Key Takeaways: Freshpet Dog Food 💡
Do vets actually recommend Freshpet? Yes — Freshpet employs a Nutrition Council of board-certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVNs), Ph.D.s, and DVMs who formulate and validate every recipe. PetMD’s 2026 vet panel listed Freshpet Homestyle Creations among the best fresh dog foods.
Is Freshpet made in Canada? No. All Freshpet products are manufactured in the United States — primarily at kitchens in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Ennis, Texas. However, approximately 96–97% of ingredients are sourced from both the USA and Canada.
What lawsuits has Freshpet faced? Multiple — including a 2023 shareholder lawsuit by JANA Partners alleging board entrenchment, a 2025 securities class action investigation following an 18% stock crash, and a separate $5 million distribution breach ruling by a Pennsylvania federal court.
What’s the best Freshpet food for most dogs? The Vital Grain-Free Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg recipe consistently earns top marks, offering 49% protein on a dry-matter basis and a multi-protein formula suitable for all life stages.
Has Freshpet been recalled? Yes, twice — both for potential salmonella contamination (June 2021 and June 2022). Both were limited single-batch incidents with no confirmed illness or injury reports.
How much does Freshpet really cost? Expect to pay roughly $5–$6 per pound in stores, translating to about $2/day for small dogs and $10+ per day for large breeds. Monthly costs range from $90 to over $400 depending on dog size and product line.
Where can I buy Freshpet near me? Available at over 25,000+ retail locations including Walmart, Target, PetSmart, Petco, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and on Chewy and Amazon with cold-shipping options.
Is the salmon recipe worth it? The Vital Grain-Free Salmon & Ocean Whitefish Roll is a standout for dogs with poultry sensitivities, delivering at least 80% animal protein with omega-3-rich wild-caught Alaskan pollock and salmon.
How long does Freshpet last after opening? Use within 7 days of opening for rolls and 4–7 days for bagged meals. Never leave it out of the fridge for more than 1 hour.
Is Freshpet safer than kibble? Freshpet follows both FDA and AAFCO guidelines, undergoes over 20 quality and safety tests per batch, and received a clean bill of health from Consumer Reports in February 2025 alongside 58 other brands.
🐾 1. Yes, Veterinarians Do Recommend Freshpet — But Here’s the Critical Nuance Most Articles Miss
One of the most searched questions about this brand is whether real veterinary professionals actually stand behind it. The short answer is that Freshpet has cultivated legitimate veterinary credibility in ways that go far beyond a simple marketing stamp.
Freshpet’s internal research and development is led by Dr. Gerardo Pérez-Camargo, a veterinarian with a Ph.D. in Applied Biochemistry and Food Science, supported by a full-time team of food scientists, microbiologists, biologists, and nutritionists. Beyond this internal team, the company validates recipes and research through a Nutrition Council that includes two DVMs, two DACVNs, two Ph.D.s, and a DVN.
What’s critically important to understand is the distinction between marketing language and real science. Under AAFCO labeling rules, the term “vet-recommended” is a regulated claim that must be backed by statistically valid survey data from veterinarians — it’s not a casual marketing statement. Freshpet doesn’t use that regulated label on its packaging. Instead, its credibility comes from expert-led formulation, transparent sourcing, and published feeding studies — which many veterinary professionals actually find more trustworthy than survey-based claims.
PetMD’s 2026 veterinary panel — a group of veterinarians employed by Chewy — specifically named Freshpet Homestyle Creations as one of the top fresh dog food brands, alongside JustFoodForDogs and Nom Nom.
| Veterinary Credibility Factor | Freshpet’s Standing | Why It Matters 🔍 |
|---|---|---|
| Board-certified nutritionist on staff | ✅ Dr. Pérez-Camargo (Ph.D., DVM) | Ensures formulations are science-based, not marketing-driven |
| AAFCO feeding trials conducted | ✅ Yes, including adult maintenance | Goes beyond minimum “formulated to meet” claims 🧪 |
| WSAVA guidelines alignment | ✅ Full compliance documented | Gold standard recommended by veterinary associations worldwide |
| Published peer-reviewed research | ✅ Skin microbiome study and ongoing senior dental study | Very few fresh food brands invest in clinical research 📊 |
| Nutrition Council with DACVNs | ✅ External board of certified experts | Independent validation beyond in-house team 🏥 |
💡 Pro Tip: When your vet says they “recommend” a food, ask specifically whether it’s based on the brand’s formulation credentials and AAFCO compliance, or whether they’re simply familiar with the brand. The distinction matters enormously. Freshpet checks the scientific boxes that WSAVA’s evaluation checklist prioritizes — something most pet owners never think to verify.
