Freshpet is a brand focusing on creating an authentic, fresh, as close to a natural diet as possible for pets to gain the full nutritional benefit of every meal as they would do in the wild. Inspired by the classic proteins of chicken, beef, and egg, they have created simple, flavorful, effective formulas designed to appear to almost every kitty. Though it can be difficult to pinpoint the right choice for you, so we have put together a quick list of some of our top choices with a full breakdown of the company itself in this Freshpet cat food review to give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
A Quick Overview of 5 Freshpet Cat Food Recipes
1 Freshpet Select Moisture Rich Tender Bites Chicken Recipe
- Allergens: Chicken, Egg, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavours, Eggs, Carrots
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 219 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry Cat Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
Rich, tender bites, with a strong, natural chicken flavor. the Freshpet Select Chicken recipe bites are perfect for cats that require a little bit more texture in their food. The high moisture content ensures that your feline friend won’t need to rely on water to get through a meal, as they are mouth-wateringly tasty and easy to digest.
This is a 100% natural recipe with no grains, soy, gluten, or fillers – ideal for sensitive kitties. Furthermore, this food does not use preservatives in order to maintain the all-natural diet Freshpet is proud of. However, this does mean that you will need to ensure the entire packet is kept refrigerated and eaten with 7 days. For a wider selection of choices, check out our moist & semi-moist cat food guide.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Ocean Whitefish, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Eggs, Carrots, Pea Fiber, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate) Vinegar, Spinach, Salt, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Potassium Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Taurine, Celery Powder.
2 Freshpet Nature’s Fresh Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
- Allergens: Chicken, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavours, Pea Protein, Carrots
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 221 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry Cat Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
Using ethically sourced proteins this USA-made kibble is based around a single protein – chicken. Chicken provides a substantial amount of fiber as well as protein, in order to promote healthy digestion and better nutrient absorption. In particular, the Nature’s Fresh range is rich in antioxidants which can help to reduce the risk of multiple diseases, including heart disease and some cancers.
This grain-free, vegetable-rich recipe guarantees oodles of flavor as well as an easily-chewable texture for cats that many struggles with jaw mobility or dental problems (often seen in senior cats). This food does not contain any grains, soy, fillers, or gluten, and is especially gentle on sensitive stomachs. Read our in-depth grain free cat food guide for some more options.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Ocean Whitefish, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Carrots, Eggs, Pea Fiber, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Vinegar, Spinach, Salt, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Potassium Chloride, Beta-carotene, Taurine, Celery Powder.
3 Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
- Allergens: Chicken, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Eggs, Carrots
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 219 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry Cat Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
The Freshpet Vital range is perfectly designed to support outdoor cats in their adventures. The use of natural calcium in these recipes means your cat is getting the same type of nutrition it would receive if it ate well in the wild, with a few added extras such as Vitamin B12, to reduce the risk of your cat developing anemia which can impact their energy levels and have a knock-on effect on digestion and weight.
This is a high-moisture, high-protein, balanced food that is both fresh and delicious. The high moisture content and non-inclusion of preservatives do mean that this food needs to be carefully stored in the refrigerator between meals to preserve freshness and reduce the risk of bacterial growth on the kibble.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Eggs, Carrots, Pea Fiber, Vinegar, Spinach, Salt, Beta-Carotene, Fish Oil, Taurine, Celery Powder
Vitamins: Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Minerals: Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate
4 Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Chicken & Beef Paté Cat Food
- Allergens: Chicken, Beef, Eggs, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Beef
- Calories: 272 kcal/ 1/2 pound
- Flavor: Chicken & Beef
- Type: Wet Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
A delightful paté roll designed not only to give your cat a soft, flavorful meal but also to provide them with highly-digestible that is quick to provide your cat with the energy it needs to get on with its day to the best of its abilities. Beef is a higher-protein meat source that also acts as a rich source of iron, vitamin B12, potassium, magnesium, and many more vital vitamins for healthy function.
