Freshpet Feeding Chart

Freshpet is the most widely available refrigerated fresh dog food in the United States, found in dedicated refrigerator cases at Walmart, Target, Kroger, Petco, PetSmart, and thousands of other retailers. Founded in 2006, Freshpet now feeds over 13 million dogs and cats annually. All recipes are gently steam-cooked, made with real meat as the first ingredient, contain no artificial preservatives, and are formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO complete and balanced standards under the guidance of board-certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVNs) and PhD food scientists. In February 2025, Consumer Reports independently analyzed 59 dog food brands and found Freshpet safe to consume. Here are the 10 most important things to understand before filling your dog’s bowl.

• 1
  How much Freshpet should I feed my dog per day? General reference range by weight: 5 lbs → about ½ cup · 10 lbs → about 1 cup · 20 lbs → about 1½ cups · 30 lbs → about 2 cups · 50 lbs → about 3 cups · 75 lbs → about 4–4½ cups · 100 lbs → about 5–6 cups · Check the specific chart on your package — each recipe differs

  The right daily amount of Freshpet depends on your dog’s weight, the specific recipe’s calorie density, and your dog’s age, activity level, body condition, and gender. Freshpet publishes a feeding chart on the side of every package — this is the most reliable reference for the product you are actually feeding. General benchmarks published by Freshpet and supported by BestiePaws (March 2025) suggest a range from approximately half a cup per day for very small dogs to 7 cups per day for the largest breeds. A widely cited reference point is approximately 1 cup per day per 10 pounds of body weight for a healthy adult dog of average activity — a guideline also aligned with Nom Nom’s similar fresh food recommendation per Chewy (August 2025). For Freshpet Delivery subscribers, fully personalized feeding amounts are calculated based on weight, gender, body condition, activity level, and health goals and are provided in the welcome email, every shipment, and the account portal. All these figures are starting points — adjust based on whether your dog gains or loses weight over the first few weeks, and review monthly.
• 2
  How do I read the Freshpet feeding chart on the package? The left column shows your dog’s weight range · The right column shows the recommended daily amount in grams (and sometimes cups) · Find your dog’s weight, read across to the amount · Cut the roll or bag at the corresponding measurement mark · The amount shown is the TOTAL for the whole day — divide into 2 meals for most adult dogs

  Every Freshpet package includes a side-panel feeding chart that is straightforward to read. According to Freshpet’s official feeding guide, the chart has two columns: your dog’s weight on the left, and the recommended daily serving amount on the right — typically shown in grams, and for roll-style products, also indicated by visual cut marks on the packaging itself. To serve: locate your dog’s weight in the left column; note the gram amount shown; cut the roll at the corresponding mark printed on the packaging; then slice, dice, or mash the portion based on your dog’s preference. Freshpet recommends allowing the food to reach room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving if your dog prefers it slightly warmer — though microwaving is not recommended. The daily amount shown on the chart is the total for the entire day. For most adult dogs, veterinary nutritionists recommend dividing the total into at least two meals per day to support steady digestion and energy levels. Puppies benefit from three to four meals per day from the same daily total.
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  How long does Freshpet last after opening? 7 days maximum after opening — refrigerated at all times · Unopened: use by the sell-by date printed on the package · Once served: do not leave in the bowl for more than 1 hour · Return uneaten food to the refrigerator promptly · Never freeze Freshpet after opening a package (freezing changes texture and affects quality)