🏭 2. Freshpet Is Not Made in Canada — But the Ingredient Sourcing Story Is More Interesting Than You Think
This is one of the most persistent myths floating around online, and it deserves a definitive answer. Freshpet is manufactured entirely in the United States.
Freshpet is an American pet food company founded in Secaucus, New Jersey, in 2006. The factory opened in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in 2006, followed by another in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 2013. The company also operates a production facility in Ennis, Texas. A small percentage of products are produced at another U.S. location, but they are still manufactured with Freshpet’s highest quality standards.
So where does Canada fit in? Freshpet sources 97% of ingredients from the USA and Canada, with vitamins and minerals sourced from outside the USA. Critically, all poultry and meat ingredients come from USDA and APHIS-registered suppliers, and the company explicitly states it uses no ingredients from China in its Vital line.
The brand also has a growing presence in the Canadian retail market through PetSmart Canada and other retailers, but those products are still produced at the U.S.-based Freshpet Kitchens and shipped north.
| Manufacturing Detail | Fact | What It Means for You 🐶 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary production facilities | Bethlehem, PA and Ennis, TX 🇺🇸 | All food made under direct Freshpet supervision |
| Ingredient sourcing | 97% from USA and Canada | No ingredients from China in Vital line |
| FDA/APHIS registration | ✅ All kitchens registered | Meets or exceeds human-food-level safety protocols |
| Meat sourcing | 100% farm-raised, North American | USDA-registered suppliers with full traceability 🥩 |
| Quality checks per batch | Over 20 safety tests | Every batch verified before leaving the facility ✅ |
💡 Pro Tip: If ingredient origin matters to you — and it should — Freshpet is remarkably transparent compared to most brands. The fact that they voluntarily disclose their 97% domestic sourcing ratio and explicitly exclude Chinese-sourced ingredients puts them in a category that very few pet food companies occupy.
⚖️ 3. The Lawsuits Against Freshpet Are Mostly About Money — Not About Poisoned Dogs
When people search “Freshpet lawsuit,” they’re usually terrified that their dog’s food has been proven dangerous in court. The reality is far more nuanced. Freshpet has faced multiple legal actions, but they fall into very different categories.
The Shareholder Lawsuits (Corporate Governance)
In 2023, JANA Partners — which owned 9.5% of Freshpet — filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery against Freshpet’s board of directors, alleging the board took actions to entrench itself by reducing director seats up for election and accelerating the annual meeting date. This was a boardroom battle over corporate control, not a food safety issue.
The Securities Class Action Investigations (2025)
On February 20, 2025, Freshpet reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 2024, with sales and guidance that fell short of consensus expectations. The stock fell over 18% that same day. Then, on October 8, 2025, Bank of America downgraded Freshpet’s rating from Buy to Neutral and cut its price target from $81 to $60, citing weakened demand for fresh pet food and falling pet adoption rates. Multiple law firms began investigating on behalf of shareholders who suffered financial losses.
The Distribution Contract Breach (2025)
In March 2025, a Pennsylvania federal judge ruled that Freshpet was liable for $5 million for terminating a distribution agreement with an animal food distributor. Again — a business dispute, not a food safety concern.
