Freshpet has been everywhere lately, those bright refrigerated packs sitting in a special fridge at the pet aisle, promising a “fresh, real-food alternative.” I decided to try it because my dog deserved something better than her usual boring kibble. But after using Freshpet consistently, I learned quickly that “fresh” comes with its own set of complications.
What Is the Fresh Pet Dog Food?
Freshpet is a refrigerated dog food made from cooked meats, vegetables, and grains, packaged in rolls, tubs, or bags. It’s marketed as a healthier, less-processed alternative to kibble. Because it has no traditional preservatives, it must stay cold at all times and be used within a few days of opening.
Why I Tried It
My dog was losing interest in her kibble, sniffing it, walking away, or only eating after I mixed in something extra. I wanted a more appealing, fresher option that looked and smelled like actual food. Freshpet seemed like a big upgrade, so I bought it hoping it would help with appetite and maybe digestion.
My Experience Using It
The very first time I opened a Freshpet roll, I understood the hype. Nova practically danced around the kitchen. The food smelled like real cooked meat, not that dusty, bland smell kibble usually has. She ate with so much excitement that I actually felt guilty for not switching earlier.
But after the initial excitement wore off, a few things started bothering me. First, storage. I quickly realized Freshpet takes over refrigerator space, and I don’t have a very large fridge. Once opened, the roll needs to be used quickly, and the texture changes if it sits too long. I found myself reorganizing shelves just to make room for dog food.
Then the cold-chain issue. One of the bags I bought had a slightly sour smell, almost like it had warmed up somewhere in transit. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was different enough that I didn’t feel comfortable feeding it. And because it’s fresh food, there’s no wiggle room… if something seems off, you’re throwing it out.
The biggest turning point for me was the recalls. My own bag wasn’t part of any recall, but I came across the recall alert while I still had an open Freshpet roll in my fridge. Knowing that some batches were flagged for potential contamination made me uneasy. Even though mine was technically “safe,” it created this constant voice in my head: “What if the cold chain was broken? What if something slipped through?”
And of course… the cost. Feeding Freshpet daily for a medium or large dog is expensive. When I added up my monthly total, it didn’t feel sustainable long-term.
Freshpet wasn’t a bad experience, but it wasn’t as smooth or effortless as its marketing suggests. It felt good to feed something “fresher,” but it also came with stress, waste, and ongoing second-guessing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- My dog genuinely loved the taste
- Looks and smells like actual food
- Softer texture that’s great for picky eaters or older dogs
- Ingredient list feels cleaner than typical kibble
- Great short-term boost in appetite and excitement
Cons
- Needs fridge space and must stay cold at all times
- Short shelf-life once opened
- Cold-chain issues make some batches feel questionable
- The recall news (even if my bag wasn’t affected) made me uncomfortable continuing
- Expensive for daily feeding, especially for larger dogs
- Not convenient for travel or hot climates
Texture, Scent & Feel
Freshpet has a soft, moist, sliceable texture, almost like a meatloaf. It smells like cooked chicken or beef, depending on the recipe. That freshness is part of its appeal, but it also means you instantly notice if something seems slightly off.
Product Claims vs. Reality
Claim: Fresher, healthier, more natural. Reality: It is fresher, but that freshness comes with storage headaches and real spoilage risk.
Claim: Safe and high-quality. Reality: The recall history contradicts the idea of perfect reliability, even if your personal batch is unaffected.
Claim: Dogs thrive on it. Reality: Some do, mine initially did, but long-term use depends on budget, convenience, and how comfortable you are with refrigerated pet food.
Is It a Scam?
Freshpet is not a scam. The food exists, the ingredients are real, and many dogs genuinely enjoy it.
However, the marketing paints a picture of effortless “fresh feeding,” when in reality it requires constant refrigeration, strict handling, and vigilance. And the recall history, even if it didn’t touch my own product, makes the brand feel less stable than I initially assumed.
It doesn’t feel like a scam… But it does feel like a product where you need to stay alert.
Ingredient Breakdown
Most recipes include:
- Real meat (chicken, turkey, beef, salmon)
- Vegetables (peas, carrots, sweet potatoes)
- Grains or starches
- Vitamin/mineral premixes to meet nutritional requirements
No meal powders, no artificial preservatives, which is good. But the reliance on cold-chain storage makes safety inconsistent across stores and seasons.
How to Use
- Refrigerate immediately
- Keep between 2–4°C
- Use within 4–7 days of opening
- Store in odor-proof containers
- Don’t leave it out for long, as it spoils fast
- Monitor for any texture or smell changes
Alternatives to Consider
- Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
- Royal Canin Digestive Care
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend
- Merrick or Wellness wet food
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
Freshpet has its strengths, as my dog didn’t just eat it; she loved it. But when I factor in the storage stress, the near-spoilage batch I experienced, the recall news that made me uneasy, and the cost of keeping it as a daily diet, my enthusiasm dropped.
I wouldn’t say it’s bad. I just don’t think it’s practical or reliable enough for me to use long-term.
I would buy it again occasionally as a treat or short-term rotation, not as a permanent feeding routine.
Read my similar review on the Ollie Jerky Dog Treat