  Because Freshpet contains no artificial preservatives, refrigeration is the sole preservation mechanism — and the shelf life after opening is strictly limited. Per Freshpet’s own product guidance and confirmed by Petful (November 2025) and Chewy’s official Q&A, opened Freshpet packages must be used within 7 days and kept refrigerated throughout. This is the same handling rule as any fresh perishable food in your own refrigerator. Freshpet explicitly recommends treating their food the same way you would treat freshly prepared food at home — not leaving it out for more than one hour and returning any uneaten portion to the refrigerator immediately. The unopened sell-by date printed on the package tells you the latest date by which the product should be opened and begun. Some product types have slightly different shelf lives (typically 4 to 7 days depending on format per DogFoodGuides.com, February 2026) — always check the specific guidance on your package. Never leave Freshpet food unrefrigerated overnight or for extended periods.
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  How do I transition my dog to Freshpet from kibble? Use a 7–10 day gradual transition · Days 1–2: 75% old food + 25% Freshpet · Days 3–4: 50% old food + 50% Freshpet · Days 5–6: 25% old food + 75% Freshpet · Day 7+: 100% Freshpet · If GI upset occurs at any step, slow down and stay at that ratio for a few extra days · A slow transition prevents diarrhea and stomach upset

  Switching any dog’s food too quickly can cause digestive upset — loose stools, vomiting, or loss of appetite — even when the new food is higher quality. This is because the gut microbiome needs time to adjust to new proteins, fats, and moisture levels. Freshpet and veterinary nutritionists universally recommend a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days. The schedule supported by Freshpet’s official feeding guidance and Oreate AI (January 2026): days 1–2, mix approximately 25% Freshpet with 75% of the current food; days 3–4, move to a 50/50 blend; days 5–6, increase to 75% Freshpet and 25% current food; from day 7 onward, feed 100% Freshpet. If your dog shows any loose stools or GI discomfort at any stage, stay at that ratio for two to three additional days before advancing. Dr. Georgia Jeremiah of Wag! specifically recommends this gradual approach to her clients (BestiePaws, April 2026). Once fully transitioned, most dogs have an easier time with digestion because fresh food has higher moisture content and greater digestibility compared to highly processed dry kibble.
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  Is Freshpet good for puppies? Yes — if the specific recipe is labeled for “all life stages” or “growth” on the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement · Not all Freshpet recipes are appropriate for puppies — always check the label · Puppies need 3–4 meals per day from the total daily allowance · Puppies require more food per pound than adult dogs · Large breed puppies (≥70 lbs adult weight) need a formula specifically approved for large breed growth · Always confirm with your veterinarian

  Freshpet offers multiple recipes that meet AAFCO nutritional profiles for “all life stages” — which includes growth (puppies) as well as adult maintenance. However, not every Freshpet recipe is appropriate for puppies, and the distinction matters significantly for large breed dogs. AAFCO maintains specific nutrient profiles for puppy growth that differ from adult maintenance, and large breed puppies (those expected to weigh 70 lbs or more at adult size) have an additional specialized profile due to the risks of accelerated bone growth. The correct way to verify a formula is appropriate for your puppy is to read the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the package — it will state “formulated for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs” if appropriate for large breed puppies, or simply “all life stages” for small and medium breed puppies. Puppies need more frequent meals than adult dogs — three to four meals per day spread from the daily total — because their smaller stomachs cannot hold a full day’s calories in one or two sittings. Freshpet’s puppy feeding chart provides weight-specific recommendations, and these amounts are typically larger per pound of body weight than adult recommendations due to the energy demands of growth.
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  Can you feed your dog Freshpet all the time? Yes — Freshpet products labeled “complete and balanced” are formulated to be a dog’s sole food source for life · They exceed AAFCO minimum nutrient standards for the labeled life stage · You do not need to supplement with kibble if using a complete Freshpet recipe · For dogs requiring prescription diets (kidney disease, diabetes, urinary issues), Freshpet is NOT a substitute — consult your veterinarian