The Social Media Panic vs. Reality
There is a significant disconnect between the TikTok-fueled panic about Freshpet and the documented facts. In February 2025, Consumer Reports conducted an analysis on Freshpet recipes along with 58 other dog food brands and found the food completely safe to consume. As of the company’s most recent statement, there are no health or safety issues with any recipes, and no current or pending recalls.
| Lawsuit/Legal Action | Type | Food Safety Issue? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| JANA Partners (2023) | Shareholder/governance | ❌ No | Board dispute resolved |
| Securities investigation (Feb 2025) | Investor losses | ❌ No | Under investigation 📉 |
| Bank of America downgrade (Oct 2025) | Market/financial | ❌ No | Ongoing investor claims |
| Distribution breach (Mar 2025) | Contract dispute | ❌ No | $5M judgment entered ⚖️ |
| Salmonella recalls (2021, 2022) | Product safety | ⚠️ Limited, single-batch | Resolved, no illness reported |
💡 Pro Tip: Always distinguish between financial lawsuits (shareholders upset about stock prices) and product liability claims (consumers harmed by defective food). The vast majority of Freshpet’s legal battles are in the first category. If you’re worried about safety, look at the FDA recall database rather than TikTok videos — the FDA’s records show only two limited Freshpet recalls in the brand’s entire 20-year history.
🏆 4. The Best Freshpet Foods for Dogs, Ranked by What Actually Matters: Protein, Sourcing, and Life Stage
Not all Freshpet products are created equal. The brand currently offers approximately 50 different products across seven sub-brands. Here’s how to navigate them without losing your mind.
Dog Food Advisor named Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg as the best affordable fresh dog food for 2026, noting it contains 49% protein and 29% fat on a dry-matter basis.
Freshpet’s Roasted Meals line averages approximately 42.4% protein on a dry-matter basis, which is above average for fresh dog food. Meanwhile, the Home Cooked Chicken Recipe delivers an impressive 51.5% protein on a dry-matter basis.
| Product Line | Best For | Protein (Dry Matter) | Price Range | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vital Grain-Free (Chicken, Beef, Salmon & Egg) | All-around best choice 🏅 | ~49% | $5–$6/lb | Multi-protein powerhouse, all life stages |
| Home Cooked Chicken | Maximum protein seekers | ~51.5% | $5–$7/lb | Highest protein, shredded texture dogs love 🍗 |
| Vital Salmon & Ocean Whitefish | Poultry-sensitive dogs | ~37% (est.) | $5–$7/lb | Omega-3-rich, chicken-free, grain-free 🐟 |
| Select Tender Chicken Roll | Budget-friendly entry point | ~40% (est.) | $4–$5/lb | Solid starter option for kibble-to-fresh transition |
| Homestyle Creations (Multi-protein) | Picky eaters and visual appeal | ~44% (est.) | $6–$8/lb | Looks like a home-cooked meal with grill marks 🍖 |
| Nature’s Fresh (Pollock & Salmon) | Ethical/sustainability-minded owners | ~37% (est.) | $5–$7/lb | Transparently sourced, grain-free |
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs with pancreatic problems or compromised kidney function, high-protein diets made from meat and fish should be avoided. If your dog has these conditions, consult your veterinarian before choosing any Freshpet recipe — particularly the protein-heavy Vital and Home Cooked lines.
⭐ 5. Real Freshpet Reviews From Actual Dog Owners — The Patterns Nobody Talks About
Rather than cherry-picking five-star reviews, let’s analyze the recurring themes across thousands of verified purchaser reviews on Chewy, Petco, PetSmart, and Consumer Affairs.
What owners consistently praise:
Dogs with historically poor appetites become enthusiastic eaters. Coat quality improvements are among the most frequently reported benefits — shinier fur, reduced shedding, and elimination of tear stains. Multiple senior dog owners report renewed energy and mobility.
What owners consistently criticize:
The 7-day shelf life after opening is the single biggest inconvenience complaint. Large-breed owners frequently note the cost becomes prohibitive when their dog requires two or more rolls per day. Temperature control during shipping (particularly via Amazon) generates consistent concern about spoilage.
