🐶 10 Dog Foods Similar to Freshpet: Your Guide to Fresh, Quality Alternatives
Freshpet has gained a reputation for providing refrigerated, fresh dog food that focuses on natural ingredients and high moisture content, making it ideal for dogs that prefer real meat over traditional kibble. But it’s not the only option out there. For those looking for fresh food alternatives that provide similar nutritional benefits and quality ingredients, we’ve compiled a list of 10 dog foods similar to Freshpet. These options cater to various dietary needs, taste preferences, and budgets, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your furry friend.
Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Freshpet Alternatives 📝
- What makes a dog food similar to Freshpet? High moisture content, fresh ingredients, and minimal processing.
- Why consider alternatives? Some options may be more affordable or easier to store.
- Are these alternatives good for picky eaters? Yes, many are designed with real meats and variety to appeal to dogs with discerning palates.
- How do they compare nutritionally? Most provide balanced meals with a focus on natural proteins and whole vegetables.
🥩 What Makes a Dog Food Similar to Freshpet? Understanding Fresh Ingredients
Dog foods similar to Freshpet share a few key characteristics that make them stand out from traditional dry kibble. These include a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, minimal processing, and refrigerated storage to maintain the natural moisture of the ingredients. These foods are often grain-free or use whole grains like brown rice and barley for digestibility and fiber.
The goal of these alternatives is to provide a diet that is closer to what dogs would eat in a natural environment, offering whole proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, along with fresh vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. These ingredients ensure that your dog receives a balanced meal without the use of artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products. The high moisture content in these foods also helps keep dogs hydrated, which is beneficial for urinary health.
🥕 10 Dog Foods Similar to Freshpet: Your Best Options
The Farmer’s Dog 🥩
Why It’s Similar: Focuses on human-grade ingredients and offers fresh, customized meals.
Key Ingredients: Turkey, beef, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Best For: Dogs with specific dietary needs or those that thrive on customized nutrition.
💡 Pro Tip: Delivered right to your door, making it convenient for busy pet owners.
Ollie 🍗
Why It’s Similar: Offers freshly cooked meals with high protein content.
Key Ingredients: Chicken, carrots, and pumpkin.
Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs that benefit from simple, whole ingredients.
💡 Pro Tip: Ollie’s pre-portioned packages ensure you never overfeed.
Nom Nom 🥩
Why It’s Similar: Uses restaurant-quality meats and minimal processing.
Key Ingredients: Beef, potatoes, and green peas.
Best For: Dogs that need a balanced diet without artificial additives.
💡 Pro Tip: Offers tailored meal plans based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Spot & Tango 🍲
Why It’s Similar: Provides fresh meals or unKibble—a dry version of their fresh recipes.
Key Ingredients: Lamb, quinoa, and blueberries.
Best For: Owners who want a fresh option with the convenience of dry food.
💡 Pro Tip: UnKibble is perfect if you want dry storage with fresh food benefits.
JustFoodForDogs 🐟
Why It’s Similar: Focuses on veterinarian-developed recipes using real ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Fish, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.
Best For: Dogs with allergies or special dietary concerns.
💡 Pro Tip: Available in DIY kits if you prefer to prepare meals at home.
Freshpet Select 🥕
Why It’s Similar: Uses high-quality meats and fresh vegetables in a refrigerated format.
Key Ingredients: Chicken, beef, eggs, and spinach.
Best For: Owners looking for an in-store option that’s easy to find.
💡 Pro Tip: Available at most grocery stores, making it accessible and convenient.
PetPlate 🐔
Why It’s Similar: Offers chef-crafted recipes using USDA ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Turkey, sweet potatoes, apples.
Best For: Dogs that need portion-controlled meals to maintain a healthy weight.
💡 Pro Tip: Delivered in pre-measured containers for easy feeding.
Honest Kitchen Butcher Block Pâté 🥩
Why It’s Similar: Features human-grade meats in a pâté-style wet food.
Key Ingredients: Beef, carrots, and green beans.
Best For: Dogs that enjoy soft, easy-to-eat meals.
