Freshpet may be some of the only cat food you’ll buy from a fridge, but is it any fresher, safer, or more nutritious than the average cat food brand? In this article, we’ll provide an unbiased review of Freshpet cat food, exploring its ingredients, sourcing, customer reviews, and more.
The Pawsoha Standard — Rating Freshpet on What Matters
We’ve analyzed Freshpet and graded it according to our standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s how it rates in each of these key areas.
We give Freshpet cat food a 33 out of 60 rating or a C grade.
About Freshpet
Freshpet was launched in 2006 by John Phelps and Cathal Walsh as a brand of refrigerated pet food. Freshpet claims to cut back on processing to amp up nutrition and says their foods are made with “whole ingredients”, then “gently cooked without preservatives, and kept refrigerated where meats belong.”
Sourcing and Manufacturing
All Freshpet foods are steam-cooked in Freshpet’s company-owned Pennsylvania facility. About 97% of the ingredients in Freshpet foods are sourced from the United States and Canada. While all food ingredients are sourced in North America, the company sources vitamins and minerals from other regions. Freshpet maintains that they don’t source any ingredients from China, even though China is the biggest supplier of synthetic vitamins and amino acids.
Has Freshpet Cat Food Been Recalled?
Freshpet cat food has never been recalled.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Freshpet Offer?
Freshpet offers three lines of cat food. They include Freshpet® Select, the brand’s original line, Vital® foods with 80% meat, poultry, or fish content, and Nature’s Fresh®, which uses chicken and turkey from farms that follow animal welfare standards established by the Global Animal Partnership.
Freshpet Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
What Do Customers Think of Freshpet Cat Food?
Freshpet receives primarily positive reviews on its product listings, but negative feedback can be found beyond Freshpet’s website and retail partners. Customers have reported issues such as smelly or moldy food, bloated bags, and pets falling ill after consuming Freshpet. While some customers have had positive experiences, it’s important to consider the range of feedback.
How Much Does Freshpet Cat Food Cost?
Freshpet’s cost varies by line and product type. If you choose one of Freshpet’s rolls from the Vital™ line, you might spend over $4 every day to feed a 10-lb cat. If you opt for one of the brand’s kibble-style foods in a bag, your daily feedings costs will be comparable to some of the cheapest wet foods or homemade raw.
Overall, Is Freshpet a Good Choice?
While Freshpet cat food may be lower in carbohydrates and plant ingredients compared to average dry food and many canned products, there are some concerns. Freshpet food contains high levels of sodium and preservatives, and there have been reports of spoiling and pets getting sick. Considering these factors, you may want to explore other options for your cat’s nutrition.
Where To Buy Freshpet Cat Food?
You’ll find Freshpet in groceries, big box stores, pet specialty retailers, and natural food stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Freshpet Select is sold primarily in groceries and Vital™ is available through pet specialty retailers. Nature’s Fresh is sold in natural food stores. Unfortunately, Freshpet cat food isn’t available for purchase online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Freshpet cat food suitable for cats with dietary sensitivities?
Freshpet offers a variety of options, including grain-free and limited ingredient recipes, which may be suitable for cats with dietary sensitivities. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
2. Can Freshpet cat food be stored at room temperature?
No, Freshpet cat food should be kept refrigerated to maintain its freshness and quality.
3. Are there any alternatives to Freshpet cat food?
Yes, there are many other brands available that offer a range of options for cat food. Some popular alternatives include Smalls, Open Farm, and Raised Right. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different brands to find the best fit for your cat’s needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Freshpet cat food has some positive aspects such as high meat content and lower carbohydrate levels, there are concerns regarding its sodium and preservative levels. Additionally, there have been reports of spoiling and pets falling ill after consuming Freshpet. It’s important to consider these factors and explore other options to provide the best nutrition for your beloved feline friend.
For more information and informative articles about pet nutrition and care, visit Pawsoha.