 2022, again for possible salmonella contamination, affecting a single batch of Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe (4.5-pound bag) with a sell-by date of 10/29/2022. Consumers were advised to discard the product and contact Freshpet with the product details for further assistance. Similar to the first recall, no illnesses were reported.
Product images are sourced from Amazon. Copyright Freshpet.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Freshpet Select
Do you need to cook Freshpet Select dog food?
No, Freshpet dog food is ready to serve straight from the refrigerator. Despite the name, it is steam-cooked during production and undergoes rigorous microbial testing to ensure safety.
What is the difference between Freshpet Select and Freshpet Vital?
Freshpet Select is the core product line, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshpet Vital is positioned as a premium, 100% non-GMO alternative within the Freshpet brand portfolio.
How long does Freshpet Select dog food last before spoiling?
Freshpet Select typically has a shelf life of around 7 days after opening, but always refer to the “sell by” date on the packaging for precise expiration information.
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?
Wag!’s paw ratings are based on thorough, independent research focusing on ingredient quality and nutritional content. The rating system ranges from 1 to 5 paws, with criteria including:
- 1 paw: High filler content, meat not listed as first ingredient.
- 2 paws: Meat meal, bone meal, or meat by-products listed as first ingredient.
- 3 paws: Named meat (e.g., chicken) listed as first ingredient.
- 4 paws: Same as 3 paws, plus whole, limited ingredients and minimal processing.
- 5 paws: Same as 4 paws, veterinarian-approved, and includes human-grade ingredients.
- Half-paws: Awarded for additional benefits like affordability or brand trustworthiness.