💡 Pro Tip: Great for older dogs with dental issues that find kibble hard to chew.
Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets 🦴
Why It’s Similar: Offers a raw diet that can be hydrated for a fresh meal experience.
Key Ingredients: Duck, organic fruits, and vegetables.
Best For: Owners looking for a raw food option with convenient storage.
💡 Pro Tip: Mix with warm water to create a palatable, fresh meal.
Stella & Chewy’s Raw Blend 🦴
Why It’s Similar: Combines freeze-dried raw with high-protein kibble.
Key Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, cranberries.
Best For: Dogs transitioning from kibble to raw while maintaining fresh ingredients.
💡 Pro Tip: Use as a topper for kibble to enhance flavor and nutrition.
| Dog Food Brand | Protein Source | 🐶 Why It’s a Good Choice | 🐾 Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Farmer’s Dog 🥩 | Turkey, Beef | Custom meals | Picky eaters |
| Ollie 🍗 | Chicken | Easy digestion | Sensitive stomachs |
| Nom Nom 🥩 | Beef | Tailored nutrition | Balanced diet |
| Spot & Tango 🍲 | Lamb | Fresh or dry option | Flexible feeding |
| JustFoodForDogs 🐟 | Fish | Vet-developed | Allergy-prone |
| Freshpet Select 🥕 | Chicken | Easy access | Budget-friendly |
| PetPlate 🐔 | Turkey | Portion control | Weight management |
| Honest Kitchen 🥩 | Beef | Soft meals | Senior dogs |
| Primal 🦴 | Duck | Raw diet | Raw feeders |
| Stella & Chewy’s 🦴 | Chicken | Raw-kibble mix | Transitioning diets |
🧠 Why Consider Alternatives to Freshpet? Finding the Right Fit for Your Dog
While Freshpet offers convenience and high-quality ingredients, exploring alternatives can provide benefits like cost savings, variety, or options that meet specific health needs. Some alternatives, like Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog, offer personalized meal plans, allowing you to customize nutrition based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Others, such as Primal and Stella & Chewy’s, offer freeze-dried raw options that appeal to pet owners interested in a raw feeding regimen.
Choosing the right alternative depends on your dog’s unique needs. Dogs with allergies might benefit from JustFoodForDogs or Ollie, which offer limited-ingredient diets, while picky eaters might find PetPlate’s chef-inspired recipes more enticing. Ultimately, having a range of options allows you to find a fresh food that fits your lifestyle and your dog’s health.
💡 Consideration Tip: When switching from Freshpet to another fresh food, transition gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Final Thoughts: Are Freshpet Alternatives Worth It? 🐾
Freshpet alternatives offer a variety of fresh, high-quality food options that can match or exceed the benefits of Freshpet itself. From customized meal plans to convenient delivery services and unique protein sources, there’s an option for every dog’s dietary needs and taste preferences. By exploring these alternatives, you can find the best nutritional fit for your dog without sacrificing convenience or quality.
Quick Recap: Freshpet and Its Top Competitors
- What makes them similar? Focus on fresh ingredients and high moisture content.
- Cost-effective options? Brands like Spot & Tango offer a balance of fresh and kibble.
- Great for allergies? Try JustFoodForDogs for vet-developed recipes.
- Best for picky eaters? PetPlate offers palatable, chef-crafted meals. Finding the right fresh food for your dog ensures they stay healthy, happy, and excited for every meal. 🐕❤️
Comment 1: “How does The Farmer’s Dog compare to Freshpet?”
The Farmer’s Dog and Freshpet both emphasize fresh, minimally processed meals for dogs, but they differ significantly in customization and ingredient sourcing. The Farmer’s Dog stands out with its personalized meal plans, which are tailored based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. This makes it ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs or those that require precision in calorie intake to manage weight or health conditions. Each recipe is formulated using human-grade ingredients like deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, and carrots, which are cooked at low temperatures to retain their nutritional integrity.