  Freshpet’s complete and balanced recipes are designed to serve as a dog’s only food — no rotation with kibble is required or recommended once fully transitioned. All recipes labeled “complete and balanced” meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient profiles for the stated life stage, confirmed by laboratory nutrient analysis and AAFCO feeding trials completed by Freshpet. The Chewy official Q&A confirms that Freshpet Vital “100% complete and balanced and exceeds AAFCO’s minimum standards for canine nutrition.” Freshpet’s science team — including board-certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVNs) and PhD food scientists — formulates every recipe to deliver complete nutrition across proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The one category where Freshpet is explicitly not a substitute is prescription veterinary diets: dogs with diagnosed conditions including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, urinary crystals, severe food allergies, or other conditions requiring therapeutic nutrition need food formulated specifically for those conditions, which Freshpet does not offer. Always confirm with your veterinarian before making Freshpet the sole diet for a dog with active medical conditions.
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  How much Freshpet should I feed a 20 lb dog? Approximately 1¼ to 1½ cups per day for a healthy adult dog at a normal activity level · This is approximately 170–200 grams depending on the specific recipe · Divide into 2 meals: morning and evening · Adjust up slightly if your dog is very active or underweight, adjust down if sedentary or overweight · Check the weight-specific amount printed on your specific Freshpet package for the most accurate number

  A 20-pound adult dog at a moderate activity level typically needs approximately 1.25 to 1.5 cups of Freshpet per day — roughly 170 to 200 grams depending on the specific recipe’s calorie density. This aligns with the general fresh food guideline of approximately 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight for average adult dogs. For a 20-pound dog, dividing the daily total into two meals — one in the morning and one in the evening — is the approach most commonly recommended by veterinary nutritionists for steady energy, stable blood sugar, and consistent digestion. If your 20-pound dog is a toy or small breed with a high metabolism (such as a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier), err slightly toward the higher end of the range. If your dog is a lightly active house dog or is a bit overweight, start at the lower end and adjust based on body condition over two to three weeks. Always weigh your dog monthly and use the updated weight to recalculate portions — especially important for dogs that fluctuate in weight or are on a weight management program.
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  Does Freshpet need to be refrigerated at all times? Yes — always, without exception · Freshpet must be kept refrigerated from the moment you bring it home · Unopened: store in the refrigerator until ready to open · Opened: keep refrigerated and use within 7 days · At room temperature briefly (10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off) · Do not leave in the dog bowl for more than 1 hour · Do not microwave · No artificial preservatives — refrigeration IS the preservation

  This is not optional or a casual recommendation — refrigeration is the only safety mechanism that prevents spoilage in Freshpet products, which contain no artificial chemical preservatives of any kind. Freshpet’s manufacturing commitment page confirms this explicitly: real meat and fresh ingredients without BHA, propylene glycol, or artificial preservatives require continuous cold storage to remain safe. Freshpet uses gentle steam cooking to eliminate pathogens at the time of production — two past voluntary Salmonella recalls (June 2021 and June 2022) involved single lots accidentally shipped after being designated for destruction; both were terminated by the FDA with zero confirmed illnesses. Freshpet’s kitchens are registered with both APHIS and the FDA, and every batch undergoes over 20 quality and safety checks before shipping. Once the product leaves the refrigerator case at the store, the responsibility for cold chain maintenance passes to the owner. Bring a cooler bag to the store if you have a long drive; transfer to the refrigerator immediately upon returning home; never leave the product in a hot car.
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  Can Freshpet cause diarrhea in dogs? Digestive upset is common during the transition period if you switch too quickly — not a sign the food is bad for your dog · Fresh food has significantly higher moisture content and different fiber profile than dry kibble · Transition too fast = loose stools · Transition correctly over 7–10 days = most dogs adjust with no GI issues · If diarrhea persists beyond 2 weeks after full transition, consult your vet · Some dogs with sensitive stomachs do better on lower-fat Freshpet recipes