Soft food options such as this are ideal for cats that have suffered from dental trauma and have perhaps lost their teeth in the process (something often seen in rescue cats). This is because a food roll does not require excessive chewing and is therefore not a choking hazard. Though you must be sure to carefully re-wrap the roll between meals to prevent it from drying out whilst refrigerated.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Eggs, Tapioca Starch, Carrageenan, Pea Protein, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pea Fiber, Salt, Taurine, Celery Powder
Vitamins: Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate
5 Freshpet Select Grain-Free Gourmet Chicken & Beef Paté Cat Food
- Allergens: Chicken, Beef, Eggs, Salt (irritant)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Beef
- Calories: 272 kcal/ 1/2 pound
- Flavor: Chicken & Beef
- Type: Wet Food
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
A grain-free, gourmet paté roll that utilizes chicken and beef as the key protein whilst also providing egg protein for some extra vitamins B12, B2, and D. Egg is also known to be an excellent dietary choice for pet owners wanting to take care of their pet’s coats – making them sleek, shiny, and healthy. This is another 100% natural recipe that is ideal for fussy kitties, or cats that experience difficulty eating kibble or biscuits.
This soft, decadent paté is grain-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, minimizing the risk of an allergic reaction or negative reaction to ingredients. If your cat has shown sensitivities to any of the usual allergens such as grains or soy, it would be well worth trying this L.I.D-friendly food to see how your litter furry friend adjusts. Just be mindful that it is properly stored between meals, as food as fresh as this can go off is left out in warm temperatures.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Eggs, Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein, Carrageenan, Pea Fiber, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Fish Oil, Celery Powder
Vitamins: Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Minerals: Dicalcium Phosphate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate
Is Freshpet a Good Cat Food?
We’ve taken a closer look at this brand from the day it was conceived down to recalls, ingredient breakdowns, cost, and availability to help you make up your own mind as to whether Freshpet food seems like the diet for your feline friend.
The Short History of Freshpet Company
Freshpet food first began developing recipes in October 2006 with the ethos of developing fresh, natural food for pets to enjoy to the fullest and benefit from. The business rapidly grew from a small company with a big heart to what we see today, without losing the personal touch. After over 15 years, Freshpet foods are now being sold in over 20,000 pet stores and throughout America and was labeled one of the top 10 Status Quo Defying Brands by Adweek.
Global Animal Partnership
Freshpet is partnered with four animal rescue organizations including 4 Paws for Ability, the Pennsylvania SPCA, and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. Furthermore, they have donated over 12 million meals to over 160 shelters throughout the United States since starting. They also work hard to advocate no-kill shelters, anti-cruelty programs, as well as the provision of rehabilitation, healthcare, and recovery.
Working to Protect The Planet
Absolutely every bit of waste from the Freshpet manufacturing Kitchens is recycled, reused, or turned into energy in an effort to protect our planet. In 2020 alone, Freshpet saved over 1,300 metric tonnes of cardboard, 2,5 million gallons of water, and 6,800 trees. Every facility is powered by renewable energy such as wind and solar, which saved over 46,500 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020 also.
Furthermore, they have invested in the use of a state-of-the-art water treatment plant and rainwater capturing system to preserve and reuse as much water as possible. As well as using 100% BPA-free, recyclable packaging to boot.
Where is Freshpet Cat Food Made?
Freshpet makes every bit of refrigerated food in their own Freshpet Kitchens located in Bethlehem, Pennslyvania. The Freshpet treats are all made in the United States by their carefully selected partners. Each treat-making facility is required to adhere to strict and precise quality control standards. Freshpet Kitchens are registered with the FDA and APHIS, with every meal undergoing 20 different safety and quality control checks before leaving the facility.
Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?
97% of ingredients used by Freshpet, including animal protein and vegetables, are sourced from around the United States and Canada. With the exception of some vitamins and minerals being sourced from outside of the US. All of their proteins are farm-raised as well as use all-natural fruits and vegetables. The ingredients are even delivered to the manufacturing facility daily in order to ensure as fresh a result as possible. Every ingredient is free from preservatives and the resulting cat food does not contain supplementary meat powder, meal, or by-products.
Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose
Freshpet has two lines of food on offer for cat parents to choose between that contain both wet foods and dry foods. Each option focuses on different areas of nutrition.
Freshpet Select
Freshpet Select puts a heavy focus on the use of natural ingredients wherever possible. Both the Freshpet Select and Freshpet Vital ranges have the same key ingredients such as animal protein, vegetables, and supplementary additions such as celery powder, fish oil, taurine, and tapioca starch.