Freshpet, on the other hand, offers a range of refrigerated products that are available in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for those who need to grab and go. Freshpet’s recipes include chicken, beef, and eggs, providing a high protein content with the moisture-rich benefits of fresh food. However, unlike The Farmer’s Dog, it does not provide the same degree of customization, as its recipes are more standardized to meet general dietary needs.
💡 Comparison Insight: If you’re looking for a more tailored approach and don’t mind the higher price and subscription model, The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent choice. Freshpet is ideal for those who value convenience and prefer to pick up their dog’s food locally without waiting for a delivery.
Comment 2: “Is freeze-dried food like Primal a good alternative to Freshpet?”
Freeze-dried dog foods like Primal offer a convenient alternative to Freshpet, providing the nutritional benefits of raw feeding without the need for refrigeration. The freeze-drying process preserves the raw ingredients, such as duck, beef, and organic fruits and vegetables, by removing moisture while retaining the nutrients and natural flavors. When rehydrated, these meals offer a similar texture and taste to fresh food, which many dogs find irresistible.
Primal is particularly suitable for pet owners who want to provide a raw diet but are concerned about the safety and storage challenges of traditional raw food. Unlike Freshpet, which needs to be kept refrigerated, Primal freeze-dried nuggets are shelf-stable and can be easily stored in a pantry, making them a great option for travel or camping trips.
However, freeze-dried foods like Primal may be less hydrating compared to Freshpet’s wet formula, which naturally contains more moisture. To compensate, it’s crucial to add warm water during rehydration to ensure that your dog receives the necessary hydration.
💡 Feeding Tip: If your dog enjoys the flavor and nutrition of a raw diet, try using Primal as a topper to your dog’s kibble or fresh food for added protein and variety. This can provide a balanced combination of convenience and nutritional density.
Comment 3: “Is Nom Nom a better choice for picky eaters than Freshpet?”
Nom Nom can be an excellent choice for picky eaters, as it offers freshly prepared, small-batch meals that focus on whole ingredients with enticing flavors. The company’s slow-cooked recipes use restaurant-quality meats like ground turkey and beef, paired with simple ingredients such as russet potatoes, carrots, and green peas. This gentle cooking method helps to preserve the aroma and taste of the ingredients, making the meals more appealing to dogs who tend to turn their noses up at other foods.
Freshpet also offers high palatability, thanks to its moist, meaty texture and real meat ingredients like chicken and beef. However, it lacks the personalized options that Nom Nom provides, which can be a deciding factor for dogs with specific flavor preferences or those that grow bored of the same food over time.
Nom Nom’s meal plans are tailored to each dog’s preferences, allowing you to adjust recipes and switch proteins if your dog shows signs of picky eating. This customization can help you find the perfect flavor match for even the most selective eaters, making meal times more enjoyable and consistent.
💡 Palatability Tip: If you’re transitioning a picky eater from Freshpet to Nom Nom, mix a small amount of the new food with the old to make the change seamless. This helps your dog adjust gradually while maintaining interest in their meals.
Comment 4: “Is Spot & Tango’s UnKibble similar to Freshpet?”
Spot & Tango’s UnKibble is an innovative alternative to Freshpet, offering the benefits of fresh ingredients in a dry, shelf-stable form. Unlike traditional kibble that uses high-heat extrusion, UnKibble is air-dried at lower temperatures to preserve nutrients and maintain the natural flavors of ingredients like turkey, cod, and carrots. This process allows UnKibble to deliver the taste and freshness dogs love without the need for refrigeration.
Freshpet excels in providing high moisture content, which can be particularly beneficial for dogs that don’t drink enough water or those prone to urinary issues. UnKibble, on the other hand, offers the convenience of dry food while still using whole meats and natural ingredients, making it a good compromise for owners who want a fresher option without the chilling requirements of Freshpet.
One of the main advantages of UnKibble is that it comes in pre-portioned meals based on your dog’s weight and caloric needs, which helps avoid overfeeding and ensures that your dog receives the right amount of nutrients. This makes it a practical choice for those who want the taste of fresh food with the storage benefits of kibble.
💡 Convenience Tip: Spot & Tango’s UnKibble is great for households with multiple dogs, as it’s easier to store and portion out, while still offering a natural, fresh-inspired diet.