  Loose stools when switching to Freshpet are almost always a transitional response rather than a true food sensitivity — and are almost entirely preventable with the correct gradual transition schedule. Fresh food is fundamentally different from dry kibble in three key ways that affect digestion: it contains significantly more moisture (fresh food is approximately 70–80% water versus 10% for kibble); it has higher digestibility, meaning more of the food is actually absorbed rather than passed; and it contains different fiber sources from whole vegetables. When the gut microbiome encounters these changes abruptly, loose stools can occur for several days. Following the 7–10 day gradual transition schedule (described in Takeaway #4) prevents this in the majority of dogs. If a dog continues to have loose stools two or more weeks after completing the transition, the most common culprits are: the recipe having higher fat content than the dog tolerates (Freshpet formulas can have over 30% fat as dry matter per WagWalking); the specific recipe being a poor match for a dog with a sensitive stomach; or a concurrent GI issue unrelated to food. In any of these cases, consult your veterinarian before switching recipes or discontinuing Freshpet.
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  Is Freshpet good for senior dogs? Yes — Freshpet’s high moisture content benefits senior dogs who often drink less water · High-quality protein supports muscle maintenance, which is critical in aging dogs · Easier to chew and digest than dry kibble for dogs with dental issues · Senior dogs may need slightly fewer calories than active adults — adjust portions down if weight gain occurs · Choose AAFCO-compliant “all life stages” or “adult maintenance” recipes · Consult your vet about recipes to avoid for dogs with kidney issues

  Senior dogs — generally those over 7 years for most breeds, or over 5 years for giant breeds — have several nutritional needs that align particularly well with Freshpet’s fresh food profile. High moisture content (approximately 75–80%) is genuinely beneficial for older dogs, who tend to drink less water and are at higher risk of dehydration and kidney stress. The high-quality, highly digestible protein from real meat supports lean muscle mass maintenance — a critical concern for senior dogs, who lose muscle faster than younger animals. Freshpet’s soft texture makes it easier for dogs with dental disease, reduced jaw strength, or mouth pain to eat comfortably compared to hard dry kibble. Per PetMD’s updated guidance (September 2025), senior dogs have different caloric needs than active adults — if your senior dog is less active or has a slower metabolism, reduce daily Freshpet portions slightly from the standard chart and monitor body weight monthly. For senior dogs with diagnosed kidney disease or other organ conditions, consult your veterinarian before switching to any new food — Freshpet does not offer prescription or therapeutic renal formulas.

Sources: Freshpet freshpet.com (13M dogs cats annually; AAFCO complete balanced all life stages; WSAVA compliant; steam-cooked; no artificial preservatives; refrigerate always; 7 days after opening; FDA APHIS registered; 20+ quality tests per batch; founded 2006); Freshpet Science blog Mar 17 2026 (AAFCO nutrient profiles; WSAVA 5 criteria; DACVN + PhD nutrition scientists; Dr. Lisa Weeth DACVN; refrigeration limits microbial growth); Freshpet delivery guidelines deliver.freshpet.com (daily amount healthy adult by weight; personalized by age activity body condition gender; AAFCO all life stages large breed ≥70lbs growth); Freshpet general feeding blog (chart on package; weight column grams column; cut at mark; slice dice mash; room temp 10-15min; not out more 1hr; back in fridge); Consumer Reports Feb 2025 (safe among 59 brands); BestiePaws bestiepaws.com Apr 2026 (½ to 7 cups by size; 10-day transition; 3-4 meals puppies; Dr. Georgia Jeremiah gradual 7-10day; no active recalls Apr 2026; Dogster 4.7/5 Jan 2026); Petful petful.com Nov 2025 (7 days after opening; grain-free peas lentils; no preservatives; refrigerated only); DogFoodGuides.com Feb 2026 (4-7 days shelf life by product type; opened keep chilled); Chewy Freshpet Q&A (not out more 1hr; 97% USA/Canada; non-GMO; no BHA propylene glycol; exceeds AAFCO minimums); Oreate AI Jan 2026 (10lb dog 1 cup/day; 50lb dog 3 cups/day; days 1-2 25%; days 3-4 50%; days 5-6 75%; day 7 100%; 2 meals/day digestion); PetMD petmd.com Sep 2025 (obesity prevention; body condition score monthly; senior dogs caloric needs; vet guidance); Chewy fresh food Aug 2025 (divide daily meals; body condition score monthly); WagWalking (>30% fat dry matter; AAFCO complete balanced; steam cooked FDA USDA standards)

Sources: Freshpet freshpet.com; Petful Nov 2025; BestiePaws Apr 2026; Consumer Reports Feb 2025; Chewy Aug 2025; Oreate AI Jan 2026

The table below reflects general daily feeding guidelines for healthy adult dogs (1 year and older for most breeds) at a moderate activity level. Always verify against the chart printed on your specific Freshpet package — calorie density varies between recipes. Adjust portions monthly based on your dog’s body condition score.