However, the Select range uses dicalcium phosphate which is not only a calcium additive but is effective at providing tartar control. Dicalcium phosphate is particularly helpful with the paté option as it can help to prevent tartar buildup for cats that predominantly eat wet cat food, seeing as the food will be lacking the crunchy texture that removed excess buildup as they eat.
Freshpet Vital
The Freshpet Vital range is great for pet parents that intend to either mix dry and wet food together or opt for the dry cat food option. This is because Vital utilizes the use of calcium carbonate in place of dicalcium phosphate.
Calcium carbonate emulates the type of calcium your cat would get from eating eggshells in the wild, making it an especially natural mineral additive. It also acts as a gastric antacid and helps to reduce the risk of kidney disease.
Comparison
Both Vital and Select foods are 100% Non-GMO, all-natural, and made right here in the USA. Additionally, they both provide only what your pet needs and nothing more, which means no preservatives, meat by-products, or rendered meals. However, it is totally down to you as to which mineral you would prefer your cat to have, as each has its own benefits, and you know your furry friend best.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients
Animal Protein Ingredients
In all Freshpet foods, high-quality, human food-grade meat is the primary ingredient. They make use of lean proteins such as chicken, and beef to provide a rich source of protein as well as fiber. Chicken provides a rich amount of fiber that can help to keep your cat’s digestive tract running smoothly. Beef is high-protein meat that is ideal in pet food for assisting with healthy muscle development and recovery.
Additional Proteins
The addition of egg and pea protein as well as pea fiber provides your cat with the essential, yet well-balanced nutrition. Protein enables your cat’s muscles to recover well after a long day of exploring. Protein also supports healthy muscle growth and is essential for young developing kittens.
Vitamins and Minerals
The minerals selected by Freshpet to be included in their cat food recipes include:
- Vitamin D for calcium regulation and strong bones
- Vitamin E for healthy skin and eyes as well as bolstering the immune system
- Vitamin B12 preserves and protects blood cells and nerve cells, as well as reduces the risk of megaloblastic anemia.
- Manganese for protection of connective tissue, and bones as well as assisting blood clotting and reproduction
- Selenium for further strengthening of the immune system and stress relief
- Taurine to support nerve growth, reduce blood pressure, and prevent heart failure
- Copper aids in the production of red blood cells, protect nerve cells, form collagen, and help the body to absorb iron more easily
- Iron for energy preservation and production, body temperature regulation, gastrointestinal support, and a strengthened immune system.
- Calcium strengthens your cat’s bones and helps with bone development throughout its life.
Freshpet Food Recall History
Since starting Freshpet Inc. has only had to recall a single product. This was a voluntary recall which was announced due to the potential for Salmonella in one of their dog food products. Fortunately, Freshpet has never had to recall any cat food products. The dog food products affected by the recall are listed below:
- 13th June 2021 – Select Small Dog Bite-Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food
Freshpet Cat Food Cost
The price of Freshpet can vary depending on where you’re purchasing it from, which range or flavor you go for, and if the store has any sales running. However, to give you a price guide, a 1 pound bag of Freshpet Vital cat food sits between $39-43. Whereas a 1 pound roll of food is around $18-20.
Where Can I Buy Freshpet Cat Food?
Fortunately, Freshpet cat food is available in a variety of places! If you’re thinking of ordering your Freshpet food online, then you can purchase it from either Amazon, Chewy, or Petsmart. Alternatively, Freshpet is sold in-store at a wide variety of pet stores across the United States, making it readily available and accessible to an extensive customer base.
Freshpet pride itself on having a good relationship with their customers, and welcome any and all customer inquiries that may help them with their choice and any concerns they may have.
In a Nutshell, Is Freshpet a Good Choice?
Freshpet is certainly a good choice for cat parents wanting to invest in a natural fresh food source to make the most of every little bit their feline friend eats. Freshpet has been careful to select farm-raised proteins, delivered daily to ensure the food they produce is as fresh as possible. They have also developed minimalistic formulas for maximum nutritional value befitting of a limited ingredient diet. However, not all cats will necessarily take to this food, and the one downside is that it is not really suited to a limited budget. So we would advise trying the food on a trial basis to ensure it’s the appropriate diet for your kitty before committing to it full-time.