The overlooked red flag worth your attention:
Because Freshpet is high in moisture, the as-fed numbers may appear lower than kibble. On a dry-matter basis, Freshpet offers moderate protein and moderate fat, but dogs may need larger portions to meet calorie requirements since Freshpet has lower calories per cup compared to dry kibble. This means your 70-pound lab might blow through a roll in a day — and that changes the cost equation dramatically.
| Review Theme | Frequency | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Picky eater transformation 🎉 | Very common | Freshpet’s high moisture and aroma are nearly irresistible to most dogs |
| Coat/skin improvement | Very common | Omega fatty acids and minimal processing likely responsible |
| Shelf life frustration 😤 | Common | 7 days is tight — consider freezing portions immediately |
| Cost concerns (large breeds) | Common | Budget $200–$400/month for dogs over 60 lbs |
| Shipping temperature worries | Moderate | Buy in-store when possible; check for ice pack integrity on delivery |
| Gastrointestinal upset during transition | Occasional | Always transition gradually over 7–10 days 🔄 |
💡 Pro Tip: If cost is a concern but you want the benefits of fresh food, use Freshpet as a topper rather than a complete meal. Mixing a quarter-cup of Freshpet into your dog’s existing high-quality kibble gives them the palatability and nutritional boost without the full price tag. Freshpet explicitly supports this approach.
🐟 6. The Freshpet Salmon Recipe Is a Game-Changer for Dogs with Chicken Allergies — Here’s Why
Chicken is the single most common protein in commercial dog food, and it’s also one of the most frequent triggers for canine food sensitivities. If your dog has itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive issues that haven’t responded to other interventions, chicken could be the culprit.
The Vital Grain-Free Salmon & Ocean Whitefish Roll is formulated as a chicken-free recipe, specifically designed for dogs with poultry sensitivities. It’s also grain-free and gluten-free, complete and balanced for all breeds and life stages, and made in the USA.
The ingredient list is elegantly simple: Alaskan Pollock, Fish Broth, Salmon, Spinach, Cranberries, Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes, Lentils, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil, Carrageenan, Pumpkin, plus chelated minerals and vitamins. That’s it. No chicken, no beef, no mystery ingredients.
The nutritional profile shows a minimum of 9.0% crude protein, 7.0% crude fat, and 76.0% maximum moisture, with a minimum 0.6% omega-3 fatty acids. Remember — those numbers look low because of the high moisture content. On a dry-matter basis, the protein and fat percentages are significantly higher.
| Salmon Recipe Feature | Detail | Benefit for Your Dog 🐶 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary proteins | Wild Alaskan Pollock + Salmon | Rich in EPA/DHA omega-3s for joint and skin health 🐟 |
| Chicken-free | ✅ Completely | Safe for dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities |
| Grain-free & gluten-free | ✅ | Eliminates another common allergen trigger |
| Antioxidant-rich additions | Cranberries, blueberries, spinach, pumpkin | Supports immune function and gut health 🫐 |
| Omega-3 minimum | 0.6% as-fed | Reduces inflammation, promotes soft coat |
| Calorie content | 1,390 kcal/kg (315 kcal per half pound) | Moderate — may require larger servings for active dogs |
💡 Pro Tip: If you suspect a chicken allergy, don’t just switch foods randomly. Work with your vet to do a proper elimination diet over 8–12 weeks. The Freshpet Salmon & Ocean Whitefish Roll is an excellent choice for the elimination phase because its limited, clearly identifiable ingredient list makes it easy to track what your dog is actually consuming.
🥩 7. Freshpet Beef Options Deliver Serious Protein — But Watch the Calorie Math for Your Dog’s Size
Beef-based Freshpet recipes are among the brand’s most popular offerings, and for good reason. The rolled Chunky Beef Recipe delivers a dry-matter protein of 46%, a fat content of 27%, and a carbohydrate content of 18%. That’s a powerhouse nutritional profile that rivals many premium subscription fresh food services costing twice as much.
The multi-protein recipes that include beef are also worth your attention. The Multi-Protein Chicken, Beef, and Salmon Roll features farm-raised chicken, beef, eggs, beef liver, and salmon with sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and brown rice — essentially a complete whole-food meal in a convenient slice-and-serve format.