Sources: Freshpet delivery guidelines deliver.freshpet.com (healthy adult daily amounts by weight; personalized guidelines differ); BestiePaws bestiepaws.com Mar 2025 (½ to 7 cups by size general range); Oreate AI Jan 2026 (10lb = 1 cup reference; 50lb = 3 cups reference; 2 meals/day); Chewy Aug 2025 (body condition score monthly; divide daily by number of meals; vet recommendations + feeding charts + labels); PetMD Sep 2025 (right amount depends age weight activity health; start with chart adjust from body condition)

Puppies have significantly higher caloric needs per pound than adult dogs due to rapid growth, and they require more frequent meals. Always verify your Freshpet recipe includes an AAFCO “growth” or “all life stages” statement on the label before feeding to a puppy. Large breed puppies (expected adult weight of 70 lbs or more) require recipes approved specifically for large breed growth.

Sources: BestiePaws bestiepaws.com Mar 2025 (puppies 3-4 meals/day; higher caloric needs growth; Freshpet puppy feeding chart); UAH Pet puppy guide Aug 2025 (3-4 meals/day; monitor growth every 2 weeks; transition to adult at 80% expected adult size ~12 months); Freshpet freshpet.com (AAFCO all life stages including large breed growth ≥70lbs; AAFCO growth and adult maintenance feeding trials completed); AAFCO (two profiles: growth/reproduction + adult maintenance; dogs over 1 year adult except large/giant breeds mature age 2; large size dogs ≥70lbs specific AAFCO profile); DogFoodGuides.com Feb 2026 (puppy formulas check AAFCO growth label)

Follow this gradual schedule when switching your dog from any other food to Freshpet. Each step should last 2 days for most dogs. If your dog shows digestive upset at any step, pause at that ratio for 2–3 extra days before advancing.

Sources: Freshpet freshpet.com blog (Step 1 chart + cut mark; Step 2 slice dice mash; Step 3 room temp 10-15min no microwave; 1 hour rule; back in fridge); Freshpet delivery guidelines (start mixing gradually every few days; decrease old food increase Freshpet); Oreate AI Jan 2026 (days 1-2 25%; days 3-4 50%; days 5-6 75%; day 7 100%; 2 meals/day digestion energy); BestiePaws Mar 2025 (10-day gradual transition reduces diarrhea stomach upset)

Sources: Consumer Reports Feb 2025 (Freshpet safe 59 brands); Freshpet freshpet.com commitment page (AAFCO feeding trials growth adult maintenance; WSAVA 5 criteria; 20+ quality tests per batch; no current recalls; FDA APHIS registered; steam-cooked 100%); BestiePaws bestiepaws.com Apr 2026 (no active recalls Apr 2026; 2 past recalls zero illness FDA terminated; Dogster 4.7/5 Jan 2026; PetMD 2026 top-3; Consumer Reports Feb 2025 safe); DogFoodGuides.com Feb 2026 (small medium breeds cost efficient; safety strengthened since 2022); Chewy Aug 2025 (moisture content fresh food; coat improvements; digestibility better); Freshpet science blog Mar 17 2026 (AAFCO; WSAVA; DACVN; Dr. Lisa Weeth; digestibility bioavailability testing)

Sources: Freshpet freshpet.com (refrigerate always; 7 days after opening; not out more 1hr; not microwave; treat like home-cooked fresh food); Chewy Q&A (not out more 1 hour; return to fridge; treat like home-prepared food); Petful Nov 2025 (7 days after opening; no preservatives = limited shelf life vs kibble); DogFoodGuides.com Feb 2026 (4-7 days depending product; always opened keep chilled); BestiePaws Apr 2026 (opened shelf life 7 days max refrigerated; no artificial preservatives refrigeration only preservation)