Comment 5: “How do Freshpet and JustFoodForDogs differ in ingredient quality?”
Freshpet and JustFoodForDogs are both known for their commitment to using real, whole ingredients, but they differ in their approach to ingredient sourcing and formulation. JustFoodForDogs places a strong emphasis on human-grade ingredients and veterinarian-developed recipes, often using meats like wild-caught fish, USDA-certified chicken, and locally sourced vegetables. Each recipe is created with the input of veterinary nutritionists, ensuring that it meets AAFCO standards while addressing specific health concerns like kidney disease, allergies, and weight management.
Freshpet, while also focusing on whole meats and natural produce, offers a more standardized approach, using high-quality ingredients like chicken, beef, and eggs but without the customized formulations that JustFoodForDogs provides. Freshpet’s products are refrigerated to maintain freshness, but they may include a broader range of ingredients, such as brown rice and potatoes, to create a balanced diet for the average dog.
In terms of ingredient transparency, JustFoodForDogs goes a step further with DIY kits, allowing owners to prepare meals at home using vet-formulated recipes. This gives pet parents complete control over the quality and source of each ingredient, making it an appealing choice for those who want the highest level of customization.
💡 Ingredient Insight: Choose JustFoodForDogs if you are looking for a medical-grade diet or want to prepare meals at home with a recipe that’s backed by veterinary expertise. Opt for Freshpet if you need a convenient, balanced option that can be purchased in-store.
Comment 6: “Is Ollie better than Freshpet for dogs with food allergies?”
Ollie can be a superior option for dogs with food allergies, primarily because of its customized approach to meal planning and its focus on limited ingredient recipes. With Ollie, you can choose from recipes that include novel proteins like lamb or turkey, which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to more common proteins like chicken or beef. This is especially beneficial for dogs that have developed sensitivities to these conventional meats over time.
Each Ollie meal is carefully formulated using whole foods such as spinach, blueberries, and carrots, which provide essential vitamins and minerals without relying on artificial additives or preservatives. This makes it easier to pinpoint potential allergens when your dog is on a limited ingredient diet, as you can be confident that the ingredients are clean and high-quality.
In contrast, Freshpet offers a range of balanced recipes that include whole meats and vegetables, but the formulations are pre-set, lacking the customization that Ollie offers. While Freshpet does not typically contain artificial ingredients, it may still include common allergens like eggs, potatoes, or rice, which can be problematic for some sensitive dogs.
💡 Allergy Management Tip: If you’re transitioning an allergy-prone dog from Freshpet to Ollie, consider starting with a single protein recipe to isolate potential triggers. Always introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days to monitor for any signs of reaction.
Comment 7: “Can PetPlate help with my dog’s weight management better than Freshpet?”
Yes, PetPlate can be an effective tool for weight management, especially because of its portion-controlled packaging and tailored calorie counts. Each PetPlate meal is pre-portioned based on your dog’s individual needs, including their weight, age, activity level, and overall health goals. This helps prevent overfeeding, which is a common issue with open bag feeding methods like Freshpet that rely on owner estimation for portions.
PetPlate’s recipes focus on lean proteins such as turkey and chicken, paired with fiber-rich vegetables like pumpkin and broccoli. This combination can promote a feeling of fullness without adding excessive calories, making it ideal for dogs that need to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight. The fiber content also supports digestive health, reducing the likelihood of bloating and constipation that can sometimes occur with lower fiber diets.
Freshpet, while providing moisture-rich meals, doesn’t offer the same customized portions and instead relies on general serving size recommendations. For dogs with strict weight management needs, this may lead to inconsistent calorie intake. However, Freshpet’s wet food can still be part of a weight loss plan when carefully measured, thanks to its high protein and low carbohydrate content.
💡 Weight Management Tip: For the best results, use PetPlate’s portion control alongside regular exercise and treat moderation. This combination will help your dog achieve a healthy weight without feeling deprived.
Comment 8: “Is Honest Kitchen a good Freshpet alternative for dogs with sensitive digestion?”
