Freshpet meals are a popular choice for pet owners who prioritize fresh, real ingredients for their furry companions. Made with real meat and without preservatives, Freshpet offers a healthy and palatable option for dogs and cats. Understanding how to properly serve and store Freshpet is crucial to ensure your pet enjoys the food at its best and to maintain its freshness and safety.
Understanding Freshpet’s Freshness Commitment
Freshpet distinguishes itself by using fresh ingredients and avoiding artificial preservatives. This commitment to freshness means that Freshpet meals are typically found in the refrigerator section of pet stores. The recipes are designed to be both nutritious and delicious, appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
How Long is Freshpet Good For After Opening?
Once you’ve opened a package of Freshpet, it’s important to adhere to recommended timelines to ensure your pet’s food remains fresh and safe. The duration for which Freshpet stays good depends on the product type:
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Freshpet Bagged Meals: After opening a resealable bag of Freshpet bagged meals, it should be used within 7 days. Always reseal the bag tightly and store it in the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness.
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Freshpet Rolls: Similar to bagged meals, once a Freshpet roll is opened, it is best to use it within 7 days while consistently refrigerated.
It’s crucial to remember that these are guidelines for opened products. Unopened Freshpet products will have a “Best By” date printed on the packaging. Always check this date and ensure the product is used before it expires, even if unopened.
Best Practices for Storing Freshpet
Proper storage is key to maximizing the freshness and safety of Freshpet meals:
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Always Refrigerate: Freshpet products must always be stored in the refrigerator, both before and after opening. This is essential because they are made with fresh ingredients and lack the preservatives found in many dry kibble options.
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Resealable Bags: For bagged meals, utilize the resealable feature to minimize air exposure after each serving. This helps to keep the food moist and fresh for a longer period.
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Discard Uneaten Food: To maintain hygiene and prevent spoilage, any Freshpet food left in your pet’s bowl should be discarded after 1 hour. Bacteria can proliferate in moist pet food left at room temperature, which could be harmful to your pet.
Quick Guide to Serving Freshpet Bagged Meals
Serving Freshpet bagged meals is a simple process:
- Refrigerate First: Ensure your Freshpet meal is taken directly from the refrigerator.
- Open the Bag: Open the resealable Freshpet bag.
- Measure Portion: Using a clean, dry measuring cup, portion out the amount recommended for your dog or cat based on the feeding guidelines on the back of the specific Freshpet recipe bag. Remember that feeding guidelines can vary between recipes.
- Serve Immediately: Place the measured portion into your pet’s bowl and it’s ready to serve!
- Refrigerate Remaining Food: Immediately reseal the Freshpet bag and return it to the refrigerator.
- Discard Leftovers: Discard any uneaten food from your pet’s bowl after one hour.
A Note on Microwaving Freshpet Rolls
While Freshpet bagged meals are typically served cold, you might consider gently microwaving Freshpet rolls. If you choose to microwave Freshpet rolls to slightly warm them, follow these steps:
- Microwave-Safe Dish: Place the desired portion of Freshpet roll on a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
- Remove Packaging: Ensure all packaging is removed before microwaving.
- Portion and Heat: Portion according to your pet’s needs. For slices, flip halfway through heating. For diced pieces, spread them out for even heating. Use a wattage chart (often available on Freshpet’s website or packaging) to determine the appropriate microwaving time based on your microwave’s wattage.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the microwaved food to cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving to prevent burns.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pet enjoys Freshpet meals that are not only delicious and nutritious but also safe and fresh. Always prioritize proper storage and serving practices to maintain the quality of Freshpet and support your pet’s health and well-being.