For the Freshpet Delivery subscription service, the beef-inclusive recipes include Beef and Chicken, and Beef, Turkey, and Lamb — though both of these are not formulated for large-breed puppies weighing 70 pounds or more. This is a critical detail that many pet parents overlook.
| Beef Recipe | Format | Key Proteins | Best For | Watch Out For ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chunky Beef Roll | Roll (slice & serve) | Beef, beef liver | High-protein needs, active dogs 🥩 | 46% protein (DM) — too much for kidney-compromised dogs |
| Multi-Protein Roll (Chicken, Beef, Salmon) | Roll | Chicken, beef, eggs, salmon | Variety seekers, all life stages | Contains chicken — not for poultry-sensitive dogs |
| Multi-Protein Bag (Chicken, Beef, Salmon) | Bagged meal | Chicken, beef, beef liver, egg, salmon | Convenience, easy portioning | Includes oats — not grain-free 🌾 |
| Beef & Chicken (Delivery) | Subscription nuggets | Beef, chicken | Home delivery convenience | Not suitable for large-breed puppies over 70 lbs |
💡 Pro Tip: Beef liver is listed as a secondary ingredient in several Freshpet recipes, and that’s actually a significant nutritional advantage. Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available for dogs — packed with vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper. Don’t be put off by organ meats on the label; your dog’s body was designed to thrive on them.
💰 8. The Real Cost of Freshpet Will Shock Large-Breed Owners — Here’s How to Make It Work
Let’s be direct: Freshpet is substantially more expensive than kibble but considerably cheaper than subscription-based fresh food delivery services like The Farmer’s Dog or Nom Nom.
Freshpet is more affordable than subscription-based fresh food services, typically costing around $5–$6 per pound. Rolls range from approximately $14 for a 1.5 lb roll to $25 for a larger 5 lb roll, while bagged meals range from $18 to $35.
Depending on your pet’s size, health needs, and preferred product line, monthly costs range from $90 to $400.
Here’s the math most articles don’t show you:
| Dog Size | Approximate Daily Need | Estimated Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Comparison to Premium Kibble |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5–15 lbs) 🐕 | 0.25–0.5 lb | $1.50–$3.00 | $45–$90 | 2–3x more expensive |
| Medium (20–40 lbs) | 0.5–1.0 lb | $3.00–$6.00 | $90–$180 | 3–4x more expensive |
| Large (50–70 lbs) 🐕🦺 | 1.0–1.5 lbs | $5.00–$9.00 | $150–$270 | 4–5x more expensive |
| Giant (80–120+ lbs) | 1.5–2.5+ lbs | $9.00–$15.00 | $270–$450+ | 5–7x more expensive 💸 |
💡 Pro Tip: The most cost-effective strategy for large-breed owners is the 50% topper plan. Feed half of your dog’s daily caloric needs from Freshpet and the other half from a high-quality AAFCO-compliant kibble. You get the fresh food benefits — improved palatability, better coat, enhanced digestibility — at roughly half the monthly cost. Freshpet’s own subscription service even offers this as a dedicated “half meal” plan option.
🛒 9. Where to Buy Freshpet Near You — And Why the Retail Fridge Experience Beats Online Shipping
Freshpet has one of the most extensive retail distribution networks of any fresh pet food brand in North America. The company distributes products through a network of retail chains using dedicated Freshpet Fridges in grocery, mass, club, and natural retail locations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Major retailers carrying Freshpet include:
Walmart, Target, PetSmart, Petco, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Albertsons, H-E-B, Meijer, and many regional grocery chains. Online, you’ll find it on Chewy, Amazon, Petco.com, and PetSmart.com, plus Freshpet’s own direct Freshpet Delivery subscription service.
| Buying Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-store (grocery/pet store) 🏪 | Verify fridge temperature, check sell-by date, no shipping damage | Limited by local stock availability | Most reliable freshness guarantee |
| Chewy/Amazon | Convenience, subscription discounts possible | Cold-chain integrity concerns during transit ❄️ | Supplement to in-store purchases |
| Freshpet Delivery (subscription) | Customized meal plans, auto-ship, freshest possible | Not available in all zip codes, higher commitment | Dedicated Freshpet-only households |
| Petco/PetSmart curbside | Convenience + guaranteed cold storage | Must order ahead | Busy pet parents who want reliability 🚗 |
💡 Pro Tip: When buying in-store, always check the sell-by date and make sure the Freshpet Fridge is actually cold. These dedicated refrigerators occasionally malfunction, and a warm roll can harbor bacteria well before the printed expiration date. If the fridge feels room temperature, don’t buy — and tell the store manager.