The Honest Kitchen is an excellent alternative to Freshpet for dogs with sensitive digestion, particularly due to its dehydrated recipes that use human-grade ingredients. These meals, when rehydrated, provide a soft texture similar to fresh food, which can be gentler on the digestive tract for dogs that struggle with hard kibble or rich wet food. The dehydration process preserves nutrients without the need for high-heat processing, allowing your dog to benefit from the natural vitamins and minerals found in whole ingredients like cage-free chicken, sweet potatoes, and kelp.
The Honest Kitchen’s limited ingredient formulas are ideal for dogs prone to food sensitivities, as they avoid common allergens like grains, soy, and corn. Additionally, because you add water to the dehydrated mix, you can control the consistency to better suit your dog’s preference and hydration needs. This can be especially useful for dogs that require extra fluids to manage conditions like kidney disease or urinary issues.
Compared to Freshpet, which is a ready-to-serve product with a high moisture content, The Honest Kitchen offers the flexibility of custom hydration. While Freshpet is easy to use straight from the fridge, The Honest Kitchen requires a bit more preparation but provides additional control over texture and moisture levels.
💡 Digestive Support Tip: Start with The Honest Kitchen’s simple protein recipes, like chicken and pumpkin, to ease your dog’s digestion and help identify any potential triggers. Rehydrate with warm water to make the meal more appealing for picky dogs.
Comment 9: “How does Spot & Tango’s fresh food delivery compare to Freshpet’s availability in stores?”
Spot & Tango’s fresh food delivery offers the convenience of customized meals delivered directly to your doorstep, whereas Freshpet is widely available in grocery stores, providing an immediate solution for dog owners who need fresh food quickly. Spot & Tango’s subscription service is particularly beneficial for those who want to ensure their dog’s food is specifically tailored to their nutritional needs, including customized protein levels and caloric intake.
Freshpet, with its refrigerated recipes, can be a more accessible option for owners who prefer to purchase food locally and avoid the commitment of a subscription plan. It’s especially convenient for those who might need to adjust their dog’s diet frequently or prefer not to plan weeks in advance for deliveries. Freshpet’s presence in major retail chains means you can find it almost anytime you run out, making it ideal for last-minute purchases.
However, Spot & Tango’s meals are tailored to each dog’s specific requirements, which can be crucial for dogs with special dietary needs or those on weight management plans. The pre-portioned meals help maintain consistency and can eliminate the guesswork involved in determining how much to feed, ensuring that your dog gets the right nutrients in every meal.
💡 Convenience Tip: Use Freshpet for short-term travel or quick meals and Spot & Tango for a more consistent, long-term diet that’s adjusted to your dog’s unique needs. This can offer the best of both worlds in terms of convenience and customization.
Comment 10: “Why is JustFoodForDogs more expensive than Freshpet?”
JustFoodForDogs is typically more expensive than Freshpet due to its use of human-grade ingredients, veterinary-developed recipes, and a focus on customized nutrition for dogs with special needs. Each JustFoodForDogs recipe is crafted with whole proteins like wild-caught cod or free-range chicken, paired with superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin. The emphasis on high-quality sourcing and transparency means that every ingredient is chosen to provide specific health benefits, making it an ideal choice for medical-grade nutrition.
Additionally, JustFoodForDogs offers DIY kits and custom diets formulated for dogs with unique health challenges, such as renal support diets or low-fat options for dogs with pancreatitis. This level of personalization requires input from veterinary nutritionists and results in a product that is tailored to address specific health conditions, justifying its premium price.
In contrast, Freshpet focuses on offering high-quality, fresh ingredients at a more accessible price point, making it available to a broader range of pet owners. While Freshpet also uses real meats and whole vegetables, it lacks the specialized formulations and veterinary oversight that contribute to the cost of JustFoodForDogs.
💡 Budgeting Tip: Consider using JustFoodForDogs for periods when your dog needs medical-grade nutrition, such as during recovery from surgery, and Freshpet for more routine feeding. This approach can help balance costs while still providing the best nutrition when it’s needed most.