🔬 10. The Hidden Controversy Nobody’s Talking About: Pea Protein, DCM Risk, and What the FDA Investigation Means for Freshpet
Here’s the elephant in the Freshpet Fridge that virtually no review article addresses honestly.
Though most of the protein in Freshpet comes from animal sources, some protein may come from ingredients like peas and soy flour. These less expensive products can boost the protein content significantly. Peas are also a legume, which may have contributed to the cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs reported by the FDA.
This is important context. The FDA’s ongoing investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) and DCM in dogs has not reached a definitive conclusion, but it has prompted legitimate caution in the veterinary community. Several Freshpet recipes — particularly the grain-free lines — contain pea protein, pea fiber, and lentils.
Does this mean Freshpet causes heart disease? No. The FDA has not established a causal relationship, and Freshpet’s recipes are formulated by board-certified nutritionists who are fully aware of the ongoing research. But it does mean you should have an informed conversation with your veterinarian if your dog is on a grain-free Freshpet recipe long-term, especially if your breed is genetically predisposed to DCM (Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and others).
| Ingredient of Concern | Found In | Role in Recipe | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea protein | Most grain-free recipes | Supplemental protein source | Low–moderate (under FDA review) 🔍 |
| Lentils | Salmon & Whitefish rolls | Carbohydrate/fiber source | Low–moderate (legume category) |
| Pea fiber | Select recipes | Dietary fiber | Low (smaller quantity) |
| Soy flour | Some Select recipes | Protein supplementation | Low (not legume-related DCM concern) |
| Carrageenan | Multiple recipes | Texture/binding agent | Debated — some studies suggest GI irritation ⚠️ |
💡 Pro Tip: If the DCM-legume connection concerns you, choose one of Freshpet’s grain-inclusive recipes — like the Select Tender Chicken Roll with oats and rice bran, or the Multi-Protein Bag with ground oats and brown rice. These provide the fresh-food benefits without the legume-heavy formulation that has raised questions in the veterinary community.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Freshpet to make it last longer?
Yes, you can freeze Freshpet for future use, though color and texture may change slightly after thawing. Freezing will not change the nutritional value of the food. Slice the roll into daily portions before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
Is Freshpet safe for puppies?
Some formulas are puppy-appropriate — look for the AAFCO statement confirming the recipe is complete and balanced for “all life stages” or “growth.” Not all recipes meet puppy nutritional requirements, so always verify the label. The Beef and Chicken and Beef, Turkey and Lamb delivery recipes are specifically not formulated for large-breed puppies over 70 pounds.
Can I use Freshpet as a food topper instead of a full meal?
Absolutely. Many owners mix Freshpet with high-quality kibble to boost palatability and nutritional variety without the full cost commitment. Freshpet’s own subscription service offers a dedicated topper plan accounting for 25% of daily caloric needs.
Why does Freshpet smell different from batch to batch?
Because Freshpet uses real, whole ingredients with natural variation and no artificial flavoring agents, slight differences in aroma between batches are completely normal. However, if the smell is actively offensive or putrid, contact Freshpet’s Consumer Care at 1-866-789-3737 immediately.
How should I transition my dog to Freshpet?
Gradually. Over 7–10 days, replace increasing portions of your dog’s current food with Freshpet. Start with 25% Freshpet/75% current food, and adjust every 2–3 days. This prevents the gastrointestinal upset that commonly occurs with abrupt food changes.
Is Freshpet better than The Farmer’s Dog?
They serve different needs. Freshpet’s ingredients are very good quality, even if they’re not human-grade, and approximately 96% come from either the USA or Canada. The Farmer’s Dog uses human-grade ingredients and offers more personalized meal plans, but costs significantly more. Freshpet wins on accessibility and affordability; The Farmer’s Dog wins on ingredient grade and customization.
This article reflects research conducted in early 2026 using data from the FDA, AAFCO, WSAVA, Consumer Reports, PetMD, and Freshpet’s publicly available documentation. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, particularly if your dog has pre-existing health conditions.